Non-Audiophile 7.1 help with bookshelf and Center

mogulman · November 2008

Ok..Don't make fun of my equipment... So I have an older Yamaha 5.1 Receiver. With 4 RCA Pro-LX55 (Radio Shack Lineaum) speakers and an RCA Center Channel Speaker and RCA 100 watt rms powered subwoofer. The speakers are mounted on the wall with Omnimount brackets.

I've got a Sharp 52" 1080p LCD, Sony PS3, Toshiba HD-DVD, Directv HD DVR (HR20), and a HTPC with HDMI.

Also, this is in a family room. Most of the time we use the receiver for listening to movies. Also, not very loudly, as my wife gets on my case when I turn it up too loud. She also doesn't like a lot of bass, although I do, but I have my subwoofer turned down pretty low.

So.. I got a really good deal on a new Onkyo receiver yesterday. TX-SR806 with 7.1 sound. I was thinking this would be a good time to add/upgrade some of my speakers so I can have 7.1 sound. I don't have a lot of money though. I didn't want to spend more then $300.

I was thinking I could use the old RCA/Radio Shack speakers as rear/side surrounds in a 7.1 system. Also, keep using the RCA subwoofer as well.

I found some Polk refurbished bookshelf/center speakers online.

I was thinking about the RTi4 or the RTi A3 for front Left/Right. Looks like the A3 might have better sound. I want to mount these on a wall, though. Not sure if the A3 will mount on a wall with the keyhole mount like the RTI4. Also, my wife might like the RTi4 better because I can get them in white. Seems like I can get the RTi4 for around $150. RTi A3 are about $80 more with shipping.

Also.. I was thinking about replacing my cheapo center with either of the following Csi25 , CS1, CS2, CSi A4. I can get a great deal on the Csi25.

So.. my questions.. Is what I am trying to do reasonable? I don't really want to spend the money to replace all my speakers. Seems like having a better Center and Fronts would be a good idea.

Also, how would it be with RTi4 and CSi25? Or should I really try and get something better? Again.. I'm not an audiophile, I just want it to sound decent.

mogulman · November 2008

Also.. if anyone is reading this.. I really need help ASAP. Some of the speakers I am considering are on ebay or have limited quanities....

After reading a bunch more..
RTi4 stuff ($200-$320):
-RTi4+CSi25 = Cheapest setup, but CSi25 might not match well with RTi4 (around $200 shipped)
-RTi4 + CS2 = about $100 more than above. Worth the price difference? Will CS2 match well with RTi4?
-RTi4 + CSi A4 (CSi3) = about $120 more than csi25. Worth the price difference for me? Seems to be the matching Center.

RTi A3 (if it will wall mount using keyhole?) ($280-$400):
Seems to be the same as above pricing but about $100 more. I found some RTi6 also they are about $40 more than Rti4, but through an ebay seller (possible warranty issues?).

apphd · November 2008

mogulman
Welcome to CP. No need to apologize for your system, most all of us have systems that are made up of compromises of one kind or another. Whether it be speaker placement, size restrictions, budget or the ever #1 compromise WAF.

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking but I'll try

as it sounds like you have to move quickly on a couple deals.

Yes what you are trying to do is reasonable. Your front stage (front R/L and center are the most important speakers for all set ups. So an upgrade here will be most noticeable. I do not have any first hand experience with the speakers you have or are looking at. Hopefully others here that do will chime in.

From what I can tell they are all 8 ohm and pretty efficient speakers which you will want with the Onk. I think any of the centers you list will match up good with the RTi 4 or the RTiA3. As to which might be your best bargain I'll let some with knowledge of them answer that. A lot of good knowlegeable folks here.

good luck

kuntasensei · November 2008

I think you'll be happy with the RTi4s up front. You will want to get a center to match it though, and I'd get the best one you can afford. Up to 70% of the sound for digital soundtracks relies on the center channel, so don't skimp on it if you can help it.

mogulman · November 2008

Ok.. What about Center.. if I go for a better center.. which is better CS2 or CSiA4/CSi3?

kuntasensei · November 2008

CS2 will give you better bass response... but the CSiA4 will better match the RTi4s on the high end. It's really kind of a toss up, honestly. Regardless, it'll be VASTLY better than what you have now, no matter which way you go.

mogulman · November 2008

Ok.. Ebay auction is over. Got some RTi4 white and CSi A4 black refurbs for $217 total including tax/shipping from Polk Direct. Seems like a great deal.

Hopefully they will be in good condition.

Can't wait to get them and hear if they sound better than my cheapie stuff.

apphd · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

Ok.. What about Center.. if I go for a better center.. which is better CS2 or CSiA4/CSi3?

Again can't comment from first hand but it would appear that the CSiA4/CSi3 would be a better match for the RTi4s but I don't think I could tell the difference between the CS2 and the CSi4 myself. Do you have time to go to a dealer and listen for yourself?

