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New home theatre, to be upgraded down the road...

post #1 of 2
9/1/09 at 10:43am
Thread Starter 
I have a new hdtv and want to get some better sound for viewing movies, sports, and listening to music.
I live in an apartment and don't have the room for a full 7.2 system. But i was hoping that at least a 5.1 system would be plausible in the near future when i purchase a house.
With some research, I now have my heart set on the Onkyo HT-RC160.
And with even less research, I found the Polk RTi A1.
Are these accecptable? overpriced? junk? great?

Is this price ratio good? Would I be spending too much on my speakers for use with that receiver?
Also, do you guys think that this 2.0 combo will be an upgrade in my sound (now just listening through the tv). Or am I wasting my money setting up a 2.0, and should wait until I can at least fit a sub in my viewing room. I'm hoping that with those Polk speakers I'll have enough bass.

Thanks for all the help!

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post #2 of 2
9/2/09 at 12:09pm
I think both Onkyo and Polk are great.   Going from TV sound to a decent stereo setup is an improvement, but you really have to here the surround sound to appreciate how much more alive movies can be.

Somewhat contrary to an earlier statement, it isn't really the receiver that brings out the speakers - the speakers have the greatest impact on sound.  If it were me, and my budget were really limited, I'd go better on the speakers and cheaper on the electronics until more money comes along.  That gives you the best bang-for-buck.

So, if you can, get those surround speakers.  Then, when you can, get a sub.  The sub adds hugely to the impact.  Later you can get a center channel, and make sure it is from the same "family" as your Left and Right speakers, for consitent tone across the front of your room.  Getting alike speakers for the surrounds is good, but not as critical as matching that center.

Oh, and don't be fooled by high-priced cables.  Cheap speaker wire is fine, and if you want better go with Monoprice and Blue Jeans, both lauded here on this site. 
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