What next after RTi-A5s and Onkyo TX-SR707

ProbeGT

Hi all . . .have been a lurker since I got your thoughts on some stuff during the summer. But now, it may be nearing time to take a next step. You can see my gear in the sig--I'm really liking my new speakers and receiver for probably 70 percent HT and 30 percent music. I do notice the brightness of the A5s on music, and I'm also hearing the shortcomings of my CS20 and my older Cerwin-Vega sub now that I've upgraded the main speakers.

So that's the question--what are your feelings on the best next step: 1) Get an amp; 2) upgrade center to an CsiA4 or A6; or 3)Get a sub?

I know a lot depends on personal preference and HOW MUCH I'm noticing the shortcoming mentioned, but I thought I'd fish for some input--especially with the holidays coming up.

eclimax13

1. sub
2. center
3. amp

leroyjr1

1-Center
2-sub

no amp needed.

djperez81

i agree with leroy center first then sub. Center is one of the most impotant speakers ion your setup. Then you can always add an amp if want to.

eclimax13

normally id agree with center first but the one you have isnt that bad and the impact and wow factor of a good subwoofer, at least to me, trumps the rest of your intended upgrades...but do put some effort into it, dont just go buy a psw10....look into svs, ed, or hsu...get something to compliment those rti's...another thing to think about is dual subs which completely changed my system

and if your center is really hurting your system, you can always turn it off in the receiver and use the towers are l/r/c....i did this for a while and it worked out pretty well....

as you see i also own your receiver and it sounds pretty damn good but once you get all your speakers and subs situated, i would look into an external amp

Ericw2431

+1 on the sub than the center

over50

My personal choice is sub. when i upgraded to 505 i was really impressed on how much better my system sounded. it might be because i like bass. my vote get a new sub.

nguyendot

If your usage is 70% HT, then I'd upgrade center first.... It does 90% of the work, and almost 100% of the dialog in HT....

Sub next, amp optional.

If you feel you're missing bass, get the sub first, it's not like you don't have a center already.

polkapolka

Can you tell us what "shortcomings" you are noticing? Is the dialogue lacking in clarity, volume, etc? Are you missing what is being said in the movies, or is the musician's voice lacking volume, impact, detail, etc.?
As for the sub and the base you are hearing; what exactly are you hearing, and what do you want to hear?
Have you used the auto calibration at all? What are your current settings for all the speakers? You may need to adjust some of the settings, especially the crossover frequency, as this will have a large impact on the sound of the system.
With this information, we can then help steer you in the right direction a little better.

ProbeGT

Thanks for the input so far. I decided to do the subwoofer first, and after doing some reading I went with a HSU STF-2 I picked up on Audiogon. Big improvement, and nice!

I would now say that I'm satisfied with my setup's HT performance. But, I'm still not as happy as I ought to me with the 2-channel music end of things. Part of the issue is my system doesn't sound as good as a friend's system that has a set of Klipsch RF-7s. Now, I've accepted that my $800 speakers aren't going to match $2000 speakers, and that my speakers are more suited to HT than music, but I think I can do better and am now thinking amp. I want to de-brighten the A-5s.

From lots of reading on here and other places, I think a Rotel amp may be what I need. I've narrowed it down to three choices, at three price points. Would like your thoughts. Or, maybe you have an even better idea. The main goal will be to give my A-5s some better power. I know that ultimately the most expensive solution would probably be best, but any money I don't spend right here can go to other hobbies. . . :biggrin:

1. 1. RB-956 (40W x 6) Plan would be to bridge the six channels to 3 and also drive my center. Or, it looks like I can bridge to 4 channels and bi-amp. But would this be enough power to make a difference from my receiver's power? Cost: approx $150.
2. 2. RB-976 (60W x 6) Ditto above. Cost approx $250.
3. 3. RB-985 (100W x 5) Could bi-amp the fronts, and also run center. Cost approx $450.

Thanks in advance!

Gulfstrings

Was going to suggest center then sub but your latest post say you're well on your way!

Enjoy.

ProbeGT

Well, I was going to wait a while on an amp, but found a Rotel RB-985 on CL for $200 and couldn't resist.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I just have it hooked to the fronts right now, but music in 2-channel sounds SO MUCH BETTER. . . it really toned down the brightness, and overall just gives what seems to be a more expansive sonic palette . . . .and individual sounds seem more distinct as well.

Wow. . . I'm very happy I did this upgrade!

mdaudioguy

Very nice! Have not heard the A5s myself, but many say they are surprisingly good. I'm sure that amp really brings out the best in them. Sit back and enjoy!

Oh, and start saving up for that CSiA6, too! I think you'll be similarly impressed.