which speakers are better?
Howdy, I'm upgrading from my home theater from a sony HIB and looking at polk speakers. Im sticking around a grand for receiver and speakers. So naturally im looking at the complete T-series set up with an onkyo tx nr757. But on Amazon I saw a onkyo tx nr656 with polk TSi speakers bundle that fit my budget as well...Which speaker line is better TSi or The t-series? I cant seem to find much info out there to compare the 2 lines.
Comments
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Tsi is better.
The Polk line is this.
"T" series
Signature which replaced TSi
RTIA
LSIWhen I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
This bundle has the tsi300 tower...the receiver is slightly less than what the 757 provides but 150 bucks more for the tsi package vs the T series with a slightly better receiver. I guess are the tsi300 worth more compared to the t50? Or would you really not even notice the difference much? Too many options out there and it's rather annoying. Haha at least in my price range.
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For my use the T series work great in a workshop environment and the sound is satisfying. Not a big deal if they get beat around, scratched, dusty, etc.
From experience the Signature are a significant improvement in sound quality. Everyone who's listened to S20 bookshelves is pleased. In comparison to the older design Monitor towers, they're just better overall, except for lacking the low end. Signature towers provide a full range for music.
Can't compare to TSi line as I've no experience. -
Yeah, the Sigs are a pretty nice speaker.The best way to predict the future is to invent it.
It is imperative that we recognize that an opinion is not a fact. -
The TSI have a better build quality than the T series. I think they look better also, but that is the reason the cost more. Both are designed for people just getting into HT, or as in your case, moving up from HTIB systems.
Whichever you choose will probably be an improvement to most HTIB systems. -
So then this brings on another question....the receiver
The Tx NR-656 and the Tx NR-757..the only real difference is the 757 has Thx. Is that something that is noticeable and is it worth an extra 100 or so bucks. I've never heard anything other than my HTIB and my buddies full on Klipsch system. I'm not spending that kind or coin..not even close. Haha
This is the bundle I was talking about.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0T84HE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AED492BX4II6G
Or go T series but still in the air on receiver. -
Why have you settled on Onkyo for the receiver?
Personally, not a fan of their sound or build quality.
Have you looked at any of the Yamaha options? -
I would stay away from Onkyo, HDMI board problems for the last few years and they still produce them and fix later
in your budget and better speakers https://www.amazon.com/RX-V681BL-7-2-Channel-Receiver-Polk-Audio/dp/B01H25A1RC/ref=pd_day0_504_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01H25A1RC&pd_rd_r=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8&pd_rd_w=14dN5&pd_rd_wg=CW8Vi&psc=1&refRID=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8
This is the one I would get in your price range https://www.amazon.com/AVENTAGE-RX-A760BL-7-2-Channel-Polk-Audio/dp/B01GIE0LAU/ref=pd_cp_504_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01GIE0LAU&pd_rd_r=RQ1J2NZRMW1XAKXH78VH&pd_rd_w=CHkPC&pd_rd_wg=73Sbo&psc=1&refRID=RQ1J2NZRMW1XAKXH78VH
a lot more but you will love it for years https://www.adorama.com/pkults60b.html
When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
So then this brings on another question....the receiver
The Tx NR-656 and the Tx NR-757..the only real difference is the 757 has Thx. Is that something that is noticeable and is it worth an extra 100 or so bucks. I've never heard anything other than my HTIB and my buddies full on Klipsch system. I'm not spending that kind or coin..not even close. Haha
This is the bundle I was talking about.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0T84HE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AED492BX4II6G
Or go T series but still in the air on receiver.
Not a bad system for the price. Think you'll like it better than your HTIB system.
You'll need speaker wire, a subwoofer cable, and HDMI cable(s) to get everything up and running. Check Blue Jeans cable for budget friendly speaker cable. Would recommend Audioquest's Forrest HDMI cable, may seem a little pricey to you, but the little extra is well worth it. -
Upstatemax wrote: »Why have you settled on Onkyo for the receiver?
Personally, not a fan of their sound or build quality.
Have you looked at any of the Yamaha options?
I always heard good things about Onkyo but the 656 actually has a lot of complaints. I stayed with Onkyo solely to chop the field down as I was overwhelmed with all that was out there.
