Wanting something better

Rodeo0530

I'm in need of some help everyone. I've owned the Polk RM6000 HTIB system for about 6 or 7 years and I'm looking to upgrade. I'm trying not to spend too much money, but still want some decent speakers to listen through. I will not buy anything but Polk speakers so I need some recommendations on what to buy. I've been looking at the TSi300's for front speakers, but I'm not even sure if that's what I'll go with. Help please!

nooshinjohn

Try for a set of the older SDA series. You can find a nice set in the price range of the TSi300...

danz1906

The RTiA series may work for you.

zx_toth

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Try for a set of the older SDA series. You can find a nice set in the price range of the TSi300...

Noosh: Going from the small aerodynamic looking RM speakers to the monolithic SDAs might be a bit too much of a SIZE shock for the guy. We should ease him in with some slimmer designs by comparison.

DANZ: +1 on the Rtia series.

Rodeo0530

Where would I be able to find the SDA speakers? I'm not finding much on the internet. I like what I've read about the RTi line, just unsure what the big difference between those and the TSi line is. RTi a little more upscale? I'm using an Onkyo TX-SR506 receiver/amp to power whatever I end up buying. The receiver is 75 Watt continuous @ 8ohm and is able to be bi-amped. Not sure if this helps give more info or not. Thank you thus far.

nooshinjohn

where do you live?

Rodeo0530

I live in Dayton, Ohio. Why?

treitz3

It's easier to know where you are located in order for us to hook you up with what you want. No other reason.

Welcome to the forum.

Rodeo0530

Ok...I really appreciate the help because I want to have a nice setup without a lot of trial and error, which would then mean more money probably. I was also looking at the Monitor 70's or 60's, but the 70's are difficult to find as well.

treitz3

Have patience. Good things come to those who wait. You have nailed the right place to achieve your goal.

Rodeo0530

That works for me...I'm not one to rush into anything and I know that there are a lot of smart and helpful people on here that can lead me in the right direction. This is actually one of the friendliest message boards I've ever been to in my life. People are actually willing to help inexperienced people like me achieve their goals.

nooshinjohn

Rodeo0530 wrote: »

I live in Dayton, Ohio. Why?

because that will give me an idea as to where to look so I can help... I know of a set of SDA-1c's in fort wayne indiana for about 400 bucks... interested?

Rodeo0530

That's a great price and I think those speakers probably sound great, but I just checked them out and they are pretty good size. I don't know if the girlfriend, which I live with, will be very accepting of those. Any ideas for something a little smaller, but still somewhere around that price range?

mutelight

Rodeo0530 wrote: »

Ok...I really appreciate the help because I want to have a nice setup without a lot of trial and error, which would then mean more money probably. I was also looking at the Monitor 70's or 60's, but the 70's are difficult to find as well.

Monitor 70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290015

Monitor 60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017

Rodeo0530

I'm assuming that you love your 70's by everything that I've read about them. I'm still intrigued by the TSi line as well. Did you bi-amp the 70's, or is it not necessary?

ckphoto

If you don't mind used try CL here is a link to the best site I have found for searching CL http://www.searchtempest.com/

Good Luck

mutelight

Rodeo0530 wrote: »

I'm assuming that you love your 70's by everything that I've read about them. I'm still intrigued by the TSi line as well. Did you bi-amp the 70's, or is it not necessary?

I am indeed happy with them. Currently I do not have them bi-amped, they are pretty sensitive.

Hillbilly61

Rodeo0530 wrote: »

That's a great price and I think those speakers probably sound great, but I just checked them out and they are pretty good size. I don't know if the girlfriend, which I live with, will be very accepting of those. Any ideas for something a little smaller, but still somewhere around that price range?

The SDA 2 series might fit your needs. More modest size, great SDA sound and runs between $200-$400. Also, there are well known tried and true mods/upgrades in CP if you are of the tinkering ilk.

I have had real good luck using CL. You just have to be patient and make it a habit to watch what pops up within the distance radius you are willing to drive to get 'em. The search term "Polk" (no quotes) in the upper left hand corner on the area's opening page will return an easy to scan list of what is posted.

Rodeo0530

Hillbilly61 wrote: »

The SDA 2 series might fit your needs. More modest size, great SDA sound and runs between $200-$400. Also, there are well known tried and true mods/upgrades in CP if you are of the tinkering ilk.

I have had real good luck using CL. You just have to be patient and make it a habit to watch what pops up within the distance radius you are willing to drive to get 'em. The search term "Polk" (no quotes) in the upper left hand corner on the area's opening page will return an easy to scan list of what is posted.

I'll have to check into that a little bit more. I really appreciate the help. I'm not quite the tinkering type though, so I don't want to do something and ruin a nice investment.

nooshinjohn

here is a better craigslist search...
http://www.craigslittlebuddy.com/

steelervic

pm'd you

Rodeo0530

I've never bought anything on craigslist before, but I'm assuming I can trust that most Polk speakers will last a lifetime if I buy a pair that is a bit older? I'm sort of looking at newer speakers because I want them to be somewhat sleek looking, but I'm not totally opposed to older ones though. Looking for 2 towers that would be nice for music, but also would fit right in as front speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

Rodeo0530

Also looking for a better sub...any suggestions?? The one I have now was good for me when I first got it because I'd never had surround, but now I need something that won't distort when watching some good action movies. I know that Polk makes some good subs, but there are probably better out there to be had in relationship to price??

Rodeo0530

With the receiver that I currently own, what would I need to buy in order to power a pair of RTi150's? Have looked at some of those and was wondering if I should sell the amp I have now and start new? I'm still somewhat lost here?!?

zx_toth

Rodeo: Alot of people here seem to be suggesting used speakers. Are you interested in buying new or used ?

