looking for help RM10 RM20 & subwoofer

buyer2k11

Hi I am new to the forums and I am trying to setup a surround system, but need some help/advice. I am not the most knowledgeable person, but here is what I am thinking from my research, please offer your thoughts and suggestions.

I am trying to put together a system for a good price (around $750 including receiver), but also not a complete entry level sytem like a HTIB...is this possible for this price?

I am currently looking at the 5 speaker set of either RM10 or RM20. I can get the RM10 (reburbished) shipped for $145.00 or the RM20 (reburbish) shipped for $275. Is the RM20 worth the extra money?

Also, which subwoofer would I pair with either set of speakers. I can get the PSW111 for $140 shipped or is their a different subwoofer I should be considering like the PSW125, which I saw for $140 a little less? or the less powered PSW10 I saw for $100.

Or finally, I can get the RM6900 system used with speaker stands and 100 ft of speaker wire shipped for $420. I know this system uses the RM20 speakers (which I liked), but not sure about the subwoofer. I can't find what model number it is, and the reviews of the RM6900 weren't impressed with the sub. Does anyone know what subwoofer comes with this set?

Does it sound like I am on the right track or should I be looking at other speakers all together?

Thanks for any and all help

kawizx9r

Welcome to CLUB POLK!

What's the size of your room?

As far as the r10/r20, like in any case you get what you pay for. Just my .02 but I bet plenty of others will chime in and give you a good suggestion

buyer2k11

Thanks.
Will be setup in a basement that is about 525 sq. ft....but the tv viewing layout is 12X18. So, not a contained room with 4 walls on each side, if that matters much.

kawizx9r

Imo, you might end up spending a little more coin but you can find r-series or monitor series type speakers (if you give it some time n research), then add one of the sub deals you've found and a good avr (maybe from CL?) and be much happier with that in your moderately sized basement. Also keep in mind to make sure your AVR has pre-outs, because like everyone always says, the upgrade bug WILL bite!

buyer2k11

I like that idea, here is what I found doing a quick search on newegg...would something like this mesh and be an upgrade from the RM10 or RM20?

Center= CS2 Black Center Channel Loudspeaker Single (open box item) shipped for $94

surrounds= Polk Audio Monitor 30 black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair $99.00 free ship
OR
Polk Audio Monitor 40 Black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair $149 free ship

Fronts= 2x Polk Audio Monitor 50 Black Two-way Floorstanding Loudspeaker Single $99.00 free ship

kawizx9r

Yea see you get the picture. There are ALOT of M-series owners that seem happy with their HT, and would be better to recommend you what speakers to choose from.

cnh

buyer2k11 wrote: »

I like that idea, here is what I found doing a quick search on newegg...would something like this mesh and be an upgrade from the RM10 or RM20?

Center= CS2 Black Center Channel Loudspeaker Single (open box item) shipped for $94

surrounds= Polk Audio Monitor 30 black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair $99.00 free ship
OR
Polk Audio Monitor 40 Black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair $149 free ship

Fronts= 2x Polk Audio Monitor 50 Black Two-way Floorstanding Loudspeaker Single $99.00 free ship

Welcome to Club Polk,

That system will do you fine! It's a nice entry system with good sound and can be powered with a moderate receiver...as Kawizx says you'll want a receiver with pre-outs for future upgrades.

I suggest you look into a refurbed unit because you've got a really tight budget and you need at least a 500 dollar AVR...so a refurb for 150-200 less should be fine!

See if you can find a Harman Kardon AVR 254 at a good price...there are some refurbs available...I know some people here have picked some up?

Guys? Anyone know where?

cnh

kawizx9r

I was actually looking at that exact receiver upon viewing this!

+1 cnh
As he mentioned you'll need a moderate AVR to power those bad boys, and that in itself will push your budget some more. I'm seeing the 254 on Amazon refurb's for 300.

buyer2k11

Thanks for your advice...I haven't even started to think about which receiver yet, just focusing on nailing down the speakers as I am new to this . But I guess I should be doing my search all at once.

My budget is not a firm one, I can go higher, but I also like to search for the best deals on items, that is partially why I set my budget, to force me to search...but maybe I set it alittle unrealistically.

Any more thoughts on speakers/receivers...I appreciate the help, my head is spinning from all the internet searching I have been doing lately :eek:

buyer2k11

Thanks