HT questions!

bigred81
bigred81 Posts: 8
edited July 2010 in Electronics
I'm in the process of setting up a brand new HT in my new house in just bought! Have a few questions...

I'm looking to purchase:
RTi A9 x 2
LSiC center
LSiF/X x 2
DSW PRO 600
Emotiva XPA-5 amp

First thing's first, I know that these are 2 separate model lineups here with the front speakers, but the reason i'm looking to go this route is because I like the look of the A9's much more than the LSi 25/15 and will they match my furniture. I understand that the A9'a are better for HT duty as well. Also i'm able to find great deals on the LS series for the center channel and rears. These are the top of the line from Polk and figured why not!

My questions are:

1-Will these speakers pair up well together?
2-Will the DSW PRO 600 be enough?(I don't need to rattle the house apart)
3-TX-SR608 or the TX-NR708 from Onkyo? Figured I just need the 608 for decoding since i'm getting the amp to push 'em. (I'm going 3-D!)

Thanks for the help and guidance!
Post edited by bigred81 on
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Comments

  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited July 2010
    I wouldn't mix them. If you're doing HT them go with a complete rti a setup. I'm sure you could find the csi a6 and fxi a6/rti a3's for cheaper.

    Go with the 708 so in the future you would be able to add an external amp.
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I wouldn't mix them. If you're doing HT them go with a complete rti a setup. I'm sure you could find the csi a6 and fxi a6/rti a3's for cheaper.

    Go with the 708 so in the future you would be able to add an external amp.

    Thanks for the quick response! Since you recommend that I keep everything in the same model lineup, do you think that I should go with the RTi or the LSi to use for HT? From what i've heard from other people is that the RTi series is a bit better for HT where as the LSi is geared towards music. I just want to make sure that i'm doing the right thing. I want the BEST sound for HT using Polks!
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited July 2010
    It all depends on you budget and listening taste. I wasn't very happy with the lsi's for home theater but feel they sound better for music listening. I love the rti's for HT but feel they lack in the music department.

    IMO the sda's are better than both for music and HT. I'd say get your ears on a pair of each series and go from there.
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    It all depends on you budget and listening taste. I wasn't very happy with the lsi's for home theater but feel they sound better for music listening. I love the rti's for HT but feel they lack in the music department.

    IMO the sda's are better than both for music and HT. I'd say get your ears on a pair of each series and go from there.

    I think I might go with the rti's. My budget is around 3000 to 3500 with receiver.
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    Rti's are great with music WHEN you don't use just an AVR or one for a pre/pro. Unless you are using an NAD or related. Rti's respond better with very quality gear. I have found that the the typical big box retailer AVR's don't do them any justice.

    Honestly, for HT, I don't see a really big deal in mis matching. The center channel carries most of the info, and the types of sounds in the surround speakers are not noticable if not "matched".

    Actually you want your center to be very good, so I would say go for it.

    But I would check the used market, for less than or right around 1k you can find some great amps and a awesome dedicated pre/pro. Much better sound than any typical AVR for HT or music.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited July 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    It all depends on you budget and listening taste. I wasn't very happy with the lsi's for home theater but feel they sound better for music listening. I love the rti's for HT but feel they lack in the music department.

    IMO the sda's are better than both for music and HT. I'd say get your ears on a pair of each series and go from there.

    Lee hit it spot on IMO :D

    Whatever you do decide to go with though, make sure at the very least that your frontstage (front left/center/right) are all matched up!

    Btw, welcome to CP...the forum that'll teach you to empty your wallet, multiple times :D:eek::D
    -Freddy
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2010
    Welcome aboard Bigred. I have a dedicated HT, and the RTi line performs fantastic, they do pretty darn good with music also. I run the RTi12s which are very similar to the A9s you will purchase. I suggest you look at a Sunfire amp as they sell cheap and you can power the A9s easily off of one. Check out www.audiogon.com for excellent prices there. The center you will need is the CSiA6 which you should be able to find at a great price also. Check out the Polk Ebay store too for good deals. Some pics are in the showcase linked in my sig line. Congrats on the house and new HT your putting together.
    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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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited July 2010
    i have a PSWi225 that im gonna be putting up for sale soon.
    mole'
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2010
    Also instead of the DSW sub, check out the SVS subs, it should give you tons more output in the low end and fill any decent sized HT with ease. I run dual SVS subs, cause they are insane in the HT.
    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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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2010
    Welcome to Club Polk Bigred!

    Since you are into HT, you should get an all matching RTI setup. The difference in sound between the LSI's & the RTIa's is very different & it would most likely be distracting.

    You will have to get the 708 & up since the 608 does not have preouts to add an amplifier.

    The Emotiva, will power this and any future upgrades to your speakers just fine, and the DSW lineup of subs is simply terrific.

    You have obviously done your research and have done a good job of picking gear. I'm glad you came on here for us to help you iron out the bumps that you are confused about.

    You are going to have one slamming system when it is all done.

