Polk RTi8 Speaker System With Pioneer 1015tx Reciever

[JEidt]

Hi All,

I am seeking feedback on the compatability of the Pioneer 1015 Receiver with the Polks RTi8 Speaker system.

Does the 1015 have enough power to make these Polks reach their full potential? How do they sound together with a Polk PSW 10 sub?

Keep in mine that this system is replacing a 1991 Sony Rack System, I am starting with a 5.1 setup.

Polk Rti8 Fronts - $ 550 / pair
CS2 Center - $ 299
RTi4 - Surround $ 259 / pair
Polk PSW10 Sub - $195
Pioneer 1015TX - Receiver $ 415

This will probably sound crazy to some of you, but the key criteria for the speaker selections above is appearance. The cherry finish matches my Salamander Designs(A/V Cabinet, TV Stand, & DVD Stand) in addition the silver trim matches my TV. Above this setup on the wall, I have a black& silver mirror (16"(H) x 50"(L)

I plan to keep Polks Rti8 Fronts, but I am open to suggestions to upgrades within Polk for Center(i.e. CSi3 or CSi5 ) , Surround(i.e. FXi3) & Sub(i.e. PSW303 or PSW404).

I've heard Polk subs are not that good. Can I better sub for $ 195?
Are there any other receivers that exceed the features of a 1015 that sell for around the $ 415 price.

Any suggestions & recommendations are welcomed.

Thanks again,

John

 

[Sheep]

Everything looks good accept for the subwoofer.

Is this being bought at FS? If so, look for deals on the Athena AS-P**** model subwoofers. The 10icnh goes for 299CAD sometimes. But really, any other subwoofer other then the quest ones will be better then that one.

Also look at Hsu SVS etc.

SheepStar

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

JEidt: Does the 1015 have enough power to make these Polks reach their full potential?

No, but close. The Polk RTi series can take a ton of power, and sound even better with an outboard amp. The RTi8's are nice b/c they don't utilize the 7" woofers which rob power from the receiver, as do the RTi10 and RTi12.

How do they sound together with a Polk PSW 10 sub?

Go with a different sub.

This will probably sound crazy to some of you, but the key criteria for the speaker selections above is appearance. The cherry finish matches my Salamander Designs(A/V Cabinet, TV Stand, & DVD Stand) in addition the silver trim matches my TV. Above this setup on the wall, I have a black& silver mirror (16"(H) x 50"(L)

Not at all. It has to look good too.

I plan to keep Polks Rti8 Fronts, but I am open to suggestions to upgrades within Polk for Center(i.e. CSi3 or CSi5 ) , Surround(i.e. FXi3) & Sub(i.e. PSW303 or PSW404).

Go with the CS series center and FX series surrounds. The CSi5 is HUGE, so make sure you have plenty of room. The FXi3's IMO sound better than the RTi4's, and the 4's sound awesome. Don't ever buy Polk subs.

Can I better sub for $ 195?

$195 is tight, but for a little more, I'd say look into something like the Acoustech sub (as long as finish isn't a big issue)
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=601522849

Are there any other receivers that exceed the features of a 1015 that sell for around the $ 415 price.

Yes! IMHO, this is the "buy of the century" right now.
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10594465

 

[JEidt]

Thanks For The Quick Response

Thanks Guys - I'm almost there, but I have few more questions.

John's Quote
Can I better sub for $ 195?

Buckeye's Response
$195 is tight, but for a little more, I'd say look into something like the Acoustech sub (as long as finish isn't a big issue)
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage...onId=601522849

John's Response
In response to your recommendation to purchase a different sub, I'm willing to spend up to $ 300.00 and go with a black exterior.
Can you recommend a specific brand and model. I feel somewhat uncomfortable purchasing used electronic equipment, so I am seeking to purchase only new equipment


John's Quote
Are there any other receivers that exceed the features of a 1015 that sell for around the $ 415 price.

Buckeye's Response
Yes! IMHO, this is the "buy of the century" right now.
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage...ionId=10594465
Today 10:36 PM

John's Response
Several different dealers recommended a Yamaha RX-V757 receiver or Onkyo 603 receiver.
Will these receivers make the Polks reach their full potential?
If not, could you recommend a new receiver in the $ 400 to $500 range.

Thanks Again,

John

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

That is a new sub. For $300, you can step it up to the HSU STF-1.

For a new receiver, how about this? If not, the Pioneer 1015 is fine.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=7797071&search=htr+5890

No receiver will push the Polk RTi series towers to "full potential", or to just below distortion levels. The RTi8's will handle 250 watts a channel. Not even the $6000 Denon 5805 puts out those types of numbers. You'll be more than thrilled with either the 5890 or 1015 driving the RTi8's. Start to add in a CSi5 and FXi surrounds, and you'll want to purchase as much power as you can afford. That's why I like the RXV2500. It's a great mid level unit at an unbelievable price. FWIW, no RXV series Yamaha's sold online carry any type of warranty. That says a lot about Ubid's trust in Yamaha and the refurbishing done on the units.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I agree with the lower end Polk subs (PSW-10,12) being sub-par, but I have the PSW505 and I think it is great. It has plenty of juice does its job just fine. But, to each his own, that's why there are different brands out there. I just wanted to throw in my .02

~Chuck

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

John's Response
Several different dealers recommended a Yamaha RX-V757 receiver or Onkyo 603 receiver.
Will these receivers make the Polks reach their full potential?
If not, could you recommend a new receiver in the $ 400 to $500 range.

Thanks Again,

John

No receiver is going to make the Polks play at their full potential by itself. On the other hand, if you cross them over with a sub, I don't see the need for worrying about it. My RTi8's play just fine crossed over at 80hz, being powered only by the receiver.

~Chuck