Wish list review...

[GaryWooldridge]

I've been looking at hardware for a few months and have finally decided on the equipment for my family room. I'd like the forum's opinion on the set up I've chosen to splurge on:

7.1 audio:
Polk Audio CSi3 (center)
Polk Audio RTi8 (front L & R)
Polk Audio RTi6 (surround L & R; back L & R)
Polk Audio PSW303 (sub)
Reciever:
Denon AVR-4806CI
TV:
JVC True 1080p HD-ILA (HD-61FN97)


Cheers,
Gary W.

 

[Matt34]

I've been looking at hardware for a few months and have finally decided on the equipment for my family room. I'd like the forum's opinion on the set up I've chosen to splurge on:

7.1 audio:
Polk Audio CSi3 (center)
Polk Audio RTi8 (front L & R)
Polk Audio RTi6 (surround L & R; back L & R)
Polk Audio PSW303 (sub)
Reciever:
Denon AVR-4806CI
TV:
JVC True 1080p HD-ILA (HD-61FN97)


Cheers,
Gary W.

Everything looks good Gary expect maybe the sub, the Polk Audio subs, in general, are not regarded to be very good units for the money.

Give us your room dimensions and a number for how much you want to spend and we can give you some recommendations.

What other brands have you been able to audition besides Polk?

 

[GaryWooldridge]

RE: Wish list review

My family room is fairly small: 15'x15'x10' (LxWxH) or so. The room opens into the kitchen/nook on the right side as you're facing the TV. I've got about $5k to spend on the receiver and speakers. Ulitmately I'd like a 7.1 system but do not have to have all 7.1 speakers at present - trying to do a little future-proofing so when the HD DVD / BR / whater format war settles down some I want to pick up an HD player.

 

[jcPanny]

New HT

Gary,
Sounds like the makings for a great HT. It looks like your budget might be a little biased on the electronics side. You might consider adjusting the speaker/receiver budget. For example, you will get much better audio perfromance from a $1k receiver and $3k speakers and sub then from a $3k receiver and $1k speakers and sub.

The new JVC PJ should be awesome. Make sure you plan on a good fixed screen and an HD source like HD-DVD or BluRay.

 

[Matt34]

My family room is fairly small: 15'x15'x10' (LxWxH) or so. The room opens into the kitchen/nook on the right side as you're facing the TV. I've got about $5k to spend on the receiver and speakers. Ulitmately I'd like a 7.1 system but do not have to have all 7.1 speakers at present - trying to do a little future-proofing so when the HD DVD / BR / whater format war settles down some I want to pick up an HD player.

JC made a very good point about adjusting the receiver/speaker ratio. Maybe move up to the LSI 9 and CSi 5 and move down to the 3806.

 

[AVRat]

And consider either an HSU VTF-2 MK3 or SVS PB12-NSD or better for the sub.

 

[Davemcc]

Don't get a center channel that's weak compared to you L/R's. Maybe keep the RTi8's and upgrade the center to the CSi5?

At a similar price point to the Polk sub, an Hsu STF-1 or STF-2 would probably provide more satisfaction, but moving up to the HSU VTF-2 MK3 or SVS PB12-NSD for the marginal extra cost would offer huge benefits, even in a small room. Heck, I've got the PB12-Plus in an 11 x 14 room and love it.

 

[mazersteven]

I have to totally agree with the others. Even though that is a great receiver. You don't need a $4000 receiver for those speakers. Unless you need that receiver for it's features for some other reason. Now reverse your budget, and spend $4000 on speakers.

If not then pocket $3000 and purchase something like this

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3038.asp

 

[agarwalro]

If it helps, I am more than happy with the 3806. Never feel the need for more power and it can switch 1080p on HDMI.

I will have to agree with others regardgin your budget needing revision. Spend 60% of total on speakers and 40% on electronics.

Before you pull the trigger on the Polks, demo as many speakers as possible. Some hard work on the internet finding people willing to demo their setup will go a long way. If you can do in-home trial, even better.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Holy cow! Dont spend 4 grand on a AVR. SPEAKERS, SPEAKERS, SPEAKERS, SPEAKERS...