Deciding on first time HT system

MattN03

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

IMO no... the RTi 8's would benefit immeasurably from an external amp -- though they'll sound mighty nice with the 435
if (and it's a big IF) you can get a deal on a 235 (or even 335) relative to the one you're getting on the 435, you could spring for one of those and go used on an external amp (check audiogon or the flea market on this forum)
+1 on the RTi 8's if your primary use is HT, you won't find the need to upgrade anytime soon on that front, but keep in mind that some think them a tad on the bright side, so musically... maybe/maybe not

Maybe I'd be better off getting something from the Monitor series at this point. I think anything with this caliber of product, will be much better than the $200 Sony surround sound system at Wal-Mart j/k

tommyboy

MattN03 wrote:

Maybe I'd be better off getting something from the Monitor series at this point. I think anything with this caliber of product, will be much better than the $200 Sony surround sound system at Wal-Mart j/k

When I had a onkyo HTIB and I thought it sounded awesome. The reason is because I really didn't listen to anything better than that... until I went to my friends house. He has the older RTI series (which i heard from some people sounds better than the new RTI) with two velodyne subs and its awesome. After going to his house, I wondered if I was better off using my tv speaker (HTIB is not that bad but its close) So I wanted something respectable and sounds good. And thats why I have what I have today.

For your first question the highs are bright

zombie boy 2000

MattN03 wrote:

Maybe I'd be better off getting something from the Monitor series at this point. I think anything with this caliber of product, will be much better than the $200 Sony surround sound system at Wal-Mart j/k

matt.. i think you're doing the right thing by researching your options first
be patient, every moment you spend investigating this site is an investment in your purchase
i own a pair of monitor 70's myself, and have been quite pleased with their performance
however, i can't help but feel that i was somewhat lucky, as i did not find this site until after i pulled the trigger (i use my gear for about 85% music listening, and i feel the 70's are a right fit for me)
now if i had been looking to get more into an HT set-up, i might be kicking myself for not doing the research on the RTi8's
and you're certainly on the right path...
and since i don't know whether or not it's already been said...
WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!!

tommyboy

At least your not thinking of buying sattelites anymore

Now the Only RTIs I have heard are the ones my buddy has(Almost 100%they are RTI70s). I'm not sure if they are comparable to the monitor 70s, but they have much cleaner highs and bass then the 70s(zombie this is nothing against your system, I am just going off what I've heard). I have never heard the RTI8s so I can't do a direct comparison to the monitor series. Maybe someone else on this forum can tell matt the differences when they heard a comparison.

MattN03

So will a HT system do much for me when watching my favorite sitcom or Saturday morning car show? Will regular TV shows (non HDTV) play in surround sound, or will that feature only work on DVD's?

okiepolkie

External speakers of just about any kind will enhance your regular television viewing. Unless you have high definintion, or premium channels, the signal will not be in Dolby Digital, however DPLIIx does a good job of formatting stereo into surround sound. At the moment, I'm just using a set of LSi7's as my front speakers without a center channel. The fuller range sound is considerably better than the small speakers in your/my television.

A lot of good suggestions so far. At least you will be making a somewhat informed decision

MattN03

okiepolkie wrote:

External speakers of just about any kind will enhance your regular television viewing. Unless you have high definintion, or premium channels, the signal will not be in Dolby Digital, however DPLIIx does a good job of formatting stereo into surround sound. At the moment, I'm just using a set of LSi7's as my front speakers without a center channel. The fuller range sound is considerably better than the small speakers in your/my television.

A lot of good suggestions so far. At least you will be making a somewhat informed decision

What is DPLIIx? Does a H/K 435 have that feature?

MattN03

Ok, here are the 3 systems I've put together by reading here. All would use a H/K 435 receiver & a SVS PB10-ISD sub


High End: RTi8 fronts, CSi3 center, RTi4 rears,

Middle: Monitor 50 fronts, CS2 center, Monitor 40 rears

Entry: Monitor 50 fronts, CS1 center, Monitor 30 rears

I'm leaning more towards the middle of the road system. I'd probably still have to wait & buy some part of the system down the road in a few months, but would really like to stay as close to the original $1500 for a complete system as possible. I know each of these already surpass that figure however

I'm interested in hearing opinions & feedback.

okiepolkie

DPLIIx stands for Dolby Prol Logic IIx. Take a look at this link to learn a little more about it: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-FgZG6Dddz69/learningcenter/home/hometheater_surround.html

It looks like the 435 has DPLII, but I'm not sure about IIx. There isn't much difference, and since you are going 5.1, there isn't a need for it anyway.

Choice 1 looks like your best overall system.

I think you will happier with the sound and quality for a longer period of time, even if you invest a little more money.

tommyboy

I think the middle range would be the fronts as monitor 60 or 70. I heard that the monitor 60 was the best of the monitor series (not from personal experience). So I'd say if you are getting the monitor 40s and CS2, get the monitor 60s or 70s instead of the monitor50s.

MattN03

tommyboy wrote:

I think the middle range would be the fronts as monitor 60 or 70. I heard that the monitor 60 was the best of the monitor series (not from personal experience). So I'd say if you are getting the monitor 40s and CS2, get the monitor 60s or 70s instead of the monitor50s.

mmm, I wonder why the 60's are supposedly better than the 70's?

haveyouever

Gents!,
What AV receiver would you recommend to drive a Polk Lsi array of speakers (Lsi15s, LsiC, LsiFX, etc.) and also have HDMI switching?

