Receiver: onkyo TX-SR605

Room size: 23' x 17'
This system will be 75% home theater and 25% music listening. My music taste is varied. From classical to metal, country to disco...you get the idea.

I'm replacing all of my speakers and this is where I need some help.

Please tell me which setup you would choose:

Polk Audio RTi8 (fronts)$364 shipped (sale price)
Polk Audio CSi3 (center)$150 (marked down)
Polk Audio RTi4 (rear)$199 shipped
Bic H100 12" (sub)$249.99 + shipping (sale)

OR

Athena LS500 (front) $300
Athena LSC100 (center) $100
Athena LS100 (rear) $100
BIC H100 (sub) $249

I've been hearing good things about these Athena's so I'm really up in the air.

Which would you buy?

This will be my last question. I'm ready to buy one of these setups.

Thanks for your help.

I can only speak to the Polks, I think you are getting good speakers for the money since you are not paying MSRP.

Unfortunately I can not tell you how the Athenas compare.

Are you able to listen to either of those systems before you buy? That is by far the best way to determine which setup is 'best'.

I'd go with the Polk setup. Build quality is better on the Rti series speakers.

I'm familiar with the Audition (AS-F1, B1, C1,etc) speakers but not the LS series. From what I had read in the past the Audition series was better than the LS. So if that's the case I'd go for the Polks. I think the RTi4 are better than my B1 bookshelves.


The Polks especially in cherry are really good looking speakers. Real wood cabinets too.

I vote for the Polk RTi system

No way to audition or I would.

So you guys like the Polk then. Consider them bought.

Next up-grade a receiver to properly power those RTi's. :eek:

LOL Whoa slow down...I just bought the Onkyo 605. I plan to run this receiver for as long as it lives. My last receiver is over 10 years old and is still going strong.

Are you saying the Onkyo is too little for the speakers?

I'm stating that if you want to get the most out of those speaker you'll need more power. The 605 is a nice receiver and will power them, but not to their full potential IMO. Also the Onkyo 605 is said to have heat issues. Something you might want to look into. That is why you should purchase speakers first before electronics.

Ask here

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/

I just bought the RTi8s, the RTi4s, and the CSi3 myself. Picked the 4s and the 3 at UPS this morning. I'll order my Onkyo 705 in the next day or so. I'm hoping the 705 has enough juice to drive these. I expect to bi-amp the RTI8s, so that should help.

*cough cough* http://www.edesignaudio.com *cough*


Worth a look also...

I expect to bi-amp the RTI8s, so that should help.

You will IMO most likely not hear a sonic difference.

The 605 is an awesome receiver and will power those just fine for normal listening conditions. Just make sure you're using quality speaker wire and bi amping in my opinion isn't worth it.

The 605 is an awesome receiver and will power those just fine for normal listening conditions. Just make sure you're using quality speaker wire and bi amping in my opinion isn't worth it.

Quality speaker wire? Please help :confused:

What wire would you recommend?

Quality speaker wire? Please help :confused:

What wire would you recommend?

He was probably talking about Radio Shack wire, it is high quality because it is expensive...:rolleyes:

In reality he might have meant "proper gauge wire".

I've seen those Polks RTi8s for $150 each from Frys. Try to get them all at frys if u can...listen to em...if they suck...just return em..no restocking fees..as long as u keep all the manuals/boxes and etc.
~G

He was probably talking about Radio Shack wire, it is high quality because it is expensive...:rolleyes:

In reality he might have meant "proper gauge wire".

Let him talk for himself.

I can just say for what i have..

I have the onk 705 and the Rti8s and its an amazing combination....Im probably going to amp it someday but its not needed for the room its in. But anway, I personally after hearing my Rti8s i would go with the polk setup.

The 605 is an awesome receiver and will power those just fine for normal listening conditions. Just make sure you're using quality speaker wire and bi amping in my opinion isn't worth it.

I wouldn't go as far as awesome. Great features, yes, but SQ and power do not make it awesome. Marantz SR-4002, Denon AVR-3808 or 888, awesome SQ, but not as many features as Onkyo 605...

. That is why you should purchase speakers first before electronics.



Wow I actually did something right by accident for once!!! :)

Has anyone heard both these setups? I really like the Sound of the Polks, would like something a little less harsh if possible. The clarity is amazing though.

Has anyone heard both these setups? I really like the Sound of the Polks, would like something a little less harsh if possible. The clarity is amazing though.

Personally I prefer the Polks, but not a fan. Have you considered other setups within the same price range? You are getting a sub, I consider that PSB Image B25 (C40/B15) sound better, even being a bookshelf, than the RTi8. Also, there are other options like Paradigm Monitor, Monitor Audio Bronze, that might also fit your price range, and I would consider better than your two options.

