Looking into a Polk Setup

Defient

Hello Guys!

Well I've listened to some of Polk's products at a local Best Buy and was pretty impressed. Being new to the whole home theater market, I have a few questions regarding a potential setup.

Center:
TSI-CS10, TSI-CS20, Polk CSi3

Surround:
Polk TSI-100, Polk TSI-200

Main:
Polk TSI-300, Polk TSI-400, Polk RTi10

What I'm basically asking is what would you guys suggest as a setup from what I listed? Are there any compatibility issues?

Also, I'll be in need of a Sub and Reciever. Any recommendations?

Feel free to chip in any advice you may have!

Looking to keep the entire package around $1600ish.

Thanks!!

mystik610

Polk RTi8: $359 from Polk Audio Direct

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-RTi8-BLACK-Towers-Polk-Audio-/230445220370?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35a79b0212

Polk CSi5: $302 from Ebay Seller

http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-CSi5-CENTER-CHANNEL-SPEAKER-NEW-CSi-5-BLACK-/370299396764?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item563790629c

Polk FXi A4: $279 from Polk Audio Direct

http://cgi.ebay.com/FXi-A4-WHITE-REFURBISHED-/230362056116?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35a2a605b4

HSU STF 2: $349 from HSU

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Onkyo 607: $389 from newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120133&cm_re=onkyo-_-82-120-133-_-Product

Grand Total: $1,678

All but the Hsu have free shipping. I think the HSU will run 90 bucks to ship.

All but the CSi5 come from trusted sellers with warranty. The CSi5 is very hard to find these days.

rooftop59

Welcome to CP defient!

mystik has put together a very nice system for you, and the STF-2 is only 39 bucks to ship CONUS.

Teh Onkyo is a good receiver, but I might look at other receivers as well. I personally am partial to Harman Kardon, very warm with incredibly midrange and well-defined bass to balance out the slightly bright sound of the rti series. It will also be at least as powerful as the Onkyo despite the specs. Here is one with direct from factory with warranty, and it also comes with an ipod dock if that interests you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-254-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI-/150436350539?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2306b48a4b

The HK would also put you right at your budget. I think that you will be very happy with this setup.

Good luck!

cstmar01

mystik610 wrote: »

Polk RTi8: $359 from Polk Audio Direct

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-RTi8-BLACK-Towers-Polk-Audio-/230445220370?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35a79b0212

Polk CSi5: $302 from Ebay Seller

http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-CSi5-CENTER-CHANNEL-SPEAKER-NEW-CSi-5-BLACK-/370299396764?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item563790629c

Polk FXi A4: $279 from Polk Audio Direct

http://cgi.ebay.com/FXi-A4-WHITE-REFURBISHED-/230362056116?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35a2a605b4

HSU STF 2: $349 from HSU

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Onkyo 607: $389 from newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120133&cm_re=onkyo-_-82-120-133-_-Product

Grand Total: $1,678

All but the Hsu have free shipping. I think the HSU will run 90 bucks to ship.

All but the CSi5 come from trusted sellers with warranty. The CSi5 is very hard to find these days.

Not all true as I beleive there is a company selling the online for less than that 300 price.
look at onecall.com for the CSI5, its in black and you can get it for 250.00.

Also I would suggest looking for a AVR with pre-outs the onkyo above does not have this feature and if you wanted to add an amp in the future you will not be able to.

mystik610

rooftop59 wrote: »

Welcome to CP defient!

mystik has put together a very nice system for you, and the STF-2 is only 39 bucks to ship CONUS.

Teh Onkyo is a good receiver, but I might look at other receivers as well. I personally am partial to Harman Kardon, very warm with incredibly midrange and well-defined bass to balance out the slightly bright sound of the rti series. It will also be at least as powerful as the Onkyo despite the specs. Here is one with direct from factory with warranty, and it also comes with an ipod dock if that interests you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-254-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI-/150436350539?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2306b48a4b

The HK would also put you right at your budget. I think that you will be very happy with this setup.

Good luck!

The HK might actually be a better fit IMO, as the warm tone of HK amps really help tame the brightness of the RTi series (I'm using a Harman Kardon as my separate amp). Also Harman Kardon tends to under-rate their WPC, while Onkyo tends to over-rate them....even if the HK has less WPC than the Onkyo on paper, the HK is probably quite a bit more powerful.

