Building a budget high-powered 2 channel system

Conradicles

cnh wrote: »

RuSsM...

You are right. And perhaps people should just use the search engine...but there's also the following problem: what does POLK think we should do with newer members who ask questions that have been answered many times before?

1. Politely tell them, as Brock, often does....the search engine is your friend?
2. Ignore them and let the thread die?
3. Be friendly, provide an opinion, move on, and let the Polk legacy players...continue to extend the real data base here with their vast knowledge of BAT, Cary, Esoteric, Raysonic, McIntosh, Krell, etc. And a life-time of experience with caps, resistors values, CBs, MIT I/Cs....Vinyl gems (TTs), synergy and so on.

You know what I mean. There are 'levels' to this hobby. And the old-timers are UP HERE and the new guys are just getting started and some of us are in the middle.

cnh

Nail, head, hammer as some would say. That is a great post and exactly how I feel.:)

JimAckley

Do you think 310 is a good price for RTi 6's? I have no idea where I'm going to find a set to listen to.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180479084245&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF?&GUID=dd47cc4b1280a0aad3f11ab1ff828354&itemid=180479084245&ff4=263602_263622

TECHNOKID

cnh wrote: »

They have a bit more detail than the M-40s you'd really need to listen to them to decide if that's worth it or not!

As for the M-40s vs M-70s...I really like my M-70s there. If it were me...honestly, I'd think about the M-70s if you can make the room. At the prices these things are selling for on newegg.com it's pretty easy to say YES to them? But you still need a sub.

cnh

+1, if budget permits 2 M70 and 2 505 would surely please you!

cnh

310 is a decent price if they are minty. 250 would be even 'better' if you can get it. (TK is also right above...you can probably get a set of M-70s for less than 360 shipped NEW. And I don't think the Rti-bookshelves are going to take those, better tweeter or not. Because they put out a wall of sound).

Listening is a....well I won't go there....I know what you mean--where can I hear some higher level Polks. That's a problem. Don't know what to tell you there and wouldn't want you to buy something you may or may not like as much as the M-40s?

Best thing is to find someone on this site who has a pair who is close to you, if possible. Most of us would be only too happy to audition some Polks for a fellow Polkie!

cnh

TECHNOKID

Conradicles wrote: »

Nail, head, hammer as some would say. That is a great post and exactly how I feel.:)

As usual I'd say Now I realize why, few years in a store definitely help! Jim, you are definitely in good hands with cnh.

JimAckley

They're NIB, so I'd say they're minty. I love the idea of a bookshelf, but if the Monitor 70s are really that much better than a pair of RTi 6s, then I'll find a way to accomodate them.

cnh

The Rti-bookshelves are nice but yeah, I'd take M-70s over the bookshelves. The M-70s have a unique crossover (the cascade) that is used in Rti-A9s and also in LSis with dual mid-woofers though they are not the same grade of crossover as the lower level M-70s.

That feature makes M-70s image better and have a nice soundstage because the upper mid-woofer is more closely tied to the tweeter and overlaps the bass woofers below it. Hence, in effect...the M-70s give you the best of both worlds--bookshelf imaging with the full range of a tower that few bookshelves can match in this price range.

cnh

JimAckley

So will the 70s hands down beat the RTi's? I guess what I'm asking is if the benefits are worth the extra $ and extra space, since I lack each but will find a way to make sacrifices if it's truly worth it. If the sound of the RTi's are anything close to the 70s, I'd prefer the RTi's, because it's easier to fit a bookshelf in my room. But if the 70s are truly that much better, I suppose I could find a way to make them happen. I'm still leaning toward the RTi's for now though.

TECHNOKID

JimAckley wrote: »

So will the 70s hands down beat the RTi's? I guess what I'm asking is if the benefits are worth the extra $ and extra space, since I lack each but will find a way to make sacrifices if it's truly worth it. If the sound of the RTi's are anything close to the 70s, I'd prefer the RTi's, because it's easier to fit a bookshelf in my room. But if the 70s are truly that much better, I suppose I could find a way to make them happen. I'm still leaning toward the RTi's for now though.