MattN03

haveyouever wrote:

Gents!,
What AV receiver would you recommend to drive a Polk Lsi array of speakers (Lsi15s, LsiC, LsiFX, etc.) and also have HDMI switching?

This may be better in a new thread, since this is one I started to help me decide on a first time HT system

Skynut

MattN03 wrote:

This may be better in a new thread, since this is one I started to help me decide on a first time HT system

Not jumping on anyone but you are right.

haveyouever Gents!,
What AV receiver would you recommend to drive a Polk Lsi array of speakers (Lsi15s, LsiC, LsiFX, etc.) and also have HDMI switching?

This is a hyjack, not something we like to see around here.
No big deal just start a new thread with your question.

MattN03

Skynut wrote:

Not jumping on anyone but you are right.




This is a hyjack, not something we like to see around here.
No big deal just start a new thread with your question.

Exactly, no hard feelings. It just deserves it's own attention not buried in an existing thread.

*Seby*-Polk-

MattN03 wrote:

Ok, here are the 3 systems I've put together by reading here. All would use a H/K 435 receiver & a SVS PB10-ISD sub


High End: RTi8 fronts, CSi3 center, RTi4 rears,

Middle: Monitor 50 fronts, CS2 center, Monitor 40 rears

Entry: Monitor 50 fronts, CS1 center, Monitor 30 rears

I'm leaning more towards the middle of the road system. I'd probably still have to wait & buy some part of the system down the road in a few months, but would really like to stay as close to the original $1500 for a complete system as possible. I know each of these already surpass that figure however

I'm interested in hearing opinions & feedback.

In the next 3 months, i wish complete mi "entry level" system !!!! but...with a CS2 center instead CS1 and PSW 12 for Sub (I can get this famous SVS in my country )

Powered by Yamaha RX-V657 !!! Bye !!!

MattN03

*Seby*-Polk- wrote:

In the next 3 months, i wish complete mi "entry level" system !!!! but...with a CS2 center instead CS1 and PSW 12 for Sub (I can get this famous SVS in my country )

Powered by Yamaha RX-V657 !!! Bye !!!

What are you planning for your other "entry leve" speakers?

*Seby*-Polk-

My original plan is complete a great entry level system.

It means: MONITOR 50 (pair) as fronts (i have)
MONITOR 30 (pair) as surrounds (have in next month)
CS1 or CS2 as central channel (mayebe in next 2 months)
PSW 12 for sub (I like it, but i dont know that i suposse great SVS brand)

This for entry level...(and sufficient for me and my economy) but maybe in few years i upgrade my system.. !!!!

Bye Matt

MattN03

I'm really leaning towards the higher end now & just piecing it together as funds allow. That seems to be fairly common here, so I don't feel to bad about that. I figured I would buy the H/K receiver & RTi8's first. In what order would everyone purchase the remaining sub, center, and rears to complete the system?

*Seby*-Polk-

Mmmm....in need some help about this question...

First bought the receiver and fronts, next dvd (Yamaha S-657). Now i don't know if must buy a surrounds or center first....

The sub...at the end. obviously.

Joey_V

I would go two routes:

Fronts, Surrounds, Sub, then Center.

Or...

Fronts, Sub, Surrounds, then Center.

*Seby*-Polk-

Ok Joey...I remember and consider this orders Thanks

Joey_V

The reason why I put center last even though most of the soundtrack does go through the center is because of information loss. Without surrounds, there is no where for the "surround audio information" to go. Without a sub, there is nowhere for the "infrasonic audio information" to go.

Without a center, you still get all the information, but that's spread across both front speakers, creating the Phantom speaker. You still get the info, but your theater becomes seating placement sensitive.. meaning you may need to sit in the middle to simulate the "center" sound.

MattN03

Joey_V wrote:

I would go two routes:

Fronts, Surrounds, Sub, then Center.

Or...

Fronts, Sub, Surrounds, then Center.

I was thinking fronts & then a sub for enjoying music right away. Then add the center or surrounds. It would only be 3 to 6 months probably before I got them all anyways.

Holydoc

MattN03 wrote:

I was thinking fronts & then a sub for enjoying music right away. Then add the center or surrounds. It would only be 3 to 6 months probably before I got them all anyways.

Matt,

I like your logic. Front, Sub, Center and Surrounds. The sub makes a lot of difference in sound. A great center makes a world of difference in HT. Surrounds are nice ambience and carry the action around you.

Joey_V

I say surrounds then center.... but thats moi! Enjoy either way!

tommyboy

Hey matt

Its tommyboy again. So I read that you wanted to go more higher end with the rtis, have you decided what full system you want (besides the rti8s)?

by the way, there is no problem getting all the speakers at once, thats what credit cards are for .

MattN03

tommyboy wrote:

Hey matt

Its tommyboy again. So I read that you wanted to go more higher end with the rtis, have you decided what full system you want (besides the rti8s)?

by the way, there is no problem getting all the speakers at once, thats what credit cards are for .

I'm looking at RTi8 fronts, CSi5 center, RTi6 rears, and a SVS PB-10 sub.

Joey_V

MattN03 wrote:

I'm looking at RTi8 fronts, CSi5 center, RTi6 rears, and a SVS PB-10 sub.

I would go RTi4 for rears if you need to save a little.... unless you do much multichannel music, you probably dont need the RTi6. Of course, if the RTi6 is only a few $ more, then go for it.

jma9

MattN03 wrote:

mmm, I wonder why the 60's are supposedly better than the 70's?

check out the polk t90eb at tweeter. they are the european monitor 60's and are real wood. the price is $174.99 per speaker.