I'd also follow cstmar01's advice and try to find an AVR that has pre-outs so you can add a separate amp in the future. This may push your cost a little higher, but is worth it to future proof your system.

cnoat

+1 on mystiks.Does the Onkyo have pre outs for external amplification later.

Welcome to cp

Steve

mystik610

cnoat wrote: »

+1 on mystiks.Does the Onkyo have pre outs for external amplification later.

Welcome to cp

Steve

The Onkyo 60X series doesn't have pre-outs. Onkyo 70x and higher do.

Defient

I like the feedback so far. Keep it coming! My local best buy has a Pioneer 1019 for $420 clearance. Would this be worth picking up? Also, I have been looking to the Monitor 60s and 70s. Any thoughts on these or a PW505 sub?

I'm in the process of looking into some of the suggestions you guys listed.

mystik610

Defient wrote: »

I like the feedback so far. Keep it coming! My local best buy has a Pioneer 1019 for $420 clearance. Would this be worth picking up? Also, I have been looking to the Monitor 60s and 70s. Any thoughts on these or a PW505 sub?

I'm in the process of looking into some of the suggestions you guys listed.

Great receiver.

No Pre-outs though.

If performance for movies is what you're looking for, the RTi series will serve you much better than the Monitor series.

I've only heard the PSW505 a few times at my local frys, so I can't say much. It seemed decent, but not great. Polk is known to build good speakers, not-so-good subs. HSU/SVS/Epik are known to build great subs. If budget is your concern though, $250 for a 12 inch sub (from newegg.com) isn't a bad deal at all.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290130&Tpk=polk%20psw505

polkfan38

What kind of use do you want to get out of it? Sounds like a 5.1 set up. It also sounds similar to what I will be getting. Which is Monitor 60s for the front. CS-1 center and Monitor 40s for the surrounds. I will be coupling this with a Denon AVR 1910. As for a sub, HSU, SVS and Rythmik make the best ones. My personal favorite is the Rythmik F12. Although, if you want to really rock the house, a Paradigm Sub 25 will do the trick. But, I think that one is double your budget!
Either way, go to Newegg and get the Monitor series and save yourself a ton of money.
The Pioneer 1019 you saw is kind of the top end of the bottom series from them. It should be OK but, there are many more out there in that price range that will do better.
Good luck!

mdaudioguy

mystik610 wrote: »

The HK might actually be a better fit IMO, as the warm tone of HK amps really help tame the brightness of the RTi series (I'm using a Harman Kardon as my separate amp). Also Harman Kardon tends to under-rate their WPC, while Onkyo tends to over-rate them....even if the HK has less WPC than the Onkyo on paper, the HK is probably quite a bit more powerful.

I'd also follow cstmar01's advice and try to find an AVR that has pre-outs so you can add a separate amp in the future. This may push your cost a little higher, but is worth it to future proof your system.

+1! The HK AVR 254 is exceptional for the $$. Pre-outs, sounds great with RTi series, and under $300 refurb on HK's eBay site. That's where I got mine and it looks like new. My third AVR with these speaks and this one's a keeper.

cnh

I have to also agree, the set up 610 put together is nice but I would also consider the HK AVR 254 for its pre-outs and slightly 'warmer' sound which you WILL need with Rti-8s up front...those babies can be 'bright' and 'forward' The Harman Kardon will take off a lot of that 'edge'.

cnh

wutadumsn23

To add more fule to the fire, the Monitor 70's are about as good as it gets for entry level speakers, IMHO. They can be matched with a CS2 center and the 505 sub with maybe some Monitor 40's as your surrounds and you are looking at about $950 for the speakers. That would leave you with about $650 for your AVR, which will be more than enough for a good entry level model with pre-outs. Just my $.02, good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

Topper

get the biggest center you can get your hands on! (if you dont, it'll probably just end up being the first speaker you want to upgrade a few months later)

cnoat

The 505 can't be beat for the price.I have one,it is a pretty good sub.

