Your advice on building polk system

alebastardo

I have decided to build my audio system using Polk speaker. After listening to Polk speakers in several stores, I believe they sound better than the several other brands.

My primary use would be for music and home theater is secondary but necessary. Budget is sort of tight.

Questions:
1- If music is my main interest can I the fronts be bookshelf type or I need floor standings? I would prefer the latter but the space saving features of bookshelf’s is tempting.

2- I listened to the T90EB and they sounded very fine to me. Is this a good entry level or should I try to go for something better?

3. For home theater, is it important to build it around the same brand of speakers for the center and surround ones?

I would appreciate you advice.

Early B.

Here are responses to your questions:

1. It's a question of preference. Floor standers or bookshelf speakers are fine. I prefer Polk bookshelf speakers for music.


2. The T90 is well regarded on this forum as an entry level speaker. Go for it.

3. No, it's not necessary, although it makes things easier for timbre matching.

If your system will be used primarily for music, purchase the best front speakers you can afford and buy a separate amplifier to power them. Then eventually build your HT system around it. To save money, consider purchasing used speakers. Check out the Flea Market here on the forum.

alebastardo

Thanks Early.

For the receiver, I am planning to get a Yamaha RX-V650. After reading several posts about "timbre matching" I think it is best to stick to the same brand.

Based on what I have read in this forums, LSi7 or 9 should be fine for a nice audio, right?

McLoki

Originally posted by alebastardo
For the receiver, I am planning to get a Yamaha RX-V650. .....Based on what I have read in this forums, LSi7 or 9 should be fine for a nice audio, right?

The LSi line is great for music but not with that reciever. If you were running only the LSi7's in 2 channel (with a sub if you like) at lower volumes, you may get away with it. I would not recommend the 9's or especially an entire LSi home theater setup with that AVR though.

Think of it this way - the LSi line is Polks current top of the line. To run them properly (and in a way you would be satisfied) requires equally top shelf electronics. I am not saying you have to spend a ton, but if you want LSi's list your total budget and what you want to accomplish and we will try to guide you in a direction you will be happy with.

Michael

alebastardo

Michael:

I guess there is a lot to learn before taking the plunge.

I like the Yamaha's RX-V series for its features, easy of use and "low key" display (as opposed to HK with its blueish light). Are you saying that I should move up (assuming I want to stay with Yamaha) to the RX-V750 to power the LSi's?

Regarding budget, I was thinking of +/-$1500 including receiver. I don't need to get the HT stuff now.

Thanks for your advice.

McLoki

The problem here is current not wattage. The real defining question is are you willing to purchase used?

if not, you will be hard pressed to fit LSi9's into a system of all new components (including the speakers) for your budget. (it can be done, but will take research and planning)

If you are willing to go used, you should not have much problem. Assuming you can get the speakers for $600 total, that would leave $900 for a separate amp and inexpensive avr or pre-amp.

If you want the ability to do HT, look for an AVR that has pre-outs (line level outputs for all the channels so you can run a separate amplifier) and get a decent 2 or 3 channel amplifier to run your LSi speakers.

Just research and ask before you spend and you will end up with a great system. Take your time and enjoy -

Michael

okiepolkie

The RXV line is nice, but don't limit yourself just on features alone. Overall sound quality should have a lot to do with it too. The LSi7's are great for music, and they hold thier own with HT too. Many like Denon's sound mated with Polk's, but it is up to you.

I have a Yamaha receiver driving three of them and it sounds okay, but I don't do a lot of "critical" listening. I just listen.

With your budget, you might look into a nice two channel amplifier for $300-$500. Many people say that Rotel and B&K sound good with LSi's.

Then you have two options. You could get a dedicated two channel preamp, or you could get a receiver that has features you like(with preamp outputs to all channels) and just add channels of amplification as you go.

The Denon 1905 is their cheapest receiver with preamp outputs and quite a few good features. It can be had for around $300 if you don't mind going used or refurbished.

I believe the Yamaha RXV550 has preouts as well and is around the same price.

Used LSi7's will run you $300-$400 if you are patient and watch ebay, audiogon, and this forum's fleamarket.

That would get close to $1000 for that setup. Then you might get the LSiC as a center channel to tide you over with home theater for a while.

Then at the appropriate times, you can add amps and speakers to complete your system(or upgrade entirely)

Remember these are all suggestions and you do what you think is best for your system.

Have fun with it all.

Zach

edit: Michael, you beat me to some of it

alebastardo

Thanks a lot guys. Lot of reading to do yet!

Tour2ma

Welcome and FYI, Russman has T90e's up for sale in the Flea Market...

Great price and you can be 100% confident in dealing with him...
http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=225873#post225873