Choosing My First Setup

masterli

Hello Everyone! I've stumbled upon polk and this forum while trying to sort out my first setup. I still haven't hand a chance to demo everything but leaning toward their speakers. I realize ears are subjective but I'd still like to hear people's thoughts. What i'm hoping for are more logistical and technical things to consider, especially since this is my first foray into a HT. Could be a long post but I'm trying to be thorough.

Background:
I play and record music as a hobby so like the rest of you I'm pretty anal about sound. The silly part is I've never put money into a real system (goes to music gear, computers, or golf lol). For the past 10 years I've been listening to music on recording monitors (Event 20/20's & Event 8XL's). Nice, but obviously made for flat response. What I've grown to love are sweet clean transits, open sound, and tight bass. My first love is metal, but listen to a lot of acoustic rock, mainstream rock/pop, jazz, new age, etc...

Budget:
About $1500 for speakers & receiver. I'm still torn on whether to focus on stereo (for music) or drop down on fronts to afford surrounds for movies. After I get a setup I know I'll be doing more of both .

Room:
17' x 14.5'. Back opens up to kitchen. Surrounds would have to be wall mounted. Center would ideal be mounted. This would be the family room so in reality it's mostly TV but want a nice movie & music setup.

Speakers:
A. RTiA1, CSiA4, FXiA4, PSW111
B. RTiA5, CSiA4, PSW111
C. RTiA7
D. LSi7, PSW111

Receivers:
Yamaha RX-V663
Onkyo TX-SR606
Denon AVR-1908

Goals:
For the speakers w/ less than 5.1 i'd like to expand eventually. I don't know how much of a problem that is given it'd take a few years and voice matching... no plans beyond 5.1.

Questions:
First off are the receivers enough to power these setups? Could I get away w/ 75 watts a channel? Secondly, are these speakers suitable for the room size? For example is the RTi A1 enough or should it be an RTi A3? My thoughts are the sub would cover the difference plus the room isn't huge. I've never had a sub though... totally necessary or could I get away w/o it w/ beefier fronts like the RTi A7 or A9?

Final Thoughts:
So there you have it. This is so complicated! I need to demo everything but again, this is my first time and I'm looking for more technical things I need to consider given the room and choices. I look forward to anyone's thoughts. Thanks in advance!

Gadabout

I'll leave others to chile in with thier thoughts, I will make one comment on the recievers.

You will want to make sure the reciever has pre outs. While it is not in your budget now, a reciever will let you add a amp to the system. Not sure about the Yammi or Denon, but you would need to step up to the 700 series at least in the Onkyo to get that.

Just something to consider that will help you as your system grows.

JohnLocke88

Gadabout wrote: »

I'll leave others to chile in with thier thoughts, I will make one comment on the recievers.

You will want to make sure the reciever has pre outs. While it is not in your budget now, a reciever will let you add a amp to the system. Not sure about the Yammi or Denon, but you would need to step up to the 700 series at least in the Onkyo to get that.

Just something to consider that will help you as your system grows.

+1 Onkyo 705, 805, or the like.

hockeyboy

If it were me, I would hold off on getting surround speakers and plan on adding them later. You need a solid AVR or pre to start building a real system for now or in the future. Since you cannot really afford separates, get a quality AVR and you will save in the long run.

You should keep in mind that the LSi line will require more power than the RTi line. These are also low impedance speakers so IMO also sound better. This typically means you need a higher end power source and will want to make sure your AVR is rated to 4 ohms if you go that direction. Here is a similar thread on the topic about the AVR's. If I were shopping for a new AVR I would look for something that has multiple HDMi inputs and processes HD sound. I agree that the Onkyo's are a great value but be sure it has pre-outs for your future upgrade. I hope that helps, and I am sure more of the great cast and crew here will help contribute.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=882449#post882449

masterli

Thanks, I did not realize how key preamp ins/outs were. I'll definitely step it up to the 705 or similar. As for amps, I have a spare (RA300) I used to use for driving my recording monitors. It's made for clean pristine power rated at 150 watts per channel @ 4 omhs. Could I take advantage of this or is there something unique to home theater amps.

jaysonbarnett

+2 on the onkyo and i agree with hockeyboy about holding off for the surrounds. Get a great pair fronts and get more speakers later. You playing and recording music your first step would be nice fronts this is my opion of course.

masterli

Well, finally made it to the store and heard all the speakers. Damn is it fun! I don't know if this is a typical experience, but the guy at Tweeter was great. Spent a ton of time w/ me trying out different combinations. Even stay 30min after close!

The first thing that stuck out was how incredibly different each set is w/in the RtiA line. Definitely each have their own character.

The RTiA1, CSiA4, FXiA4 combo was much bigger sounding than I expected. I mean the speakers sounded rich for their size. The RTiA1's alone sounded ok, but w/ the surround speakers it was very balanced. Since most music I'd listen to is 2 channel i've ruled the RTiA1's out as my mains though.

The RTiA3's sounded very different w/ nice bass though i actually liked the balance of the highs on the RTiA1's better.

