New To Polk

Ohioste

I've finally bought myself my first Polk speakers. Found a decent deals on some RTi8's.

I'm excited to get them.

Have a few questions as this is my first step into a more "advanced" speaker.

My next buy is a new receiver. I currently have an 5.1 Onkyo that was part of my HTIB setup. It's a few years old and doesn't have the HDMI capabilities that I want. I'm planning on buying an Onkyo 606. Any suggestions on anything else...and why?

Also, with my new RTi8's, am I going to need more power to make them sound even decent? Or can I just hook them straight up to the 606(or whatever you guys recommend) and still get good sounding speakers. This system will be strictly for movies and nothing more. I never play music on it, as that's what my macbook and ipod are for! .

Next question, best center that will match? I've been looking hard at the CSI A4. Is that going to be "too much" of a center speaker? Again, this is going to be used for movies only, so I want to make sure my center is a good speaker so I can get the voices out clearly.

Next question about the RTi8s. This is my first set of speakers that technically have two wire hook ups in the back. What is that for and should I be using a special wire? I'm not trying to blow the bank, but I want them to sound good. I paid for them, so they better work, lol. For my Onkyo HTIB I just had bought the upgraded wire from Best Buy.

I know there's a lot of questions, but I am a newbie and am really excited about owning my first Polk speakers. Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks,
Ryan

Retro152

Ohioste wrote: »

I've finally bought myself my first Polk speakers. Found a decent deals on some RTi8's.

I'm excited to get them.

Have a few questions as this is my first step into a more "advanced" speaker.

My next buy is a new receiver. I currently have an 5.1 Onkyo that was part of my HTIB setup. It's a few years old and doesn't have the HDMI capabilities that I want. I'm planning on buying an Onkyo 606. Any suggestions on anything else...and why?

Also, with my new RTi8's, am I going to need more power to make them sound even decent? Or can I just hook them straight up to the 606(or whatever you guys recommend) and still get good sounding speakers. This system will be strictly for movies and nothing more. I never play music on it, as that's what my macbook and ipod are for! .

Next question, best center that will match? I've been looking hard at the CSI A4. Is that going to be "too much" of a center speaker? Again, this is going to be used for movies only, so I want to make sure my center is a good speaker so I can get the voices out clearly.

Next question about the RTi8s. This is my first set of speakers that technically have two wire hook ups in the back. What is that for and should I be using a special wire? I'm not trying to blow the bank, but I want them to sound good. I paid for them, so they better work, lol. For my Onkyo HTIB I just had bought the upgraded wire from Best Buy.

I know there's a lot of questions, but I am a newbie and am really excited about owning my first Polk speakers. Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks,
Ryan

Welcome to the forum. The 606 is a fine receiver, but doesnt have pre-outs for adding a future amp. It should power your 8's fine.

The Csi-a6 is a better center, but the A4 will do a nice job if your on a budget, its not too much for your setup. Would recommend the a6 over the A4.

The two sets of binding posts on the rear of the speakers, give you the option to "bi-amp" if you wish. As long as the metal jumpers are in place you can hookup to the top or bottom posts for standard hookup. Any 14 or 16 gauge two conductor speaker wire is fine. You can upgrade to a more premium wire later if you want, Audioquest,Monoprice,Bluejean, etc.

Ohioste

Would there be another receiver that you would recommend over the 606 because of the inability to not add a preamp? I still want to make sure that I have the HDMI for audio and video however.

Oh, and one more question. I bought used speakers and they have a few scratches on them. They are in cherry. Anyone find anything that will match the cherry finish?

Thanks for your response!

hearingimpared

Welcome to Club Polk.

reeltrouble1

Ohioste wrote: »

I never play music on it, as that's what my macbook and ipod are for! .Ryan

eeeeeeeeeeeekkk:eek::eek::eek:

Welcome Aboard.

RT1

Ohioste

Thanks for the responses...I'm going to be looking into those Yamaha receivers and see what I can get for them. These would still power my RTi8s alright?

I'm really not good with that stuff.

Thanks!

apphd

Keiko wrote: »

Welcome aboard Ohioste. I've heard some really good reviews on the Yamaha RX-V663 aka HTR-6160. It has preouts on all channels, which is something you'd want if you ever decide to add more power later. A lot of guys do. You can find these for under 400.00 now if you take the time to shop around.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567571&CTID=5000300&ATRID=1000&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567572&CTID=5000400&ATRID=1000&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

Edit: Another polkie still might have this cherry CSi3 available in our flea market. That would be a perfect match for your 8's. Here's the link for it.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77210

+1 on the 663 I have one and for the price it is great. Also consider the Pioneer 1018 and Harmon Kardon 254.

