New Audiophyte with setup probably better than I needed

[fmusignac]

Hi all! I have finally gotten my HT setup for a 16 x 12 living room ordered. I got:

-Receiver: Yamaha Aventage RX-A1030
-Front: Polk Audio RTi A5
-Center: Polk Audio CSI A6
-Surround: Polk Audio OMW3
-Subwoofer: Polk Audio DSWPro660WI

-Second zone (bar area): Polk Audio RC80i (pair)

So I was given a taste of a similar set up at a local furniture store and fell in love. I have had a pioneer HTIB and currently a sony HTIB, but am currently finishing my basement myself (adding 1100 sq ft to the house). When thinking about the Living Room setup I knew I needed good audio. I wired the LR to hide all cables and to the adjacent bar too. I have always loved music/movies and loved great sound but wasnt able or commited to the expense. So after the demo I decided to go for it. One week later, the store announces an out of business sale so I got the 2 fronts, sub and rears 20% off the best price. I ordered the rest online from Amazon & BestBuyPCS.com.

So what do you guys think? Did I do good? Are there any surprises or problems I can avoid? What about banana plugs, buy any or is that like HDMI cables where the 5 dollar will give you same performance as 30 dollar one? Please give advise and comments as I new to a HiFi set up where details matter. I am very technically inclined so wanting to learn as much as possible about this. THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[j_garcia]

Seems good to me, especially at a discount. Only place for improvement is probably the sub really, but on closeout, probably can't complain. There's no such thing as "too good" of a system

Aside from staying on the wires and in the speakers, there's nothing special about bananas either, so yes, you can go with the inexpensive ones and they'll do the same job. Plenty of threads on that. Here's a pretty good one:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/v-interconnects-cables-power-conditioning/87723-speaker-wires-costly.html

 

[fuzz092888]

Well, as long as the OP is happy with the system all's well that ends well. However for future upgrades, coming here first is recommended.

 

[shadyJ]

I don't think that setup would be bad as long as you didn't pay MSRP for anything. I think there is a big step up from the lower end Polks to the RTi line. The sub probably isn't bad but it certainly won't be great, maybe not a bad deal as long as you got it for a good price. Banana plugs will be like HDMI cables, they will all perform the same. Don't buy expensive ones.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Since I try should follow my sig - I've deleted my previous posts here and I will just post this link here. I invite everyone to draw their own conclusions
Polk RTi A9 Speaker System HT Labs Measures | Sound & Vision

 

[j_garcia]

Well, as long as the OP is happy with the system all's well that ends well. However for future upgrades, coming here first is recommended.

Let me translate this for you: Polks aren't exactly loved around here I have serious issue with the lower models, but the RTiAs aren't that bad to be honest. The thing with them is the price - for what you're paying, you can do better. I think this system will be fine, ESPECIALLY coming from an HTIB, but if it were me the sub would be sold without even opening the box.

 

[Mo Noyz]

I'd say for an "audiophyte" you should be proud of yourself.

Plus, you're already lightyears ahead of the curve just realizing the cheapest digital interconnects are all that you need. There are still way too many lifer audiophiles that still don't grasp the concept.

Oh, and roger on the nanner plugs. I've yet to run across a bad one at any price.

Enjoy those RTi's. They're better than many people give them credit for.

 

[fmusignac]

Thank you all who understand my position and gave any positive feedback... Im not fishing for a compliment, some of us are actually busy building where to put the speakers. Why all the negatives on the sub, all reviews I read previously where very positive. What would you replace it for? I heard the 550 I think on the demo so I thought I'd get even better performance from a level up.

 

[Mo Noyz]

While I love Polk Audio products, they've never been highly regarded for their subs. I haven't heard the one you're getting, but the ones I have heard left me less than impressed.

But, set it up and listen to it. If you like it, that's the only thing that matters. It's quite possible they've learned to build better subs in recent years. I wouldn't let the negative input get to you too much. Us audiophiles can be a cranky lot.

 

[j_garcia]

Polk just isn't known for making the best subs out there is where those comments come from. If you look at the measurements in the S&V link, Polk claims 20Hz capability and a -3dB of 25Hz, which would be respectable; however the measurements indicate it does not come close to those specs.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Why all the negatives on the sub, all reviews I read previously where very positive. What would you replace it for? I heard the 550 I think on the demo so I thought I'd get even better performance from a level up.

I will try to keep it professional and not angry:
Please take a look at this graph:

See the blue line? That's the sub. What you want from sub a flat line (or very close to it) from 20 hz to at-least 100Hz sort of like this one:

This graph is from $500 (shipped) SVS PB1000 sub

 

[zieglj01]

The Polk sub may be enough for you, for now - you can always save up for
a better sub - and then sell the Polk sub.

Many Polk subs, tend to come from the mushy/boom land.

 

[JMJVK]

fmusignac, don't fret, I also have a humble setup, and it's no crime. (I don't even use my sub, bass is directed to F+L, yet my sound is quite satisfying)


The important thing is to know where your gear actually stands in the picture, and that the result satisfies you for the money you've plowed into it. For most of us, the first system build is highly affected by very mundane reasons. Product availability and budget will affect the build just as much as aesthetics and shear "gut feeling" about a product. Most first builds are not nearly as researched as they should be. Besides, evolution can't happen unless you have a reference point. I think your system is a very decent point of reference, and given how well known and ubiquitous your gear is, you should be able to glean a lot of meaningful information to help you improve your setup.

Technical data isn't the whole picture, and the real-world implications of such data also takes time to assimilate. Enjoy what you have, and learn to "know" your gear's "sound", as this variable is just as important as the technical specs and general consensus gleaned from reviews.


The most important things said so far in this thread, I think, is:

The thing with them is the price - for what you're paying, you can do better.

Just my two cents.

 

[slipperybidness]

Polk just isn't known for making the best subs out there is where those comments come from. If you look at the measurements in the S&V link, Polk claims 20Hz capability and a -3dB of 25Hz, which would be respectable; however the measurements indicate it does not come close to those specs.

Ouch! That sub looks like a 1-note-wonder