Proposed System

Iamnaeth

Hey all, I'm a new register and a moderate newbie to the home audio department. I have a friend who is sold on Polk and from listening to his system, so am I. I recently bought myself a sony 50" LCD TV and have decided to finish up the theatre by getting the surround sound. After some research in my price range, I think i've decided on the Denon 2803. I can't really justify the extra $200 for the 3803. By using the speakers that crutchfield suggested, here is my polk 6.1 surround sound system.

Fronts - Polk Audio RTi6 Black Pair
Rears - Polk Audio RTi4 Black Pair
Center (Front and Back) - Polk Audio CSi3 Black Each
Sub - Polk Audio FXi3 Black Pair

Will this sound good? How about the receiver, will this be enough to power this system? Thanks all for your input.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I don't get the FXi3 paid for the sub...aren't those surround speakers??? You probably want to look at something like a PSW 404 or the like for a sub...

If you like the Denon sound, then that 2803 should be fine. It should have no issues powering that setup. Have you demo'ed the Denon?

That will be a very good system, you'll love it...

PolkWannabie

You really mean these for side surrounds, don't you ?

Sub - Polk Audio FXi3 Black Pair

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by PolkWannabie
You really mean these for side surrounds, don't you ?

Sub - Polk Audio FXi3 Black Pair

I don't think he will have sides with a 6.1 setup...:)

Iamnaeth

Wow! Quick responses.

Maybe I missed something. 6.1 to me means, 3 in front, 3 in back with a sub? Is that right?

The FXi3 was a complete mispost and understanding by my part. I suppose the system should be:

Fronts - Polk Audio RTi6 Black Pair
Rears - Polk Audio FXi3 Black Pair
Center (Front and Back) - Polk Audio CSi3 Black Each
Sub - ?

Does this make more sense? What sub can you recommend? Crutchfield is running an offer for a free Polk Audio PSW303 with a certain amount of purchase. Would this be a good deal?

While we're on the subject, what should the center back speaker be? Should I be like a center front or just a regular back speaker? As I understand it, the center front speaker handles about 70-80% of the dialogue. I doubt that this percentage would hold true for the rear center, so should you spend the same amount of money for your front center as your rear back?

Thanks all for the help!

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by Iamnaeth
Wow! Quick responses.

Maybe I missed something. 6.1 to me means, 3 in front, 3 in back with a sub? Is that right?

The FXi3 was a complete mispost and understanding by my part. I suppose the system should be:

Fronts - Polk Audio RTi6 Black Pair
Rears - Polk Audio FXi3 Black Pair
Center (Front and Back) - Polk Audio CSi3 Black Each
Sub - ?

Does this make more sense? What sub can you recommend? Crutchfield is running an offer for a free Polk Audio PSW303 with a certain amount of purchase. Would this be a good deal?

While we're on the subject, what should the center back speaker be? Should I be like a center front or just a regular back speaker? As I understand it, the center front speaker handles about 70-80% of the dialogue. I doubt that this percentage would hold true for the rear center, so should you spend the same amount of money for your front center as your rear back?

Thanks all for the help!

That PSW303 is not the greatest sub known to man, but it will work fine for you. You can always 'upgrade later'...

As for the centers, I'd spend more money on the front center. The rear center is just another speaker back there from what I understand to help complete the soundfield...I don't even use one, so I really don't know. I just wanted to mention that in HT, the center is one of the most important items in the setup due to the amount of detail it carriers...

PolkWannabie

Originally posted by Polkmaniac
I don't think he will have sides with a 6.1 setup...:)

Uhhh ... maybe I don't fully comprehend what 6.1 is !?

I thought the 6 was 2 front, 1 center (front), 2 side surrounds, 1 center (rear), but in any case you obviously wouldn't want to be trying to use FXi3's for the .1

http://dolby.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/dolby.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=yo5oU78h&p_lva=&p_faqid=135&p_created=1013441850&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NzQmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=

Iamnaeth

If the PSW303 isn't a great sub, Crutchfield offers a $199 discount instead of the sub. What sub would you recommend?

bokdaddy

The Crutchfield deal is actually for the PSW202. It's not a bad sub, but if you can afford more I say go for more.

dorokusai

What sub would you recommend?

I would suggest the PSW505 if you are buying from Crutchfield. It is the best performer in that whole group.

While we're on the subject, what should the center back speaker be? Should I be like a center front or just a regular back speaker? As I understand it, the center front speaker handles about 70-80% of the dialogue. I doubt that this percentage would hold true for the rear center, so should you spend the same amount of money for your front center as your rear back?

I feel the best choice is a center channel speaker, simple and you don't have to waste a speaker if you buy a pair. It will not handle as much information as the front center channel.

I agree with PM, and suggest going larger in front if possible, but it's by no means neccesary.

I think your choices, RTi6, CSi3 and FXi3 are solid choices....the above is just a suggestion.

Iamnaeth

Is crutchfield the best place to get Polk is there a cheaper way?

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by Iamnaeth
Is crutchfield the best place to get Polk is there a cheaper way?

Circuit City sometimes has very good deals...and Frys carrier Polk also...

Sometimes you can get a good deal on Ebay...

I've always bought from CC or Crutchfield...

Iamnaeth

I think i'll swing by CC on my way home tonight. its been a good 10 hr work day, i think i'll go play a little before heading home to watch the BB Finals in HD on my crappy 5.1 computer speakers. Better start pinching pennies.

dorokusai

Crutchfield is my favorite, although they tend to charge more for the products. Their customer service is however outstanding and they are really oriented towards customer satisfaction.

I refuse to deal with CC, but many deals have been found in that establishment. It always worth taking a look around.