Cherry RTI A7s ... where are they!?

PrazVT
PrazVT Posts: 1,606
edited September 2010 in Speakers
Hi Folks - I'm new to the forums, but a current and prospective Polk speaker owner :) I'm finally moving out of my parents' place and into my own place so I'd like to complete my HT setup.

What I'm working with:

Yamaha RX-V663 receiver (bi-amp capable, 95w x 7)
Polk Audio Monitor 50s (1 pair)
Polk Audio Monitor CS1 center speaker
Some Klipsch satellites (surrounds)
Polk Audio PSW-110 sub

The short version of my situation is that:

1 - want to move the 50s to surround duties
2 - want to get front speakers that I can play music with in pure direct / 2 channel mode and still get good low end.

My music tastes range from Dire Straits and Pink Floyd to Rage Against the Machine and Interpol - but the common want here is a set of fronts that will deliver enough native bass that I can run them in pure direct mode without the sub and still be able to feel it :)


To that end, I've been looking at the RTI A7s (and possibly A9s..but even bi-amped, not sure I could drive the A9s sufficiently w/ the Yamaha).

But here's the problem - I can't find any Cherry RTI A7s anywhere! Are they just that popular? Or is there some other reason?

BTW, the living room will be 13ft wide by about 18ft long (living + dinette).

Thanks!
ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
Post edited by PrazVT on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«13

Comments

  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited May 2010
    Fry's Electronics carries them if you're close to one of them. If you can wait, I'm sure NewEgg.com will get some back in stock soon. NewEgg periodically drops the price on theirs to $400 a speaker. At $800 for a pair of A7's I'm not surprised they sell out. I've heard both at Fry's and if you want a lot of bass then the A9's have that. But yeah, maybe would want to get a bigger amp or at least bi amp.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited May 2010
    problem is....(as a rti 12 owner) the rti sereis is becoming harder & harder to find.Check polk ebay store often,as i found many a friend a deal on there.
    Unless your talking the a9or a*** or lsi series....real wood cabinets are hard to find.
    i spent 2 mnths searching web to get mine....fwiw........good luck
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited May 2010
    On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »
    Fry's Electronics carries them if you're close to one of them. If you can wait, I'm sure NewEgg.com will get some back in stock soon. NewEgg periodically drops the price on theirs to $400 a speaker. At $800 for a pair of A7's I'm not surprised they sell out. I've heard both at Fry's and if you want a lot of bass then the A9's have that. But yeah, maybe would want to get a bigger amp or at least bi amp.

    Fry's got rid of all their cherry RTi A speakers during black friday last year. The A9's were going for 299 a piece....the CSi A6 was going for 200.

    Cherry RTi, RTi-A, and LSi's are very hard to find these days. It seems most people prefer black, so sellers tend to keep more of those in stock. The cherry is beautiful in person though....pictures don't do them justice. I had the TSi300's in Cherry at one point, and the RTi's are much nicer. Nothing beats the deep color of real wood.

    Every once in a while you'll find a pair on ebay and craigslist.
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited May 2010
    Hmmm... wonder if it depends on location. The Fry's by me had cherry RTi A's on the floor as recently as a month ago, didn't ask what they had in stock as I was just there to listen. A pair of low mileage RTi A9's were on CL in this area for $1000. Not that that does anyone any good for anything other than price comparison in the used market. If I was in the market for new RTi A's I'd definitely wait for NewEgg to get some back in stock. Shouldn't be more than a couple weeks tops.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2010
    American TV here in the WI area has the cherry RTIA7's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DaveHCYJ
    DaveHCYJ Posts: 89
    edited May 2010
    I've been seeing the same problem, the cherry version of everything is so much harder to find unless you are willing to pay full retail price for them. Right now I'm rocking a 3.1 system while I wait to find a good price on cherry A7's or A9's, but I'm kind of regretting choosing cherry since they have been so much harder to find.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited May 2010
    Bought my RTi7s and the CSiA6 in cherry direct from Polk. I was not asked to wait at all and the service was excellent.

    The A7s were purchased in December and the center in February.

    Good luck.

    Dave
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited May 2010
    DaveHCYJ wrote: »
    I've been seeing the same problem, the cherry version of everything is so much harder to find unless you are willing to pay full retail price for them. Right now I'm rocking a 3.1 system while I wait to find a good price on cherry A7's or A9's, but I'm kind of regretting choosing cherry since they have been so much harder to find.

