Polk RM series 5.1 speaker system...Educate me Please

[jmgator]

I'm going to be receiving an Onkyo TX-SR605 A/V receiver to support a 5.1 system but I'm having some trouble deciding which model to go with because the more I read the more I get confused. I'm a guru for wanting the latest and greatest technology and that is why I'm leaning away from the older RM series speaker systems. I don't like large speakers, so that's why I'm wanting an RM satellite system. My budget was 800.00 excluding the A/V receiver as this will be a gift from someone, but if the premium models aren't worth the extra money then it's always nice to save some money. Also, could anyone shed some light on the new speaker systems vs the old systems? Is there a significant difference between having the RM705 vs RM85 VS RM95? Can you even compare the newer models to the older models for sound quality? Is the RM7 satellite and center speaker measureable to the RM8 satellite and center speaker? Is the extra expense worth it?

Older Models
RM6750
RM6880

New Models
RM705
RM85
RM95
PSW111 to go along with a RM85 or RM95 package due to the new technology in this subwoofer and space concerns.

[shawn474]

I can only comment on the rm6750 as that is the only one from your list that I have owned. I loved them for the sheer fact that they were so small, almost unnoticable in a room and you could mount them anywhere. But, honestly, the sound capabilities of these all in one satellite systems seem to be lacking due to the sacrafice you make for space constraints and WAF factor, IMHO. I owned them for two months after having an all fllor standing set-up and couldn't believe how different it sounded. I eventually compromised and went with an all bookshelf system and am happy with that. I don't think I will ever go the route of satellites again. That's not to sya that there aren't some very good satellite packages out there- there may very well be. They just aren't for me. For 800 dollars, it is my opinion that you could get a much better bang for your buck. Just my 2 cents.

Shawn

[jmgator]

Hey thank you for your honest opinion. I think that's why I don't want to get an older model. However I have heard many promising things to come out of the new series starting with the RM705, RM85, RM95. I'm hoping someone has more info on them. :D

[Ron Temple]

I'm ignorant regarding the sat packages, but my advice would be to go as big as you can. The RM20 or 30s, depending on what deal you can finagle, are likely head and shoulders better than the teeny-tiny guys.

[MikDrago]

I have owned two sets of RM6600's, which in my opinion are better than the 6750's. I still own one set now in my bedroom and I love them. I have Monitor 50's, 40's and CS1 for living room. There is a really big difference between a more full range speaker over a sat. I was not really happy with the sound of the RM10's or 20's. They do not sound as clean as the 6600's or 6700's. A channel bookshelf setup would be much better sounding and would cost almost the same amount. You could go with Monitor 30's or RTi 4's. You will be much happier and save yourself from upgrading later anyway.

[jmgator]

Guys I love your opinions, but please reframe from suggesting bookshelf speakers as I already suggested in my first posting. It has to be a satellite speaker system. I understand your love for the sound of a larger speaker, but It will not work for me. However, I would like to be able to comapre the new satellite systems to a bookshelf system. Anyone have some feedback for the new series and perhaps a retailer who would have it on display for testing?

[VSchneider]

I think you'll find that the NEW RMs are TOO new for anyone but the insiders to have any experience with. I would not recommend the RM6750, though.

[zx_toth]

Its probably the case that since the newer models have only appeared on the website recently that not alot of people have had much experience with them. That being the RM705, RM85, RM95. Some members have experience with the RM 6705 and others. Personally I started and am still using all my RM speakers ... I started with the RM30 package minus the sub as I purchased the sub seperately.

The only reason that people are suggesting the book shelves or bigger speakers is that they knew what they went through .... the upgraditis bug ... you watch Transformers or Terminator 2 or something and your speakers just didnt give you what you want and you start upgrading. We all think wouldnt it be great if we had just skipped the RM step and went immediately to our current or future speaker plans and saved alot of money.

If its those speakers that you are choosing from ... choose the RM95, they seem to have the most Ooomph ... however the RM6880 is not listed on the product page.

Just to let you know the moment I knew I had to upgrade .. I was watching Predator and all the guys were laying into their machine guns mowing down the forest in the scene just after Jesse Ventura has that thing shot through his chest .... well I listened and thought that sound is not loud enough, I turned up the volume and the sound wasnt as realistic/clear as I thought it should be .... so there it started. Im not really that far into my journey actually, just replaced my front speakers, got an amp, and new cales ... but the bug gets you and you already have about 15,000$ spent ahead of time in your head ...

Go out and buy .... set it up and ENJOY! Let us know what you think. This forum is very useful.

Zsolt

[jmgator]

Yeah I was expecting the new series to be quite new with little responses. I was hoping to see if any Polk reps read the forums to share some insight. I think the RM95 system looks like it will surprise a lot of people with it's loud wide angle sound dispersion. I think I will preorder the RM95 system from JR's online for 599.95 since I *will not* be upgrading later to bookshelf speakers. As soon as I get a chance to get my hands on the speakers I will let you all know how it works out. By the way...Predator is one of my favorite movies. That's a great classic.:D

[jmgator]

Well I got a chance to listen to the RM6880 satellite system at Circuit City and I must say they were quite crisp and I enjoyed hearing the different types of music on the cd. They filled what seemed to be a 13x13 room quite nice. If the new RM series is anything better than this system then I will be pleased.

[VSchneider]

Yeap, these RM68x0's are quite good for their size and price. I have set up the 6800 (the titanium version) in my parents' living room and they are very happy. They seem to have better tweeters and enclosures than the 6750 set. What I was very surprised in my experience with these, is how similar the 6800 sounded to the larger RM sets when paired with a nice sub. With some very demanding material you could certainly tell a difference, though.

- Val

[Sansui]

For what it's worth, I have the RM30 package and am totally happy with it. The size of my room is about 12' x 12'. I also have a PSW10 subwoofer which I've learned here isn't supposed to be that good. My untrained ears are quite happy with it too. To be fair though, I've never heard another HT system so I don't have anything to compare the sub to.

[jmgator]

Sorry to say this guys but I bought the KEF KHT 2005.2 system at circuit city for 499.99. You cannot buy a better satellite speaker system for the price.;)

[Ron Temple]

No problem...get what you want, not what we tell you is good.