Mordaunt Short Aviano 2 vs RTiA3

Puddintane

I posted here a while ago in regards to the Polk RTiA3, and one way it was described was that it had "sparkle" (I believe that was the term used) at the high end. Does that mean the same as bright? I'm still considering them (almost ready to pull the trigger, in fact). But in other things I've been reading there are frequent references (in regards to various other speakers) of the importance of component matching so as to avoid bad combinations that, I suppose, will overemphasize the less-desirable traits of the combined components.

And so, with that in mind, how do sparkly Polks pair with, say, Yamaha receivers (e.g., RX-V765 or 1065)? The Yamahas also seem to be described in ways that suggest they're also strong on the high end (unless I've misunderstood the writers' emphases). I'm also considering a Denon, such as the AVR2310CI. One other idea that just came up, because it can be had for a very good price, is the Marantz SR7002, which, at $599 might be considered a steal. Actually, they're all available at blowout prices from several sources with the Yam 765 being the least expensive by a couple hundred bucks.

And one other thing, does anyone have any experience with Mordaunt-Short Aviano 1 (or 2)? How does this compare to the RTiA3? Thanks.

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

I posted here a while ago in regards to the Polk RTiA3, and one way it was described was that it had "sparkle" (I believe that was the term used) at the high end. Does that mean the same as bright? I'm still considering them (almost ready to pull the trigger, in fact). But in other things I've been reading there are frequent references (in regards to various other speakers) of the importance of component matching so as to avoid bad combinations that, I suppose, will overemphasize the less-desirable traits of the combined components.

And so, with that in mind, how do sparkly Polks pair with, say, Yamaha receivers (e.g., RX-V765 or 1065)? The Yamahas also seem to be described in ways that suggest they're also strong on the high end (unless I've misunderstood the writers' emphases). I'm also considering a Denon, such as the AVR2310CI. One other idea that just came up, because it can be had for a very good price, is the Marantz SR7002, which, at $599 might be considered a steal. Actually, they're all available at blowout prices from several sources with the Yam 765 being the least expensive by a couple hundred bucks.

And one other thing, does anyone have any experience with Mordaunt-Short Aviano 1 (or 2)? How does this compare to the RTiA3? Thanks.

I wouldn't know about the Mordaunt speakers - never heard them, but I used to own a pair of RTiA3 mated to a Yamaha V1800 AVR.

Personally, I thought that it was nice combo - especially for the price I got the RTiA3's from Polk's Ebay store.

Some say that Yamaha AVRs are 'bright' -especially the lower end models.

Again - wouldn't know. The 'flag ship' series of Yamaha AVRs (Vxxxx) I would not say are bright. Reviewers have characterized them as 'warm'. I'd say, that at least for the AVR I have, it is neutral.

Back to the RTiA3s.....

They do great for HT duty, and a pretty good job at music. The 'sparkle' can be a great advantage for good recordings, and more so for say jazz, acoustic, etc. The RTiA3 can do rock, but doesn't do as well when pushed loud - that would be where it can be a tad fatiguing and where the 'sparkle' works against it.

So, if you like to crank Iron Maiden *really loud* - the RTiA3 may not be for you.

That may be tamed somewhat by component and cable selection.

For a refurbished or used price, a pair of RTiA3s is a fantastic bookshelf.

markmarc

I reviewed the Aviano 6's for TONEAudio in issue #29. From that experience and knowing the RTiA series what you will get with the Aviano's is a European laid back sound, but with better consistency from top to bottom. You will give up a 21st century cabinet shaped design and real veneer.

Puddintane

Erik Tracy wrote: »

Back to the RTiA3s.....

They do great for HT duty, and a pretty good job at music. The 'sparkle' can be a great advantage for good recordings, and more so for say jazz, acoustic, etc. The RTiA3 can do rock, but doesn't do as well when pushed loud - that would be where it can be a tad fatiguing and where the 'sparkle' works against it.

So, if you like to crank Iron Maiden *really loud* - the RTiA3 may not be for you.

Music would be far and away the primary use. HT might be setup as a throw in. I don't watch movies very often and don't need HT for sports! But it would be nice for the occasional movie or concert video.

