$2000 Home Theater Build!

2

Comments

  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited December 2007
    Get the Onkyo 805, a set of FXi3's or Rti4's for surrounds, and the Csi5 for the center. You can always add an amp later if you feel you need it.

    HSU and ED have good entry level subs for around $400. You got an excellent price on the 12's, I would not return them.
  • mwaarna
    mwaarna Posts: 280
    edited December 2007
    If you want the best, and your on a budget you cant have it all at once.

    I started about a year ago and my initial setup was as follows:
    Polk Lsi9's gray market 700
    HK 235 AVR 250 used
    Outlaw Audio 750 5 channel amp 600 used
    + cost of cabling and av rack i was around 2k.

    Then i saved up for a few months and purchased a LSIc Center channel for 400.

    A month later i got my bonus and purchased a SVS PB12+/2 1200

    Then 2-3 months ago i purchased LSI FX rear speakers

    And my latest purchased was a new Pre-Pro with HDMI in and Out
    Onkyo Pro 885 for 1450 shipped.

    Currently I am saving up to buy a new amp with XLR inputs in the spring.
    Click here To see My system
    Polk LSI15,LSiC, LsiFX, SVS PB-12 Plus/2, Blue Jean Cables,Onkyo Pro PR-SC885P, Earthquake Cin
  • Wesley Snipes
    Wesley Snipes Posts: 26
    edited December 2007
    DeusExa, where did you find the RTi 12's for $600? that sounds like a great deal. I am looking at RTi 10's for $693 CAD. I hope they are in canada. Thanks.
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
    To blade XD, I got them at Fry's Electronics in California...they will be discontinued after all sold out, since the new 2008 models will come in (from what I heard, not much of a difference there, besides cabinet remodel) FYI, the 2008s are selling for ~$800 apiece.

    http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/receivers-separates-amps/133423-anyone-know-where-i-can-find-specs-receiver.html

    From this post, i found out that the Onkyo A-SV610Pro wasn't a receiver, it's a integrated amp...if that means anything to you guys....It sounds fine enough (I only have two RTi12s set up right now)...Will the Onkyo SR805 Receiver really make a difference, and a $700 dollar difference at that?

    For subwoofer,
    The point is, I 'm not very good at discerning low frequency sound, since my old system didn't even come with a subwoofer (5.0)...and i don't know if I'll be able to hear the difference between the Polk and the online subs...and the budget is still around $300 or so...Hsu, eD, SVS..what's the best sub I can get for that price?..and will they outstrip a PSW505 by a long distance? Like a VTF/STF Hsu...

    However, If I get a Onkyo SR705, I can boost my sub budget to $400..or is that just totally stupid of me..

    What are better rears, the FXi or RTi, and does ANYONE know the difference between
    "bookshelves" and "surround" for rears (on Polk's website)..so far, no one knows....???

    LOL, I'm feeling kind of reluctant to spend $300 on a CSi5 when I just spent $299 on a RTi12...
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
    Oh yeah...could I use my old integrated amp as an amp for my new speakers, along with my new Onkyo SR805 were I to get it? Onkyo A-SV610Pro

    And I'm going to Fry's in a hour to return the PSW125....and later on getting a Hsu/SVS...good choice?..or should I get a PSW505 for $200..
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited December 2007
    You will do great going for a Hsu/SVS sub. You could also check out Outlaw audio for one of their subs.

    I think after all this time you would be better off getting a more updated receiver. Later on you can add the amp.

    Don't skimp on the center channel, it carries most of the movies.

    Most recommend getting the fx's if it is a 5.1 setup. If it is a 7.1 setup they recommend getting a pair of fx's & rti's.
    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
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
    Alright, back from Frys.....returned the PSW125, got the PSW10 for free, (will keep it for a couple of days, since its a free sub, and try to sell it later and get a Hsu/SVS...how's the BIC H-100 compared to the Hsu/SVS entry models?)
    ......and when I was on my way out, I saw the Onkyo TX-SR805 for $699, and snagged it...seems like I'm getting good deals from Frys...RTi12 for $300 each..805 for $700...oh yeah, will I need the 3-year anytime return warranty for $70?

