1st HT System EVER - All Polk - Advice Needed

[Motorcity]

Hi Guys..

Glad I found this forum BEFORE I made my first HT system purchase. The only thing I know for sure is I WANT Polk speakers around the room.

Here is the package I have come up with that should keep me within "wife approved budget".:

Center Channel: LCI-C
Front L/R: LSI9 or most likely LSI7 to reduce cost
Sides: FXIA6
Rears: RC80i
Subwoofer: PSW111 or PSW125
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

Any thoughts/advice you can give would greatly appreciated. Again this is my very FIRST system and I'm just trying to get a good sounding foundation and I need to make sure I'm not making any big rookie mistakes with the above selections.

Thanks!

Jim

[Kex]

Those speakers are rated at 4 ohms, the Pioneer receiver is not. You will probably not benefit from the LSi series qualities in this configuration. Also, if the priority is HT, not music, then the LSi might not be the most obvious choice in any case. I would suggest:

- Change LSi choices for RTi or TSi series, 8 ohm speakers.
- RC80i rear channels can stay the same.
- Spend the money saved on a better subwoofer (expect $500 or more).

Those are just some ideas to send you in a different direction, unless you change the receiver, or add an external amplifier. There are plenty of alternatives, but I think starting out with an LSi based Home Theater, driven by the Pioneer, is not an appropriate choice.

Welcome to CP BTW!

[Knucklehead]

Kex has got you pointed in the right direction for sure. Im upgrading my R50's to RT's sooner or later.

[Ricardo]

+1; for HT and a receiver as power, you'll be perfectly happy with the RT lines. Also agree on a beefier subwoofer.

[Motorcity]

Thank you very much guys! I had no idea about the 4-8ohm issue.

I was going on the premise a couple "experts" told me to always get the best speakers you can afford, and if you have to sacrifice do it with the receiver.

What are you thoughts on the units I have selected for the left and right side walls and the center channel?

Thanks again this is a HUGE help for me.

Jim

[Knucklehead]

Like Kex said, the surrounds are OK, go with the RT line......

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/rtia/

[cfrizz]

Welcome to Club Polk.

Get the larger of the 2 RTI center channels. Also make sure that whatever receiver you get has preamp outputs to add separate amplification later on down the line to ensure that your speakers operate to their full potential.

[Sherardp]

+1 with Cfrizz, get the CSiA6 and go for the RTiA9 or 7s, paired with the matching surrounds and a Pioneer Elite SC-05 AVR. For subwoofer look at SVS and choose one, they are all good. www.svsound.com, Welcome to the club also.

[Motorcity]

Thanks for the replies guys... A few more questions..

The only issue is that I can't go with the towers so I have to use two bookshelf speakers. Is the RTi A3 the way to go here?..

The center channel needs to be in-wall. Would I be ok with the one on my original list the LCI-C?

And last question.. Everyone is recommending a better subwoofer. Are the Polk subs not a good option at all? Do I need to go with the DSW line at minimum? or switch to another manufacturer?

Thanks again everybody..

Jim

[wutadumsn23]

I am with the guys here, upgrade your AVR to one that pre-outs (they will come in handy later) and get either the RTi, or Monitor line. The Monitors IMHO, can't be beat for HT at the prices they can be had for these days. As for the Subs. Polk subs aren't bad, just not their strong point. I have a PSW125 and it works great in my humble setup in my small space. Have heard good things about the DSW line, and also for SVS, Epik, Velodyne, but they tend to be on the pricy side. In the end it is going to be up to you and your budget, check your local Craigslist and even Ebay. If you can get your ears on some of these subs first that will also help. Hope we have been able to help you, and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

[Motorcity]

Regarding the pre-out.. This is a picture of the back of the Pioneer I was considering. It does say "Pre-Out" but also says subwoofer in the same area.

Is this what you guys are talking about? Sorry for the basic questions, but this is all new to me.

Jim

[Motorcity]

Sorry forgot to post the image link:

http://www.homecinema.gr/pr_images_max/1619.jpg

[Kex]

... The only issue is that I can't go with the towers so I have to use two bookshelf speakers. Is the RTi A3 the way to go here?..

