basic system setup, help me choose

discome

I have a new system that I am setting up (100W/channel old Kenwood receiver with separate sub output, etc) and I am looking for a basic setup. I used to have some old huge Cerwin Vega VS120 monster speakers and they sound good, but they are huge.

I am looking for a basic setup for 50% music and 50% HT. I don't need a fancy audiophile setup, just some basic full range decent sound that isn't tinny or doesn't sound too fakely processed (like some cheaper speakers tend to do). I listen to all types of music (rock, electronic, jazz, funk, classical, acoustic, etc)

What I am considering are the following options:

1. Just getting a pair of Polk RTi A3's and leaving it at that. I wonder would they supply enough bass for my music listening needs and would they sound good on their own? I know I can easily place them on top of my entertainment center at opposite corners (about 5.5 feet off the ground)

2. Going cheaper and just getting some Polk RTi A1's...but I wonder about their bass response...I don't need earth shattering bass, but I do like to hear it without is sounding like a tin can. Would also place on top of entertainment center

3. A pair of RTi A1's and a powered sub (maybe a DSW Pro 400)...this could fill in some of the possible missing bass, but is more expensive than the 2 options above

4. going with a cheaper setup (TSI's or PSW Sub) as alternatives to the above setup.

I don't need a full 5.1/7.1 etc setup...just some good basic full range sound. Do the A3's or A1's sound good on their own? I really like the look of those speakers...but since I am shrinking in size from my massive older Cerwin Vegas am I going to be disappointed?

Going A3 and DSW Pro 400 really gets out of my price range.

any advice?

PerfectCreature

For starters is this a 5.1 receiver or a 2 channel. Second what exacly is your budget.
If you are looking for great overall sound you generally want a sub. Most people here have sub woofers with their setups no matter how crazy high tech their speakers are.
Maybe the model number of the amp could help as well.
If it is an old amp like the one I am using now..you run the risk of it not really being what it is.. I know my amp that I thought was 100 per channel was really 50 per channel and it ended up clipping and ruining my tweeters on my new monitor 50's...so you may want to upgrade your receiver while your at it...
The more information we get the better we can help you.

discome

It is a Kenwood KRV7060. It does have 5.1 ability or just plain left and right speaker outputs. I have the old manual for it and it states "100 watts per channel minimum RMS) Front: 100W + 100W, Center 100W, Rear 25W + 25W.

It also has pre outs for RCA connections to powered speakers (including a sub output in the pre section).

It had no problems driving my big Cerwin Vegas (4 Ohm load each). The CV's each had a massive 12" sub built into them as well as 5" drivers and tweeters

As I say, I am really not looking for center or rears...just a decent 2 speaker or 2.1 (with sub) setup.

Budget wise I can go up to about $800 +/- but obviously if I can get a decent set of bookshelves and get a decent sound out of just 2 speakers, then I am doing well. (the RTi's I know are in the $350-$450 range).

My ultimate goal is just decent (not really top of the line) sound with a smaller speaker setup (my CVs are just way too big...they are like end tables). I also thought about Bose 301s, but I have never been that impressed with Bose stuff. The Polk gear seems like more of what I am looking for

packetjones

First off welcome to the CP.

I started my setup with a pair of A3's/ I liked them quite a bit really. I did find that a sub is needed to get the best possible sound out of them. I have since upgraded to the A5's and moved the A3's to the rear for my HT. I would recommend the A3's over the A1's if it is for a music setup. You can get them at a great price if you keep an eye on polk direct (polks refurbished ebay store). This is where i got mine and they were flawless. I paid $220 for them at the time. The do not come around often so if you are patient you can snag a pair for a great price.

In regards to the sub. I have a psw110 and it sounds good for music. It is lacking for HT in my opinionthough. If this is mainly going to be for a 2 channel music rig, I think that you could go with a lower end sub to save some money. It is the old saying, spend as much as you can on 2 speakers and add to it as you can. It is better to buy the best speakers you can then to buy lower quality speakers just to be able to get them all at once.

You will not be disappointed by the A3's by them self in my opinion. If needed you can add a cheap sub like a psw10 for a little low end. They go for like $100.

PerfectCreature

Id pick up a PSW 505 for 250 at newegg. For the money you cannot get a better deal price wise and performance wise.
If youyr looking for great sound for cheap...get like some monitor 70s they are the preludes to the TSi....
A lot of people rave about them...and they can take 200 watts each. they are bout 450 a pair. Plus they are super slim. maybe like 6 inches wide...at the most 7 or 8...
Read reviews and if you can get a listen before you buy.
I would recomend getting a CS1 or cs2 center a set of monitor 50s and a psw 505 250
Cs1 99.99
cs2 120
monitor 70 are 219 a peice...
this will lay about 800 if you get the psw 505 , monitor 70 and then the cs1 center...
You wont need anymore.
It will be bassy and clear...

cnh

+1 on what Mike (Keiko) says above. And WELCOME TO CLUB POLK!!

As I understand you....you want to run a cheaper but 'good' two channel system. The Rti-A3s WILL give you that. Good for music, acceptable bass, nice imaging and soundstage, good dispersal and can play plenty loud and are efficient enough for that Kenwood to drive.

I must tell you though. I own an old Kenwood 9000 series AVR and though it is VERY powerful over 35 lbs, it is NOT very musical...the sound is a bit sterile but it'll play as LOUD as you want with a REAL 130 watts/channel to the fronts--it can also drive 4 ohm loads.

I think you will need to replace that Kenwood to really hear how good the Rti bookshelves are. The Kenwood can be thin and harsh with some speakers.

Look at Polk's ebay store and wait for a good deal on a DSWpro 400 over the LONG range...no need to buy it now if you don't have the money. As Mike says the Rti-As will do you fine. You may even be able to find some Rti-6s (the previous versions) used or discounted at a much lower cost which would help you think about a sub budget earlier.

Good Luck!

cnh

discome

How about the Polk TSi200's vs. the A3's? How's the sound comparison? they both seem to have good specs. Could the TSi 200'sbe a decent set of speakers on their own for my application, or will I be hating the fact that I didn't get the A3's instead??

comfortablycurt

I used to own a pair of RTi6's, which are basically the older version of the A3's. IMO, they were the best of the RTi series for 2 channel music, and I've heard them all. They just have a much more balanced overall sound and they don't have as much of the brightness issues that the other RTi's have.

I'd suggest going with a pair of A3's and eventually adding a sub. Also, if you want to save some coin, you could get a pair of RTi6's, which are basically the same as the A3's. This would save you some money, to help you get a sub sooner. I've A/B'd the 6's and the A3's...and I didn't really feel like one had much of an edge over the other. The A3's do look much better IMO though.


Be aware of the fact that any of the RTi series is going to lack a lot in the low end department compared to your CV's. Those things are bass monsters, but don't have much in the way of sound quality IMO. That said, the RTi6/A3's do have very respectable bass output for a smaller speaker.