    Alright....seems like I will have to dish out $300 for the Csi5..anyone find a better price, please TELL ME!!!

    It will be a 5.1 setup...so FXi?...which one?


    And, also, what's bi-amping?...will I need it for my RTi12s? Do I need to get another amp? Is that why it's called bi-amping?

    Thanks guys (and gals!)
  • solidus28
    solidus28 Posts: 83
    edited December 2007
  • mrbigbluelight
    mrbigbluelight Posts: 9,874
    edited December 2007
    ^^^^^

    Get it. Now. Right now.

    Not later.

    Now.


    :)
    Sal Palooza
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
    OK, replied...

    repeating meesage, just in case:

    Alright, back from Frys.....returned the PSW125, got the PSW10 for free, (will keep it for a couple of days, since its a free sub, and try to sell it later and get a Hsu/SVS...how's the BIC H-100 compared to the Hsu/SVS entry models?)
    ......and when I was on my way out, I saw the Onkyo TX-SR805 for $699, and snagged it...seems like I'm getting good deals from Frys...RTi12 for $300 each..805 for $700...oh yeah, will I need the 3-year anytime return warranty for $70?

    Alright....seems like I will have to dish out $300 for the Csi5..anyone find a better price, please TELL ME!!!

    It will be a 5.1 setup...so FXi?...which one?


    And, also, what's bi-amping?...will I need it for my RTi12s? Do I need to get another amp? Is that why it's called bi-amping?

    If I could use my old integrated amp as an amp, how would I hook it up to pwer my RTi12s?
  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited December 2007
    Mid sized HSU would take care of that room nicely for HT, and at around 300$ used. Good tone for music too.
    -Ignorance is strength -
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited December 2007
    how's the BIC H-100 compared to the Hsu/SVS entry models?
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    how's the BIC H-100 compared to the Hsu/SVS entry models?
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited January 2008
    Bic is an ok Sub, it cant compete with the SVS, Epik, Ed stuff. I read your entire thread, and it sounds like youre putting together an awesome setup. Youre almost there, however dont skimp out now. Get your CSi5, and a great sub. You dont have to go all out spending 1500-2000 bucks, but you should look into the SVS PB12+, Epik Castle, Ed A5-350. They exceed your budget however they all will sound great and give you clean, tight bass as said before. The subs youre dealing with now, will only give you Boom and not the nice, low and articulate bass, and will take away from what youre trying to accomplish. Just my thoughts and congrats on those excellent deals youre finding.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    thanks Sherardp and everyone - this has been a great learning experience for me!

    -this guy on ebay wants to sell me a TAD-AE SW150 for under $300...I've never heard of it..the guy has good ratings...but I don't know anything about the sub...

    Ok, looked at Hsu/eD/SVS again,...seems like the Hsu looks better physically (my family is big on looks...)..and the three companies seem to be equally good....so, I might go with Hsu...Which one is the best for the price?...VTF, STF?

    Will they hit a lot deeper than the BIC?
  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2008
    -this guy on ebay wants to sell me a TAD-AE SW150 for under $300...I've never heard of it..the guy has good ratings...but I don't know anything about the sub...


    It's questionable. Accoirding to TAD's website, it is supposedly a $1299 sub "On sale" for $399! But it's always on sale. The other speakers also have inflated regular prices, and are always on sale:

    http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/AURALECSTASY.html

    You don't have to get a sub right away you know. If you don't get a sub that can keep up with the rest of your speakers, you will just be disapointed.
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    has anyone heard it before?


    Yeah, that's what I've been thinking...will the Hsu drop lower..under $300?
    I might go with Hsu...Which one is the best for the price?...VTF, STF?