I have not looked at Yamaha but my BIL has a Yamaha receiver and loves it. So back to the drawing board.
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I think the advice about the Onkyo is worth heeding. They pack a lot of features for the money in their receivers and something has to give. They do have a history of HDMI board failures. Maybe they fixed that? I don't know. Yamaha has always been a solid value even when other mainstream brands have gone soft. I recently purchased a Pioneer with class D3 power and I like it. I used to think poorly of Pioneer but this Elite SC-99 is a keeper. Especially with M-65's driving my mains.
As for speakers, I like your choice. There was a period of time right after the 80's when Polk disappointed a bit but the new ones sound pretty remarkable when paired with a sub.
Let us know what you finally decide. -
If you want to build your own system, you can get all the speakers on the Polk E Bay site, except the center channel. I'd recommend substituting the sub with the PSW 505, it's just a better sub. The CSI10 can be bought off Amazon.
Go to the Accessories4Less website for the AVR. There factory refurbished, but I personally haven't had any problems/issues with anything I've bought from them.
Looks like it will come out about the same price as the bundle you looked at.
It's true that Onkyo's is having issues with their HDMI boards, but I personally have an issue with their AccuEQ calibration program they use. The board can be replaced, the calibration program can't. -
I got quoted $1160 for this set up that was posted above:
https://www.amazon.com/RX-V681BL-7-2-Channel-Receiver-Polk-Audio/dp/B01H25A1RC/ref=pd_day0_504_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01H25A1RC&pd_rd_r=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8&pd_rd_w=14dN5&pd_rd_wg=CW8Vi&psc=1&refRID=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8
The problem is the receiver I cant seem to find much about and compare to the Onkyo nr656. Ill have to research some, my plan is to stay around 1200 but no more. I have to upgrade my screen as well so have to save some cash for it. Going from a 100" manual pull down to a Wife requested 125" electric tab tension. That will be the max size able to fit in our spot. This is in a bonus room above a garage so its not all that big. -
I got quoted $1160 for this set up that was posted above:
https://www.amazon.com/RX-V681BL-7-2-Channel-Receiver-Polk-Audio/dp/B01H25A1RC/ref=pd_day0_504_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01H25A1RC&pd_rd_r=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8&pd_rd_w=14dN5&pd_rd_wg=CW8Vi&psc=1&refRID=2T2NY6YTKYAG7GVRGSS8
The problem is the receiver I cant seem to find much about and compare to the Onkyo nr656. Ill have to research some, my plan is to stay around 1200 but no more. I have to upgrade my screen as well so have to save some cash for it. Going from a 100" manual pull down to a Wife requested 125" electric tab tension. That will be the max size able to fit in our spot. This is in a bonus room above a garage so its not all that big.
WHOA. 'Wife requested 125"' screen? I guess size matters to women after all! My Wife doesn't want to see any electronics or speakers. Lucky you. -
Here is the 681 on A4L https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv681/yamaha-rx-v681-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html#!more
Honestly I would get the Yamaha packages over the Onkyo any day. I would try to push for the RX-A760 more, $200 more and a lot better system.When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
Actually, Yamaha, Denon or Marantz are all good choices as well. You might scoff, but Pioneer Elite and Sony ES will more than give them a run for their money.
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The_Polkster wrote: »WHOA. 'Wife requested 125"' screen? I guess size matters to women after all! My Wife doesn't want to see any electronics or speakers. Lucky you.
I really am! She could likely go without the audio but she wants the bigger screen. So....Im gonna do both, then set the room up like an actual theater with a riser and two rows of seats. I hope it all comes together!
Im scared on the audio though. Spending that much and she cant tell a difference from it and the HTIB we have been using. She is not big on super loud and thunderous but I am.
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Here is the 681 on A4L https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv681/yamaha-rx-v681-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html#!more
Honestly I would get the Yamaha packages over the Onkyo any day. I would try to push for the RX-A760 more, $200 more and a lot better system.
Ill see what kind of deal they can work on that other system. It is starting to get on up there though and next thing you know Ill be rocking the latest Klipsch..hahaha There is always that next best speaker. I just want a good sounding system for a dedicated smallish theater. But if they can quote me the better package for 1200 or really close I can go that way. -
The biggest considerations are power and features. You will hear the effects of too little power and likely blow your speakers. Also make sure you get the essential features like the latest 4K connectivity and surround options. Avgoodnroom correction feature is good to have.
