$2,000 budget speaker system

SoDak

Eventually I hope to contribute something intelligent to help someone else, but right now I'm still trying to figure things out. This is the first time I've looked into systems in 10 years and the first entire system I'm able to purchase at once.

I have an approx. $2,000 speaker budget for a modest general purpose HT/music system (likely 60/40 or 50/50 HT/music). To try to get the most out of the $2k, I'm looking at heavily discounted close out speakers instead of newer and nearly full priced speakers. I am facing approx $1860 including $340 shipping to SD (middle of nowhere) for these 6 speakers:

L/R front pair Polk RTI 12
L/R rear pair Polk RTI 8
Ctr Polk CS2
Sub Polk PSW505

Not enough room for more than these 6.

I am told to look for a 200 to 300W/Ch receiver to satisfy the RTI 12's. Not sure if I can feed 2 channels each from a 7x130W/ch Onkyo SR806 to each RTI12, leaving the other 3 channels for the RTI8s and CS2.

I'd like to avoid costly errors in this system I plan to use for the next 10 years so I'd love to hear your thoughts about improving the speaker selections by changing or adding speakers favoring good value over the absolute best. My brother already said he thinks I'm light on the 300W sub. The main topic is the approx $2k speaker budget selection, but please feel free to suggest cables, connectors, settings, A/V receiver, BluRay player, 50"+ 120+Hz LCD or plasma and other equipment. I'm in search of the best system for a total of approx $5k-6k.

The target room (my only living "room") is 25'L x 20'W with 20' peak open beam ceiling, pine plank floors, with 24 3'x6' windows (2 walls nearly all glass). The "room" is really one end of a 50'Lx20'Wx20'H open hall with dining separated from living by limestone fireplace rising 16'. The room has large area rugs and leather furniture, but by volume it lacks soft materials. If it matters, the only thing under the wood floor is a 2' insulated subfloor because the house is elevated on steel columns. I expect I may have some sound quality problems, but not sure how to try to minimize them, if possible at all. Luckily I have floor vents to feed cable to the rear speakers.

Thanks for taking a look and for any assistance you can provide.

danger boy

not a bad system at all... but the RTi12's may be to much... you could go instead with front and rear RTi8's, so they all match.. that would be killer.

look used of course for best deals... I wish you lived closer to Spokane, WA. Huppins has deals on open box Polks all the time that are not offered on their website, OneCall.com

Open box and customer returns or a missing foot or grill in their store gets you big discounts.

So check in your area, or take a trip to your nearest big city that sells Polks in store.. maybe they will have them discounted as well.

ben62670

I think you have the right idea. Your room is pretty large. You will most likely need an amp for at least the fronts. This will take a load off the receiver.
Welcome to Club Polk.
Ben

RutgersFTW

I just ordered a set of RTi A3 from Polk Direct on eBay for a very good price... they have some of the newer A5 and A7 (RTi8 and RTi10) for well under your prices fyi.

Upstatemax

I would cut back to the Rti8 fronts also, why the Rti8's for the rears? Seems like huge overkill for the rear channels...I would go with an Fxi3 surround or Fxi A4.

As for the reveiver, I could not be more happy with my Denon AVR-2808CI, it can be picked up for under $700 shipped.

The Denon can Bi-Amp the Rti8's for some great sound.

ben62670

I retract my statement. I would do 8's FR/RR, and take the extra coin and get a better sub;) Also the 8's will play nicer with a receiver.
Ben

SoDak

Thanks for the straight shooting. I'm glad I asked. Design on paper is always outdone by knowhow. Please keep the suggestions coming.

I'm 6 hours away from any sizable city (Denver). Thank God for the Internet out here. Outside of auctions, RTI 8's shipped are $240 each while RTI A5's shipped are $390 each. Taking a peek at PolkDirect now.

