Difficulty choosing between Polk RTi's for my HT setup
stanjohn123
Posts: 28
Hello everyone. I am a newbie and live in Kuwait currently. I have actually selected a Marantz SR6008 receiver and am now looking for a good set of speakers to compliment it. My room size is 12 feet X 22 Feet.
As much as I love the DSW PRO660 wi subs, I have read numerous complaints about it's reliability and also I have a big disadvantage in shipping the faulty products for warranty / service repairs as I will be moving to India next month. So I really need speakers that won't fail.
Anwyays these are the options that I have from my local dealership in Kuwait.
1) Polk Audio RTi's comprising of A5 , A1 , CSi A4 and DSW PRO 660 Wi (wired) : Total costs 1,099 $
2) Polk Audio A7 - Costs 358 $ each
3) Polk Audio DSW PRO 660 Wi costs 383 $
What combination would you recommend to me knowing that reliability is a top priority for me ? Thanks.
As much as I love the DSW PRO660 wi subs, I have read numerous complaints about it's reliability and also I have a big disadvantage in shipping the faulty products for warranty / service repairs as I will be moving to India next month. So I really need speakers that won't fail.
Anwyays these are the options that I have from my local dealership in Kuwait.
1) Polk Audio RTi's comprising of A5 , A1 , CSi A4 and DSW PRO 660 Wi (wired) : Total costs 1,099 $
2) Polk Audio A7 - Costs 358 $ each
3) Polk Audio DSW PRO 660 Wi costs 383 $
What combination would you recommend to me knowing that reliability is a top priority for me ? Thanks.
Post edited by stanjohn123 on
Comments
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I would go with the A3 or A5 bookshelf speakers and a wired sub such as the DSW 600.
Definitely go with the CSiA6 center regardless of your choices on other speakers...unless space is a major constraint, rule of thumb is go with the largest center in the product line.
Also, save yourself some coin (possibly) and research cable prices on line vs. buying everything from the dealer.... -
I would go with the A3 or A5 bookshelf speakers and a wired sub such as the DSW 600.
Definitely go with the CSiA6 center regardless of your choices on other speakers...unless space is a major constraint, rule of thumb is go with the largest center in the product line.
Also, save yourself some coin (possibly) and research cable prices on line vs. buying everything from the dealer....
What about the reliability issues with the DSW 660 wi ?
My dealer does not have anything other than the CSi A4 for center speakers from Polk Audio.
Also since I'm buying everything locally I will be depending on my dealer for the wires / cables. I don't have the knowledge or patience to go looking out for cables elsewhere. -
I'd say with the AVR of choice, combo 1 would be pretty good. The A7 needs a bit more than receiver power as I've found out. I'm sure others will chime in but personally, combo 1 is well rounded and your AVR should do well with it.
Even I was thinking about combo 1 until I read reviews on the poor reliability of the DSW Pro 660 Wi.
Are you suggesting that the A7 will need more powerful receivers to make it work to its full potential ?
I thought if I can get the A7 , I could ignore the DSW Pro 660 Wi as the A7 has enough Bass. -
stanjohn123 wrote: »Even I was thinking about combo 1 until I read reviews on the poor reliability of the DSW Pro 660 Wi.
Are you suggesting that the A7 will need more powerful receivers to make it work to its full potential ?
I thought if I can get the A7 , I could ignore the DSW Pro 660 Wi as the A7 has enough Bass.
he is saying the a7 will need separate amplification, that no receiver is beefy enough to drive them well, especially at higher volumes. see what your dealer has for subs fom other companies if youre worried, and let us know here, im sure someone will be able to help you pick the best one for you. also, enjoy this venture, its awesome.2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know
"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA -
stanjohn123 wrote: »Even I was thinking about combo 1 until I read reviews on the poor reliability of the DSW Pro 660 Wi.
Are you suggesting that the A7 will need more powerful receivers to make it work to its full potential ?
I thought if I can get the A7 , I could ignore the DSW Pro 660 Wi as the A7 has enough Bass.
you will ruin those towers under powering them, if long lasting is what you want, combo one, or a-3's all around with either center. let us know his options for cables, there are those here who seem to know more about cables than they know about themselves.2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA -
seabeerob213 wrote: »he is saying the a7 will need separate amplification, that no receiver is beefy enough to drive them well, especially at higher volumes. see what your dealer has for subs fom other companies if youre worried, and let us know here, im sure someone will be able to help you pick the best one for you. also, enjoy this venture, its awesome.
These are all the options that I have now. I still haven't gone to the Pioneer showroom though.
