Almost A Polk Owner. .

[hap123]

This all new to me and much over my head for the moment, but it exciting. I considering a HT system using Rti12-or RTi10, Csi5, Fxi5/or RTi6 and PSW505/ or 504. My room deminsions are 23 x 13 with an open loft on the second floor fooking down.

The A/V Reciver I'm considering are Yamaha HTR 5890, HTR5990, or RX-v1600; Danon AVR3806 or AVR2807 . . . and any suggestion anyone might have. And can I purchase the less expensive models of this reciver, models that have leess power. . . and where should I draw the line. ? ? ? Do I need HDMI AV Receiver ? ? A saleman told me I do not need that since the
TV has 2 (two) inputs.

I"m sure its a matter of personal preference, but can anyone recommend anythig I should consider, change? ? ?

Current receiver is Technics SA-GX770, and Pioneers CS-T6110 speakers. I'm the novice novice I'm all ears.

Just purchase Sony KDS-R50XBR1, so I'm upgradeing my system

[BjornB17]

I think the Polk RTi/CSi speakers are fantastic and are a great choice. With the subwoofer, however, I'd recommend not getting a Polk since you can do better for the money. Check our Velodyne, SVS, Hsu, and some others that people here may recommend which will give you much better sound for simliar money.

I don't know much about those receivers, but the RTi line is considered to be fairly bright. Yamaha receivers are also bright sounding, so you may end up having a harsh sound if you combine the two. Perhaps you can get a remanufactured receiver from harman kardon (www.harmanaudio.com) like i did. H/K receivers have a pretty warm sound and match up perfectly with polks in my opinion.

EDIT: welcome to the forums!

[hap123]

Thanks for the speedy reply, I will take your advice and thanks again.

Hap

[RuSsMaN]

Don't count Polk subs out, there are a lot of options, and a Polk sub is certainly a one of them. They may not be ruler flat, or able to play to insane levels you shouldn't be (consistently) listening at anyway - but they can certainly make a music or home theater experience enjoyable.

Additionally, one mans 'bright' is another mans 'detail' - get out there and demo.

Cheers,
Russ

[audiobliss]

I would also suggest Harmon Kardon over Onkyo or Yamaha or Denon, not because of the 'bright' issue but because of power. HK's receivers are higher current ('more powerful') and would do a better job of controlling a big floorstander like an Rti10 or Rti12. However, even if you go with an HK (which I personally suggest you do), I would also get an Outlaw M2200 for each main. The M2200 is a monoblock that pushes 200 watts per channel into an 8ohm load. It would do wonders for your system. However, if you're not looking for a 'spectacular' HT, but merely an 'awesome' HT, the HK receiver will suffice by itself.

I would also suggest you look into Velodyne, HSU, and SVS for subs. You can probably find some Velodyne subs at a store near you, but SVS and HSU (though better) are only online.

http://www.svsubwoofers.com/reviewspcplus1.htm
http://www.hsuresearch.com/

[shack]

Additionally, one mans 'bright' is another mans 'detail' - get out there and demo.

Don't take ANYONE'S advice as to what reciever to buy without first listening for yourself. I could just as easily tell you I don't like Harman Kardon and prefer Denon. (which is the case) SO WHAT! Everything you have mentioned should be available to demo somewhere. Make the salesperson set up what you are considering buying (including speakers if possible). Take movies and CDs you like...listen, listen, listen and make up your own mind.

[audiobliss]

^ +1

The actual recommendations on particular pieces of gear are more of suggestions, or guidelines, if you will. The ultimate decision is yours and your ears'.

[hap123]

Thanks again for all this good information. Guess I'll do some more footwork.

Hap

[SuperDave]

Use you own ears to find out what you like. Besides the receiver/amp combo you choose the source of your signal (DVD/CD player) makes a big difference in the sound. I recently switched from a Panasonic to a Denon DVD/CD player and I can hear a positive difference. The Panasonic sounded fine but the Denon sounds cleaner and quieter. IMHO

SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Fronts
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

[*Seby*-Polk-]

Hi.

And Then....Yamaha - Denon or Harman Kardon....What's the best in sound quality ???

I suposse make the decision for your own EARS...but.....

[Early B.]

Ah, forget about the particular brand of receiver. Listening rooms in hi-fi stores are notoriously horrific. The only way you're going to know if you like one brand over the over is to experiment with several brands over an extended period of time.

Over the past several years, I've owned Denon, Yamaha, Harman Kardon, Onkyo and Pioneer Elite receivers. Beyond aesthetics, I don't prefer any particular brand over the other. They're all good. Just find a good deal and go for it.

[*Seby*-Polk-]

Ok. You're right Early... I must test that's brands with movies and music cd's to make a good decission. :)

[SuperDave]

Obviously I like the Yamaha, It has lasted for close to 9 years of abuse with no loss in sound quality and no problems. I'm sure all the other brands are good, I just never had a reason to change.

SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Fronts
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

[limashaynut]

First off I second you looking at the Danon AVR, it is great! They are compact, you can take them anywhere, and they are not boxy like the rest of the AVRs you mentioned, best of all, they are smooth and creamy sounding! :p ;) :D


All joking aside, I have more typos than I care to admit.

As to the AVR brands, they are all fine choices, as for myself, I have owned and still have a few HK pieces of equipment. I looked at some of the newer HK AVRs, and some things about the build just did not feel like quality to me. I admit that does NOT always mean much as to how they will sound, but I went with Denon, and I love my choice. I got the Denon AVR 3806 because of the HDMI, and while it does sound great, it does have a few drawbacks. One is the design of the HDMI cable's ends, they are not sturdy enough. I had a long post you can look up under HDMI Horror. Basically, a in wall HDMI cable on my fathers HT went out, and there is no easy fix. My cables are not in wall, and I have had no problems myself, but it can happen. Also, HDMI is great when it works out the sigal with the TV, but due to the anti copy software that is used, it can make your switching a bit 'bitchy' for the lack of a better term. I have seen times that I have had to either cut off the AVR or satellite rec. so that the signal 'locks' in. This does not happen often, but it does happen. Also when you switch channels, you do not get an instant picture, there is a short delay that can be a source of aggrevation. Now when it does work properly (95% of the time) both the video and audio are outstanding. The upconverting of other video sources is also very nice, while it does NOT turn a VCR soruce into a HD quality image, it does improve it greatly.

I told you all of this to let you know what you gain/give up with a HDMI switching AVR. Now, if you can live without this feature, I would look at the Denon AVR 3805, it is only the older version of the 3806, and is exactly the same except the lack of HDMI, and I do not believe the auto eq microphone is included. You can now get some real good discounts on the 3805, and that may be enough reason to go with it.

While I love my Denon, and would recomend one to you as well, I do not think you could make a bad choice with any of the brands you are looking at.

[limashaynut]

Your speaker choices are all very good ones. You can see what I have in my sig, and I am very happy with my Polk speakers. While I now have a Polk 505, and it does a good job, I think a SVS is in my future. If you get a good deal on a 505, then great go with it, but if you are looking at paying closer to retail, then you may want to look at other subs as well.