maximillian

Some random advice:
- Don't worry about receiver power. Get a receiver with the features you want (decoding, HDMI, upconversion, etc.) and make sure it has pre-outs. Then buy a used 2 channel 100W-200W external amplifier. You can get an Adcom amp with this power for less than $300. Power the L & R off the external amp and everything else with the receiver. If you can't swing the amp, then you can get by with the receiver only for a little while. You will definitely want an amp for the RTi12's at some point though. You won't need it for RTi8's, but with pre-outs on the receiver you always have the option down the road.
- Watch the used market. It can save you a bundle, but you won't get a warranty. Or at least check out Polk Direct on Ebay.
- I agree with Upstate about the FXi's for rears. Your choice though. Don't forget to factor in the price for the stands.
- The CS2 is not a voice match for the RTi's. You should be looking at the CSi3, CSi5, or CSiA equivalents.
- The older Polk subs (like the PSW505) are not that great. Either go for one of the DSW PROs or another brand sub. Do a search here for threads on recommendations on subs; there are a lot of them.
- If you are a serious music listener, consider the LSi speakers. They are a nicer for Jazz, classical, vocal music. Some people prefer the RTi's for hard rock type music though. All LSi's (center and rears) require an amp which may push your budget unless you get serious with the used market.
- Fry's just had a sale on the RTi8's for $150 + shipping. They are currently sold out but you never know if they will come back.

Good luck and welcome to Club Polk. This is a wonderful place to hang out.

rru2s

ben62670 wrote: »

I retract my statement. I would do 8's FR/RR, and take the extra coin and get a better sub;) Also the 8's will play nicer with a receiver.
Ben

Regarding the sub - Epik has the most bang for the buck right now because Craigsub has tested them all and they beat the competition decibel-wise in almost every price range model they offer. I just added their lowest model sub - Valor - 15", 350W RMS, 549$+shipping. It is sealed and is extremely musical, plus has enough power for most HT, unless you are trying impress the neighbor's accross the streat, in which case you want their 18" sub.

Ricardo

Get the biggest center you can; CSi5 or the equivalent in the new line. You won't be sorry.
I would also get the RTi8's or equivalent for fronts; and smaller speakesr for rears.

welcome and good luck.

SoDak

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.

Most everyone prefers RTi8's over 12's. I thought the RTi12 is an RTi8 with three 7" sub drivers added in a larger cabinet. I figured the six 7" sub drivers would deliver punchy bass while a larger dedicated sub would deliver the very low end, but then that's my assumption on paper. Eliminating the 12's eliminates a total of six 7" sub drivers in favor of improved dedicated sub(s). Do the six 7" sub drivers cause problems with the RTi12 overall or with dedicated subs?

A new pair of FXi A6 surround speakers with stands is a bit more than a new pair of RTi8's. Other than minimizing size, would FXi A6's be better than RTi8's as rear speakers?

In view of responses, I'm now looking at $2,190 up from $1,860 for:
- 2 x SVS PB10's ($980 delivered)
- 4 x Polk RTi8's ($960 delivered) or two RTi8's and FXI A6's on stands
- 1 x Polk CSi5 ($249 delivered)

Is this progress?

KrazyMofo24

A new pair of FXi A6 surround speakers with stands is a bit more than a new pair of RTi8's. Other than minimizing size, would FXi A6's be better than RTi8's as rear speakers?

In view of responses, I'm now looking at $2,190 up from $1,860 for:
- 2 x SVS PB10's ($980 delivered)
- 4 x Polk RTi8's ($960 delivered) or two RTi8's and FXI A6's on stands
- 1 x Polk CSi5 ($249 delivered)

Is this progress?[/QUOTE]

The Fxi's I believe would be better since they are made for surround sound effects having two tweeters one on each side can give you a better effect for surround sound.

The last list you have here only includes the sub and speakers. You still need an amp and receiver.

If it was me I would get the Lsi9's for around $500 from the Polk store on ebay. The LsiFX are also around that price or you could get the Lsi7's for around $300 to use for surrounds. Also LsiC would be around $300.

That's $1100. From there I would pick up a Preamp or receiver for around $200-300 something that will give you the features that you want. Make sure it has preouts. Buy a good 5 channel amp I think there is a Rotel for around $650 in the Flea Market.

That leaves with almost $200 on a sub. I think the Lsi's and a quality amp would you give you the best sound. Also buying used/refurbished will save you tons.

SoDak

Jumping from receiver driven RTis to discrete amp driven LSis seems like a fairly big change.

Too bad Polk and retailers don't offer, alongside single sales, discounted mid to high end prematched 5.1 and 7.1 packages in RTi, LSi and other series. It would boost sales, brand loyalty and avoid headaches and indecision such as mine trying to jump on board trains moving in all directions.

