Rate my setup 1-10

Polkie918
Polkie918 Posts: 245
edited May 2009 in Electronics
Im curious of how good my system is...I think its great but of course there is always better...

65" dlp 1080p toshiba
rti8 mains
csi3 center
fxia4 rears
12" velodyne sub
onkyo sr606
ps3
xbox 360......

just curious...what would u change if u could? of course for not much more money then they are worth....

example my sr606 is worth 350....an 805 is like 500 on ebay....stuff like that...if at all..........thanks
Fronts- RTi8
Center- CSi5
Rears- FXiA4
Sub- Velodyne 12"
Onkyo TX-SR806
Ps3
Xbox 360
65" DLP 1080P Toshiba TV
Post edited by Polkie918 on
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Comments

  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited April 2009
    Rating: 1
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited April 2009
    Is it used just for HT???

    RT1
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2009
    Nice, I've got a fairly similar setup, though your 65" TV is probably a bit nicer than my ancient 25" CRT...lol

    I'm running an Onk' 606 with RTi8's up front, RTi6's in back and a 12" Infinity sub. A CSi5 is going to be coming along very soon to round it out.

    I think the biggest improvement for you would be had by upgrading your center to a CSi5. A bigger center channel is always going to make a big improvement. The center carries 50-60% of a movies soundtrack, so it's a very crucial speaker.

    The 606 is a great receiver for it's price point, but in hindsight, I'm wishing I would have stepped up to something that at least has pre-outs. I'm just going to force myself to be happy with the 606 for the time being, but a Pioneer Elite SC-07 is on the list, though that won't be coming along until I've finished putting together my 2 ch. rig.

    If you want to stay with Onkyo, I'd say step up to the 706 or 806, and add some external amplification sometime down the line. Like you said, you could sell the 606 and put that money towards an 806, and not really have a whole lot of out of pocket expense. It would be a big step up.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2009
    As Curt said,

    That's a pretty nice system for HT, for music? You might need a bit more..although the Rti-8s sound OK, I don't find them to be any better than my M70s...in fact I like the 70s more. And you should hear them with 200 watts/channel pumping through them! For an entry level speaker--not bad! Ms have less pronounced highs and a bit less detail in the tweeter than in the Rti-series version of the heatsink reinforced tweeter which is really built for HT volumes. The M70 is a good compromise to Rti-8s...as they're more laid back for music IMO. Otherwise I'd step up to the Rti-12s or Rti-A9s if I were upgrading..but that's too expensive...and that's not what you asked.

    Hence along with Curt, your two main improvements would be the larger center, I run one in my M system--it does make a difference, and having a receiver with Pre-outs for a future amp upgrade...remember you can buy on the 'used' market for not much coin?

    Otherwise enjoy, I've always like Velo subs...nice match for your system.

    Finally you should keep in mind that some guys on this site are running gear that costs 10s of thousands if it were new! That's not me. But even my system would be over 4K (if it were bought at MSRP--which it WAS NOT) even with only M70s/CS2/M30s, Denon AVR 2807, Boston 12" sub, and an Adcom GFA-555? Plus SDA-2As are coming soon!

    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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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited April 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    I think the biggest improvement for you would be had by upgrading your center to a CSi5. A bigger center channel is always going to make a big improvement. The center carries 50-60% of a movies soundtrack, so it's a very crucial speaker.
    .

    Agreed! You can't imagine what details you are missing from a smaller center until you hear it side-by-side with a larger center speaker.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    Polkie918 wrote: »
    Im curious of how good my system is...I think its great but of course there is always better...
    Compared to what?

    For HT, I'm sure it sounds great. But there will always be better.

    And don't get too hung up on the cost thing.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited April 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Compared to what?

    For HT, I'm sure it sounds great. But there will always be better.

    And don't get too hung up on the cost thing.

    Exactly my point.
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited April 2009
    Nice setup IMO. Agreed with others on CSi5. While you're at it go for monster sub, SVS PB13U. After that consider front projection, electric screen and projector. Use the Toshiba for daytime viewing, watching news, etc.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited April 2009
    Rate how I look. 1-10, ten being really really hot.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited April 2009
    If I had to rate your system on a 1-10 scale (1 being the worse) I'd give it an 8. Reason being, don't get all caught up in the hype of more expensive is better. If it sounds good to you and your happy with the outcome of the overall performance, stick with it. If I had to point fingers at a particulare peice, as Sherard said, save for an SVS or Elemental Designs subwoofer. Never had much experience with the Velo subs but moving to a better sub would definately dig deeper and give you more movie impact. As I said, we here on the forum could give recommendations all day long but if your happy with your current setup, stick with it.

    Rob
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Polkie918
    Polkie918 Posts: 245
    edited April 2009
    I will get the csi5 for sure...if i can get a good deal on a better amp with preouts I will get that...and then later maybe get some rti10 or rti12's and a secondary amp.....
    Fronts- RTi8
    Center- CSi5
    Rears- FXiA4
    Sub- Velodyne 12"
    Onkyo TX-SR806
    Ps3
    Xbox 360
    65" DLP 1080P Toshiba TV
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited April 2009
    Polkie918 wrote: »
    I will get the csi5 for sure...if i can get a good deal on a better amp with preouts I will get that...and then later maybe get some rti10 or rti12's and a secondary amp.....

    That sounds like a good sensible plan. Go for it!
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2009
    Never ask these guys that kind of question. They'll bankrupt you...