Yamaha has the 665 being released which has some improvements on the 663, but maybe some trade offs as well (to soon to tell) but the 663 will probably be dropping in price.

As others have said something with pre outs is something you really should consider. Many will never add a separate amp, but it is nice to have that option. Not sure what options you have in your area but try to have a listen to your options and decide what you like the sound of........keeping in mind that different speakers and room characteristics will probably alter the sound (maybe a little, maybe a lot:( ) when you get it home.

Many Polk owners have high praise for the way the Onkyo and Harmon Kardon match up with Polk speakers. On the Onk side if you want pre outs watch for some deals on the 706 or Onks web site for some refurbished/open box deals

You have a great start on some sweet audio, enjoy the shopping as well as the outcome.
Welcome to CP, a lot of good people and information can be found here.

(edit) yes the 663 will drive your speakers. Just not as good as higher power would.

metal83

Here's another receiver to consider, it's a little more expensive than the Onkyo 606 or Yamaha 663, but Pioneer and polks go great together.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8713788&type=product&id=1199496527703

cfrizz

Welcome. Yes any receiver will power your speakers, but most will not drive them to their full potential, which is where the receiver with preouts comes in.

Consider stepping up to the Onkyo 706 or try to find a deal on the 805.

Ohioste wrote: »

Thanks for the responses...I'm going to be looking into those Yamaha receivers and see what I can get for them. These would still power my RTi8s alright?

I'm really not good with that stuff.

Thanks!

cnh

I've gotta second cfrizz. If you can get a deal on the Onkyo 805--jump on it! It will also have the requisite power to keep you somewhat happy until you want that extra power that can only come from power amps.

At over 50 pounds with Burr Brown processors and a massive EL transformer. The 805 has to be the BEST sounding AVR Onkyo ever made in the 1000 dollar or less category! And although it may strain a bit under 4 ohm loads it can deal with them. Which the Yamahas can't beyond the two front channels!

Yamahas are great receivers but the 'sound' is not for me. I prefer the 'warmth' of the Onkyo. But you should listen for 'yourself' and decide. Because the Yamahas have their own sound and a lot of people like them.

cnh

disneyjoe7

Welcome to the Club


An AVR with HDMI is nice, but you can work around if needed. Just feed the TV with the HDMI and feed the AVR with an optical input. Maybe by you some time if needed, and don't buy an AVR without pre amp outputs. You'll kick yourself later.

Ohioste

Yikes...looks like the 805 is pretty expensive. Might be a little out of my price range. I'm sure it's an amazing receiver, but the cheapest I can find it for it 450 from a seller who has only 4 ratings on amazon. I'm hoping to stay in the 350 range for a receiver, even if it has to come used.

Again, thanks for all the suggestions. This might be harder than what I thought...

cnh

Try to find something with pre-outs in that range.

That means a Yamaha 663 or

Onkyo 705/6

A Harman Kardon AVR 254

Look on line for a good price on any of these. They're all good High Current designs.

The Pioneer VSX-1018 also has pre-outs!

cnh

Conradicles

Welcome to Club Polk. Great to have a fellow Buckeye fan. That is my team. I used to live in Findlay.

The h/k AVR 254 or the Pioneer 1018 would be my suggestions as well.

renowilliams

Hi

Welcome to th polk world. Another reciever,not mentioned so far is the Yamaha RSV861. It should meet the price point your looking at. I have this particular a/v unit and am very pleased with it. It has pre-outs and 105 watts per channel.


Good Luck

renowilliams

Correction on my previous post. Yamaha RX-V861 is the model.

bevo

Listen to the guys about the pre outs. I bought myself a denon 1909 for christmas, and later realized that I would need pre outs to run an amp. I just bought RTi A5's, and the denon does seem to push them alright. This forum will ruin you though, if you keep coming on here you will certainly keep wanting more, and more, and more, speakers. It's very addicting, but very rewarding.

I almost forgot. Go BUCKS.

Ohioste

I really love my Onkyo at the moment. I am planning on trying to stay with them. But for 350...am I really going to find an Onkyo 705/6.

Also, what's the difference between the two?