For a refurbished or used price, a pair of RTiA3s is a fantastic bookshelf.

I confess, that's one of the reasons I'm drawn to them. I have a ton of gift certs accumulated at Amazon. So I could get these (as well as the Mordaunts) for a very small pittance out of pocket. If I bought these or some other quality brand elsewhere, the full amount would be doable, but the credit I have at Amaz didn't cost me anything. So I hope to take advantage of it.

Puddintane

markmarc wrote: »

I reviewed the Aviano 6's for TONEAudio in issue #29. From that experience and knowing the RTiA series what you will get with the Aviano's is a European laid back sound, but with better consistency from top to bottom. You will give up a 21st century cabinet shaped design and real veneer.

I haven't heard enough examples of different brands to even know what "European laid back sound" is. And I can't audition them where I live, even though I don't live far from the largest city in the Rocky Mountain west. I have heard B&W's intro-level models. And they do sound very good. But they're also very expensive. I've also heard the Paradigm Atoms and Minis and Titans. They're also very nice, and sound good like the B&Ws, and they're also less expensive. But again, there's the issue of out-of-pocket expense I mentioned in an earlier post. I can't get away from that one. In fact, I have a couple options in regards to accumulated gift certs with a couple different online retailers (Amazon and Crutchfield). But that then necessarily limits my options to the brands/models they offer.

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

I haven't heard enough examples of different brands to even know what "European laid back sound" is. And I can't audition them where I live, even though I don't live far from the largest city in the Rocky Mountain west. I have heard B&W's intro-level models. And they do sound very good. But they're also very expensive. I've also heard the Paradigm Atoms and Minis and Titans. They're also very nice, and sound good like the B&Ws, and they're also less expensive. But again, there's the issue of out-of-pocket expense I mentioned in an earlier post. I can't get away from that one. In fact, I have a couple options in regards to accumulated gift certs with a couple different online retailers (Amazon and Crutchfield). But that then necessarily limits my options to the brands/models they offer.

What kind of sound do you like, what type of music do you listen to, and how loud do you like to listen to your music.

Do you hook your ipod up to listen, or do you have lots of cds and a cd player, or do you have a turntable, or do you listen to cable/dish music channels, or maybe concert dvds?

gp4jesus

I used RTi A1s as L&R for music & w/a CSi A6 for HT; Now using for surround channels.

Can't offer a comparison to the MS or B&W. I can say they're a great value. W/a Belles Series 1 or Hafler XL280, they offer a decent bottom (5 1/4" MW) w/a decent, if not exeptional image.

Consider refurbs from Polk Direct through ebay. You'll $ave about half (or more) compared to retail-that's where I bought all 5 channels for my HT setup. No regrets

cheers tony

Puddintane

Erik Tracy wrote: »

What kind of sound do you like, what type of music do you listen to, and how loud do you like to listen to your music.

I listen to a lot of guitar-dominated music: rock, jazz, and acoustic. The rock is more likely to be classic rock from Steely Dan to Zeppelin to Stevie Ray Vaughan, but no Iron Maiden. By the time they emerged I was becoming more interested in other guitar (and music) styles, like about the time (mid- to late-'70s) I discovered Jeff Beck's Wired and his subsequent ventures with Jan Hammer. Confession time: I also have to admit that I was was put off by the growing darkness and general weirdness of that whole heavy metal/death metal style of that era, and that continues to this day. Bands like Korn and others like them come to mind. I can't ignore their image and dark--and often vulgar--messages to just enjoy the hard rock music behind it. But I digress!).

I also enjoy stuff like Joe Satriani and some other similar, contemporary stuff. Rock is definitely my first love. Jazz would typically be stuff like Lee Ritenour or Larry Carlton (again, typically focused on guitar). But then again, early Jean-Luc Ponty, like Cosmic Messenger or Enigmatic Ocean with Alan Holdsworth on guitar is awesome and transports me to some other wonderful world. I either have to crank it or pull out the headphones!

I rarely listen to vocal- or horn-based jazz (except for the occasional Chicago or Blood, Sweat and Tears horn style). Also, classical is rare but occasional. And country is out of the question! I "like" to listen loud, but family and neighbors restrict that "like" to the occasional, "I don't care who hears it!" (or I when I see the neighbors all drive off--then I run down to the cave and crank it up!).