    But its so much prettier!

    The real wood cherry matches just about any wood furniture or floors...actually makes your speakers look like a part of the rooms decor instead of a piece of audio equipment sticking out like a sore thumb.

    I was able to find my Cherry RTi8's on craigslist, and my Cherry CSi5 on ebay.

    I've run into Cherry RTi12's locally on craigslist twice already.

    They are harder to find used.....the good news is whenever you see ridiculous deals on polk speakers from retailers, they're usually cherry.
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • theta
    theta Posts: 51
    edited May 2010
    Gulfstrings wrote: »
    Bought my RTi7s and the CSiA6 in cherry direct from Polk. I was not asked to wait at all and the service was excellent.

    The A7s were purchased in December and the center in February.

    Good luck.

    Dave

    I think I need to give them a call, then - been looking for cherry everywhere (here, CL, Ebay, you name it).
    11.3 Theater
    RTi A7 Fronts - CSi A6 Center - 65-RT DSX Wides - RTi A1 DSX Highs - FXi A6 Rears - FXi A6 Surround Backs
    eD A5-350 (L-LFE) - eD A5-350 (R-LFE) - SVS 20-39+ (Rear-LFE) - Aura Pro x 8 Seats
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 (11.3 Neo:X) - Sony TA-N9000ES Amplifier
    JVC RS-20u - Elite 120" 1.3 Gain - XBMC Processor - TrippLite 30A Full Theater Backup

    2.1 Studio / PC
    Mackie HR824 Powered Monitors - Infinity Kappa Perfect 12" DIY
    Aune USB 24/192 DAC HPA - Sennheiser HD650/600
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited May 2010
    Hey guys - so I tried to order a pair from Amazon (AcousticSoundDesign), and the owner of the shop called me today. Looks like the pair that was reported as in stock had one that was severely damaged. Otherwise, what he told me was that Polk didn't accurately project demand (more or less) and that they'd be getting more Cherry RTi A7s around June 18th.

    Considering the free shipping and no sales tax (the latter I'd have to pay via Newegg), I'll probably stick with these guys and have them send me a pair once they come in. The guy was nice enough to call and explain, so he gets my business. I can survive w/o surround and just the monitor 50s / cs1 / psw110 until then.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandworms
    sandworms Posts: 1,043
    edited May 2010
    use craiglook, I see some rtia7's for cheap, depending on where you are
    Samsung pn64f8500
    Sonus faber venere 2.5
    Sf venere center
    Oppo 105d
    Squeezebox touch
    Parasound hca1500a
    Apc power filter
    Audioquest cables asst
    Polk rtia3 SB
    Polk fxia6 sl,sr
    Dual hsu vtf3 mk3

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited May 2010
    Hmm I'll look around locally (ca bay area) - thanks sandworm.

    As for looking at Audio Monitor 70s or perhaps TSI500s .. I think I need to hear all these sets before making a decision. I have been bi-amping the 50s (the yamaha has a bi-amping option in advanced setup). So assuming that's doing it's job, the 50s' are doing the most that they can at this point - but 2 5.25" drivers can only do so much.

    The TSI500s look interesting ... but I'd have to hear them properly amped to see what their full range performance is like. The external amp sounds like a good idea too - I'll check it out.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited May 2010
    Hey - so I was in Frys the other night in Palo Alto b/c my sister wanted to buy an LCD TV for her room and discovered that they had 8 RTI A7s in stock! I actually got to see the A7 and A9 in person - they're pretty damn big (compared to my monitor 50s)! Anyway, I decided to go with A7s (cherry) just because they were about the right size for my apartment living room.

    I'm using the Yamaha rx-v663's bi-amp option and in pure direct mode, music sounds great with these speakers. They get a bit quieter when the receiver is pulling 5.1 movie duties, but I expected that. I'm still thinking about getting a 2 channel power amp - maybe an Emotiva UPA-2 that I can use in concert with the Yamaha...
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited May 2010
    PrazVT wrote: »
    Hey - so I was in Frys the other night in Palo Alto b/c my sister wanted to buy an LCD TV for her room and discovered that they had 8 RTI A7s in stock! I actually got to see the A7 and A9 in person - they're pretty damn big (compared to my monitor 50s)! Anyway, I decided to go with A7s (cherry) just because they were about the right size for my apartment living room.