And yes...as always...Go Bucks!

lectronicjunkie

You can probably find a refurb 606 for that price. Check here. http://shoponkyo.com/products.cfm?group_id=1&subcat=Receiver

The difference between the two is 10 watts per channel and pre-outs vs no pre-outs.
I asked questions about Onkyo vs Yamaha here.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78460
For the money, I may go with Yamaha. I need to listen to it first because I currently own an Onkyo myself and love the way it sounds with the RTi10's that I recently picked up.
BTW. Welcome and enjoy the 8's.

lectronicjunkie

I may be selling my CSi3. I am waiting on an answer on a CSi5.

Ohioste

I meant what's the difference between the 706 and 705?

lectronicjunkie

Sorry, I misread that. I don't see any noticeable difference. There are a lot more experienced people here that could better answer that one.

apphd

Ohioste wrote: »

I meant what's the difference between the 706 and 705?

I don't think there is a lot. The newer 706 has 4 HDMI inputs, 3 on the 705.
706 is "THX Select 2 Plus" 705 was IIR only "THX Select 2" what ever that means. Maybe newer improved video processing on the 706, not sure of this.
There maybe a few other things.

Mike21

Some thought:
1. cnh somehow failed to mention this, but he has a 600 series Onk and he frequently kicks himself in the butt becuase it has no preouts.:p

2. Don't hesitiate to get a 705 over a 706.

3. An 805 for under $500 is a steal. I bought mine last June for $620 (open box). IMHO, the 805 has better amplification than the 806. Don't know if this holds true for the 705 vs. the 706.

Let us know what you get.

Ohioste

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. My budget right now is only going to allow me to spend 350. I'm going to try to get the 706...It's just going to be rough because it means I won't be able to use my RTi8's right away when I get them. So it's still kind of up in the air...

danz1906

Welcome:D

cfrizz

I know that it's hard to wait, but in the end that patience will pay off in the end with you getting something that you won't regret getting in the future & then having to spend more money to get what you should have gotten the first time around if you had only been patient.:)

We've all been there & done that, we are just trying to save you the same fate.

Welcome to Club Polk!:)

Ohioste wrote: »

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. My budget right now is only going to allow me to spend 350. I'm going to try to get the 706...It's just going to be rough because it means I won't be able to use my RTi8's right away when I get them. So it's still kind of up in the air...

apphd

Ohioste wrote: »

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. My budget right now is only going to allow me to spend 350. I'm going to try to get the 706...It's just going to be rough because it means I won't be able to use my RTi8's right away when I get them. So it's still kind of up in the air...

I know this is >$350, and I'm one to really try and stick to my budget, but thought I would put it out there for you.
[Onk705 refurb black are sold out, so the "hurry" might really apply.
I've heard + and - things for accessories4less.

or USED? Know nothing about this seller. But if you are not in a hurry, and used doesn't bother you, you can find some deals, and a lot that look like deals, until you send your money. Lots of safe used deals out there, just use your head, watch Creigslist for stuff in your area so you can have a look and listen before you buy.

cnh

Mike21 wrote: »

Some thought:
1. cnh somehow failed to mention this, but he has a 600 series Onk and he frequently kicks himself in the butt becuase it has no preouts.:p

2. Don't hesitiate to get a 705 over a 706.

3. An 805 for under $500 is a steal. I bought mine last June for $620 (open box). IMHO, the 805 has better amplification than the 806. Don't know if this holds true for the 705 vs. the 706.

Let us know what you get.

Mike is right, but I also own a Denon AVR 2807 which has those much needed pre-outs. Mike likes to rib me every so often. I got the Denon primarily for its pass through HDMI for my PS3, the pre-outs, it's 110 watts/channel and its sound and build quality. But that's over a 1000 dollars MSRP. The 2807 is also about 31 lbs. About 20 pounds lighter than the Onkyo 805...in case Mike gets me again.

I think Keiko has got you on this one! 350 would be a great price on that Yamaha.

cnh

Ohioste

I'm going to look into the Yamaha. Hoping they sell it at Best Buy so I can listen to it. They won't have the RTi8's...but we'll see what happens...

apphd

BB does carry Yamaha, hard to tell what your local store will have in stock. Another Polkie was talking to salesman at BB and they told him that with the Yamaha 665 coming out they would be discounting the 663 10%. But IMHO BB is overpriced anyway and you could probably do better on line. But at least if you can hook one up to some Polks and give a listen you will know if it's the one. As many have said on here some don't care for the Yamaha Polk mix, others like it.

I've been happy with mine.