Those are all 6ohm speakers right? If they are then the Onkyo 605 should be fine for them. People saying you need "better" receiver are just spreading FUD. I have the 605 and it plays great up to volumes louder than I would want to listen at.

Personally I prefer the Polks, but not a fan. Have you considered other setups within the same price range? You are getting a sub, I consider that PSB Image B25 (C40/B15) sound better, even being a bookshelf, than the RTi8. Also, there are other options like Paradigm Monitor, Monitor Audio Bronze, that might also fit your price range, and I would consider better than your two options.

I'd be getting a sub like the OP. I was looking at Paradigm but found a lot of reviews saying they were a bit harsh? I can't listen to them myself, so trying to go on whatever info I can find.

I'd be getting a sub like the OP. I was looking at Paradigm but found a lot of reviews saying they were a bit harsh? I can't listen to them myself, so trying to go on whatever info I can find.

I heard their monitor series, and I wouldn't call them harsh, maybe too detailed and somewhat forward, but not harsh.

Has anyone heard both these setups? I really like the Sound of the Polks, would like something a little less harsh if possible. The clarity is amazing though.

If your referring to the rti8's and the athena LS, then yes. I specifically went to my local BM store to compare the LS to the Audition line which I am familiar with. IMO the newer LS speakers aren't as good as the Audition line and the RTi8's I compared them to sounded better as well. The imaging and detail of the Polks was much better than the Athena LS which seemed to me very bland for lack of a better term.:)

Thanks, the Polks sound very impressive and wide sound dispersion. Usually there isn't enough clarity and detail but they have almost too much, I'm going back to listen again with my own CDs and will decide from there. Since I can't listen to the others if I find the Polks agreeable I'll take everyone else's word on the others. Good info.

Next up-grade a receiver to properly power those RTi's. :eek: Are there any good amplifiers that won't break the bank? Most I've come across are for home audio are near or over $1000!

Personally I prefer the Polks, but not a fan. Have you considered other setups within the same price range? You are getting a sub, I consider that PSB Image B25 (C40/B15) sound better, even being a bookshelf, than the RTi8. Also, there are other options like Paradigm Monitor, Monitor Audio Bronze, that might also fit your price range, and I would consider better than your two options.

Found a PSB dealer close, I'm there before buying anything. If the sound is that good I'd consider the B25, T55, and C40 from Saturday Audio.

Found a PSB dealer close, I'm there before buying anything. If the sound is that good I'd consider the B25, T55, and C40 from Saturday Audio.

I did the same, but I gave the dealer a break to match or come close to SA pricing, he refused; so, I bought from SA. So, give your dealer a break to match or come close, who knows you might be able to drive home with the speakers.

Add T45 to your PSB audition. I have B25 and T45, both sound very similar, but the T45 is more detailed in the mids, and more clear. Compare T45 to T55, if you will be using a sub I would consider going with the T45; here them closely the T45 will be slightly better sounding, but without more bass extension than the T55, but it is only a few hertz, and I don't think the price difference is worth it.

Are there any good amplifiers that won't break the bank? Most I've come across are for home audio are near or over $1000!

I bought a refurbished Onkyo 705 from shoponkyo.com for $439 shipped. Seemed fair to me and it's working great.

I see they currently have a SR605 for the bargain price of $399 refurbished...Amazon had them for $387 new the other day. Did you get the cables and microphone etc going refurb on the 705?

I see they currently have a SR605 for the bargain price of $399 refurbished...Amazon had them for $387 new the other day. Did you get the cables and microphone etc going refurb on the 705?

It came with everything and appeared to have never been used. Not one scratch, nick, smudge, etc. Everything was in the original packaging. So far, no problems with the unit. Comes with a 1 year warranty, but can upgrade to 3 years I think.

I should say, if you can't get a great deal on a refub unit, surely go for a new one if the prices are as close as Lockmart reports. At the time I purchased, around Christmas 2007, there were $100-$150 difference between new and refurb.

ADDED: I see the 605 for $349. If you sign up for the Onkyo club or whatever, you get better deals and 10 points which equal $10 off. Also, at the time I bought there was free shipping, which I do not see today.

Yeah you got a good deal on the 705, I'll sign up. I was set on the 605 but now considering using my old receiver and waiting for the 705 or something equivalent.

I got the 805 for $529. shipped from shoponkyo on Jan14. they even threw in a 8222 for zero and shipped that for free too. It has tons of power, doesnt pop; never gets hot to the touch and has every goodie youll ever need!