For now I'm leaning toward the RTiA5's. I mean I just love the balance of frequencies on them. Very in your face sound. Tight bass and not harsh. I need to take another listen w/ more delicate music but the rock and metal sounded amazing.

The RTiA7's sounded more open and powerful but it didn't seem to shine until the volume was up. Does this sound right about the RTiA7's or could it have been the receiver? I definitely liked them better cranked but I couldn't justify the volume given the room size and wife. Ok, maybe just because of the wife lol.

I gave up on the LSi's because getting to a complete system would take me a decade to afford given beefier amps and cost of surrounds. I definitely want to get to a full surround setup in the next few years and the RTiA's are very sweet to my ears.

There was a huge difference in receiver sound though. I wasn't expecting that either. I agree that the yamaha's have a kind of harshness to them. It also seemed compressed. At least the RX-V663 did. It really turned me off. Most of the listening was on a Pioneer Elite (don't know the model). They were pushing last years VSX-91TXH. I'm tempted if it sounds anything like this years however don't like the 2 hdmi inputs instead of 3. Tweeter doesn't sell Onkyo so I couldn't check it out. I'm hoping to hit Frys this weekend and check out other receivers.

Well there's my update for the interested. Definitely taking the suggestions of the better receiver w/ outs. Like my recording gear I agree there is a huge difference in amps. After listening I feel like the RTiA's will last a long time and improve as my outboard gear improves.

Sherardp

Put the RtiA7s on a amp and they will definitely open up more.

masterli

Sherardp wrote: »

Put the RtiA7s on a amp and they will definitely open up more.

thinking about powering my mains w/ my Alesis RA300 amp (specs below if anyone can confirm it'd work well). as i've said before, made for recording monitors but i've got to believe the clean power would be better than a mid range AVR. i wish i could hear my ra300 w/ the rtiA7's but that ain't gonna happen. the flip side is i could possibly squeeze in some surrounds if i go w/ the rtiA5's since i upped my budget though wouldn't have enough for a center... dunno. need to commit to my mains before thinking ahead...

Alesis RA300 specs:
# Rated output: per channel
- 4 ohms: 150 watts RMS per channel
- 8 ohms: 90 watts RMS per channel
- 8 ohms: 300 watts RMS, bridged mode
# Signal to Noise Ratio: >105dB
# Frequency Response:10Hz - 70kHz +0, -3dB
# Distortion: < 0.02% @ 4ohms, 20Hz -20kHz
# Input Sensitivity: +4dB for rated output
# Crosstalk: -85dB, 1kHz
# Output offset: +/- 50 mV, Servo Controlled

devani

clean power from separate amp will always be better than any AVR's....I also do recording and mixing it's more than hobby but not a main job....but your amp will be fine for RTia7's...but A5 will be better with sub

many people graduate to LSi series after owning RTi series for a while....I went with LSi series and never regretted.....at least give your ears a chance for them

ajsankot

It sounds like you are going to a rocker of system. I wish I didn’t live in a fraternity house so I could buy myself something nice some day. My dad has the pioneer elite model VSX-91TXH and it sounds nice on his bad in wall speakers. I don’t know about every one else but you could also look at HK receivers.

Shicks18

Used Pre-Amp: Outlaw 950 (7.1) --> $320
Used Amp: Emotiva LPA-1 (7.1) --> $450
Fronts: LSi7 --> $400
Sub: eD A2-300 --> $315

Grand Total: $1485, pretty much includes all s/h as well, maybe tack on another $25 to be safe

You will have a great 2.1 setup, your next purchase would be to upgrade the fronts with either LSi15s or 9s or get an LSiC. Your Pre and Amp are solid for a long time and everytime you get money to upgrade it can be done strictly on speakers.

nikolas812

Shicks18 wrote: »

Used Pre-Amp: Outlaw 950 (7.1) --> $320
Used Amp: Emotiva LPA-1 (7.1) --> $450
Fronts: LSi7 --> $400
Sub: eD A2-300 --> $315

Grand Total: $1485, pretty much includes all s/h as well, maybe tack on another $25 to be safe

You will have a great 2.1 setup, your next purchase would be to upgrade the fronts with either LSi15s or 9s or get an LSiC. Your Pre and Amp are solid for a long time and everytime you get money to upgrade it can be done strictly on speakers.

+1

This sounds like a great idea all around. Seperates, better speakers, Better sound. The whole nine yards

masterli

First off thanks for all the suggestions and help. I think I'm closer to making a decision. Given my situation I've decided to focus on a complete surround system rather stereo then upgrading parts. We're doing some remodeling (first baby coming w00t!) and getting it all now in the budget is going to work better w/ my wife. I honestly don't know why she's so supportive right now but I'm going w/ it! I'm hoping to hang on to the system for a good number of years. After that, upgrades will move in and old gear w/ go to the basement setup. Here's what I'm thinking...