1) Polk Audio RTi's comprising of A5 , A1 , CSi A4 and DSW PRO 660 Wi (wired) : Total costs 1,099 $
2) Polk Audio A7 - Costs 358 $ each
3) Polk Audio DSW PRO 660 Wi costs 383 $
4) Harmon Kardon AVR70 5.1 setup costs 415 $
5) JBL Studio Series 5.1 comprising of JBL studio 180 , Sub 140 P , 120C , and 130 : Total cost 1,167 $
6) JBL Studio 180 - Costs 287 $
7) JBL Studio Sub 140P Costs 440 $
8) JBL Studio 120C - 198 $
9) JBL Studio 130 - didnt note the price
10) Harmon Kardon HKTS 60BQ / 230 5.1 speaker setup - 851 $
11) Onkyo SKW 770 Sub - 141 $
12) Onkyo SKF-4800 5.1 speakers together cost - 461 $
13) Bowers and Wilkinson 684 speakers - 624 $ each
14) KEF C series 5.1 - 922 $
15) KEF sub C4(B) - 283 $ -
seabeerob213 wrote: »you will ruin those towers under powering them, if long lasting is what you want, combo one, or a-3's all around with either center. let us know his options for cables, there are those here who seem to know more about cables than they know about themselves.
Lol. Sure thing , will let you guy's know on the cables the next time I visit them. -
Tell the Polk dealer to order the CSiA6 and the FXiA6's for surrounds.
Get a Pioneer Elite AVR, it'll drive the A7's with no problem. The A7's are not going to give you the bass that a sub will for HT purposes.
I've had the Polk DSW 660wi in my HT rig for a few years now. Works great with no problems, but it is bettter suited for HT than 2 channel music.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Tell the Polk dealer to order the CSiA6 and the FXiA6's for surrounds.
Get a Pioneer Elite AVR, it'll drive the A7's with no problem. The A7's are not going to give you the bass that a sub will for HT purposes.
I've had the Polk DSW 660wi in my HT rig for a few years now. Works great with no problems, but it is bettter suited for HT than 2 channel music.
Thanks for your reply. When did you buy your DSW Pro 660 i exactly ? It's comments like your's that gives me a little hope in buying this great sub. Wonder why others have power failures with this system though ? If we knew the exact reason we could take remedial steps.
Actually I have a modest budget of just 2,000 $ and half of it has been gone for the Marantz SR6008 receiver. Can you give me exxact model number for the Pioneer Elite receiver ? Is it more than a 1,000 $ ?
I think I won't be able to afford the speakers that you're mentioning and even if my dealer did order , I won't be getting it in a month's time. -
When did you buy your DSW Pro 660 i exactly ?
It's been about 3 years.Can you give me exxact model number for the Pioneer Elite receiver ? Is it more than a 1,000 $ ?
There are a number of current SC-xx models available, take a look. There is also a VSK (I think) model that has basically the same features of the lower end Elite models, but costs less.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Update , So I spoke to the Pioneer dealership here and they do have the Andrew Jones speaker system here complete. They quoted me as below.
1) The Andrew Jones SP-PK52FS 5.1 system comprising of SP-FS52 floor standing speakers + SP-BS22 Rear Speakers + SP-C22 center channel+ S31W Subwoofer : Costs 443$
2) The Andrew Jones speakers SP-PK52FS minus the subwoofer i.e SP-FS52 floor standing speakers + SP-BS22 Rear Speakers + SP-C22 center channel : Costs 312$
3) Pioneer F31 Subwoofer : Costs 149$
4) Pioneer S-MS35W Subwoofer : Costs 184$
What do you guy's think about this ? -
I think you should get a better subwoofer.....SVS-HSU-Velodyne-Rel- Revel, etc.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I think you should get a better subwoofer.....SVS-HSU-Velodyne-Rel- Revel, etc.
Maybe my next subwoofer upgrade will take your recommendation. Right now I may go for the DSW Pro 660 wi.
What speakers would you suggest me to get ? Do you think the Andrew Jones speakers would sound better than the RTi's ? -
No the Andrew Jones speakers don't sound better than the Rti's. They are however a great bang for the buck and a sweet sounding little speaker, but they do not match the build or sound quality of the Polks. I recommended them to a friend and we went to Magnolia, after hearing the Pioneers next to the Tsi series from Polk he bought the Polks and the Tsi is a step down from the Rti.
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As said, if budget is a concern, the Pioneers would do you. But I would NOT buy the Pioneer sub, too entry level. Get the Polk sub or something better. And consider the Pioneer AVRs mentioned above.
If you do a 5.0 Andrew Jones system and spend another 1200-1500 on the receiver and sub you should have something pretty good!
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
Tell the Polk dealer to order the CSiA6 and the FXiA6's for surrounds.
Get a Pioneer Elite AVR, it'll drive the A7's with no problem. The A7's are not going to give you the bass that a sub will for HT purposes.
I've had the Polk DSW 660wi in my HT rig for a few years now. Works great with no problems, but it is bettter suited for HT than 2 channel music.
+1 to F1's recommendation. See my sig below. My only slightly differing opinion is that with proper placement and good eq, the 660wi do a very good job for music. I've had two 660's for over 2 yrs now and they have worked flawlessly._____________________________________________________________________________________________
Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
DAC: Bricasti M1SE
Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics -
I think you should get a better subwoofer.....SVS-HSU-Velodyne-Rel- Revel, etc.
