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Polk vs. Definitive In-wall Choice Question

post #1 of 8
10/16/11 at 8:16am
Thread Starter 
Hi,
I am in the process of completing my basement with a custom Home Theater and I have a question for all the experts out here about which set of In-wall speakers I should go with.

Let me first list what components I've already decided to buy:

Denon AVR-3312CI (or Onkyo TX-NR809 as a alternative)
Epson PowerLite 8700UB
Screen: 129" diagonal screen

I am looking to setup 7 speakers around a closed HT that is about 21' x 13'.

I've narrowed my choice down to the following two options (I would like to spend max $2000 on speakers):

Option #1: Polk In-wall Speakers

Center: Polk 255c-RT
L+R: Polk 265-RT
Surrounds: Polk 65-RT
Rears: Polk 65-RT
Sub: Polk DSWPRO-550wi

Option #2: Definitive In-wall Speakers

Center: DefTech UIW 75
L+R: DefTech UIW 65
Surrounds: DefTech UIW BPA
Rears: DefTech UIW 55
Sub: DefTech PSW800

Bottomline, I need to know if one set is substantially superior to another set, and if so, why. I can get the Polk set for about 20% cheaper than the DefTech set. Hence, all things equal, I'm leaning towards Polk. But, I've always liked Def Tech performance that I've experienced at a couple of my friends homes. I haven't had a chance to experience Polk speakers for extended periods of time, as yet. Hence, the dilemma.

Appreciate any help, any comments! Willing to listen about AVR, projector choice as well...

Thanks!
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post #2 of 8
10/16/11 at 9:10am
I have the def tec RLS2 inwalls behind an acoustic screen. They are pretty sensitive at 93db and can handle a good bit of power and pushed with my xpa3 have no problem hitting reference at 15 feet. Not sure what you're paying for the 75s but these are the best inwall def. Makes with back enclosures which is a bid deal for inwalls, and you can get them on eBay new for $400 all day long.

I think they sound fantastic crossed to a sub. I've heard a tad bit of harshness every so often but other than that I like them a lot.

Haven't hears any of the polk inwalls.
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post #3 of 8
10/16/11 at 9:24am
I've Been in this hobby for 15 years. Last month built my buddy a HT room, ill suggest the same to you.

Projector
Projectorcentral.com
Good reviews and they rate their favorites.

On a budget ny buddy and brother both bought the
Optima hd66
Crazy bright output , 3d ready and superb picture with pop. $650-699.


If you can swing a grand
Optima hd20
1080p not as bright as the 66 and no 3d.


Avr.
Accessories 4 less.
Refurbished. Marantz 5004 (msrp over $800 refurbished $400) or better. Many on the avr site including the techs at at accessories 4 less (which also sells onkyo) feel marantz has the best sound.
I agree as mine is the best avr I've owned. Also you may want the preouts latter if you ever want to add an amp.

Screen,
This is easy.... Seymour xd acoustic diy screen material. With inwalls it would be silly not to put the speakers where they belong behind the screen. 120" $250, 135" $275.

Cables.......monoprice.com

Acoustic panels , a must for a dedicated HT. DIY panels using atsacoustics.com DIY rockwool panels.

Total about $18 per panels.

Anyways, this is what I'd recommend. Have fun.
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post #4 of 8
10/16/11 at 9:31am
For subs if you can DIY them (best bang for your buck by far). if DIY isn't your thing I'd get one or 2 CHT 18.1 or svs or any of the popular online sources.
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post #5 of 8
10/16/11 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the tips cdy2179. Will look into suggestions for sure.
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post #6 of 8
10/16/11 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vikmeister View Post

Thanks for the tips cdy2179. Will look into suggestions for sure.

Your welcome.
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post #7 of 8
10/16/11 at 12:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cdy2179 View Post

I have the def tec RLS2 inwalls behind an acoustic screen. They are pretty sensitive at 93db and can handle a good bit of power and pushed with my xpa3 have no problem hitting reference at 15 feet. Not sure what you're paying for the 75s but these are the best inwall def. Makes with back enclosures which is a bid deal for inwalls, and you can get them on eBay new for $400 all day long.

I think they sound fantastic crossed to a sub. I've heard a tad bit of harshness every so often but other than that I like them a lot.

Haven't hears any of the polk inwalls.

I happen to have 4 of the UIW RSS II's which are similar to RLS but they are better suited for surrounds, and can vouch for them as well. They sound really good and I whole heartedly recommend them for in walls. And speaking of which, they can be had for around $400 on ebay, but I am selling mine on ebay as well for only $250 each. I have 2 of them for sale now, and will sell the other 2 in another week or so. I know I'm sorry, shameless plug. But they are great speakers and I would have no regrets buying them again.

Here's the link to 1 of them...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130588576962...84.m1555.l2649
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post #8 of 8
10/16/11 at 6:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cdy2179 View Post

I've Been in this hobby for 15 years. Last month built my buddy a HT room, ill suggest the same to you.

Projector
Projectorcentral.com
Good reviews and they rate their favorites.

On a budget ny buddy and brother both bought the
Optima hd66
Crazy bright output , 3d ready and superb picture with pop. $650-699.


If you can swing a grand
Optima hd20
1080p not as bright as the 66 and no 3d.


Avr.
Accessories 4 less.
Refurbished. Marantz 5004 (msrp over $800 refurbished $400) or better. Many on the avr site including the techs at at accessories 4 less (which also sells onkyo) feel marantz has the best sound.
I agree as mine is the best avr I've owned. Also you may want the preouts latter if you ever want to add an amp.

Screen,
This is easy.... Seymour xd acoustic diy screen material. With inwalls it would be silly not to put the speakers where they belong behind the screen. 120" $250, 135" $275.

Cables.......monoprice.com

Acoustic panels , a must for a dedicated HT. DIY panels using atsacoustics.com DIY rockwool panels.

Total about $18 per panels.

Anyways, this is what I'd recommend. Have fun.

this guy is a budget king
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