Seeking Advice on Building system in TSi line?

dclatta

Hi all. New to these forums and seeking advice on speakers in the TSi line of Polks. After much research decided on building Polk system bit by bit (good value for the money, good sound quality, etc.). I started off with the CS10 Center, as that was the item I needed most, got the 10 instead of 20 as it is smaller but supposedly close to 20 in quality. Next up will be the fronts, follwed later by the rears; and these two areas are where any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to keep costs down but am willing to 'pay up' is there is sufficent justification

Fronts: I'm wavering between Bookshelf (TSi200) and Towers (TSi300 or TSi400). What I'd like to know is if there is quite a difference between the Bookshelf and the towers as far as listening pleasure & quality. If Towers are that much better, how do the 300's & 400's compare, considering about a $200 diff. in cost. Hard to determine from reviews but sounds like 300's are close to 400's, shops around here have 300's or 400's but not both setup so can't directly compare.

Rears: Deciding between a cheap pair of M10's (bout $78 on sale) or going with TSi100's ($260 but may wait for sale). Would the M10's be compatible with the TSi line? How do their sound and quality compare to teh 100's?

Using a Yamaha rx-v465 with Hdmi's supply all the signals, sticking with Jamo sub for now, mostly for Movies but also some Music (mostly rock). Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Darrell...

nooshinjohn

my suggestion would be to order from Polk Direct... There you will find refurbs from all the different ranges, and you can save about 60% over retail prices. This might be able to get you into the RTi line...

Welcome to CP

dorokusai

Have you thought about OWM's for surrounds? I believe you would be much happier with the TSi400 over the other 2 models. It's the most well rounded speaker in the lineup to me, even over the TSi500.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surround.php#owm

jimmydep

I think I'd choose the TSi-400, the Yamaha 465 doesn't have pre-outs, so you'll want a speaker thats a lttle easier to drive. I'm demoing the OWM-5's right now, and think they are a fine speaker for surround duty, and might work well as a center channel also.


BTW welcome to the Club


Jimmy

dorokusai

xcapri79 wrote: »

I've heard that before about the Monitor 60's, the precursor to the TSi400, however, if you don't mind the larger size and cost, for me the TSi500 or Monitor 70 is still the best sounding speaker in the respective lineups.

You want to wrestle about it?

dclatta

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately can't get refurb's direct from Polk because they don't ship to Canada (sorry, didn't have my profile filled out yet). I've looked at the possibilities of the OWM3's as rears but have't found any place in Calgary that carries them so I can have a listen. Anyone compared them to M10's and/or TSi100's? I am leaning towards the 400's but still looking around trying to see what deals I can find and see if I can find a place to compare them directly.

cwilliams

I can guarantee you will save money if you are patient and have access to some place that has open box or refurb. Newegg is a great source for sales. I know you're wanting the TSi series, but don't discredit the Monitor series. I bought my parents M50's and a CS1. They all sound awesome!

I purchased everything open box at Best Buy without a scratch on anything:

TSi300 - $129/ea
CS10 - $119
TSi100 - $99/pr

cwilliams

Wow, Canada sucks for anything Polk related.

Sorry OP!

cwilliams

xcapri79 wrote: »

There are over 30 Canadian speaker manufacturers so that may explain it.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=47351

That would explain it

keeneyrm01

If you are looking at the TSi400's you might want to try to find a pair of the Monitor 60's that the TSi line replaced. The speakers are the same but supposably the Monitor series has a better cabinet design like better internal bracing, that resonates less. Thats what the guys told me at a local home theater store. I have a pair of the Monitor 60's and they're very nice for the price. You might be able to find a really good deal on the older series.

dorokusai

keeneyrm01 wrote: »

If you are looking at the TSi400's you might want to try to find a pair of the Monitor 60's that the TSi line replaced. The speakers are the same but supposably the Monitor series has a better cabinet design like better internal bracing, that resonates less. Thats what the guys told me at a local home theater store.

That's incorrect.

dclatta

Lot of great thoughts and comments here; wish I had found these forums sooner. Great bunch here.

And yes, it does kinda suck for electronics here in Canada (not just Audio) as many of the best deal are south of the border and shipping or duties eat up any savings really quickly. However if you are like me and always keeping your eyes open there are many good deals to be had. I know Visions gets a bad rap by many people, but they have always treated me right, I don't think I've ever paid retail price there. Hell, I even bought a Rear Projection Big Screen (and a stand), got it home a found that it only had one HDMI and not two (as I thought), bought the whole thing back (stand assembled and everything thing) and got a bigger TV with more inputs; they didn't even hesitate. Thanks again for all the thoughts, will probably lean towards the TSi400's unless a better deal shows up

Darrell...