Do you hook your ipod up to listen, or do you have lots of cds and a cd player, or do you have a turntable, or do you listen to cable/dish music channels, or maybe concert dvds?

I sometimes listen to MP3s via an online music service (like Napster). I prefer to listen to CDs, and have recently been reviving my vinyl. I don't have an iPod so I don't do that (I do have another brand of player, but it's used mainly for loading up music to listen to at work or for long car trips).

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

I listen to a lot of guitar-dominated music: rock, jazz, and acoustic. The rock is more likely to be classic rock from Steely Dan to Zeppelin to Stevie Ray Vaughan, but no Iron Maiden. By the time they emerged I was becoming more interested in other guitar (and music) styles, like about the time (mid- to late-'70s) I discovered Jeff Beck's Wired and his subsequent ventures with Jan Hammer. Confession time: I also have to admit that I was was put off by the growing darkness and general weirdness of that whole heavy metal/death metal style of that era, and that continues to this day. Bands like Korn and others like them come to mind. I can't ignore their image and dark--and often vulgar--messages to just enjoy the hard rock music behind it. But I digress!).

I also enjoy stuff like Joe Satriani and some other similar, contemporary stuff. Rock is definitely my first love. Jazz would typically be stuff like Lee Ritenour or Larry Carlton (again, typically focused on guitar). But then again, early Jean-Luc Ponty, like Cosmic Messenger or Enigmatic Ocean with Alan Holdsworth on guitar is awesome and transports me to some other wonderful world. I either have to crank it or pull out the headphones!

I rarely listen to vocal- or horn-based jazz (except for the occasional Chicago or Blood, Sweat and Tears horn style). Also, classical is rare but occasional. And country is out of the question! I "like" to listen loud, but family and neighbors restrict that "like" to the occasional, "I don't care who hears it!" (or I when I see the neighbors all drive off--then I run down to the cave and crank it up!).



I sometimes listen to MP3s via an online music service (like Napster). I prefer to listen to CDs, and have recently been reviving my vinyl. I don't have an iPod so I don't do that (I do have another brand of player, but it's used mainly for loading up music to listen to at work or for long car trips).

Well - your tastes for guitar oriented music, whether it be 'classic rock' or jazz and your secret habit of listening loud might indicate that you want a speaker that is characterized as 'laid back'.

Although, I will say that I have some gorgeous cds with Lee Ritenour and Larry Coryell ("Larry and Lee") that sounded absolutely spacious and open on the RTiA3s.

Another CD that sounded great on my rig with the A3s was Stevie Ray Vaughn's "In Step" - esp the track Riviera Paradise.

Unfortunately, most any Led Zepplin CD or LP I have fails to live up to the music - and when cranked on the A3s sounded 'congested' - then again, tough for any speaker to make a crummy mix sound good.

At moderate volumes with a good source, speaker cables selected to provide system synergy, the A3s are a tough value to beat.

Push the A3s loud with a busy mix and they can sound a bit strident.

Give them good power, a clean and spacious mix - and they shine!

Puddintane

Erik Tracy wrote: »

Give them good power, a clean and spacious mix - and they shine!

I currently have a couple older black box receivers: a Yamaha RX-730 and an Onkyo TX-844, as well as a Pioneer SX-750 receiver, which I would like to try and make my main power supply. But I may just opt for one of the newer models in mentioned in my opening post. I'm not sure if any of those would be considered "good power." I assume that by "good" you don't necessarily mean a lot of watts, right?

Puddintane

Alright, I did it. I just ordered a pair and will try to post a followup once I've received them. Thanks for your input.

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

Alright, I did it. I just ordered a pair and will try to post a followup once I've received them. Thanks for your input.

The RTiA3s are easy to drive - so as long as you don't go too loud, you should be fine.

The mating of AVR/Receiver to speakers may need some experimentation to get the right 'synergy'.

Of the brands you've listed I'd start with the Pioneer - and I think you are going to be very pleased!

Remember - for Club Polk - pics and a report - or it never happened!