Speaker Selection

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Rowdy76
Rowdy76 Posts: 9
edited April 2009 in Speakers
I'm somewhat of a "newbie" to all of this, and am looking for some guidance in deciding what speakers to buy. I got rid of my early 90's era Sony rack system (ugh), and bought a Yamaha RX-V663 receiver. I originally intended to buy a HTIB system to go with my new Samsung 67" DLP, until I could afford to do better later on (funds are low for now). A friend of mine suggested that I instead put that money (plus maybe a little more) towards a decent pair of floor standing speakers. Then, later on as I can afford it, continue to add on to the system (center, rears, etc). And eventually end up with a quality system that I can be proud of.
So that's where I am now......trying to decide on what fronts to buy. My budget is about $300-$400. Have done some reading on-line and think maybe the Polk Monitor 60/70 or the TSi400/500 are probably where I need to be looking, although some of those may be over my budget for now.
I would be greatful for any guidance on this from any of the more experienced forum members, or from anyone out there who has had any personal experience with any of these speakers. Also, is my Yamaha (95w p/ch) going to have enough power to adequately drive them?
Again.....thanks for any help or ideas that you can give me.
Post edited by Rowdy76 on
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Comments

  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
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    where do you live?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 20,295
    edited April 2009
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    Do you want a home theater or a 2 channel rig?

    Oh, my manners. Welcome to the forum.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited April 2009
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    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017
    Authorized dealer, and M60 for $129 and free shipping, for a pair thats 258, will be perfect for a HT and 2 channel for that budget, add a Sub later, check for POLK eBay direct for some good deals, and pick up a psw125 should be perfect. And later add some M30 or 40 for rear, Newegg or Polk ebay has some good deals most of the times.
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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited April 2009
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    jacob.simpson wrote: »
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017
    Authorized dealer, and M60 for $129 and free shipping, for a pair thats 258, will be perfect for a HT and 2 channel for that budget, add a Sub later, check for POLK eBay direct for some good deals, and pick up a psw125 should be perfect. And later add some M30 or 40 for rear, Newegg or Polk ebay has some good deals most of the times.

    I assumed the Polk Ebay was probably a damn good deal, but was unsure. Anything that they have there that I need to worry about picking up?


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2009
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    Those newegg prices are "INSANE!". Welcome to CP Rowdy. Yamaha 663 nice receiver, good power for efficient speakers. Polk TSI are certainly that. M60s nice fronts in an entry system...Go with Jabob.s on everything else.

    Though if you save the money and the Polk PSW505 is still available for 299 or less...go for that. The PSW125 though would be OK with M60s.

    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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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited April 2009
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    Rodeo0530 wrote: »
    I assumed the Polk Ebay was probably a damn good deal, but was unsure. Anything that they have there that I need to worry about picking up?
    just close your eyes and buy from P ebay, except for the sticker which says Refurb, the units are as good as new (only downside is they carry only 2years warranty for the speakers i will not be worried on this, i dont think so many of the manufactureres offer any warranty at all or only 30 or 90 days for refurbs)
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2009
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    Rodeo0530 wrote: »
    I assumed the Polk Ebay was probably a damn good deal, but was unsure. Anything that they have there that I need to worry about picking up?

    Not really, Polk is really good about warranty and service. Since a lot of that stuff is refurb you have a somewhat reduced warranty period. But how many of us have had Polk speakers fail during the warranty period here? Not many....

    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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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited April 2009
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    Awesome...thank you. That's a great little fact to know!!


