[agent29]

Okay, first of all, thanks for taking the time to help

So for the past 4 years or so I have been using an Onkyo HTIB, specifically, the HT-S770. The specs can be found here.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Systems&p=s


To be quite honest, I have really enjoyed this little system but we now have a new home with a pretty good size living room (20X22). Needless to say, it's time for an upgrade because it just doesn't fill the room anymore and sounds really empty. I have been looking at a few options and would like everyones opinion. What I would like to do (right now) is replace the fronts, sub, and maybe the center. For the fronts I was looking at the Polk RTi10 vs. Monitor 70's vs. RTi8. Are the RTi10's hands down better than the Monitor 70's? For a sub I was looking at the Polk Audio PSW505 "12. Do you think these would fill this room nicely? For a center I was looking at Polk Audio CSi5 vs. CSi3. Is the CSi5 worth the extra 100 smacks? Let me just say that I do love bass, both in music and in movies. When that bomb goes off or that dinosaur puts his foot down I want to feel it

Now if you check out the link up top you will see the specs for the receiver that came with that HTIB. It says that it pumps out 130w per channel, which I was actually surprised to see that it was rated that high. Would that receiver be enough to power say two RTi10's along with a CSi5 or would I need to buy a separate amplifier and bi-amp them? Or do you think that receiver is a piece of crap and I would be better off buying a new receiver? A good receiver will be a bit pricey and may be a bit more than I would like to spend right now. If you think I need a new receiver, any suggestions for a great receiver and great price? Sorry for all the questions and believe me, I appreciate your responses. I am open to any and all suggestions so if you think there is something much better around the same price point then I am all ears. Here are the links to the products although I am sure most of you know exactly what I am talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Out.../dp/B0000TU7IQ
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...7585188&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-...p_ob_e_title_2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...HZ3YDEMGAYV9WT
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...7585262&sr=1-1

 

[Todd Lee]

Have you ever heard any Polk speakers? All speakers tend to have their own unique sound. The best way to make this type of decision, is to go to a local store if possible, and listen to as many types of speakers as you can.


The Rti 10's and monitor 70's are in different speaker lines. The RTI line is a step up from the Monitors. Having said that, I don't know which speaker will be better for your application. My instincts tell me the 10's. I've listened to them at a local dealer 2-3 years ago, and I liked them. I bought RTI8's for a family member, but would have loved to get the 10's. Lack of $$$$ didn't allow it though. The 10's will most likely play a bit deeper, but I'd verify that with another source if I were you. I don't know a whole lot about the 70's. Many users like them, and for the price, you almost can't go wrong.


I have heard the Csi3, that's what I paired up with the RTI8's. I'd recommend getting the Csi5, if you have the space for it. It's huge, so take a look at the dimensions before you decide.


The sub, I don't know much about. I've never been a huge fan of polk subs, at the 505's msrp, you could get more bang for your buck with an Internet Direct manufacturer. Look at Epic, elemental Designs, SVS, HSU, to name a few. You'll spend more $$, but you definately won't regret it. Considering the polk models your looking at are heavily discounted, maybe you're not looking to spend too much cash.... if not, the 505 might be alright for now.


Your onkyo receiver isn't bad, I wouldn't rush out to buy a new one just yet. If it has pre outs to connect to an external amplifier, then your all set power wise for the future. It does lack the latest audio decoders, dts hd, truehd. I'd upgrade it last though, there's no rush there.


Personally, I'd go with the 10's, the csi5, and a different sub altogether if I could scrape together the cash.


And don't forget, listen as much as you can before you buy. There are hundreds of speakers to choose from out there. Having said that, you are going to love pretty much anything you choose, it will be a huge upgrade from your onkyo speakers.


Good luck, and sorry to sound like such a fence sitter as far as the speakers go. I don't want to push too much of my own tastes onto you...

I should mention that I am a polk owner.


Polk RTIa5's

RC80i's

CSIa4 (currently shopping for a CSIa6, which is the newer model of the 5 you are looking at)

SVS PB12-nsd sub


You can see why I try not to sound too biased in my info to you...