I think the CS2 is vinyl covered where as the CSiA4/CSi3 are wood which would match the Rti4s better cosmetically for sure. Also the CS2 is a tad larger if that could lead to issues for you.

apphd · November 2008

See you jumped on one of the deals. Congrats! I think you'll be happy:D

mogulman · November 2008

So now does this mean I'm going to be an official Polk club member? I guess I'll have to include this in my list of forums to read.. Moving up to bigger/better speakers until I'm out of money.

apphd · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

So now does this mean I'm going to be an official Polk club member? I guess I'll have to include this in my list of forums to read.. Moving up to bigger/better speakers until I'm out of money.

That's how it all starts!;) You better work on the WAF :eek:

mogulman · November 2008

Ok.. These speakers sound great with the new setup.

Now I'm thinking maybe I want to replace my subwoofer. It's an RCA 100w RMS, 10", Pro-SW100P. It's a little muddy sounding.

I was looking at some of the Polk Subs, PSW10, PSW110, PSW111. I also saw a Velodyne DPS-10 at a good price.

Also, I've seen used a Velodyne DLS-3500R for cheap about $140.

Is it worthwhile upgrading to something different? Are any of the above worth getting? I'm thinking something less than $300. My wife doesn't like a lot of bass anyway.

Chitown_Badger · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

Ok.. These speakers sound great with the new setup.

Now I'm thinking maybe I want to replace my subwoofer. It's an RCA 100w RMS, 10", Pro-SW100P. It's a little muddy sounding.

I was looking at some of the Polk Subs, PSW10, PSW110, PSW111. I also saw a Velodyne DPS-10 at a good price.

Also, I've seen used a Velodyne DLS-3500R for cheap about $140.

Is it worthwhile upgrading to something different? Are any of the above worth getting? I'm thinking something less than $300. My wife doesn't like a lot of bass anyway.

And so it begins

I would suggest, and I think others would agree, that other sub manufacturers will provide a better product for the dollar than Polk. I've got a Dayton 100 which I like (although it's entry level). The Dayton 120 12" can be had for less than $200. For more money you could probably get a deal on a used SVS, Hsu, Velodyne, or Elemental Designs...though admittedly this is not my area of expertise.

mogulman · November 2008

What about the Velodyne DPS-10. I've seen that online for around $260 shipped.

Erik Tracy · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

Ok.. Ebay auction is over. Got some RTi4 white and CSi A4 black refurbs for $217 total including tax/shipping from Polk Direct. Seems like a great deal.

Hopefully they will be in good condition.

Can't wait to get them and hear if they sound better than my cheapie stuff.

Welcome and congrats!

You will be very happy and pleased with the RTi4s and CSiA4!

Get a decent sub to go with those and you'll have sonic goodness to enjoy!

Chitown_Badger · November 2008

Does this look familiar to anyone? Saw it in my parts express mailer..."famous maker", "Dr. Hsu designed", "SB-1000", and listed for $200 with a $500 retail. I couldn't find the exact model with that information...

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?Partnumber=309-175&FTR=309-175&CFID=531609&CFTOKEN=81837445

Edit...they're "Atlantic Technology"...not familiar with them, but that's not saying much.

mogulman · November 2008

Ended up ordering an "elemental designs" A2-250. I wanted to get the A2-300, but didn't have enough space where I was putting the sub.

It was kind of over my price range, but from reviews it seems like it may be worth it.... We'll see

Of course.. after I put in a new sub.. maybe I'll have to upgrade some other speakers.. Then maybe I'll have to upgrade the RTI4 to LSi or something... sheesh

Ahh.. that will have to wait until next year.

Chitown_Badger · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

Ended up ordering an "elemental designs" A2-250. I wanted to get the A2-300, but didn't have enough space where I was putting the sub.

It was kind of over my price range, but from reviews it seems like it may be worth it.... We'll see

Of course.. after I put in a new sub.. maybe I'll have to upgrade some other speakers.. Then maybe I'll have to upgrade the RTI4 to LSi or something... sheesh Ahh.. that will have to wait until next year.

I got twenty bucks that says your next upgrade will be to towers in the front. Just wait.

(by the way, your "starter system" is much better than mine...I'm hoping my in progress upgrade is the last for a few years)

apphd · November 2008

mogulman wrote: »

Ended up ordering an "elemental designs" A2-250. I wanted to get the A2-300, but didn't have enough space where I was putting the sub.

It was kind of over my price range, but from reviews it seems like it may be worth it.... We'll see

Of course.. after I put in a new sub.. maybe I'll have to upgrade some other speakers.. Then maybe I'll have to upgrade the RTI4 to LSi or something... sheesh Ahh.. that will have to wait until next year.

I have the A2-300, yeh it's BIG, lucky for me I have the room. I think you will be very happy with the eD. I think you are going to have a nice sounding sys. It also sounds like you are not done.

It's a good thing your wife doesn't like a lot of bass or you might find yourself drooling over REALLY BIG subs in pairs or more. :eek: That can soak up the toy $$$$ FAST:D

Non-Audiophile 7.1 help with bookshelf and Center

Comments