The old RTi line just seems too good to pass up. Feels like the right time to bite. While deals don't seem as good as they were a few months ago Fry's still has some RTi8's and I did prefer the RTia5's more so checking them out this weekend for my mains. I found some RTi6's on craigslist so going w/ that for my surrounds. It's a bummer they're not FXi's but a good deal and seems people get away w/ them as surrounds. Finally, I have some options for a CSi5. All in all less than 900 for the speakers which feels like a steal compared to the RTia's and all matched! I do need to find a sub. I'll be looking into the A2-300 someone mentioned. Any other suggestions in that price range? Per people's suggestions I'm probably going w/ the Onkyo TX-SR805. Has the outs, decoding, and hdmi switching that I want.

so there's where i'm at. probably pulling the trigger on everything this weekend. i think this should all work out. if something looks wrong please let me know!

leroyjr1

You may also want to look at POLKS ebay store. They have refubs on there.
RTI A9 averaging $710 + $160 shipping
RTI A7 averaging $510 + 60 shipping
RTI A5 averaging $375 + $50 shipping

RTI a3 $160 + $ 20 shipping
RTI a1 $140 + $20 shipping
FXi a4 $220 + shipping





This may be your best bet if you want the rti line

Onkyo 805 $600
polk rti a5 $425
polk csi a4 $200
polk rti a1 $150
PSW 125 $225

TOTAL $1600

hockeyboy

Here is my advice. Make sure you get the wifey a small surprise gift so she knows you appreciate your support when you bring home the gear. This will be a small investment with huge dividends when you want to upgrade a component in a few years. Just speaking from experience...

ZOINKS

May want to invest in a good set of headphones for baby's naptimes.

Kchill

Tweeter has a clearence section on thier website....they can pull clearence from a state that is close. I have seen a cherry csi5 for as low as 199. I have seen rti 8's for 149 and surrounds for as low as 69 per speaker...including fxi3's that i got for a flat 115.00!!. Go back to tweeter and ask about clearence items. May be store used but the "price is right"

RutgersFTW

I had a great experience with Polk Direct via eBay and would also recommend them if I didn't think you were on the right track already with the last-gen RTis. Happy hunting.

masterli

leroyjr1 wrote: »

You may also want to look at POLKS ebay store. They have refubs on there.
RTI A9 averaging $710 + $160 shipping
RTI A7 averaging $510 + 60 shipping
RTI A5 averaging $375 + $50 shipping

RTI a3 $160 + $ 20 shipping
RTI a1 $140 + $20 shipping
FXi a4 $220 + shipping





This may be your best bet if you want the rti line

Onkyo 805 $600
polk rti a5 $425
polk csi a4 $200
polk rti a1 $150
PSW 125 $225

TOTAL $1600

I debated going that route but w/ tax and shipping it still came out more than the old line (center & surrounds used, mains new). I definitely liked the RTiA5's better but it was subtle. Plus, this way everything is the same line and has the lager woofers.

masterli

hockeyboy wrote: »

Here is my advice. Make sure you get the wifey a small surprise gift so she knows you appreciate your support when you bring home the gear. This will be a small investment with huge dividends when you want to upgrade a component in a few years. Just speaking from experience...

Definitely a good idea. Now I need to think of something. In the meantime small things around the house works well too. I have round 2 against fixing my toilet tonight. She did appreciate the effort the first time though hehe. Hopefully I get it right this time or round 3 goes to plumber lol.

masterli

Kchill wrote: »

Tweeter has a clearence section on thier website....they can pull clearence from a state that is close. I have seen a cherry csi5 for as low as 199. I have seen rti 8's for 149 and surrounds for as low as 69 per speaker...including fxi3's that i got for a flat 115.00!!. Go back to tweeter and ask about clearence items. May be store used but the "price is right"

Thanks for the info! My area didn't have any RTi's though . However, they are running a 10% off all polk speakers this month. I don't know about the "spend $500 get a free sub" deal that most other stores are doing.

masterli

Well, everything has been ordered. I can't wait! Here's what I ended up w/:

mains - RTi8
center - CSI5
surrounds - RTi6
sub - Velodyne DLS-4000R
avr - Onkyo TX-SR805
tv - Samsung PN50A550
br - PS3

Got some killer deals w/ used, scratch & dents, and coupons. The best was from Crutchfield. They gave me a 20% off coupon for my first purchase (the sub). I couldn't believe it! Made the TV a hell of a lot cheaper! Certain items are excluded (like polk) but lucky for me the TV I wanted qualified. I don't know if they always do this but something to look into if you haven't purchased from them before. Of course, I'm under the assumption everything will actually get here and be in working order. I do have the RTi8's & RTi6's already. All I can say is why didn't I do this sooner! I almost feel stupid that I never looked into getting a decent system. It sounds amazing and this is just w/ the 8's playing off my studio amp w/ an mp3 player (no avr yet). It's like I've been in the dark ages of video and audio. I may never leave the house!

PSOVLSK

This is an awesome thread to read through.

Sounds like you made some good choices, got some good deals, and most importantly are loving your partial system. Can't wait to see what you think when everything arrives and gets hooked up.

Once you get it hooked up, do a search here about proper calibration..it will make a positive difference.

hockeyboy

Congratulations and enjoy your system!