And make sure it's a reliable brand. -
The Yamaha RX-V series AVR's are Yamaha's entry level series of AVR's. Very good build quality in their price range.
Check Crutchfield. You can compare both of those AVR's, side by side on their site.
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I understand the limited budget. Yamaha is about the best budget AVR you can get. That is why I didn't recommend Marantz or Denon.
As for speakers Both the packages above have the same speaker setup. If you can find a Signature package jump on it.The_Polkster wrote: »Actually, Yamaha, Denon or Marantz are all good choices as well. You might scoff, but Pioneer Elite and Sony ES will more than give them a run for their money.
I agree these are good units but the cost is out of the OP's budget.When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
I just saw these
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA36V5X45794
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA36V5X55205
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA36V5TE2271
I know they are a little over budget but Signatures man Signatures. You friend with the K things will envy you
Oh yeah buddy
Go for this
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-RX-V683BL-Receiver/dp/B072HNR4LC/ref=sr_1_53?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505449028&sr=1-53&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
Way over budget
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-Subwoofer-AVR-X1300W/dp/B071CZWFZT/ref=sr_1_29?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505448963&sr=1-29&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
My wife didn't like my HT before the Signatures. Now she likes it says they look niceWhen I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
This looks closer to your budget
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-Bookshelf-AVR-X1300W/dp/B071XZ5B84/ref=sr_1_178?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505449615&sr=1-178&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
Denon "X" series AVR and Signatures can't go wrong just need a sub crud
When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Theater-Speaker-System/dp/B01LB9HGYQ/ref=sr_1_118?ie=UTF8&qid=1505451059&sr=8-118&keywords=polk+tsi+300
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B0018QNYSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505451216&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+cs+20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-PSW505-BLACK-12-Powered-Subwoofer-NEW-/362095388009
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa760bl/yamaha-rx-a760-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html
Have to go to a few websites, but within your budget. -
This looks closer to your budget
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-Bookshelf-AVR-X1300W/dp/B071XZ5B84/ref=sr_1_178?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505449615&sr=1-178&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
Denon "X" series AVR and Signatures can't go wrong just need a sub crud
Moving up from HTiaB, you should love this setup and it's around your budget. You can jump down the rabbit-hole later and enjoy this now. Seems like a great deal. -
This looks closer to your budget
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-Bookshelf-AVR-X1300W/dp/B071XZ5B84/ref=sr_1_178?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505449615&sr=1-178&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
Denon "X" series AVR and Signatures can't go wrong just need a sub crud
Moving up from HTiaB, you should love this setup and it's around your budget. You can jump down the rabbit-hole later and enjoy this now. Seems like a great deal.
Add $200 for a PSW 505
If the OP can up his budget by a few bill's that would be a great system for entry level
When I was a kid my parents told me to turn it down. Now I'm an adult and my kids tell me to turn it down.
Family Room:LG QNED80 75", Onkyo RZ50 Emotiva XPA3 GEN3 Oppo BDP-93,Sony UBP-X800BM. Main: Polk LsiM 705Center: Polk LSiM 704CFront High/Rear High In-Ceiling Polk 80F/X RT Surrounds: Polk S15 Sub: HSU VTF3-MK5
Bed Room; Marantz SR5010, BDP-S270Main: Polk Signature S20Center: Polk Signature S35Rear: Polk R15 Sub: SVS SB2000
Working Warehouse; Yamaha A-S301, Sony DVP-NS3100ES for disc Plok TSX550T SVS PB2000 Mini tower PC with 400GB of music -
Your other option is looking on your local Craigslist for speakers. Where do you live?
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Your other option is looking on your local Craigslist for speakers. Where do you live?
North Mississippi...Craigslist is about worthless here. hahaha Even in surrounding areas it is not that good.
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Pioneer Elite for your AVR.....done.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 -
This looks closer to your budget
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-Bookshelf-AVR-X1300W/dp/B071XZ5B84/ref=sr_1_178?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505449615&sr=1-178&keywords=polk+signature+speakers
Denon "X" series AVR and Signatures can't go wrong just need a sub crud
This is what I would get, and then start saving money for SVS sub.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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