New To Polk

24

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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Alright...so here's my problem. I doubt my current HTIB receiver from Onkyo won't give nearly enough power for me to save my money for the 705/6.

    The current receiver is from the HT-R340 and says it has a total of 650 watts.

    So even if I'm not thrilled with the Yamaha...I'm going to want to buy it because I want to plug in my RTi8s. Oh the dilemma! lol
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    Keiko wrote: »
    I just checked on amazon. The HTR 6160 right now is 349.95 bought from amazon directly and ships free with super saver shipping. Here's the link. Click the link under the description (7 new) for more buying options and choose amazon. Add to cart to see price. amazon's an authorized dealer, so IMO this is the way to go. The HTR 6160 is exactly the same as the RX V663 model.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013ZCHO8/sr=1-1/qid=1235303773/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1235303773&sr=1-1&seller=

    Edit: amazon description has it listed as a 7.1 receiver which is a typo. The 663 and 6160 are both 7.2 channel AVR's. Compare the 2 on Yamaha's web site. The only difference is the nomenclature.

    http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567572&CNTYP=PRODUCT

    http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567571&CNTYP=PRODUCT

    bhphotovideo.com also has it for 349.95 with free shipping.

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=546285&is=REG&A=details&Q=

    Ohio, if you are sure the 663/6160 is the one for you I would jump on one of the above. I don't think you'll see it any lower than this from authorized dealers for a while, even with the 665 coming. Sounds like you are in a hurry to fire up the RTi8's. Can't blame you there:), and as said many times for the price it is a very capable AVR. Are you still planning a trip to BB? If so and they have the Pioneer 1018 give it a listen too, as I think that is also sweet for the price. Which, with some time searching I think you could find around the same $$ as the 663. But as noted above it doesn't sound like those RTi8's can wait that long.:D
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited February 2009
    Welcome to Club Polk.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Thanks all for the welcoming. I did make it out to Best Buy today. Only to be somewhat disappointed. They had some Polks hooked up to a Yamaha, but it was a higher end Yamaha.

    How much of a difference do you think that will make? They sounded fine to me. I can't wait to get mine in...
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Thanks all for the welcoming. I did make it out to Best Buy today. Only to be somewhat disappointed. They had some Polks hooked up to a Yamaha, but it was a higher end Yamaha.

    How much of a difference do you think that will make? They sounded fine to me. I can't wait to get mine in...

    What model higher up Yamaha? Did they have a 663 hooked up to anything? A lot of people do not like doing this if they don't intend to buy there, but I think I would have asked them to hook it up. BB has done some deceptive things in the past,:rolleyes: so I do not feel guilty about doing this, unless they are extremely busy, then I don't feel fair to the other customers.

    I think you could go up a couple models with out much difference in SQ. Usually only some features and watts are added for 3 or more levels before much changes in design that would improve the sound. Of course this all depends on what level model you start the comparison from. But with the 663 I think you could go up a couple before you see this.

    With nothing but speculation I will guess that you are probably good up to the 1800, maybe even the 3800 in the RX V line and any of the current HTR line. Just saw where you say you can't wait to get yours in. Does that mean you ordered?
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    The RTi8s have been ordered. No receiver yet though. I'm going to buy that probably earlier next week.

    I'm torn, because I looked on Onkyo refurbs site and saw that at one point the 706 was 349! Why can't it be like that now! And I wished I knew when it'd be like that again.

    Man...who knew speakers would cause me so much grief! lol
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  • lectronicjunkie
    lectronicjunkie Posts: 299
    edited February 2009
    Sounds like you really want to go with Onkyo. So, just do it. Even if you have to wait for another refurb to become available. I stopped by BB yesterday and it was the same deal as what you ran into. The Yamaha does have a different sound. I'm sticking with Onkyo.
    It's all in the detail.
    :cool:

    HT Setup:
    Samsung PN50D550
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Samsung BD-D6700
    Fronts: RTi10's
    Center: CSi5
    Side surrounds: RC65i's
    Rear surrounds: FXiA4's
    Sub: Velodyne CT120
    Outdoor: Atrium 45's

    Pictures here
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2009
    What Lectron said. Just be patient & get the Onkyo. You will be much happier all the way around. Once you get the speakers they aren't going anywhere and neither are your ears.

    Everything will come together and sound great.

    But a lot have people have said the a Yami & RTI's are not the best combo to put together. It would be a shame if you jumped the gun just to have something NOW & ended up unhappy & out of money, then have to spend it a 2nd time to get what you wanted in the first place.
    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
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Alright...worse case scenario. What do I lose if I decide to go with my 606? Just the ability to pre amp in the future? If the RTi8s don't require a pre amp, and I plan on sticking with them for a while, is there any harm done?
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,143
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Alright...worse case scenario. What do I lose if I decide to go with my 606? Just the ability to pre amp in the future? If the RTi8s don't require a pre amp, and I plan on sticking with them for a while, is there any harm done?

    Preamp outputs are great...I never thought I would use mine but my power amp will be here Tuesday.:)...and yeap, I will now be using the preamp outputs.

    On the other hand, the Onkyo 606 is still a great receiver and you can always sell it in the future if you decide it does not work for you. I had an old Onkyo 600 model and sold it for about $30 less than I paid for it and used it for a year.:p

    I still say get the Pioneer or H/K, but I am also very fond and attached to those particular brands so that is a very bias suggestion.;)

    I say GO BUCKS!!!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2009
    You lose the ability to buy a separate amplifier later on to bring your speakers up to their full potential. They will not be doing that with just the 606 pushing them. You would have to hope to sell your 606, then buy another receiver as well as an amplifier.

    But you can't miss what you don't know, maybe it will be enough for you.