The center channel needs to be in-wall. Would I be ok with the one on my original list the LCI-C?

And last question.. Everyone is recommending a better subwoofer. Are the Polk subs not a good option at all? Do I need to go with the DSW line at minimum? ...

The RTi A3 will be a good choice for bookshelf mains if you don't have room for floorstanding models.

The LCi-C, however, will not be a good match for those, since that matches the LSi line, and is rated at 4 ohms. You should match the center channel as closely as possible to the main, left & right front, speakers. I believe the RCi is the correct series to match with the RTi A, but you might want to call, e-mail, or chat online with c/s to verify that (something seems to be wrong with navigating that area of the website at the moment).

As far as subwoofers go, some of the newer Polks are much better than the older models. I can't recommend a specific unit, since I've never heard them or researched them in any depth, but look for a lower 3dB limit below 30Hz. The best models in the $500-750 range should be approaching 20Hz or lower. Otherwise, a quick search of older threads here will identify a multitude of other brands, such as SVS, HSU and others. Note that musical priority, vs. theater applications, will change how people rate the different models dramatically. Generally speaking, a "musical" subwoofer will probably be less "boomy", but may not shake the house as dramatically for explosions etc. Preferences either way will vary.

[Kex]

Sorry forgot to post the image link:

http://www.homecinema.gr/pr_images_max/1619.jpg

That pre-out is for the subwoofer only. If the receiver has pre-outs, then you will have the same type of connection for all speaker channels, illustrated on the bottom left of this rear panel:

http://manuals.harman.com/HK/HOM/Qui...254RearPnl.pdf

[SivaNevets]

with ur budge i would go for RTIa3 and a superb subwoofer and receiver with preout (Pionieer elite, HK AVR254, Denon 2909/989 (they should be on sale by now).
i woundnt condsider 7.1 unless ur room has the oppotunity to place them perfectly.
if u do, go get another pair of RTIa3/1 for side. FXIa4/6 r best for rear, when hanged in backwall, 2 ft above ur sitting position.

subwoofer go for DSW Pro500/600 or DSW MIcro 1000

[Retro152]

Thanks for the replies guys... A few more questions..

The only issue is that I can't go with the towers so I have to use two bookshelf speakers. Is the RTi A3 the way to go here?..

The center channel needs to be in-wall. Would I be ok with the one on my original list the LCI-C?

And last question.. Everyone is recommending a better subwoofer. Are the Polk subs not a good option at all? Do I need to go with the DSW line at minimum? or switch to another manufacturer?

Thanks again everybody..

Jim

The Rti-a3 is an excellent choice for mains. I used the Rti-6 for mains in my early foray into H/T, and they dont disappoint. The A-3 a real nice makeover of the 6, but essentially the same speaker. Another member on the Forum here has an awesome setup featuring the A-3s as mains. (Erik Tracy) Dont know how the LCI-C center "timbre" matches with the A-3s, but you cant go wrong with the Csi-a6 for a center, if you can find an alternative location or mounting option. Have heard great things about Polks "Micropro" line of subs.:D


Pat.

[slack56]

It would help to know the dimensions of the room, and the budget (to lazy to look up the prices on your equipment list). Is the sub for HT only or music too? The LS speakers sound great, don't know about the in wall version. I strive for timbre matching not just for movies but because I like 5 channel stereo, DVD A and SACD. Who knows maybe Blue Ray will usher in a new music format 7.1. I wasn't happy with my home theater until all the speakers were a timbre match. Just keep that in mind. I guess we should ask someone else if the LCI-C's are a timbre match with the FSIA6 or the RC80i and whatever front speakers you decide on. If not you are in a pickle if the LCI-C is not a timbre match.

IMHO

G

[Retro152]

The RTi A3 will be a good choice for bookshelf mains if you don't have room for floorstanding models.

The LCi-C, however, will not be a good match for those, since that matches the LSi line, and is rated at 4 ohms. You should match the center channel as closely as possible to the main, left & right front, speakers. I believe the RCi is the correct series to match with the RTi A, but you might want to call, e-mail, or chat online with c/s to verify that (something seems to be wrong with navigating that area of the website at the moment).

