rtia5 or rtia3s with amp for fronts?

lriker
lriker Posts: 64
edited December 2010 in Speakers
Still trying to decide on the a5s or the a3s for my fronts. Receiver is a pioneer 1018 with preouts for all speakers, rated at I believe 120wpc. When I get new fronts, a set of rtia1s will move to surround. Room is approximate 10x12. I love the look of the a5s but have been wondering if they would be a bit of overkill in a room this small. Would I be better served in getting a set of the a3s, wall mounting them, and using the money saved and get a good amp to drive them? Will be looking to get the csia6 center later. will a set of speakers rated at a higher watt limit sound the same as a lower rated speaker if both are at the same volume or does the higher wattage make a difference even at the same volume?

Thanks to all who input their wisdom.
Post edited by lriker on

Comments

  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited December 2010
    lriker wrote: »
    Still trying to decide on the a5s or the a3s for my fronts. Receiver is a pioneer 1018 with preouts for all speakers, rated at I believe 120wpc. When I get new fronts, a set of rtia1s will move to surround. Room is approximate 10x12. I love the look of the a5s but have been wondering if they would be a bit of overkill in a room this small. Would I be better served in getting a set of the a3s, wall mounting them, and using the money saved and get a good amp to drive them? Will be looking to get the csia6 center later. will a set of speakers rated at a higher watt limit sound the same as a lower rated speaker if both are at the same volume or does the higher wattage make a difference even at the same volume?

    Thanks to all who input their wisdom.

    Both will work fine.I have the A5's in a room that is 14x14 and they are exceptional for H/T. That said, I just had my rti6's set up as my fronts to see what the difference would be. I was surprised how good they sounded. The A5's are noticably better but it comes at a price. Bottom line, both are good, you have to decide what you want to spend. I would suggest, you get the A3's and the center and try that for a while.
    "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
  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited December 2010
    If the A5's + an amp are out of your budget, then the A3's + amp would be a better choice. Pick up a nice warm and and they will sing. I ran my old RTi8's off an Harman Kardon amp and it was lovely!
    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