Defient

Ok, what do you guys think about the following as far as speakers go? Thanks for all the help so far!!
I’m not 100% sure on compatibility of the following being mixed and such. Trying to get one step closer to pulling the trigger. (Prices are a mix between Polk eBay and Amazon)
Center:
Polk CSi5 ($250)
Or
Polk CSi3 ($150)
Or
Polk CS2 ($170)

Surrounds:
Polk FXiA4 ($280)
Or
Monitor 60 ($180)

Main:
Polk RTi10 ($275)
Or
Polk RTi8 ($225)
Or
Monitor 70 ($200)

Sub:
SVS PB10-NSD ($475)
Or
Polk 505 ($250)

ken brydson

Defient wrote: »

Ok, what do you guys think about the following as far as speakers go? Thanks for all the help so far!!
I’m not 100% sure on compatibility of the following being mixed and such. Trying to get one step closer to pulling the trigger. (Prices are a mix between Polk eBay and Amazon)
Center:
Polk CSi5 ($250)
Or
Polk CSi3 ($150)
Or
Polk CS2 ($170)

Surrounds:
Polk FXiA4 ($280)
Or
Monitor 60 ($180)

Main:
Polk RTi10 ($275)
Or
Polk RTi8 ($225)
Or
Monitor 70 ($200)

Sub:
SVS PB10-NSD ($475)
Or
Polk 505 ($250)

B stock PB12 NSD for $529 right now. That will crush your other options

https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=151&CFID=216154&CFTOKEN=87034637

mystik610

Defient wrote: »

Ok, what do you guys think about the following as far as speakers go? Thanks for all the help so far!!
I’m not 100% sure on compatibility of the following being mixed and such. Trying to get one step closer to pulling the trigger. (Prices are a mix between Polk eBay and Amazon)
Center:
Polk CSi5 ($250)
Or
Polk CSi3 ($150)
Or
Polk CS2 ($170)

Surrounds:
Polk FXiA4 ($280)
Or
Monitor 60 ($180)

Main:
Polk RTi10 ($275)
Or
Polk RTi8 ($225)
Or
Monitor 70 ($200)

Sub:
SVS PB10-NSD ($475)
Or
Polk 505 ($250)

Budget will dictate where you go, but for the best home theater performance:

Center: CSi5
Surround: FXiA4
Mains: RTi8 (RTi8's have a better mid-range than the 10's)
Sub: If you can afford it, get the b-stock PB12-NSD mentioned above. Thats a steal.

The VTF-2 is also on sale for $509 from HSU. This will have better sound quality than the PB-12, but not as much output. Your room size and budget will dictate which works better.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

Definitely don't get a Polk sub unless you really have to though.

Defient

Sounds great, I'll def try and jump on that sub.

So everything as far as compatibility seems ok? Thanks for the help, I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger tonight when I get off of work.

ken brydson

Defient wrote: »

Sounds great, I'll def try and jump on that sub.

So everything as far as compatibility seems ok? Thanks for the help, I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger tonight when I get off of work.

I love spending other peoples $$$

mystik610

Defient wrote: »

Sounds great, I'll def try and jump on that sub.

So everything as far as compatibility seems ok? Thanks for the help, I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger tonight when I get off of work.

Yup those all come from the RTi line so they should timbre match perfectly.

The RTi line is quite a bit better than the Monitor line...particularly for home theater, so thats the best route to go (budget permitting).

rooftop59

If you want to go the Monitor series route, it will save you some dough if you're patient and go through newegg (sign up for the newsletter to get the discount codes). You can get the M70s for 170 each shipped, the CS2 for 120 shipped (I think it might go for cheaper on sale), and the M30s for surrounds for 90 shipped. Thats over 400 bones cheaper than the rti setup. Having said that, I prefer the sound of the rti series, but I have never heard the M70s in a good setup and lots of people here love em.

Peace,
Paul

Defient

ken brydson wrote: »

B stock PB12 NSD for $529 right now. That will crush your other options

https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=151&CFID=216154&CFTOKEN=87034637

Went take a look at this item, noticed there was only 1 left.

....

And it's now mine!! Decided to suck it up. Pretty excited to find something like this for the price. Thanks for the post

ken brydson

Defient wrote: »

Went take a look at this item, noticed there was only 1 left.

....