As far as subwoofers go, some of the newer Polks are much better than the older models. I can't recommend a specific unit, since I've never heard them or researched them in any depth, but look for a lower 3dB limit below 30Hz. The best models in the $500-750 range should be approaching 20Hz or lower. Otherwise, a quick search of older threads here will identify a multitude of other brands, such as SVS, HSU and others. Note that musical priority, vs. theater applications, will change how people rate the different models dramatically. Generally speaking, a "musical" subwoofer will probably be less "boomy", but may not shake the house as dramatically for explosions etc. Preferences either way will vary.

What Kex said.:D



Pat.

[slack56]

Correct, well put Kex. Guess I should read these threads more thoroughly.

G

[Toolfan66]

Budget? This will help .

[slack56]

tool rules

[cfrizz]

You don't want a LCI-C it is 4ohm & will not match the rest of your RTI speakers.

Go with the DSW series of subwoofers. I have the 400, my brother has the 500 & both will rattle your floors, but the 500 will rattle them more.

Your receiver does not have preouts for all channels. You would have to get a different receiver. The ones with preouts cost more money but it's worth it in the end.

Thanks for the replies guys... A few more questions..

The only issue is that I can't go with the towers so I have to use two bookshelf speakers. Is the RTi A3 the way to go here?..

The center channel needs to be in-wall. Would I be ok with the one on my original list the LCI-C?

And last question.. Everyone is recommending a better subwoofer. Are the Polk subs not a good option at all? Do I need to go with the DSW line at minimum? or switch to another manufacturer?

Thanks again everybody..

Jim

[xcapri79]

Hi Guys..

Glad I found this forum BEFORE I made my first HT system purchase. The only thing I know for sure is I WANT Polk speakers around the room.

Here is the package I have come up with that should keep me within "wife approved budget".:

Center Channel: LCI-C
Front L/R: LSI9 or most likely LSI7 to reduce cost
Sides: FXIA6
Rears: RC80i
Subwoofer: PSW111 or PSW125
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

Any thoughts/advice you can give would greatly appreciated. Again this is my very FIRST system and I'm just trying to get a good sounding foundation and I need to make sure I'm not making any big rookie mistakes with the above selections.

Thanks!

Jim

Thank you very much guys! I had no idea about the 4-8ohm issue.

I was going on the premise a couple "experts" told me to always get the best speakers you can afford, and if you have to sacrifice do it with the receiver.

What are you thoughts on the units I have selected for the left and right side walls and the center channel?

Thanks again this is a HUGE help for me.

Jim

Personally I think you are on the right track with your LSi speaker selections.
For HT or 2 channel music those LSi's speakers that you listed with proper amplification are far better than the RTi series. You will need to upgrade your receiver and add a separate amplifier.

The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K doesn't have pre-outs like its predecessor the VSX-1018AH-K did.
I'm sure that this has tripped up many a Pioneer buyer.
If you like the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, then consider moving up the food chain to a VSX-21THX or VSX-23THX.

The VSX-21THX is available for under $600 and its predecessor the VSX-01THX is still available for under $500 last time I checked.
You will need at least a 3 channel external amp and I would recommend a 3 channel Emotiva XPA-3.
It is about $550 right now. I have the Emotiva amps and I believe they offer very good performance and value.

If this limits your budget, I would forsake the surround speakers and get them at a later date.
You can drive the surround speakers you've listed with your receiver and they will work fine.

If you just get the three LSi's up front for now, then with that system, you can consider adding a pair of LSi15's to the front and moving the LSi9's to the side surrounds. You will need to add another multichannel amp for that. I mention this as a good upgrade possiblitiy if you want to assemble your system in two stages as many of us have.

Once you want the LSi's and settle on the RTi's instead, after a while upgraditis sets in and you will want to upgrade which costs much more in the long run.
I made that mistake myself.

For your subwoofer, I would recommend the DSW600. It is far better than the two you've listed and is affordable.