Which reciver for Polks?

up2youjoe
up2youjoe Posts: 114
edited January 2004 in Speakers
All,

I will be purchasing the following speakers:

Front RTi8
Center CSi3
Sub PSW505
Rear RTi6 or FXi3

I know these speakers will be a little bright and I was hoping someone out there will have their Polks hooked up to either a Denon 3803 or an Onkyo SR801 and let me know what they think. I have heard them in the stores but I would like some real consumer feedback.

Thanks in advance,

Joe
No Kids Allowed
cold, heartless, clueless, greedy 'young professional'
Post edited by up2youjoe on
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Comments

  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited January 2004
    If you want to compare same recievers you should look at the Onkyo 901 it has the same power as the 3803. I have the 3803 and am happy with it. You will have to make that call especally if you can compare them first hand. They will both play the Polks very well. If it makes a diff. the 3803 can be had for $699.06 from 6th Ave (online) order the 3802 and you will get the 3803, mabey the price will sway your desition, if not you should be happy with either.

    Dave
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  • Sydney's Dad
    Sydney's Dad Posts: 98
    edited January 2004
    Find a used Sony DA777ES. Still one of the best audio purchases I've ever made.
    Sony 53" TV
    Sony DA777ES Receiver
    Sony SCD-C55ES CD/SACD
    Sony DVP-NS755V DVD
    Sony 4-TA-N55ES Amplifers
    Front 2 pair Polk RTi150
    Center Polk CSi40
    Rear Polk RTi70
    Sub SVS PC+ & Infinity BL-2

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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited January 2004
    I have a Denon 3801 powering Polks (RT800i/CS400i/RT3/CS175i/PSW1200) in my HT setup, and it seems to do everything well. It replaced a Sony V333ES which, to ME, didn't sound good at all in the same system. Almost night and day different.

    Before I bought the Denon, I listened to Yamaha and Pioneer Elite models (can't remember the numbers now) around the same price-point, $1000 give or take. The Yamaha's amps seemed gutless, but the Pioneer Elite sounded good. I actually chose the Denon because I preferred its cosmetics, but I've never regretted it. It's excellent on DD/DTS and I even find it pretty decent for two channel music in "Direct" mode.

    Bottom line is you're going to have to listen to some receivers and make up your own mind. The dealer where I bought my Denon actually let me take a couple of display models home to try in MY system. Of course I paid full retail for the Denon...
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited January 2004
    I have a similar speaker setup, and the Onkyo 700 does a great job. I can only imagine the 801 would be even better.

    Regards,
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2004
    I would go for the Denon. I have used a Denon AVR in my HT and I use Denon gear in my 2 channel rig...all running Polk RTi speakers. I have always thought that Polk and Denon go well together. Great sound...and setup and reliability are good.

    Obviously you are getting differing opinions here...and you know that either one would probably be good based on the posts here. So...the question is...what to YOU like? After all...in the end it that's all that really matters. Now go listen until you can make up your mind!
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2004
    Go Denon.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Sydney's Dad
    Sydney's Dad Posts: 98
    edited January 2004
    Check out this site.

    http://pub106.ezboard.com/baussiedvdandhtforum

    It helped me make a decison when I bought my 777 several months ago.

    On another note there is no comparison between the 333 and the 777. I've owned both and have to say the 777 can go toe to toe with just about any flagship receiver built today. I only paid $550 for mine (used), but would not think about selling it, even if the offer was three time that.
    Sony 53" TV
    Sony DA777ES Receiver
    Sony SCD-C55ES CD/SACD
    Sony DVP-NS755V DVD
    Sony 4-TA-N55ES Amplifers
    Front 2 pair Polk RTi150
    Center Polk CSi40
    Rear Polk RTi70
    Sub SVS PC+ & Infinity BL-2

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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited January 2004
    I'll just add that I didn't mean to imply that the Sony 777ES was on the same level as the 333 I had. S-D is correct: The 333 was the bottom of the ES line, IIRC, whereas the 777 was top, or near the top. I think its amp section is very similar to some of the Sony power amps.

    The 333 sucked though. Sound was inferior to the old DPL Kenwood that cost half as much, that I had previously. I was hugely disappointed with it.

    Moral of the story: Listen before you buy or buy from a dealer with a liberal return policy, or both.

    Jason
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited January 2004
    Go Onkyo!!!;)
    Or something like that......
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  • PolkinHarley
    PolkinHarley Posts: 18
    edited January 2004
    I would buy another Integra DTR 9.1-U2 (by onkyo).

    or would go with Yamaha RX-Z9,

    those would be my choice.. Or if your not in a Hurry
    this fall the New Onkyo/Integra DTR-10.5 will be out..

    then the choice will be 10.5 or Z9.....

    my 3 cents worth anyway.



    Love my dtr9.1, rti12's, csi5, fxi5's, also my pair of
    highly matched and tuned psw-650's!!

    Goodluck
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited January 2004
    I would buy the Denon avr3803 and not turn back.

    Onkyo,Integra,,and Yamaha I would shy away from as I feel they are way to bright.My opnion.

    Denon
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited January 2004
    Originally posted by jcaut

    Moral of the story: Listen before you buy or buy from a dealer with a liberal return policy, or both.

    Jason

    That is some very good advice.

    I have found Denon to be a good combination with Polks. But there is always a matter of taste (YOURS). If at all possible, get a good listen in to find out what you like.

    As some have said, used equipment could be another route. You can get some really good high end equipment at some good prices. you might be able to find something in this flea market or you could check out Audiogon
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  • PolkinHarley
    PolkinHarley Posts: 18
    edited January 2004
    Onkyo,Integra,,and Yamaha I would shy away from as I feel they are way to bright.My opnion.

    You need to turn the lights off then or Close your Blinds, Block that Sun Man.... ))LOL((

    again I agree with all who say "You have to hear and buy what "you" like, as nobody can hear it the way You do"

    Buy what sounds great to you...
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