Newbie - Are these any good?

[solsun]

I had asked for advice in a previous thread on choosing my HT system for under $1000... Thanks for all your suggestions! I'm putting this question in a seperate thread to address this question specifically..

I narrowed down my selection to the Onkyo TX-SR604 ($369 at J&R,) and the Polk RM20's with the free PSW10 Sub ($699.) A little over budget, but it seemed like the best system for my needs...

However, I've just come back from CC to test the RM10's as I can't find a CC with RM20's on the floor, from what I understand, they are similar... I know this is a rarity, but the salesman was actually very knowledgable and helpful. He agreed that the RM20's are great and a good match for my room size, but he asked me if I'd considered or heard Onkyo's speakers. He said they offer FAR superior sound quality to anything in their price range and he believes they give $1000 speaker setups a run for their money..

First, I listened to the RM10's and they sounded good, UNTIL I compared them to the Onkyo HT-240. Now, I am a newbie and certainly wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but to me, the RM10's didn't hold a candle to the Onkyo HT-240.. The HT-240 were bigger, but still small enough for my space and they looked very impressive, moreso than the RM-10/20's. They seem very durable and are housed in a brushed metal case... The sound was absolutely amazing. Unlike any small speaker I've heard so far.. The salesguy says they are being discontinued.. They were $399, but I've just found them for $289 at J&R..

Cnet. gave them an excellent rating of 8.3/10..

http://reviews.cnet.com/Onkyo_SKS_HT...tag=prod.txt.1

What I want to know is if there is something I'm missing? Why would they be so cheap and sound so much better than more expensive sets? Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated?

Heres the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/ONKYO-SKS-HT24...&s=electronics

[solsun]

Okay, I've just called Onkyo. These speakers were part of a HTIB LS-V955 that retailed for $1000. The system as a whole was discontinued, but the speakers are still available because of strong demand. Glowing reviews here.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Systems&p=i

One reveiwer said something about the frequency range being much wider than other similarly priced systems, and all the speakers have a 1" tweeter compared to 3/4" tweeter in most small speaker setups..

Still, I'd like to get a more experienced listeners opinion on these specs.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Systems&p=i

[PolkWannabie]

They are/were apparently available separately as well ... and ... J&R does appear to an authorized dealer ...

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Speaker&p=i

However, I've never heard them so I can't comment on them ...

[critical_gp]

OK, now...your budget is $1000 and mine was as well. This is what I did and honestly I think that you cant get a better system that this for the price. I hope there is Tweeter near you. You go in there and you get a pair of:

Polk Audio T20EB - $130 pair
Polk Audio T90EB - $350 pair
you will be short $20 to get the free sub but....on the other hand you will be paying $20 for a sub so...give them the extra $$$.
That is $500 + tax = around $550 (i live in IL)

These speakers are the same as the Monitor 60s (which I think that everyone here will agree that are the best of the monitor line) and the Monitor 30s. They are the euro version and they are made of real wood.

So far you have spent $540...and if you get the Onkyo TXSR604 which is $400 + tax = around $430
----------------
Bottom line $970

But, I dont have a center...and there isnt anywhere to place it. So save some more for the center.

http://info.tweeter.com/fsi061210/

If space is an issue! Get two pairs of the Polk Audio T20EB and wait for the PSW10 to go on sale for Christmas...its going to be $99...im guessing. Then get a center.

Last...if you havent bought the receiver yet. Check this out

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index...entPage=family

It is $499 in store price.

Other than that...they have free shipping! Good luck! I hope this helps!

[critical_gp]

or just do two pairs of these, center and a sub

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/496...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[reeltrouble1]

I would only say that Onkyo's primary business is not Speaker Technology and Development. Matthew Polk, well this is his passion.

RT1

[cstpeter]

I've never heard the Onkyo, so I can't comment there. However, don't forget to look for used stuff--that way your $1K will go a lot further.

With new stuff, AudioAdvisor is having a sale on a Boston system, regular $1450, sale $199:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=BOAVI770

Only problem is that it's only available in white.

[critical_gp]

I've never heard the Onkyo, so I can't comment there. However, don't forget to look for used stuff--that way your $1K will go a lot further.

With new stuff, AudioAdvisor is having a sale on a Boston system, regular $1450, sale $199:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=BOAVI770

Only problem is that it's only available in white.

Yeah, this seems like a good deal! Go for it! What the helll, I think I'll get get...you know, for the bedroom!

[halo]

Option 1: 2 pairs of Polk R150 = $100 (maybe $120 - $130 shipped) but then you need to add stands 'cause they don't have slots on the back for wall mounting. $200 shipped from racksandstands.com. So far that's $330. Then you'd need the CSi25 for $70 ($80 - $85 shipped). Now we're up to $415.

Option 2:4 R300's (I know it says limit two per household but there's ways around that) $200 ($260 - $270 shipped). Add the same CSi25 and now we have about $365 maybe $400 max with all the tax and shipping.

Check out Harman Kardon on eBay for a good deal on a reciever. $300 or so for an AVR 340.

That's maybe $700 - $750. Leaves you with $250 minimum for a sub. So, I say you go for the HSU STF-2 @ 346.00. Either option would = an OUTSTANDING home theater only $50 above your stated budget.

[surfntomm]

call me stupid but if he is on a budget, why is he buying new. there are so many more deals to be had locally off craigslist and audiogon on used speakers and receivers.

if you are able to go used i suggest you do something similar to what i did in terms of a receiver. i got the denon 2106 at www.secondact.biz. it was refurbished so if that does bother you then look elsewhere but refurbished or used is the way to go.

in terms of speakers id recommend just waiting a bit and search the web till you find a good deal. i got a pair of lsi7's for 300, granted those are a bit out of your price range im sure you can afford a pair of rti4's or rti38's used for very cheap <150 a pair. get 2 pairs of those, get a matching center like the csi3 or csi40. i would not waste your time with the psw10, everyone who gets it thinks it sucks. if anything get the free sub and sell it. i bought a psw650 for 200 bucks off craigslist and its so loud that it makes my neighbors pictures pop off the wall. (lives below me).

bottom line, go used, be patient, and your system will blow anything else away for the price. do not get the satelites from onkyo. if they are sold in a HTIB they are not going to be that great. you prolly thought they sounded better because they were either paired with a sub or they were just louder. if they are in a metal cabinet that should tip you off that its not the greatest. metal probably contributes a lot to resonance in the cabinet, there is a reason the material of choice for the past few decades for cabinets has been mdf or real wood. hope this helps.

[polktiger]

Don't know if you bought your speakers yet. If so I hope you like them. If not, check out the RM7600s in the "for sale" area. They might fit your need on a nice set when new. Given your post count you may have to PM the seller.