    The best way to ensure that is after you make your purchases....GET LOST!;) Otherwise, if you stay on these boards, you will get sucked into upgraditis & end up spending money twice.

    Then someone like me will tell you....I TOLD YOU SO!:D
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Alright...worse case scenario. What do I lose if I decide to go with my 606? Just the ability to pre amp in the future? If the RTi8s don't require a pre amp, and I plan on sticking with them for a while, is there any harm done?
    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
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    I'd absolutely love to get a 706. But when will they come down. I need to test the speakers I get as soon as possible because I've bought them off of audiogon and they are used. Just want to make sure I'm getting a good product. That's my biggest problem.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,143
    edited February 2009
    You may have already read this review, but if not here you go:

    http://ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/608onk606/

    You can get the harman/kardon AVR 254 for $389 delivered to your door from JR (authorized hk dealer). Hint...hint...;)
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,143
    edited February 2009
    One more killer deal...
    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    .........at one point the 706 was 349! Why can't it be like that now.........

    I've forgotten if $350 was your budget or if it was $350-400. Did you see my earlier post with a factory refurb 705 for $419. As others have said if you really want the Onk 705/06 for 350 it can be had you just need to wait it out.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Yeah...I saw the refurb for 419. But...I have to have a black one to match everything else. The silver would really stick out. Plus...it's my selling point of upgrading to my fiancee. She doesn't understand all the technical details, but if I say it'll match everything...she's happy! lol.

    I started looking at reviews online of the mentioned receivers. It seems as though the H/K 254 has had major problems because of a firmware update.

    Onkyo 706 people are complaining about video issues. Blue spec in the black areas with HDMI.

    The Yamaha 663 seems to actually have the best reviews...but are they using it with Polk equipment?

    Let me also say...I hate you guys for putting me through this!!!! LOL!

    Seriously though, I really appreciate your help in all of this. I'm glad that this site is here. I'm close to just putting in for the Yamaha though. Just because it's in my price range. Has the needed pre-outs. Also, if I've never had Polk speakers before, they are going to sound amazing no matter what.

    I'm 25. I have lots of time to get another set when I'm a little higher on the corporate food chain.

    I'll keep watching the 706 to see if anything amazing happens and it becomes affordable for me. I just don't see it happening. The 805/6 is just way too far out of my price range.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Good news...ran into some money and the limit for the receiver is now 500. So the good news is that I can get a 706. But now that I have the money I would really like to try to find a 805/6 this next week for that...
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    Congrats on the good fortune. Good luck with the search for a 805/6 but at least now you are up to a 705/6 and I think you will be very happy either way
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Happy is one way to put it. Ecstatic is a better way. I just bought aa 805 for 525 and free shipping!

    Oh...now the dreaded shipping wait...
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Happy is one way to put it. Ecstatic is a better way. I just bought aa 805 for 525 and free shipping!

    Oh...now the dreaded shipping wait...

    Awesome man, congrats. Nice receiver, glad you got something with pre-outs, and a real good price. Enjoy!:)



    Pat.
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Thanks to everyone for their help. You guys have really made this experience a lot easier and worthwhile.

    A special thanks to lectronicjunkie, as him and I have been sending messages back and forth with good deals and he has helped me look for different parts of my setup! Much appreciated man!

    Hopefully my setup arrives late this week or early next. Man...my neighbors are going to hate me!!!!

    Thanks,
    Ryan
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited February 2009
    Good move, you'll be happy down the road as your not locked out of a quick upgrade. If that bug bites you. ;)

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2009
    Congratulations!!!
    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
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Happy is one way to put it. Ecstatic is a better way. I just bought aa 805 for 525 and free shipping!

    Oh...now the dreaded shipping wait...

    Hey,

    That's a great choice, really nice. Although it's not a power amp. That 805 is, audio-wise, the best receiver Onkyo has ever built in the 1000 or less price range. A wonder they could offer it at the discounted prices they could. The Onkyos sound great with Polk speakers and leave you the option of upgrading in the future. You can't do much better than that on your first try--if you're a member of the middle-class that is. If you're in the 6 figure plus category....well that's another story.

    And you can find that story on these pages as well because we're all different in our 'means'.

    I guarantee you're going to love that receiver....

    Congrats...

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    What's the difference in a "power" amp?
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    What's the difference in a "power" amp?

    I think cnh is making reference to an "external amp" or "separate". This unit can be bought and paired up to your Onkyo. It can provide you more dynamic, clean power to your system. In a variety of configurations: 2 channel, 3, 5, 7, whatever. Your A/V receiver is multi-tasking, not just powering your speakers, so it has its limits. A Power Amp will boost everything, much like a supercharger for a car, good clean raw power.:)
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Alright...worried me...Thought I needed to upgrade already! lol...
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited February 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Alright...worried me...Thought I needed to upgrade already! lol...

    Sometime down the road when funds allow, you now have the option to add an Amp. Wouldnt worry about that now. So far, your on your way to a real nice setup.:D
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited February 2009
    Yeah...I'm excited. What the difference in centers. I know I should go with the CSI A6. But I doubt I do. Now that I've bought all this stuff...I need to keep it a little lower. Is the A4 the best option after that?
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    I think you will be fine with the A4, if you later want to move up you can always do the A6 in the future. You could look for some older products if you do not mind buying used speakers. I think a CS400i, CSi40, CSi5 would all work and maybe out perform the A4 a little. There have been a lot of contributors to this thread so maybe they could add a little more first hand experience with some of these. Let us know what you think when you get everything hooked up. With spring around the corner you are going to have another dilemma, get outside to enjoy the weather or stay in and enjoy the great sys. you've put together.
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