Please review the Polk Product line and see what size and 'look' you are going for. I believe you mentioned you were interested in towers for the fronts.

Perhaps someone can pipe up about the difference b/w the Rtia and TSi line. The Tsi line is a level below the Rtia so you will see a lower price / sound quality compared to the Rtia line. I believe that the TSi line is easier to drive than the upper Rtias (Rtia9s and 7s).

Either way both lines will be an upgrade from the Rm series of speakers. The Rm speakers are nice, I owned a 5.1 setup (Rm7300s) however the simple fact that they are small speakers does not allow them to push the amount of air hence volume as a large tower.

I think people are steering you in the used direction because you get more for your money that way, however if you are not comfortable with going the used route than look for some deals on the Tsi or Rtia line which come up frequently.


Z

Rodeo0530

I'm not opposed to buying used, but I figure if I buy new (or fairly new) I can have these speakers for quite a while...or by what I see on here, I'll have them for a little while and then get an itch to upgrade:) I guess I really don't know what I want and I'm kind of lost which is why I'm on here. I actually heard the TSi400 and it sounded ok, but it was at HHGregg and who knows if they even had it running properly because only one of the 2 towers would work. I know that whatever Polk product I buy will sound good, but I don't want a lot of trial and error.

cnh

That newegg price of about 400 for two M70s with free shipping ain't a bad price if you liked the M60s you'll get even more sound out of those...they also image fairly well because of the cascade woofer tweeter set up and the tweeter being up a bit closer to ear level. I've heard Rti-8s and I prefer my M70s...but then there's not much of a price difference there! The newegg price on the M60s is almost a steal (260 a pair and FREE SHIPPING!) And M-series, IMO love Onkyo receivers and Harman Kardons the best at the mid-price point (receiver).

If you want to do RTIs don't go below the RTI-10 or Rti-A7 because that's where you begin to see differences between the M70s/TSI-500s (the two are pretty similar) and the Rti line. Of course the tweeter on the RTI-8s sounds different...but the M70s will put out a bit more sound...overall.

cnh

cnh

Terra S

cnh wrote: »

That newegg price of about 400 for two M70s with free shipping ain't a bad price if you liked the M60s you'll get even more sound out of those...they also image fairly well because of the cascade woofer tweeter set up and the tweeter being up a bit closer to ear level. I've heard Rti-8s and I prefer my M70s...but then there's not much of a price difference there! The newegg price on the M60s is almost a steal (260 a pair and FREE SHIPPING!) And M-series, IMO love Onkyo receivers and Harman Kardons the best at the mid-price point (receiver).

cnh

There's currently a coupon-code (which expires today at midnight) for the Monitor 60's which knocks off 10 bucks per speaker. So a pair of Monitor 60's is $239.98 with free shipping. Would that be a decent deal or would y'all suggest waiting for the Monitor 70's to come back in stock and look for a sale on those? I think the only difference is the 70's have 4 drivers vs 3 drivers for the 60's. Oh, and the 70's have a slightly wider frequency response. But I'm just wondering if that is worth the extra coin or if I should grab the 60's for $240 a pair.

Rodeo0530

Terra S wrote: »

There's currently a coupon-code (which expires today at midnight) for the Monitor 60's which knocks off 10 bucks per speaker. So a pair of Monitor 60's is $239.98 with free shipping. Would that be a decent deal or would y'all suggest waiting for the Monitor 70's to come back in stock and look for a sale on those? I think the only difference is the 70's have 4 drivers vs 3 drivers for the 60's. Oh, and the 70's have a slightly wider frequency response. But I'm just wondering if that is worth the extra coin or if I should grab the 60's for $240 a pair.

Wow, that does sound like a good deal. Anyone want to chime in and lead me in that direction?? I'm a trusting person and it seems like many of you are VERY knowledgeable. I'm still wondering if my receiver/amp is powerful enough to run some really nice speakers like these, or if I should sell it and buy something a little bit better?? Anyone have any ideas. I know I won't get what I paid for the receiver, but it is rather new so I should still get a bit of the original price back.

Terra S

Also, newegg has the the Polk CS2 with the same deal (10 bucks off w/coupon code, ends at midnight tonight). So you could get two Monitor 60s for the front L/R and a CS2 for your center. The total cost would be $350 (w/coupon code) which includes shipping.

So now the question is would that be the way to go or should OP look for used RTi series for about the same price (if that's possible to find). I ask to help OP but also because I'm considering this setup myself. But I'm wondering if it would be better to forgo the newegg deal and look to put the $350 towards higher-end used speakers. For example I found this Paradigm LCR 450 for $175 that could be used as a center and then maybe a pair of THESE for fronts.

Rodeo0530

Terra S wrote: »

Also, newegg has the the Polk CS2 with the same deal (10 bucks off w/coupon code, ends at midnight tonight). So you could get two Monitor 60s for the front L/R and a CS2 for your center. The total cost would be $350 (w/coupon code) which includes shipping.

So now the question is would that be the way to go or should OP look for used RTi series for about the same price (if that's possible to find). I ask to help OP but also because I'm considering this setup myself. But I'm wondering if it would be better to forgo the newegg deal and look to put the $350 towards higher-end used speakers. For example I found this Paradigm LCR 450 for $175 that could be used as a center and then maybe a pair of THESE for fronts.

I didn't see the $10 coupon code that you were talking about. Did I miss it somewhere? They have the 60's for $129/each and out of stock on the 70's @ $199/each. What should I do? They have the 70's in cherry, but they're $249/each for those and I can use either color so I would go with the black to get same speaker for less. How power hungry are the 60's??