And it's now mine!! Decided to suck it up. Pretty excited to find something like this for the price. Thanks for the post

There usually are only 1 or 2 BStock items at a time Congrats!!! I bought my 25-31PC+ B Stock and it was impossible to tell it from new.
You won't be sorry!!

mystik610

Defient wrote: »

Went take a look at this item, noticed there was only 1 left.

....

And it's now mine!! Decided to suck it up. Pretty excited to find something like this for the price. Thanks for the post

Prepare to be blown away. Its a beast.

I demo'd a PB12 alongside the my VTF-3. It was very hard to choose.

What receiver did you choose btw?

mystik610

One more thing! make sure you have room for the CSi5. Its huuuuuge. Like a tower speaker cut in half and put on its side.

Defient

What receiver did you choose btw?[/QUOTE]


Still a little up in the air on this one. Was trying to get everything as far as speakers settled. As of right now, it seems that I will try and see if I can make a deal with one from Best Buy...Any suggestions? Denon?

My reason behind this is I'd like to break up the spending some and put something on my best buy card to pay over time since I no longer use any major credit cards at the moment to use elsewhere.

Thanks !!

mystik610

Defient wrote: »

What receiver did you choose btw?

Still a little up in the air on this one. Was trying to get everything as far as speakers settled. As of right now, it seems that I will try and see if I can make a deal with one from Best Buy...Any suggestions? Denon?

My reason behind this is I'd like to break up the spending some and put something on my best buy card to pay over time since I no longer use any major credit cards at the moment to use elsewhere.

Thanks !![/QUOTE]

Not a bad idea. I'm a believer in no interest financing whenever its available...so long as you use the money that you would have spent on gear in ways that will help you accumulate money (invest it or save it). Hell I held on to some low interest debt last year and made a killing by investing when the market bottomed out last March.

At any rate, your choices at Best Buy are going to by Harman Kardon, Denon, Pioneer, and Yamaha (they don't carry Onkyo). As others have mentioned, HK amps/receivers have a good synergy with the RTi series. The RTi speakers have a very detailed tweeter which can make them a little too bright....HK amps are very warm and have a very open mid-range. I've settled with using a Harman Kardon as a separate amp, and using my Onkyo as a pre-amp/processor.

Yamahas are extremely bright and would not pair well with the RTi's. Pioneer is a little warmer and Denon tends to be kinda bright.

The Harman Kardon AVR1600 is the best candidate. This is the current version of the AVR254 others recommended.

cnh

Some excellent advice by M-610 above..just a couple additions below.

Best Buy Magnolia stores are carrying Onkyos, now. And you can have them 'order' Onkyo from their online store if they don't have them at your BB or you can order directly yourself?

The replacement for the HK AVR254 is the AVR2600 and not the 1600...the 1600 has NO-preouts and it is the equivalent of the entry level HK 1xx series--which also has less power!

UNFORUNATELY, the AVR2600 also HAS NO PRE-outs. Which means you would need to step up to the AVR 3600 (removing the pre-outs from the lower model--a mistake IMO).

So you're better off just trying to find an older AVR 254.

cnh

Defient

Ok, so I've been looking at the AVR 254. How strongly do you guys feel about them? I don't know anyone who owns one, but reviews seem to be hit or miss. Sounds like people are having some firmware issues.

Also, how is the Onkyo 707 ? This may be an option as well, however Best Buys price is stupid expensive on this unit. ($799)

Other than that, I'm pretty much all set. Ordered my speakers last night.

wutadumsn23

Lots of better places to find that 707 at much cheaper prices. Check the link below, there are a few used on Amazon warehouse as low as $543. The 707 def. gets my nod. You could even get an 806 for less than that price, link below to that as well. A refurbished one on Tigerdirect for $550 and you can get a two year extended warranty on it for another $150, which is still below the cost of the new 707 at BB.


-Jeff

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=onkyo+tx+sr707&safe=active&cid=2840653037969961669&ei=iOPWS9ztMpPAM7f8tcII&sa=button&ved=0CAkQgggwADgA#scoring=tp 707

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=onkyo+tx+sr806&hl=en&cid=7205576818839554162&ei=wOTWS9nwBImGNOi39OwJ&sa=button&ved=0CAkQgggwADgA#scoring=tp 806