Need help deciding on first Polk setup. Not a lot to spend but getting 65% off msrp

Tmac06srt8

I thought I had my mind made on what setup I wanted to get started on an HT system. My budget is about $500, however I get great pricing through an accommodation program so the money goes a long way. I was going to start with rtia3's and a csia4 for around $260 shipped and then add a pair of fxi4 or 6 shortly after for another $165 or $200 respectively. The size of the fxi6's put me off but they are available for purchase while the fxi4's are not in stock, thus why I may be getting them later. I do like how the fxi line is not very deep. I have a feeling I will regret not getting the csia6 though which would only set me back another $35, but mounting above my tv would be way more of a pain. Total for this setup is between $420 and $500 depending on if I go with the csia6 and fxi6 or not.

I was not planning on getting a sub anytime soon, so that got me thinking about the rtiA7's. I hear they have good bass and I would be very happy even without sub. I can get the rtia7's and csia4 or csia6 (seems to be what I am leaning to for center) for $500 and $550 respectively. I would eventually get some rears but not for a while. Got to keep wife happy

So what would you do? Get the 5 channel going with the a3s as mains, csi4 or 6 and fxi4 or fxi6 in back for max $500. I can always upgrade later next year to A7's but really don't want the a3's in rear due to how deep the cabinet is.

Or

Rtia7's and either csia4 or 6 for $500 and $550 respectively. I can get the fxi's later on.

Another option and super wife friendly would be to just get the rtia3's and csia4 or 6 for $260 and $310 respectively.

Please advise. Keeping wifey happy is important but I can get away with max $500ish if need be.

audiocr381ve

Lasareath wrote: »

These are all you need:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-Computer-Speakers-Pair-with-one-wire-connector-/290716652764?pt=US_Computer_Speakers&hash=item43b01014dc#ht_596wt_1071

+1

Soundstage, depth, realism. Can't go wrong with that one.

Tmac06srt8

Lasareath wrote: »

These are all you need:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-Computer-Speakers-Pair-with-one-wire-connector-/290716652764?pt=US_Computer_Speakers&hash=item43b01014dc#ht_596wt_1071

Those look awesome!!! All kidding aside, any input? After getting my 55" I can't stand the tv speakers anymore. The thing drawing me to the bookshelfs is their size and not taking up space since they will be wall mounted. I have a 1 year old that gets into everything too, so the towers kind of scare me. If I kept the grills off he would definitely mess with the speakers.

teekay0007

A lot of this depends on what size room you have, what you're using to drive the speakers and what kind of performance you want. Personally, I'd go with the RTiA7s and the CSiA6 for now. You sound like with anything short of that, you're ALREADY heading toward a bad case of upgraditis. NOT GOOD, when you're just getting started! You want to get something that you're gonna be happy with for as long as possible - for example, me and my Monitor 10Bs that I bought new over 20 years ago! :cool:

The A7s - which are great-sounding, full-range speakers that dig pretty deep - are also great-looking speakers, so wifey should be happy. A6 is a pretty big center, but the center is the main spot for HT that you don't want to short change yourself.

Get the surrounds later if you need to - and, depending on how big your room is, the FXiA4s might do the job quite adequately.

If, as you say, you're not planning on getting a sub anytime soon - well, that just makes me think even more that the A7s are the right way to go.

However, if this is mainly going to serve as a HT setup, you're gonna want a sub pretty quickly! BIG DIFFERENCE for lots of movie soundtracks! :eek:

jbooker82

I would go with RTi A7's as well. I have a DSW Pro660WI sub but most of the time it is off unless I am playing video games or watching a blu ray.

Tmac06srt8

teekay0007 wrote: »

A lot of this depends on what size room you have, what you're using to drive the speakers and what kind of performance you want. Personally, I'd go with the RTiA7s and the CSiA6 for now. You sound like with anything short of that, you're ALREADY heading toward a bad case of upgraditis. NOT GOOD, when you're just getting started! You want to get something that you're gonna be happy with for as long as possible - for example, me and my Monitor 10Bs that I bought new over 20 years ago! :cool:

The A7s - which are great-sounding, full-range speakers that dig pretty deep - are also great-looking speakers, so wifey should be happy. A6 is a pretty big center, but the center is the main spot for HT that you don't want to short change yourself.

Get the surrounds later if you need to - and, depending on how big your room is, the FXiA4s might do the job quite adequately.

If, as you say, you're not planning on getting a sub anytime soon - well, that just makes me think even more that the A7s are the right way to go.

However, if this is mainly going to serve as a HT setup, you're gonna want a sub pretty quickly! BIG DIFFERENCE for lots of movie soundtracks! :eek:

This damn site has me wanting a new receiver with preouts now...lol My wife says I get obsessed whenever I start a hobby. She is right.