    PICTURES ARE MANDATORY!;):D
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    I think i'm going to go with the RTi A9 system all around! Does anyone know where I can pick up a used system?! I've looked but can't seem to find the complete system for sale by anyone. Thanks :)
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited July 2010
    bigred81 wrote: »
    I think i'm going to go with the RTi A9 system all around! Does anyone know where I can pick up a used system?! I've looked but can't seem to find the complete system for sale by anyone. Thanks :)

    you will probably not find a whole system for sale by someone. Most likely you would find each peice and put them together. Also check out polk audio's ebay page for deals. Also There is the older RTI12's which are just a different looking A9. these will often be cheaper and you could find some on Amazon ect as well.

    For a 5.1 system I would recommend for RTI

    A9's or 12's-fronts
    A6 or 5-center
    FXIa6's or older model I forgot #-sides
    SVS-sub
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    cstmar01 wrote: »
    you will probably not find a whole system for sale by someone. Most likely you would find each peice and put them together. Also check out polk audio's ebay page for deals. Also There is the older RTI12's which are just a different looking A9. these will often be cheaper and you could find some on Amazon ect as well.

    For a 5.1 system I would recommend for RTI

    A9's or 12's-fronts
    A6 or 5-center
    FXIa6's or older model I forgot #-sides
    SVS-sub

    Greats thanks for the info! Which model/size for the SVS sub you think? Room is pretty good size with raised ceiling. Someone I used to work with has an svs, but never asked which model number he has or what size.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2010
    If you can afford it, the PB13 Ultra, A9s all around would be over kill if you ask me.
    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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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,397
    edited July 2010
    bigred81 wrote: »
    Greats thanks for the info! Which model/size for the SVS sub you think? Room is pretty good size with raised ceiling. Someone I used to work with has an svs, but never asked which model number he has or what size.

    Call SVS. They'll recommend the appropriate sub for your room and they won't try to upsale you. Now, if you have the coin take Sherardp advice and get the Ultra 13. You'll be guaranteed to never need an upgrade:D

    Also, another vote here for keeping the entire system in the same line-up. I'll throw this out to get some user comments, but will the Rti line pair well with the Emotiva? I have a full LSi/Emotiva setup and love it, but I know I've heard that they can be a little bright paired together. Is this mainly just for music?
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited July 2010
    bigred81 -

    Agree that going with the RTi line (9s, CSiA6, FXiA6 surrounds and the Pro600sub) will rock your room. Of course you can see in my sig why I feel that way.

    As said above, the Onkyo 708 will give you 3D as well as the preouts you'll need for the 5 channel power amp.

    When I was at the point of adding the power amp I went back and forth between the XPA5 and the NAD T955. They have (had) similar pricing with the NAD deeply discounted at Audio Advisor to equal the normally lower-priced Emotiva.

    Several advised that the NAD would likely be more musical with the RTi speakers and after having it in my system these last cople weeks I have to agree. The NAD does an excellent job with BOTH music and movies!

    The addition of the amp is darn near critical to get the most from your new system - much greater impact than I expected - and well worth the money.

    Dave

    Note: I could be bigred73 if Bloomington has anything to do with it.
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2010
    They have your A9's in the Polk Ebay store.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-RTi-A9-Black-Towers-Polk-Audio-/360283768168?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item53e2960568#ht_4122wt_838
    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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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,397
    edited July 2010
    You near Las Vegas or Olympia?

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....s-pb12-plus-2-


    OR

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104305&page=2
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • dvran
    dvran Posts: 280
    edited July 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I wouldn't mix them. If you're doing HT them go with a complete rti a setup. I'm sure you could find the csi a6 and fxi a6/rti a3's for cheaper. Go with the 708 so in the future you would be able to add an external amp.

    +1

    Go with the 708 and the Rti line. If you go with the Lsi series, you'll need a pre-amp to properly drive them. The Rti line is a more efficient line of speakers.
    ~Dan

    Projector: Epson 705HD on 106" DaLite
    TV: Samsung 50" Plasma PN50B550
    Receiver: Onkyo 607
    Fronts: Polk 1000i
    Center: Polk Csi40
    Rears: Polk Fxi30
    Sub: Velodyne Minivee 10
    PS3 and Xbox
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2010
    dvran wrote: »
    +1

    Go with the 708 and the Rti line. If you go with the Lsi series, you'll need a pre-amp to properly drive them. The Rti line is a more efficient line of speakers.

    You mean he would need an amp to properly drive them.

    Getting the 708 will give him an upgrade path, since an amp would make the RTIs shine as well.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    Thanks for all the help and info guys and gals!
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  • bigred81
    bigred81 Posts: 8
    edited July 2010
    Sherardp wrote: »
    They have your A9's in the Polk Ebay store.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-RTi-A9-Black-Towers-Polk-Audio-/360283768168?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item53e2960568#ht_4122wt_838


    I saw those too! However i'm looking for the cherry colored ones.
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