    I'm using the Yamaha rx-v663's bi-amp option and in pure direct mode, music sounds great with these speakers. They get a bit quieter when the receiver is pulling 5.1 movie duties, but I expected that. I'm still thinking about getting a 2 channel power amp - maybe an Emotiva UPA-2 that I can use in concert with the Yamaha...



    Cograts on your new speakers. Give them some burn in time and they'll sound even better. One more thing, your on the right track thinking about more power. I used to have an RX-V661 and it sounded good for H/T but listening to music just just to bright for my tastes. Then I bought my pioneer avr. Even though it is an older elite reciever, it is considerably more powerful and dynamic then the yammi.

    Anyway, have fun and get ready to spend.......lol
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited May 2010
    Yeah the A7s sound a little bright - I'm still on the fence about adding an external Amp. I honestly only need the extra power for 2 channel mode (ie. for music). In Pure Direct mode, the Yamaha rx v663 seems to be sending plenty of power to the speakers - presumably b/c all other circuitry is shut off and it isn't driving the center & surrounds. So perhaps I'm okay for now.

    My dad just gave me the 663 b/c he upgraded to an Onkyo 707. I read an interesting article about how newer receivers seem to be trading power for features. As an example, they compared the 663 w/ the 665 - 663's power rating is 95wpc @ full bandwidth, vs the 665's 90wpc @ 1khz - implying that the 665's actual full bandwidth power is probably 10-15% lower than the 90wpc advertised. So I am not surprised that an older Pioneer AVR would provide more power :)

    Anyway, they sound good so far - a little bright, but not shrill - I agree I need to break 'em in :)

    And spending isn't a problem for me - it's not spending!

    Thanks again for again for the insights and tips - very much appreciated!
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited July 2010
    Just an update ... added an Onkyo M-282 power amp to run the woofers while allowing the receiver to run the midrange/highs and it's been a hell of an improvement :) Also, added a CS20 center so life is gooood... :)
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    PrazVT wrote: »
    Just an update ... added an Onkyo M-282 power amp to run the woofers while allowing the receiver to run the midrange/highs and it's been a hell of an improvement :) Also, added a CS20 center so life is gooood... :)

    Congrats! Love my A7's also!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    Where are the cherry A7's? Well, one pair is at my office, delivered just this morning... :)

    IMAG0394.jpg

    Talk about some big double-boxing! :eek:

    FWIW, Fry's in Renton (Seattle area) had them in stock a few weeks ago. Though I was able to buy online from authorized dealer for about two-thirds of MSRP (shipped)...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    FYI, for those of you on the fence deciding between the black or cherry finish, the cherry finish is absolutely gorgeous. A deeper finish than my previous cherry RTi70's, which I hope to show a comparison pic in the next day or so...

    100_8964.JPG

    I hope to get the A7's connected and calibrated this weekend...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited July 2010
    mak99 wrote: »
    Where are the cherry A7's? Well, one pair is at my office, delivered just this morning... :)

    IMAG0394.jpg

    Talk about some big double-boxing! :eek:

    FWIW, Fry's in Renton (Seattle area) had them in stock a few weeks ago. Though I was able to buy online from authorized dealer for about two-thirds of MSRP (shipped)...

    Do your co-workers think you're as crazy as mine think I am when speakers/audio gear show up at the office?
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Do your co-workers think you're as crazy as mine think I am when speakers/audio gear show up at the office?
    Yep, pretty much. But at least someone is here to sign for the packages!

    They thought I had ordered two more plasmas for the house when these huge boxes arrived. I wasn't aware of the double-boxing until I went up front to see them. I first thought that 6ave.com sent me two pairs of A7's by mistake! :eek: I wouldn't have complained much since they only charged me for one pair... ;)

    I know these sound great from hearing a pair at Fry's (with plenty of break-in hours), so I'm looking forward to getting my pair up and running. I'll probably leave the tuner on during the day to accelerate the break-in period...

    Not sure how this cherry finish compares to your RTi8's?
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited July 2010
    That's hilarious - congrats! Yeah these puppies are beautiful!! You shoulda seen how I got mine home from Frys. We managed to fit one in the back seat of my sister's Acura TL (without the box) and the other one fit into my Mazda 3 hatch (with box). All this as it was starting to drizzle. Needless to say, it was fortunate we both brought our cars that day (we also bought a 40" tv for her which ended up in the TL as well).
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    Luckily both RTi-only speaker boxes fit in the back of my SUV since I removed them from that ridiculously huge outer shipping boxes! Though wasn't much room left over inside for anything else...