Well, one thing for sure is the csia6 after more reading. After looking at my space the rti3s would work well as surrounds since they shoot sound straight out. I can mount on another wall I hadn't thought about before since I had my mind made up on the fxi's. That way I can use them for mains for now and rather than spend money on fxi I can get a cheap sub or new reciever and still be within budget. THEN....I can sneak in the 7's. I was thinking about buying a cheapo receiver that has hdmi(for ease of use) to get me by. Sony has a str-dh820 for $169.

Still undecided. I appreciate the feedback.

Tmac06srt8

jbooker82 wrote: »

I would go with RTi A7's as well. I have a DSW Pro660WI sub but most of the time it is off unless I am playing video games or watching a blu ray.

I am torn between the attractiveness/price of rti3 mains and the sheer sexiness and added lows of the 7s. BTW, these will mainly be used for Cable and Bluray. I notice in your sig you have the csia4. How do you like it with the 7's?

jbooker82

I like it. it sounds great. I probably would have went with the CSI A6 if I had the room. It is a large center speaker. I do not feel like I am missing out on anything by using the CSI A4 though.

ravaneli

A7s are great for watchng tv casually, but for movies they have almost no impact bass wise. I would not spend extra money over the A3s on them. A7 = A3 + 2 weak woofers that you need to power yourself, which is more expensive than just buying a powered subwoofer.
Also, if the size of fxi6 put you off, so will the csiA6. It is a huge box. I wonder why such a big box was necessary when it's ported. The A4 has the same tweeter but the woofers don't go quite as low, but then again it's not their business to go that low. You need subwoofer for that.

I vote for A3s + A4, + chery or cherry vinyl subwoofer. Doesn't have to be big. It will still be more impactful than the A7s. See if you can get a chery 505 from somewhere..

Tmac06srt8

I think I got all excited and forgot my original plan. I definitely will buy the rti3s after speaking with wife. She does not want "big ol honkin speakers on the floor". To tell you the truth I don't either. Plus it was my gut decision at first along with a4. Your input makes justifies it even more. If I get the csia6 I would need to mount were my cable box and other stuff is which then requires use of av rack I have. I would rather not clutter the room. I'm not an audiophile, just want our blurays to sound as good as our tv looks. Plus, the rti3's and csia4 will run me $250 shipped. I think i'll get a small sub instead. I can get the polk psw 111 for cheap. It would bring my total to
$380.68 shipped. The psw125 would run me an extra $63. If that sub sucks I can look for another but for that price I think we will be happy. I can't find anything regarding chery 505 sub however. Any other sub input is appreciated. I can add the fxi4's once they come back in stock. Thanks all for the input. I'll take pics once it's all setup!

ravaneli wrote: »

A7s are great for watchng tv casually, but for movies they have almost no impact bass wise. I would not spend extra money over the A3s on them. A7 = A3 + 2 weak woofers that you need to power yourself, which is more expensive than just buying a powered subwoofer.
Also, if the size of fxi6 put you off, so will the csiA6. It is a huge box. I wonder why such a big box was necessary when it's ported. The A4 has the same tweeter but the woofers don't go quite as low, but then again it's not their business to go that low. You need subwoofer for that.



I vote for A3s + A4, + chery or cherry vinyl subwoofer. Doesn't have to be big. It will still be more impactful than the A7s. See if you can get a chery 505 from somewhere..

jbooker82

Towers up front look better than a book shelf haning off the wall. If you going to use bookshelfs then I would get a pair of stands for them. That way you can move them around and toe them in a little if need be.

Upstatemax

ravaneli wrote: »

A7s are great for watchng tv casually, but for movies they have almost no impact bass wise. I would not spend extra money over the A3s on them. A7 = A3 + 2 weak woofers that you need to power yourself, which is more expensive than just buying a powered subwoofer.
Also, if the size of fxi6 put you off, so will the csiA6. It is a huge box. I wonder why such a big box was necessary when it's ported. The A4 has the same tweeter but the woofers don't go quite as low, but then again it's not their business to go that low. You need subwoofer for that.

I vote for A3s + A4, + chery or cherry vinyl subwoofer. Doesn't have to be big. It will still be more impactful than the A7s. See if you can get a chery 505 from somewhere..

The A7's dig pretty damn low.

To call them A3's with two weak woofers is total BS. My Denon can make them hit pretty damn hard, if I hook my Parasound up they hit harder and cleaner than any sub I have heard that's under $500.

rebuy

I read what you want to do and it's a good plan except for the Sony. I would not run my bookies through it.
The specs lead you astray, you really want more current with your AVR or you might end up over driving that Sony thus risking burning up tweeters or more. Polks like decent power.

Good Luck

deronb1

If this setup is going to be strictly HT, and you can get this great pricing on ALL Polk gear, I would consider going Monitor or TSi series and getting a good sub. Most HT setups are crossed at 80hz anyway, and really, there is nothing like a good sub (or two) when watching a movie. You might have some cash left over for an AVR upgrade!

devani

right now RTi6 is on sale at $150 NEWEGG...

ravaneli

Upstatemax wrote: »

The A7's dig pretty damn low.