Which 12 inch subs are best from these brands ? Can you give me model numbers ? -
+1 to F1's recommendation. See my sig below. My only slightly differing opinion is that with proper placement and good eq, the 660wi do a very good job for music. I've had two 660's for over 2 yrs now and they have worked flawlessly.
The thing is the Polk dealer has a very good offer with the bundles. If I buy everything separately it will shoot up the price. -
stanjohn123 wrote: »Which 12 inch subs are best from these brands ? Can you give me model numbers ?
What's your budget? SVS's PB2000 is getting rave reviews... -
I'm considering of buying only the subs online now. Thinking of BIC F12's , are these good ?
Can you suggest me other good subs in this price range ? -
ken brydson wrote: »What's your budget? SVS's PB2000 is getting rave reviews...
My budget is around 300$ max as I will have to pay extra for shipping. Please bear in mind that I need a reliable sub too. -
Your post is getting a little confusing because of the oscillating budget? But for around $200, the older Polk PSW 505 would do for HT. It's not the most musical sub but it will bang as well or even better than that BIC.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-PSW505-BLACK-12-Powered-Subwoofer-/360917348544?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item540859b0c0
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
+1 to F1's recommendation. See my sig below. My only slightly differing opinion is that with proper placement and good eq, the 660wi do a very good job for music. I've had two 660's for over 2 yrs now and they have worked flawlessly.
The Pioneer dealer does not have the Elite range here. They said they had something like the VSX-233. Anyways will try to go there this week and see if they can get the Elite for me.
Also will try to go to the Polk dealers and see if they can order for me the Fsi A6 and CSi A6. -
Your post is getting a little confusing because of the oscillating budget? But for around $200, the older Polk PSW 505 would do for HT. It's not the most musical sub but it will bang as well or even better than that BIC.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-PSW505-BLACK-12-Powered-Subwoofer-/360917348544?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item540859b0c0
cnh
Sorry about that. I'm really confused and I have 1000 bucks to spend, from that I'm thinking of keeping 700-750 bucks for the speakers and the remaining for the sub. -
The Pioneers these guys are referring to are the ones with D3 ICE amplification. The lower VSX units from 2XX to 11XX do NOT qualify. D3 starts at VSX 12XX or 13XX (I can't remember if the 12XX has D3 or not).
This is an important feature that will GREATLY affect the way the receiver sounds. Lower end Pioneers are just average sounding, there is very little "special" about them.
Unfortunately the higher models cost more.
Of the Elite models, look to the SC models mostly. Not ALL Elites have ICE amps.
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
I'd take those Pioneers over the RTi series all day, but I listen to more music than HT. I'm not a fan of the voicing the RTiA lineup has. The Pioneers are more in line with the older RTxxxi series, a series I liked very much.
Isn't voicing dependent on the center speakers ? If that's the case , I can just get the Center C22 speaker from Pioneer and the remaining from Polk Audio RTi range. -
As said, if budget is a concern, the Pioneers would do you. But I would NOT buy the Pioneer sub, too entry level. Get the Polk sub or something better. And consider the Pioneer AVRs mentioned above.
If you do a 5.0 Andrew Jones system and spend another 1200-1500 on the receiver and sub you should have something pretty good!
cnh
Thanks. Yes from the specs of the Pioneer Sub I guess I would not take it. But the remaining 5 speakers from Andrew Jones seem promising for the money. Still if Polk RTi is better than the Andrew Jones speakers I might get only the RTi's, I guess we get what we are paying for.
Anyways like most have commented, I will be listening to songs and movies between the 3 - Andrew Jones Pioneer , Polk Audio RTi ( Combo 1 ) and JBL series 1 5.1 system and then probably take my decision as most here have given equally good feedback for them. -
Excuse me for butting in here, but...the rule is that ALL THREE FRONT SPEAKERS MUST BE TIMBRE MATCHED. The center determines nothing, it has to MATCH the L/R speakers at the very least.
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
The Pioneers these guys are referring to are the ones with D3 ICE amplification. The lower VSX units from 2XX to 11XX do NOT qualify. D3 starts at VSX 12XX or 13XX (I can't remember if the 12XX has D3 or not).
This is an important feature that will GREATLY affect the way the receiver sounds. Lower end Pioneers are just average sounding, there is very little "special" about them.
Unfortunately the higher models cost more.
Of the Elite models, look to the SC models mostly. Not ALL Elites have ICE amps.
cnh
Thanks for your reply. The Elite SC models are too expensive. I think I will just stick with the Marantz SR6008 for now. -
Your post is getting a little confusing because of the oscillating budget? But for around $200, the older Polk PSW 505 would do for HT. It's not the most musical sub but it will bang as well or even better than that BIC.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-PSW505-BLACK-12-Powered-Subwoofer-/360917348544?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item540859b0c0
cnh
Is this better than the DSW Pro 660 wi both reliability and sound quality wise ?