    100_8886.JPG

    I see you are bi-amping your A7, are you still happy with that setup? I only recently bi-amped my (now sold) RTi70's with my Onkyo 805, and was pleased with the uptick in performance. The A7s will be bi-amped from the start, as soon as I pack up the 70's for their new owner.

    Small world - we have a Yamaha 863 (which was upgraded from the 663, same as yours) for our secondary HT system. Long-time Yamaha fan, good product for a great price...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited July 2010
    Yes, the boxes are pretty big - and the speakers themselves are pretty solidly weighted too :)

    Yes, I have to say I'm very happy with the Yamaha 663 + Onkyo 282 bi-amp setup. The Onkyo does a great job pushing the 7" woofers on the A7s and overall performance has definitely increased over using the 663's internal bi-amp function. The bottom end has improved to the point where I put my Polk sub behind my couch and I haven't actually turned in a few weeks. Plus, I think the Yamaha is having an easier time pushing 5.1 since that extra load isn't there from bi-amping. I think it was a good call and I haven't had any issues thus far.

    I'm happy with the Yamaha too - my dad gave it to me when he upgraded to an Onkyo 707 for his HT. Sound quality is great and I have a feeling the newer iterations aren't built as well. I'm still tempted when I see the higher powered receivers on sale though :)

    Anyway I just splurged on a couple of Logitech Squeezebox units (boom for my room, classic for the living room - both to be controlled by my iPhone) so no more upgrades for a bit :)

    av2.jpg
    av1.jpg
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited July 2010
    mak99 wrote: »

    Not sure how this cherry finish compares to your RTi8's?

    IMG_6006.jpg

    The interesting thing about the real wood cherry veneers is how much they can vary in color. Real cherry will actually darken overtime...especially when exposed to direct sunlight.

    My RTi8's (which are older) are darker than my CSi5 . My RTi8's seem to be the color of your A7's....my CSi5 is closer to the color of the faux cherry on the monitor 50s

    From the looks of your pics, I need to dust, clean, and maybe oil my RTi8's!

    IMG_6029.jpg

    The LSi's have a a high gloss finish that look really high end. They look a little pretentious, but I like it a lot.
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    Your speakers and system look nice! I can't wait to get mine located where they should be - on either side of the TV and rack...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited July 2010
    I apologize for the crappy iPhone photos - my sister hides all the proper digicams lol. My center is definitely closer in color to my Monitor 50s. It would have been nice to get the matching CSI A6 but it was a little out of budget.

    Those LSi's look pretty fancy ;) Are you using them as 'presence' speakers?

    speakers_front.jpg
    speaker_left.jpg
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited July 2010
    BTW, positioning the A7s exactly the same distance from the wall, same distance from the AV rack, and at the same angle (slightly inward) was a royal pain in the ****. Especially with the little carpet feet on lol.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited July 2010
    PrazVT wrote: »
    I apologize for the crappy iPhone photos - my sister hides all the proper digicams lol. My center is definitely closer in color to my Monitor 50s. It would have been nice to get the matching CSI A6 but it was a little out of budget.

    Those LSi's look pretty fancy ;) Are you using them as 'presence' speakers?

    speakers_front.jpg
    speaker_left.jpg

    Very nice. Those curved cabinets are sexy....the cabinets remind me of the Paradigm Signature Series.

    If you can get the CSi A6 one day I'd highly recommend it. Its a very capable center channel.

    I have another pair of LSi9's arriving tomorrow....the one pictured will be used as a center channel. They'll eventually replace my RTi8's and CSi5
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited July 2010
    mystik610 wrote: »
    If you can get the CSi A6 one day I'd highly recommend it. Its a very capable center channel.
    Well, it's now on my list after receiving the A7's. But' it's gonna be hard to sell my faithful ol' CSi40... :(

    Of course, it shouldn't bother me too much as I have a second CSi40 that I bought about a year ago to replace the CSi30 in the secondary AV system! That '40 is still in the closet collecting dust as I have to make/install a beefier shelf for it... :eek:

    Dammit, I buy too much stuff... ;)
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter