Help a Newbie? Receiver/Speaker Selection

NamesJay

Will my receiver 'Pioneer Elite VSX-81TXV' power these speakers?

(2) Polk Audio RTi8 Floorstanding
(1) Polk Audio Csi3/5 Center
(1) Polk Audio PSW404 Subwoofer
(2) Polk Audio RTi6 Surrounds

I listened to these speakers over the weekend, and I loved the way they sounded, but the size of my room is a little different so I wanted to ask the experts (Polk forum users :-)) a couple of questions.

Should I perhaps go with the smaller center and sub, the CSi3 and PSW303, if my room is approximately 15' x 20' with 8' ceilings? I'm not against buying the more expensive equipment, but I want to make sure my needs are met without going overboard.

I will be using the setup predominantly for home theater, but about 15% music. I love thumpy sound effects in movie (ie., Normandy Beach scene in 'Saving Private Ryan,') but I don't like unnatural sounding bass.

I'm fairly new and trying to get my research done so I can enjoy my home theater.

okiepolkie

The receiver should be adequate, and you could always add an external amplifier if you ever feel you need more power.

As far as the other questions you asked, stick with the larger center. It will be better matched to the RTi8's and RTi6's. Also, I would suggest looking at a beefier subwoofer. Although they make very musical subwoofers, Polk's subs aren't known for their low end punch. If you would like some other suggestions for what you might need, you have come to the right place.

MSALLA

I have the PSW 303 in my room (12 x 25) and it lacks in HT.
SVS has a nice little 10" box sub that looks good for under $500.00

MikeC78

If you like the "thumpy" sound effects from Saving Private Ryan, then the Polk PSW404 is NOT for you. I'm still confused on what this word "thumpy" means?? Please explain...

That sub will not go deep enough and will definetly not suit the requirements for that movie.

If you want a good sub that will play low for movies, I'd give svsound an email with the specs of your room and your budget. I'd recommend a plus/2 for that room.

BTW, get the CSi5.

Mike

aaharvel

that should be fine for your power needs. I'd suggest getting a different brand sub, and using a 60hz. crossover. 80 imo is overrated, especially with music and even more so with speakers that are useable to frequencies below that. good luck.

cmy330go

You've had good suggestions so far.

Stick with the CSi5. It simply runs circles around the 3. Also, a larger sub would definitely be in order. Especially since you are focusing mainly on HT. Other than that you are on your way to a very nice system.

ENJOY!

reeltrouble1

The 404 is an excellent subwoofer, similiar to the 450 I use. My HT is 15 x 24 x 9 and I needed to add another PSW450 stacked corner loaded to really get the LFE for movies.

RT1

Willow

FWIW, I have the csi3, i recently hooked up a 200wpc mono to it and it seems to have transformed the speaker. (I don't have the room for a larger 5). I talked about it in my 1out of 3 isn't bad thread.

As for the sub, I did have a polk sub and it didn't do what I expected it. So I sold it. I bought an energy sub. While better than the polk sub I had, it's still not exactly what I'm looking for. But since I'm in the process of buying my other monos the sub will wait.

MADGSF

I agree, get the CSi5 if space allows and get a better sub. My room is 15x19 and my sig. shows the system I have there. Don't feel like it is too much and even want to add an amp.

Also I am not sure if that receiver will allow you to select a 60Hz crossover, you might check the owners manual . My 54TX only has 50Hz and 80Hz, I have it set to 80 as it blends better. While it does sound good I wish it had 60 and 70 as options because I think 60 would be perfect for my setup.

NamesJay

By "thumpy" I just mean that I want to FEEL the bass when it deems fit. For example, the Normandy Beach scene in Saving Private Ryan. I want to feel the bombs and the gunfire, etc., etc.,

CJ4

I have the PSW505 sub and I love it..

MSALLA

CJ4 wrote:

I have the PSW505 sub and I love it..

And thats all that counts. This is the only hobby I know of where the only thing that matters is ones own opinion.

cmy330go

And the award for most colorful signature goes to......CJ4!!!!!