Thanks Anamorphic,
Appreciate the time to respond like this; I will start by replying to your statement of "this should have answered all of your questions" first, as I would like to continue the discussion with you based on what you say below:
If you feel the 1007 is to much then look at the 700 or 800 series and get an external amp if needed. As far as going with another manufacture on a receiver. Any of the other major names would work fine.
Okay -- so in Onkyo's lineup, you would recommend the 1007 first, and then if I had to drop down because of price, you'd suggest the 700 or 800? But I'd be looking for a clear, distinct, definite upgrade from my 605 -- I think I would need to go beyond the 700-series. Let's take getting an external amp out of the mix for a moment -- for raw current to feed my RTi12s, would you recommend starting at least in the 800-series Onkyos?
I like Onkyo HT receivers because their easy to use, come with Audyssey, and tend to offer more bang for the buck. If I upgrade again it will probably be Onkyo or Marantz.
I agree with these factors, although I go one step beyond this and happen to love the "seriousness of purpose" their gear exhibits in terms of looks; the tactile feel of the buttons and knobs...the all-aluminum faceplates...their stuff, to me, just radiates quality.
I used to feel that way about Marantz as well -- and got into that brand through CD changers and CD recorders -- but I never heard their receivers or amps.
Marantz are easy to use as well and refurbs are cheap. As far as which Marantz might work for you. You might want to look at the 6004.
I have put the 6004 on my possible upgrade list -- thanks.
As far as your current receiver goes and the Polk forums go. I also restated my thoughts and came to the conclusion that your current receiver would do the job fine as long as your not stupid with the volume. Crossing over at 60hz helps the receiver even more. 60 is probably what I would use with your mains as well. But again it comes down to what you prefer and sounds best to you.
Well, what do you mean by "what I prefer"...I want to go for accuracy and the best crossover for these towers -- "Menasor" from the Polk Forum recommended I use 60Hz for the RTi12s so that way they can "flex some of their bass muscle" while allowing the sub to get a good workout with everything 60Hz and below. Do you agree with this? I see you say you agree, but...would you go lower than 60 for the 12s? And what do you mean exactly by "as long as you're not stupid with the volume"...you mean driving the amp into distortion?
Also, what do you mean by that setting the AVR to a 60Hz crossover, the receiver would be helped "even more"?
As far as the center goes. I have been telling you from the beginning. To go with the matching center. Timbre matching and using a properly matched center channel to your mains is important in maintaining a cohesive front stage. 70% of the movie comes from the center. So do not skimp in this department. Especially when the matching center is so cheap. Yes I understand Polk said your current center would work ok, and they are correct. But it is not the ideal match. Do you want just ok. Or a properly matched center.
I understand this; I am reconsidering getting the properly matched center.
You already know your sub needs replacing. So we don't need to go down this road. Something from HSU, SVS, or ED in the 600 range would be all you need for a killer sub.
When did I say I needed more guidance regarding a sub? Yes, we've been down this road -- and I have admitted, ridiculous amounts of times already quite frankly, that I needed a new sub and the one I have is a piece of dog ****.
But now that you've brought it up, what model from either SVS or HSU would you suggest? It doesn't have to be one of SVS' huge cylinder subs to do the job, does it? Which model SVS would you recommend that would shake a HT room real good?
Since speakers are the most important part of the equation. I would get this dealt with first since its the cheapest thing to do and your receiver is fine for the time being.
Okay...
So in order of priority to get a better balanced system. Do the following.
1. Get the matching center. It's cheap and will make a big difference.
2. Subwoofer. This will make an even bigger difference. More than you can imagine. You won't believe the visceral effect low 20hz bass brings to your HT.
3. Receiver
4. Maybe upgrade the surrounds to in-wall Polks. Not a priority but something to do down the road when everything else is dealt with.
Well, starting with #3, I don't think I really want to remove and replace the SpeakerCraft in-ceiling surrounds that came with the new house I bought as I understand they're pretty good speakers -- I understand we're going for cohesion here, but I don't believe the surrounds are as important as the front stage is in this regard. Now, with #s 1 and 2, you are most likely correct, and I will look into these upgrades, then look at #3.
So, for the center, the exact match is a CSi5, correct? And if you can suggest some good subs at the $600 range, that would be great.