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
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  • Rowdy76
    Rowdy76 Posts: 9
    edited April 2009
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    Thanks for all the advice and ideas on speaker possibilities. Answer to Zarrdoss....I live near Houston, Tx. I want to eventually end up with a 5.1 system, but can only afford the fronts for now. Use will be split about 50/50 between music and home theater.
    The deal mentioned at Newegg on the M60's for $258/pr. sounds terrific. How does the Monitor series compare vs. the TSi series?........In both cost and performance. Would love to get your opinions. Also, soiunds like I need to check out Polk's deals on refurbs.
    Again, thanks to all for your input.......I do value your opinions.
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited April 2009
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    The TSi and Monitor series aren't a whole lot different. The TSi series is more or less the "replacement" to the Monitor series and if you look at the specs. they are pretty much identical. I have Monitor 70's and love them, and I know cnh also has the 70's and likes his very much too. If you have an oppertunity to pick up some Monitor 60/70's at a discounted price I would suggest you go for it, you will not be dissapointed. Oh and welcome to Club Polk.
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
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    well you live in a big city I would check the local CL for some used SDA's, nothing wrong with used gear, also check the for sale on here for a bunch of great deals!
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  • Michael_Js
    Michael_Js Posts: 34
    edited April 2009
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    Craigslist :-)

    Selling my FX 1000's if you're interested.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/fx1000/
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 26,109
    edited April 2009
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    Michael_Js wrote: »
    Craigslist :-)

    Selling my FX 1000's if you're interested.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/fx1000/
    stop posting your ads all over the forum. You cannot sell anything here until you reach 25 posts. please follow the rules...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Rowdy76
    Rowdy76 Posts: 9
    edited April 2009
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    Thanks for the input, guys. I was about ready to pull the trigger on the Monitor 60's at Newegg (awesome deal at $258/pr.) but then noticed that they only come in black. Part of the deal with the wife is that what ever I get has to have a wood finish, to blend in with the wood entertainment center we got for the Sammy DLP (my setup is in the living room). I noticed that the M70's are available in cherry, but are about twice as much at $500/pr. How much better are the 70's than the 60's? Trying to se if I can justify that big of a price difference....or do I need to be looking at something else? Say....something in the TSi lineup like the 300 or 400 that I can get in the cherry.
    Man.....this "wood thing" has thrown a kink in the works. I would appreciate any ideas or guidance on this.
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited April 2009
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    The 60's are also available in cherry as well. They may not have any in stock since they are "discontinued" but they were made in cherry too. If by wood finish you mean the color then I understand, but the black color of the 60's are "wood finish" as well. I haven't heard the 60's but from what I have been told the 70's have a better overall sound than the 60's. Keep in mind though it is even harder to find the 70's than it is to find the 60's. One other option is too look for the T90e's, which are a European version of the Monitor 60's. They may or may not have been made in cherry, but I don't know. The TSi's are very similar to the Monitor series and would work well for you I'm sure, but they are a newer model and will have the newer model price tag as well. Hopefully we can get this figured out for you.
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • DanAckerman
    DanAckerman Posts: 70
    edited April 2009
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    Rowdy76 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input, guys. I was about ready to pull the trigger on the Monitor 60's at Newegg (awesome deal at $258/pr.) but then noticed that they only come in black...

    The last couple of weekends NewEgg has been running some serious polk speaker deals. No guarantees of course, but TSi400's were selling for $199, and a pair of TSi200's were $199 as well the last couple of weekends. So if you aren't in a rush, I would wait and see what the sales are on Saturday.

    Of course there is always the risk of the deal you want selling out, however if you aren't sold on a set model I would recommend you wait.
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  • Rowdy76
    Rowdy76 Posts: 9
    edited April 2009
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    Thanks guys......I think I'll take your advice and kind of just wait it out a bit. I know these online sales come and go all the time. It's hard to be patient when you've got "the fever" and are ready to buy. I'll see what Newegg has on sale this weekend. In the meantime, if anyone comes across a hot deal, I would sure appreciate a heads-up.
    Thanks again for all the help.
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  • Rowdy76
    Rowdy76 Posts: 9
    edited April 2009
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    Oh, also......what other online sellers should I be watching for deals. I've already checked out craigslist for my area (nothing there right now), as well as the Club Polk classifieds here.
    Thanks.
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited April 2009
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    J&R usually has good sales and free shipping. I bought my Monitor 40's from them back when I bought my HT setup in September.

    http://www.jr.com/?JRSource=GAW.JandR
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • Rowdy76
    Rowdy76 Posts: 9
    edited April 2009
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    Thanks a lot......I will keep an eye on them as well.
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