do these speakers make a good HT/music system?

elee@ulgm.org

I just picked up my first AV system today a bit on impulse. My budget was about $1,000 and I ended up spending about $950. I'm looking for some advice on whether the components that I purchased will sound good together, were good for the money, and were right for my needs. I plan to use if for both home theater and music (rock, female vocalists, some dance music).

Harmon Kardon AVR 125
Polk Audio RT600i for fronts
Polk Audio CSi30 center channel speaker
Polk Audio R20 speakers for rears

The HK receiver was $399. I also contemplated the Onkyo TXSR500 at $299. The RT600s were marked down to $179 each because they were floor models (full warranty still) and the CSi30 was $199. The R20s were thrown in for free through a Polk promo.

Thanks for any advice,
Ed Lee

phuz

I'd say you got a pretty good start.

phuz

Oh, don't forget a sub.

nascarmann

For the coins you put down you have a nice and what should be nice sounding setup. I agree with phuz.....get a sub to finish it off....

RuSsMaN

'Sounds' like a winner....actually, a pretty damn nice 'first system'.....

Cheers,
Russ

mantis

Congrads dude, and yes pick up a sub.
Id use the rig for awhile and down the road you'll get upgrade fever anyway .So enjoy it while you can.

elee@ulgm.org

Someone told me today that my speakers don't match, particularly the RT600i and CSi30.

Thanks for any clarification,
Ed Lee

TroyD

the center speaker and you RT600i's have slightly different tweeters as do the R20's. I wouldn't get all wrapped around the axle. Enjoy.

BDT

elee@ulgm.org

Thanks. In the FAQ about matching center speakers, it does not list the CSi30 as compatible with the RT600i. However, on the CSi30 page, it states that it has "The same components as the rest of the Polk Audio RTi Series; they're timbre-matched for a more realistic, more seamless surround environment."

I'm pretty sure I they had the CS245i where I bought my RT600i, is it worth the trouble of exchanging the CSi30?

I think that I am going to exchange the R20 speakers. When I unpacked them, I realized how big they were going to look in the tight space on walls between my couch. I was thinking about even going with an in-wall for the surround. Any opinions on this?

Thanks,
Ed Lee

Wesmo

I would consider trading the cs30 for the cs245i because it will match a lot better i'd assume. Yes, the page says that the 30 is matched to the RTi series, but the 600i's aren't RTi, they're simply in the RT series. I have the 600i's and used to have the 245i, and can contest that they made a pretty good match (I recently upgraded to the 400i = better and bigger sound). So if you can, trade the 30 for the 245i. As far as the surrounds go, if space is really a concern, then by all means go with an in-wall. You're most likely going to get better sound from a bookshelf though. I go with sound over looks though (I have 35i's mounted on the walls of my 10x12 bedroom). Good luck.
wes

sgtnate79

Hey,

I was looking to get those R20s fpr my HT/Music system. I already have the R50s and love them.

I was curious how you like those R20s? I was looking at the polk website and the only review for the R20s isnt very good. In fact he actually says he was disappointed with Polk for putting out such a speaker.

I was just wondering what you think.

Nate

elee@ulgm.org

I actually returned the R20 speakers without ever listening to them. It was suggested that they were not a good match for the other parts of my setup. Plus, they were too large for the space where I planned to hang them. I exchanged them for RT25i speakers as my surrounds.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help,
Ed Lee

Wesmo

I think you made a good decision on the R20/RT25i trade. I think you'll be very pleased with the 25's since they work great as surrounds.
wes

elee@ulgm.org

Thanks for the feedback wes

Wesmo

anytime