That should then be your priority. You will still enjoy great sound and maybe fell better to enjoy. I mean what is the sense of living cramped and uneasy. I don't really think the enjoyment will be better in those circomstances.

Cheers!
TK

cnh

A pair of Rti-6s or Rti-A3s, if you have space limitations, and the subs will do you!

I'm going to stand on that, the Rti is an excellent bookshelf for what you're thinking of...

I understand the space limitations...believe me. I've tried fitting my SDAs into my office and I've given up....I'm going with bookshelves myself in there...a couple LSIs!

Good Luck...do see if anyone is close by so you can hear those. I'm pretty sure you will like them...!

cnh

packetjones

I have the RTiA3's and was very happy with them. I think that you would be happy with them. i have no experience with the M70's though so i can not really compare them.

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Thanks cnh, T-kid and cfrizz for your helpful responses! Jim, welcome to Club Polk, we hope you enjoy your stay.
Like any family, we occasionally ruffle each others feathers, but, at heart, we want everyone to have a good experience.
Cheers, Ken

JimAckley

For space sake, I decided on bookshelves. I can get some used 40s for $100, or new RTi6's for about 310. I'm gonna try to grab the RTi's if possible.

[Deleted User]

Hello Jim,
If the budget has a little "elastic" in it, the RTi6 would be a good investment.
Enjoy, Ken

JimAckley

I should be able to swing it next week when my paycheck comes through

TECHNOKID

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hello Jim,
If the budget has a little "elastic" in it, the RTi6 would be a good investment.
Enjoy, Ken

Goodness Jim, you are getting 5 stars treathment from Polk :cool: Ken was representing Polk for many years and providing us with outstanding knowledge and response on this site. He recently opt for new challenges outside Polk environment but not long after he graciously accepted to moderate Club Polk so you are definitely in great hands as his knowledge of the product is top notch. I invite you to stick and search Ken's posts as they are enlightning :cool:

Cheers!
TK

polkfarmboy

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hello Jim,
If the budget has a little "elastic" in it, the RTi6 would be a good investment.
Enjoy, Ken

I agree with ken ... I just sold my rti6 for $150 and man are they a fine speaker

They sounded just right and will fill a room with the most clear transparent sound youl ever experience for the money

I really loved listening to rap music and techno with them in my 20ft by 9ft bedroom

dane_peterson

I always liked the RTi line... Have owned RTi8s/RTi4s myself. Hold out for a better price than $310 on the 6s, though. They can be had for less than that.

polkfarmboy

dane_peterson wrote: »

I always liked the RTi line... Have owned RTi8s/RTi4s myself. Hold out for a better price than $310 on the 6s, though. They can be had for less than that.

Very true dane .... I am trying to sell my rti8's local for $300 and I still fell like I'm asking for too much money

keep looking on ebay at the polk refurb store and youl get a pair in showroom condition for around $200 . Half the speakers on the polk refurb have brand new components . You could even call them up and might get a pair sooner

JimAckley

Not gonna lie to you guys, this is my 2nd account on here, since the credentials for my 1st account don't seem to work anymore. Ken's helped me out before and I know his advice to be more than solid, but it does make me happy to see the big dogs helping out the "new" people. Everyone should get 5* advice no matter their experience in any matter. Knowledge is power, and we will all get no-where if we are unwilling to share it. Even the insight of someone just getting into the hobby can change or inspire thoughts in someone who's been at it for 20 years. I digress...

I'm gonna see if I can work out a deal with the ebay seller. The set is (supposedly) brand new, so I can't necessarily complain with the price. The original MSRP is approx. 460 NIB, so 300 (65% the MSRP) ain't to shabby, all things considered. On the other hand, I did get my LSi25's for only 1300 total, so a deal might have to be made... oh wait... might isn't in my vocabulary

I'm gunnin' for the RTi's, and only for a set of 6's. I don't have the space for anything larger, and I don't want to "settle" for 4's.

How do I get in contact with Polk's refurb store? I'm okay with used cabinets with new components, but I'd really like to grab that brand-spankin-new set if possible.