To call them A3's with two weak woofers is total BS. My Denon can make them hit pretty damn hard, if I hook my Parasound up they hit harder and cleaner than any sub I have heard that's under $500.

I have driven my A7 with Marantz SR 5006, B&K Sonata, and Behringer Europower 4000 amp. They do dig low, but that's why I said 'impact for movies'. Turn off your sub and play an explosion in a movie with the A7s. Feel anything? I don't. Even with the Behringer, that overpowers them easily. When I turn the sub on you can feel the air from the explosion, the floor and the couch shakes a little. Feel me now? So I just prefer to leave the 80hrz and below to a powered sub. It's cheap and effective.

Talking about Home theater!

Music is another store. Subs tend to suck hard for music.. i prefer just my A7s in 2.0..

mystik610

I agree that the A7's probably won't impress you as much as you think in terms of low-frequency response for home theater. It will dig deep enough to voice a music track as intended (which is the real benefit subs in a tower), but will not have much of an impact for home theater. This is particularly true if you're powering the A7's strictly with a receiver. It takes power to drive low frequencies (particularly at home theater levels), and even if you had a full-range tower like the A9's, it would take a separate amplifier to really drive the woofers in such a way that makes an impact for HT.

That isn't to say that a7's are a bad speaker, I just don't think its a good use of your budget if you're primarily interested in home theater. The real advantage to the a7 over the a3 is for music. I think the best choice for you would honestly be the a5.

Get a sub as soon as you can.

cnh

Upstatemax wrote: »

The A7's dig pretty damn low.

To call them A3's with two weak woofers is total BS. My Denon can make them hit pretty damn hard, if I hook my Parasound up they hit harder and cleaner than any sub I have heard that's under $500.

I agree with MAX, I ran a set on a Denon, the previous, heavier model and it was a good match.

Welcome to Club Polk!

Here's what you do. You go for the A3s and the A6 now and LATER--when your wife accepts that--you introduce the idea of getting A7 towers, and just shift the A3s to surround duty and your in like Flynn!

Problem solved. But you have to "plan" ahead!

Good luck!

cnh

Upstatemax

ravaneli wrote: »

I have driven my A7 with Marantz SR 5006, B&K Sonata, and Behringer Europower 4000 amp. They do dig low, but that's why I said 'impact for movies'. Turn off your sub and play an explosion in a movie with the A7s. Feel anything? I don't. Even with the Behringer, that overpowers them easily. When I turn the sub on you can feel the air from the explosion, the floor and the couch shakes a little. Feel me now? So I just prefer to leave the 80hrz and below to a powered sub. It's cheap and effective.

Talking about Home theater!

Music is another store. Subs tend to suck hard for music.. i prefer just my A7s in 2.0..

I have not run a sub in my HT for months now...

Once again, I found the A7's hit as low and cleaner than any sub I've heard for $500 or less. Can a better sub do a better job, yes. But I found I was going to spend $600-$900 on that kind of a sub. I don't really feel like spending that right now so I pulled the sub and gave it to a friend and I just run my A7's and FXi's.

Once my daughter gets older, I'll put the money into a nice sub. But unless you plan on spending $600 or more, I've found the A7's do it better.

Tighter, faster and with almost zero bass localization.

satguy08

I know its an older post I run 10b's up front with a 5 center and 7's as rear's and I will die will this system.

Turbota

Need help deciding on first Polk setup. Not a lot to spend but getting 65% off msrp

Tmac06srt8 wrote: »

I was going to start with RTiA3's and a CSiA4 for around $260 shipped.

I can get the RTiA7's and CSiA4 or CSiA6 for $500 and $550 respectively.

I am still trying to figure out how he is buying these Polk speakers this cheap!

chumlie

Turbota wrote: »

Need help deciding on first Polk setup. Not a lot to spend but getting 65% off msrp



I am still trying to figure out how he is buying these Polk speakers this cheap!

Thats 2 of us. I'm sure there's more.

Turbota

Tmac06srt8 wrote: »

I get great pricing through an accommodation program, so the money goes a long way.

"Accommodation" program?

EndersShadow

Turbota wrote: »

"Accommodation" program?

A "accomodation program" is normally when employee's at stores have access to purchase products at the same price the retailer does. For instance Best Buy employee's get "dealer" pricing on some product lines that Best Buy carries. So a employee may pay 1100 for a TV whereas the consumer even on sale may pay 1400.

Its one reason I have debated selling my soul to Magnolia at Best Buy to basically work to save up for a couple items (entertainment center, seperates for my 2 channel system, etc) and then quit lol....

cnh

Thanks Enders! And here I thought it was some form of Geisha entertainment package? lol

cnh