SoDak

Leaping to the upper end of the spectrum from RTi to LSi, would it be (comparing apples to apples - new to new):

- Front L/R pair Polk LSi9 ($720 new delivered)
- Front ctr Polk LSiC ($448 new delivered)
- Rear L/R pair Polk LSiFX ($737 new delivered)
- Sub SVS PC12 ($605 new delivered)

for a total of $2510 plus 4 stands (unknown) nearing $3k total. Sounds like increased expense in discrete amplifiers too. Compared to the original new at $1,860 or previously adjusted new at $2,190 is the probable additional $1,000 (50% more) or so for LSi worth it for a 50/50 HT/music system? Sounds like RTi is more raw power while LSi is more finesse.

KrazyMofo24

Yeah getting it new would cost more. Especially if you are looking at a new receiver and amp.

You can make it happen used.

In my opinion Rti's are great for HT, as far as music its based on your preference in sound. To me the Rti's have a brighter sound, and I prefer a warmer sound, and overall I liked the Lsi's, and feel they are better for music.

Right now the Lsi's aren't on the Polk ebay direct store they had them last week. Not sure when they will put more on.

Those prices aren't bad new. However you still need a receiver and amp unless that is not part of your budget.

If you need to maintain that budget I will go with the Rti series they are great for HT, and good for music as long as you don't mind the sound being a bit bright. The prices that the 8's are going for very good just two years ago they were three times that.

wutadumsn23

Spokane?? Huppins?? Cheap Polks?? I am sooooooooo there, howdy neighbor!! (danger boy)

SoDak

I did budget 1k to 1.5k for new receiver, BluRay player and other hardware in addition to the 2k budget for speakers and 2k to 2.5k for 50+" LCD or plasma. It always creeps up since I always seem to overreach. Wishing I was a hedge fund manager. Thank you for the continued advice. I know you're right because I've heard quite a few say the RTi series is bright/aggressive. I hate to dive in on LSi and watch them fall like RTi did, but then I have to jump in and get wet at some point.

maximillian

I love my LSi9 for music but I also have RTi 6's, CSi5, ad FSi3's in the room for HT. I simply switch between the two depending if I am watching a movie or music. This setup takes more room, but it is in my basement so aesthetics aren't as big of an issue.

Note that some people prefer other brand speakers for music over the LSi9's. There are several comparisons between LSi9's and Totem Rainmakers. At this point it's all about personal preference and your ears are the best judge. Please don't let us convince you to jump into the LSi series speakers if you do more HT than critical music listening. The RTi's are great, detailed speakers. Music listeners complain mainly about their harshness (which can cause ear fatigue after extended listening) and lack of imaging depth. Again, some people like the harshness and others don't care about the imaging as much.

You could try used LSi9's. Last I knew Slowcar had a pair for sale with stands that he didn't sell:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71779

arbata

I am also a newbie. Consider the LSI 15s, as they have built-in subwoofers and you won't need to shell out for a seperate sub. The center channel seems to add mostly to video consumption, because it recieves most of conversation level frequencies. But for audio, my impression is "there is no replacement for displacement" to get the stereo effect. In otherwords, concentrate on you floor standing speakers
The Lsi's have a baffle-type tweeter that is a significant upgrade from other models and most other speakers, which utilize dome tweeters. My biggest complaint with speakers in general has been the metallic sound of tweeters with resonance that goes on and on, blurring the distinction from beat to beat. The Lsi tweeters have distinct upstroke and downstroke with each note, and its not so metallic. Where I am, sound advice is closing and they have a pair of lsi15s at $450 each, brand new. A whole lot of speaker for the money. For processor, I bought top model outlaw from autlawaudio.com for under $700 new. used for alot less. I am very happy with it. My mp3 files came alive when i plugged my puter to it. I agree don't worry about amp power just yet. you can add those later to run power-hungry floor standers. but a good processor is important i think.
guy on audiogon.com selling his 7.1 lsi speakers for a little over $1000...go there and search polk. tell him ahmed sent ya! he was helpful to another newbie...me.

KrazyMofo24

Polk direct just posted the 9's again they are refurbished but a great deal for the price. They also have the LSiFX.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230309980462

http://cgi.ebay.com/LSii-FX-Black-Surround-Sound-Speakers-pair-Polk-Audio_W0QQitemZ360110469772QQihZ023QQcategoryZ3276QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

The 15's at $900 is also a good price if you want to go with floorstanders.

You would still need a separate amp that can handle 4ohms. The 9's sounded like crap and went into protection mode a few times with my HK AVR-335.