    They're always telling me "you still have those speakers? why?" "your amp needs to be upgraded"

    pppffffftttt....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2009
    Polkie, a few questions for you.

    % HT and % Music?

    How big is your room?

    How do you rate your system?

    My suggestion is focus on areas you dislike if any. I had Rti8s and loved them for HT but for music I found them a bit harsh. But if your primary use is HT and your room is say in the 2kcf range I would stay with I have. If your room is over 3KCF and music is more important. I would upgrade Center to CSiA6 or CSi5, upgrade AMP to support pre outsm, get a ADcom or parasound or Carver 2 channel AMP and upgrade to SDA 1Cs.

    To do this you will spend about $1200
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Polkie918
    Polkie918 Posts: 245
    edited April 2009
    it is pretty much 100% HT and TV...I dont really ever listen to music....

    the room size itself is probably like 14x12...but its the living room of a split level home so it is completly open to the kitchen and stairs/hallway with tall vaulted ceilings.....


    since there is so much open space does that change anything as far as everything we have talked about here.
    Fronts- RTi8
    Center- CSi5
    Rears- FXiA4
    Sub- Velodyne 12"
    Onkyo TX-SR806
    Ps3
    Xbox 360
    65" DLP 1080P Toshiba TV
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,497
    edited April 2009
    I say upgrade the center then upgrade the receiver with pre outs, then add a 3 channel amp to power the front stage. Calibrate your system, and your good to go.

    These 3 steps will be night and day with what you have. You might be able to do this for about a grand if you shop smart.

    But it is said if your happy with the way it sounds then be happy with it.

    Larry.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,233
    edited April 2009
    You system is fine. I like it. I give it a 7. I could make some improvements but if your digging it, spend your money elsewhere or save it.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2009
    Polkie918 wrote: »
    it is pretty much 100% HT and TV...I dont really ever listen to music....

    the room size itself is probably like 14x12...but its the living room of a split level home so it is completly open to the kitchen and stairs/hallway with tall vaulted ceilings.....


    since there is so much open space does that change anything as far as everything we have talked about here.

    That helps ! I would rate your system as an 8 based upon your information.

    Enjoy it and don't over think it. You have a very nice HT setup with all the key ingredients. Might consider adding a Harmony one remote for simplification.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Rocco1
    Rocco1 Posts: 190
    edited April 2009
    I say if "YOU" thinks it great. I will give it a 9. I would give a ten if you never even asked because then you would be completly happy with it and not even asking us. Its all in the ears of the beholder. You can get a 10 when you get some "MORE POWER!"
    Man Cave: 7.1
    -PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    -PS Audio Power backup
    -Onkyo Pre/Pro> 2 Adcom555se bridged and bi-wired> RTi A9s
    > Adcom GFA 7605> CSi A6 center, RTi A3s side rears, FXi A6s rears
    >Sub = MK Audio 10'
    -PS3
    -Onkyo 5 disc cd player
    -Directv
    -Samsung 59' plasma flanked by 2 Samsung 43' plasma's
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  • Polkie918
    Polkie918 Posts: 245
    edited April 2009
    Ok cool....im planning on doing the csi5 for sure anyways.....

    what receiver would u recommend then that has preouts...I need at least 3 hdmi INS...for around $500 max...even used would be fine...

    thanks
    Fronts- RTi8
    Center- CSi5
    Rears- FXiA4
    Sub- Velodyne 12"
    Onkyo TX-SR806
    Ps3
    Xbox 360
    65" DLP 1080P Toshiba TV
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  • Rocco1
    Rocco1 Posts: 190
    edited April 2009
    Step up to the 706 onk. It has the pres and all the great video processing it get most of its good reviews for.
    Man Cave: 7.1
    -PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    -PS Audio Power backup
    -Onkyo Pre/Pro> 2 Adcom555se bridged and bi-wired> RTi A9s
    > Adcom GFA 7605> CSi A6 center, RTi A3s side rears, FXi A6s rears
    >Sub = MK Audio 10'
    -PS3
    -Onkyo 5 disc cd player
    -Directv
    -Samsung 59' plasma flanked by 2 Samsung 43' plasma's
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  • Pepi28
    Pepi28 Posts: 248
    edited April 2009
    Go for a pioneer elite rec. VSX-01 OR 03 could probably be had used for around 500$.
    58" Samsung Plasma (on wall)(calibrated)
    LSi15's front (modded xo's)
    LSic center
    LSiFX's sides
    LSi7's rears
    Sunfire Sig. 600 amp for 15's
    Sunfire Sig. Cinema for C,S&R
    Sony ES 3000 pre/pro
    SVS 2039 PC Plus sub 12.3 (16hz tune)
    PS3
    Wii
    Signal and Audioquest ic's
    12 awg monster speaker-cable (bi-wired)
    Belkin PF60 power conditioner
    Monster power conditioner for sub
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2009
    Polkie918 wrote: »
    Ok cool....im planning on doing the csi5 for sure anyways.....

    what receiver would u recommend then that has preouts...I need at least 3 hdmi INS...for around $500 max...even used would be fine...

    thanks

    Call 6ave.com tell them you are an AVS forum member and ask them. Be sure to mention HD audio codecs are required too.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • POIDOG
    POIDOG Posts: 391
    edited May 2009
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    Rate how I look. 1-10, ten being really really hot.

    Since I've never seen you, I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt: a 4 :p

    As for the system, if it works for you!. By the way, I have the 8's and amped them and they sound great to this amateur.
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