Upgrading home theater

JZsFinest

Hello,

I am looking at upgrading my home theater system. Currently I have an Onkyo TX-SR507 Head unit with an Infinity 5.1 system. I use the system for movies, music, and for gaming.

I am a college student and therefore am looking at upgrading in installments. I first want to upgrade my fronts, and center speaker. Then upgrade the rears at a later date. I also plan on upgrading my receiver at some point in the near future, however depending on where and how much money I spend on each piece the receiver might be later.

I have been viewing Polk's online eBay store, and have noticed RTi8's for 349.99. Additionally, on amazon can pick up its complimentary center the CSi3 or CSi5 for $150-250 depending on the unit.

I've also noticed that I can get the Monitor/CS2 set-up for much cheaper.

My question is this:

Would I be better going with a different set-up? Maybe RTi A7's?
If I did go with RTi A7's would I have to get the CSi A4 or would the older CSi3 /5 be alright?

I'm trying to keep my budget for the two towers and center below $1000. Any suggestions or recommendations (or donations? )?????

JZsFinest

I have also heard rave reviews about EMP E5Ti towers, but know little about the company. I don't want to buy speaker that have a 5 year warranty, and then 5 years later have that company be no longer in existence if you know what I mean. Does anyone know anything there?

domflane

I would go with the RTi's. They're fantastic speakers for HT and can be found pretty cheap right now. The 8's/A5's are considered by many to be the better performers of the series when coupled with a good sub. Do you have a sub? If not you should plan on getting a good one soon. A sub really holds down a HT rig and you would be missing a ton by not having one. If you can fit it, get the biggest center that matches your mains, you'll want to get it later if you don't do it now. That means the CSi5 if you go with the RTi8's. Look at the used market too, you can find the newer RTiA speakers for what you will spend on the RTi's and while performance will be similar, the looks of the A series are far beyond the older RTi's.

I don't know anything about the EMP towers, sorry. But if you are thinking about something other than Polk, look into Definitive Technology for your HT. Their towers sound fantastic, but they're a little steep budget wise. Whatever you decide, welcome to club Polk, this is the best AV forum on the internet.

mdaudioguy

Curt will be here soon... let's see if I can beat him to it...
Get the CSi5! It's beast!

P.S. Welcome to CP!!

krauley

right now on newegg the black 70 monitors are running @ 174.99, the black psw505 is @229.99 and the black cs2 is 109.99. for the these prices with free shipping you cant miss for a good all around sound system.

Sherardp

RtiA series with CSiA center. If you can find the RTi's with the CSi5 center check those out also.

Rti8s with a good sub would definitely sound great for your application

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-RTi8-BLACK-Towers-from-Polk-Audio_W0QQitemZ360240675425QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item53e0047a61

comfortablycurt

mdaudioguy wrote: »

Curt will be here soon... let's see if I can beat him to it...
Get the CSi5! It's beast!

P.S. Welcome to CP!!

^^^^
That!:D



Also, I'd take the RTi8's over the A7's personally. In my experience, the 8's have much more pleasing midrange, and are slightly less harsh in the high end. With a decent sub, the addition of the 7" woofers on the A7's will make little to no difference anyway IMO. YMMV.

I was using an RTi8/CSi5 combo in my HT before I disassembled it, and it made for an incredible sounding HT. Made for a very cohesive, very convincing front soundstage. Paired with my old RTi6's as surrounds, it was excellent.

I was also using an Onkyo TX-SR606, which is somewhat similar to your receiver. It sounded great with the RTi's.


That being said, I'm sure you would be very happy with a Monitor setup as well. There have been some fantastic deals on Monitor 70's lately...and CS2's can be had for pretty cheap all over the place.

JZsFinest

I can get either the RTi8 or Montior 70 set for around the same price shipped.

This may be a stupid question as I know the Monitors contain woofers and RTi's do not. However, Would the Monitor 70's provide a much broader deep bass range over the RTI's?

If so, does the RTi give a much better high and mid range that the Monitor can not touch?

I have heard that the RTi is not good in the low range.

I do have an Infinity Sub.