JimAckley

p.s., I owe a world of gratitude to those of you who have helped me decide over the past few days. I could totally still be sitting here having no idea which speaker set to choose, etc. but you guys have laid it out so simply for me. I appreciate all of the insight and advice so very much, and hope to be able to return the favor in the future.

JimAckley

Finding these things hasn't been easy. I found a nearby seller on Craiglist but the posting is from 1.5 months ago so I doubt he/she still has them. Another set in CT, and another set in NV. meeeeh! I'm still thinking I might go with the Ebay seller since they're NIB. Anyone have any good ideas for other places to look?

TECHNOKID

Very unfortunate there aren't any on the Polk eBay store

JimAckley

lol do you ever sleep?

Are there any advantages in choosing RTi A3's vs the RTi6's?

TECHNOKID

JimAckley wrote: »

lol do you ever sleep?

Are there any advantages in choosing RTi A3's vs the RTi6's?

Do you happen to know that the RTiA3s are presently on sale at newegg?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=8%2050012345%2040000494&page=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&SrchInDesc=rtia3&PageSize=20

Cheers!
TK

woodsman10b

When you do get your 25's back, find a Yamaha receiver with preouts to use as your preamp. Yamaha's are known to be very bright soundwise, this might be a very easy fix for what you are looking for. just my .02

JimAckley

woodsman10b wrote: »

When you do get your 25's back, find a Yamaha receiver with preouts to use as your preamp. Yamaha's are known to be very bright soundwise, this might be a very easy fix for what you are looking for. just my .02

I was thinking probably a Denon instead. I'm going to get another amp for them and an EQ and tune it.

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Do you happen to know that the RTiA3s are presently on sale at newegg?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=8%2050012345%2040000494&page=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&SrchInDesc=rtia3&PageSize=20

Cheers!
TK

$150 gift card along w/ them is cool, but it would be WAY better if they'd just take $150 off the price. $450 will dip into gas and food money for this pay period, so I'm probably gonna see if I can find them elsewhere for a lower price.

It's funny how I originally intended to spend like $150 and here i am looking at 2-3x as much. I know it'll be worth it though

TECHNOKID

JimAckley wrote: »

I was thinking probably a Denon instead. I'm going to get another amp for them and an EQ and tune it.


$150 gift card along w/ them is cool, but it would be WAY better if they'd just take $150 off the price. $450 will dip into gas and food money for this pay period, so I'm probably gonna see if I can find them elsewhere for a lower price.

It's funny how I originally intended to spend like $150 and here i am looking at 2-3x as much. I know it'll be worth it though

Yes but didn't 2 PSW 505 so why not use the gift card on that puchase

Ain't always the same, for XX and turn around spendin xx x2, right

JimAckley

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Yes but didn't 2 PSW 505 so why not use the gift card on that puchase

Ain't always the same, for XX and turn around spendin xx x2, right

Well put. Guess I'm buyin' a set of RTi A3's tomorrow. Then the first PSW505 shortly thereafter, since it'll only run me $105 total. I wish they'd throw in a $150 gift card on the PSW505 too.

This is gonna take some tricky budgeting, but it should be do-able. I'm probably gonna go ahead and throw my Rockford T1000.1db on Ebay for some extra cash. Thanks for the heads up TECHNOKID!

TECHNOKID

JimAckley wrote: »

Well put. Guess I'm buyin' a set of RTi A3's tomorrow. Then the first PSW505 shortly thereafter, since it'll only run me $105 total. I wish they'd throw in a $150 gift card on the PSW505 too.

This is gonna take some tricky budgeting, but it should be do-able. I'm probably gonna go ahead and throw my Rockford T1000.1db on Ebay for some extra cash. Thanks for the heads up TECHNOKID!

Good way to do it, who knows maybe you'll be happy with a single sub and save the money *I personnally think 2 X 505 subs (2 X 300 watts RMS) is overkilled with the 2 X RTi A3s (2 X 125 watts)). My .02, maybe 1 x 505 for 300 watts or if you prefer 2 X PSW111 for 300 watts???

Cheers!
TK