 

[calnbs]

If you are near frys, you should audition the Infinity Primus 362 too. They are on sale at B&M Frys.

 

[TRT]

I would consider acoustic treatment for the living room before you do anything. A room that size will most likely have issues with any speaker configuration. Auralex provides a free evaluation service you can take advantage of. Well, that's my advice.

http://www.auralex.com/pcf/default.asp

 

[cornhulio]



Quote:
Originally Posted by agent29 /forum/post/18238510


Okay, first of all, thanks for taking the time to help

So for the past 4 years or so I have been using an Onkyo HTIB, specifically, the HT-S770. The specs can be found here.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Systems&p=s


To be quite honest, I have really enjoyed this little system but we now have a new home with a pretty good size living room (20X22). Needless to say, it's time for an upgrade because it just doesn't fill the room anymore and sounds really empty. I have been looking at a few options and would like everyones opinion. What I would like to do (right now) is replace the fronts, sub, and maybe the center. For the fronts I was looking at the Polk RTi10 vs. Monitor 70's vs. RTi8. Are the RTi10's hands down better than the Monitor 70's? For a sub I was looking at the Polk Audio PSW505 "12. Do you think these would fill this room nicely? For a center I was looking at Polk Audio CSi5 vs. CSi3. Is the CSi5 worth the extra 100 smacks? Let me just say that I do love bass, both in music and in movies. When that bomb goes off or that dinosaur puts his foot down I want to feel it

Now if you check out the link up top you will see the specs for the receiver that came with that HTIB. It says that it pumps out 130w per channel, which I was actually surprised to see that it was rated that high. Would that receiver be enough to power say two RTi10's along with a CSi5 or would I need to buy a separate amplifier and bi-amp them? Or do you think that receiver is a piece of crap and I would be better off buying a new receiver? A good receiver will be a bit pricey and may be a bit more than I would like to spend right now. If you think I need a new receiver, any suggestions for a great receiver and great price? Sorry for all the questions and believe me, I appreciate your responses. I am open to any and all suggestions so if you think there is something much better around the same price point then I am all ears. Here are the links to the products although I am sure most of you know exactly what I am talking about.

For music polks were too bright for me and others tend to agree: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?p=17712246

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?p=18235428

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?p=18215108

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?p=18018883

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95138

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96517

 

[karlsaudio]

Read what I just posted "You told me so" in this area. It is regarding the Monitor 40s. The 30s, 50s, 60s and 70s would probably apply as well.

 

[Ben_Tech]

For just a smidge more than those Polk mains, how about a pair of Paradigm Monitor 7's. I'm sure they will impress. Add the rest of the family later.

 

[agent29]

Thanks for all the replies thus far. As Todd mentioned, money is a factor, I wish I lived in a world where it wasn't. I am trying to get the absolute best bang for my buck. Does anyone else own that polk sub and could comment? It has excellent reviews on amazon. Unfortunately I do not live in an area where I can sit and listen to a lot of top brands

I will say I listen to a lot of music with a good beat, not a ton of bright, instrumental stuff...hip hop, rap, pop, and some heavy metal so I want something that can pump out a good beat but I do plan to use a sub woofer. We also love to watch movies so that experience is very important to. It's such a large room, I need something that can take on a room that size. Keep the suggestions coming, I really enjoy reading them.

 

[chashint]

What is your entire speaker budget ?

I don't want to follow the links and add it up.

 

[afrogt]

If Dark Apple will work for you get the Jamo E680 towers and E660s. Very balanced sound and a great price!!!! They even have matching E7 center available.

http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecom...&per=9&brd=103

 

[agent29]



Quote:
Originally Posted by chashint /forum/post/18244937


What is your entire speaker budget ?

I don't want to follow the links and add it up.

If I could get my fronts, sub and center for $1,000 I would be very happy and so would my wife, lol. I could even settle for just the fronts and sub in that price range for now. A couple hundred bucks more wouldn't break the bank though. I was looking at the polk direct prices on ebay, which are pretty good, if they products are like new. Again, thanks for the replies guys....really.