    Will they hit a lot deeper than the BIC?..is that the main difference?..deepness?


    oh yeah.....5.1 or 7.1....if I go 5.1, prob FXi5, if 7.1, prob Rti4....
    room is 15" X 20", 8" ceiling...mostly enclosed.
    So, either more speakers, or a passive bi-amp of the fronts (RTi12)
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    Also, a used (guy says 5 months) Csi5 for $175 + $25 shipping and used FXi5(pair) for $280 + $25 shipping....good deals?
  • Gizmo99
    Gizmo99 Posts: 169
    edited January 2008
    DeusExa wrote: »
    Also, a used (guy says 5 months) Csi5 for $175 + $25 shipping and used FXi5(pair) for $280 + $25 shipping....good deals?

    I've been searching for CSI5 as well but considering they were selling brand new ones a while back for 225 (onecall?). I dont know if 175 is a good offer.

    But then again, CSI5 are hard to find.
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR805
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
    Front: LSI15
    Center: LSIC
    Sourround: FxiA4
    Rear: Fxi3
    Sub: Bic H100
    TV: Sony 52' XBR4


    "The more time you spend researching here, the less money you will have" :D
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    How are the new a series compared to the csi?
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    hey guys - should I trade in my RTi12 for some LSi15s? (same price)

    i have an Onkyo 805...and prob won't get an amp...
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    Then don't get the LSI's!

    They sound better but require an separate amp to get the full potential out of them & to also not damage themselves trying to get power out of a receiver that it doesn't have.
    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
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,019
    edited January 2008
    Crap,I'd get an amp for the 12's too.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2008
    DeusExa wrote: »
    hey guys - should I trade in my RTi12 for some LSi15s? (same price)

    i have an Onkyo 805...and prob won't get an amp...

    If you can get them for $600 a pair new, like you did the 12's, buy them. They may not sound their best on an 805, but they will still smoke the 12's.
  • MSALLA
    MSALLA Posts: 1,602
    edited January 2008
    DeusExa wrote: »
    hey guys - should I trade in my RTi12 for some LSi15s? (same price)

    i have an Onkyo 805...and prob won't get an amp...

    I hate to say it, but no matter which of the 2 speakers you use, you need an amp. You don't have to rush out and get one right this second. But I would keep an eye out and jump when you find a good deal. You should at least get a good strong 2-channel amp for the fronts and you could run the rest off the AVR. If I were you I would stick with the Rti's as the Lsi's really need power to come alive.
    Michael


    Samsung 50" HD DLP
    Yamaha RX-V2500
    (2) Outlaw 200
    Adcom GFA 555
    Sony BDP300
    Denon 2900 DVD
    Lsi9's mains
    Lsi7's rear
    Lsic center
    12.1 SVS driver in 4.53 cuft. tube
    Harmony 880
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2008
    How are the LSi15 compared to the RTi12 for HT?
    (I can get either for same price)
    Will an Onkyo 805 decently pull it off?

    I will passively bi-amp using the back rears to the fronts....
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    edited January 2008
    deusexa, you really should look into this site for you receiver. www.accessories4less.com there you will find lots of onkyo receivers at very low prices.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    edited January 2008
    also, in my opinion.. the lsi is in a different league then the rti lineups. for the money, its very tough to beat the lsi line, regardless of brand. if u do get the lsi, they are 4 ohms, so make sure the receiver is capable. i recommend separate processor/amp when powering the lsi line, you will be amazed at what you are missing.
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    The LSi's can do it all better than the RTI series, if properly powered.

    Your biamp scheme is still coming from the same amp on the receiver which will already being overworked as it is!

    You run the risk of putting your receiver into protect mode & shutting down. But more importantly, you run the risk of damaging your speakers.

    DeusExa wrote: »
    How are the LSi15 compared to the RTi12 for HT?
    (I can get either for same price)
    Will an Onkyo 805 decently pull it off?

    I will passively bi-amp using the back rears to the fronts....
    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