Speaker Opinions

[DufferDan]

Gents,
I have from a very good source that Santa is getting me a set of Polks for a 5.1 system this year!
They will either be driven by an Onkyo TX-SR605 or a Denon AVR-1708.
Trouble is that Mrs. Claus has a budget….
Looking at the specs for various bookshelf speakers and subwoofers I have decided on either;
Polk Monitor Series
Front Monitor 40
Surround Monitor 30
Center CS1/CSM
Sub PSW110 or PSW12 if I can find one….
Or;
Polk RTi4 System
Front RTi4
Surround RTi4
CSi3 Center
Sub PSW303

I have heard the monitors at a local Circuit Sh$tty, but while their setup could have been real nice, (touch screen let one choose any front, center, back and sub combo) only one sub was hooked up…
I’m planning on doing more homework prior to getting out the plastic, just want someone with more knowledge to steer me in the right direction.
Thanks for your time,
DufferDan

[bruss]

take your time and make a calculated decision.. The rti's can be found on sale all over..

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3726028

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=28510

[AndyGwis]

I would go as high on the speaker budget as possible. If budget is a concern (which it always is) I think it's better to start with a good 2.1 or 3.1 core speaker system at first and slowly build it towards your target 5.1.

So, I would opt for the RTis, and, if room allows, RTi8s or 10s for the fronts. They will be at closeout prices all over with the new lineup coming out. Bookshelf speakers on stands take up just about as much room and cost just as much as comparable towers, so you may as well get the extra drivers and cabinetry. Also, I don't think speakers on stands looks nearly as impressive, but that might just be me.

I would look at some other sub options and wouldn't personally start with the lower end subs that polk offers. I would look for another brand like SVS or Velodyne, HSU, or Mirage on sale on your local CL or Ebay. Don't need to match the sub to your other speakers, get the best one you can afford if you're wanting a solid HT experience.

Good luck and welcome!

[trubluluc]

It would help if you gave us an idea of how much you can spend on the system.
And as Andy states, it makes good sense to acquire quality items, even if it's a little at a time, rather than so so full sets of things. You will be happier and be less likely to get upgradeitis later.

-Luc

[treitz3]

Definitely do your homework and welcome to Club Polk Mr. DufferDan.

[DufferDan]

The specs look very similar between the monitors and the RTi's, I know nothing is like listening to them... I was leaning towards the Monitor 40's because they have 2 5 1/4's as opposed to just one (I am fond of midrange and bass). Will the RTi's have comparable midrange?
I could go as high as $1500 total, but it may take an immoral act. ;o)
I have seen on other forums that the Polk subs are not as good as others.
Looking into floor standing RTi's I may be able to justify them, as even though I was going to build speaker stands, it will still take time and materials. I see the RTi's are going for about 1/3 of MSRP. If I go with floor standing RTi8 or RTi10, what would be a good rear, center speaker and sub. They will be in a smaller room 16' X 20' X 8'. If I go with a RTi8 or 10, can I cheat a little on the sub?
I can tell posting here is going to cost me more "dead presidents", but I would rather spend a little more once that go cheap the first time!
Thanks guys,
DufferDan

[peffy03]

i have a pair of monitor 30s and a pair of rti6 the 6 blow the 30s away hands down much better bass extension due to added bass port. the cabinets on the entire rti series are incredible, also i paid 200 for my pair of rti6 and i paid 180 for my monitor 30s

[DufferDan]

Jeff,
Is the PSW10 sub enough to supplement the bass for the RTi10's?
Does the Onk amp help make up the difference in the fronts and surrounds?
Would you do anything different?
Thanks,
DufferDan

[Florida_Gator]

I'm seeing some really good deals now on rti8s and 4s. 8s for $150 each, and 4s for $150/pair. Add a csi3 center for around $150, and you've got an awesome speaker system for $600!

There are also some great deals out there on the R50s (about half the cost of the rti8s!). No, they're not rti8's, but they're very good, especially if you're on a budget (as I was!). I have the R50s for my fronts and am very satisfied with them. When I'm ready to go from 5.1 to 7.1, I'll likely get a pair of rti8s for front, move the R50s to the sides, and the R150s to the rear. Good luck!

[DufferDan]

Guys,
I'm going to be in the southern D.C. area this weekend, anybody know of any good home theater stores that carry Polks?
Fairways and Greens,
DufferDan

[stangjason]

one RTi8 $149 + $34 shipping ordered separately (if available)
one RTi8 $149 + $34 shipped

pair of RTi4 $199 shipped
one CSi5 $299 shipped
free psw10 with purchase of $500 from Crutchfield or you can put $100 to upgrade the sub.

$868 leaves you with $632 for a receiver and/or a better sub. I personally love my HSU VTF-1 sub but that wouldn't leave you with much for a receiver.