Speaker Choice. RTi4 or LSi7
paradiddle
Posts: 41
Can I ask you folks some advice? I'm currently looking to put together my first stereo... on a shoestring budget.My budget is around $5-600. What do you think I should invest in?
Currently I have:
Sub-PSW111 ($129 - on sale!)
I need a L/R pair and amp for the money and have narrowed down to the following options. They are:
AMPs
-Denon AVR 590 (75w RMS - 6 -8 ohms) - about to buy used
-NAD Receiver (Stereo or HT) (50-150 watts approx 8/4 ohms respectively) - used
-Or hold out for a receiver capable of 4 ohms (if I go with LSI7..)
Speakers
-New rti4 (they're on clearance for $149/pair in Canada)
-Used Rsi7 (will break my budget, but worth the step up?)
- other options?
Thanks for looking and any prospective help!
Currently I have:
Sub-PSW111 ($129 - on sale!)
I need a L/R pair and amp for the money and have narrowed down to the following options. They are:
AMPs
-Denon AVR 590 (75w RMS - 6 -8 ohms) - about to buy used
-NAD Receiver (Stereo or HT) (50-150 watts approx 8/4 ohms respectively) - used
-Or hold out for a receiver capable of 4 ohms (if I go with LSI7..)
Speakers
-New rti4 (they're on clearance for $149/pair in Canada)
-Used Rsi7 (will break my budget, but worth the step up?)
- other options?
Thanks for looking and any prospective help!
Post edited by paradiddle on
Comments
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paradiddle wrote: »Can I ask you folks some advice? I'm currently looking to put together my first stereo... on a shoestring budget.My budget is around $5-600. What do you think I should invest in?
Currently I have:
Sub-PSW111 ($129 - on sale!)
I need a L/R pair and amp for the money and have narrowed down to the following options. They are:
AMPs
-Denon AVR 590 (75w RMS - 6 -8 ohms) - about to buy used
-Or hold out for a receiver capable of 4 ohms (if I go with LSI7..)
Speakers
-New rti4 (they're on clearance for $149/pair in Canada)
-Used Rsi7 (will break my budget, but worth the step up?)
- other options?
Thanks for looking and any prospective help!
Greetings and Welcome to Club Polk!
When you say you are putting together your first 'stereo', are you truly only interested in a dedicated 2-channel audio system (meaning not a Home Theater system)?
Your amp options include a Denon AVR, so you need to decide if you are putting together a 2-channel rig or an HT rig - or maybe you want your system to do both?
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Erik Tracy wrote: »Greetings and Welcome to Club Polk!
When you say you are putting together your first 'stereo', are you truly only interested in a dedicated 2-channel audio system (meaning not a Home Theater system)?
Your amp options include a Denon AVR, so you need to decide if you are putting together a 2-channel rig or an HT rig - or maybe you want your system to do both?
Putting together a stereo system, but if I can get an HT receiver without compromising much or anything at all, I'd rather do that. It will give me the option to expand later on... -
paradiddle wrote: »Putting together a stereo system, but if I can get an HT receiver without compromising much or anything at all, I'd rather do that. It will give me the option to expand later on...
What other components do you have now that will be your source components for music?
DVD? CD? Turntable? iPOD?
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Erik Tracy wrote: »What other components do you have now that will be your source components for music?
DVD? CD? Turntable? iPOD?
Ahh yes, the question I forgot!
I will likely buy a cheap blueray or DVD player to source DVDs/CDs/USB files (flac or wave files)
I have heard differing opinions about whether an 'expensive/good' vs. 'cheap' player makes a difference...? -
paradiddle wrote: »Ahh yes, the question I forgot!
I will likely buy a cheap blueray or DVD player to source DVDs/CDs/USB files (flac or wave files)
I have heard differing opinions about whether an 'expensive/good' vs. 'cheap' player makes a difference...?
Since the only thing you have is the sub and you have a tight budget for everything else, of the choices you've laid out - I'd go for the RTi4s.
Hard to beat at the price. Leaves you more budget for the other components you need. The LSi7s are more expensive and would benefit from 'good' amplification. I had a set of LSi7s and they need good power to 'wake up' for proper sound enjoyment. The RTi4s would be easier to drive and be less taxing on a lower cost AVR.
just my 2cents worth.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
NAD + LSi7 should be good...Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
Agreed, the NAD and LSi7 will be a musical combo.
Even if the NAD amp is older (i.e. no digital inputs...?)
Would it make more sense to go with a newer used amp like a mid-range Denon, Marantz or Yamaha? -
paradiddle wrote: »Even if the NAD amp is older (i.e. no digital inputs...?)
Would it make more sense to go with a newer used amp like a mid-range Denon, Marantz or Yamaha?
Yes, if your going to do 2ch or stereo the older Nad will be fine.
If you plan to do HT in the near future, one of the newer receivers would
be a better choice.Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
Yes, if your going to do 2ch or stereo the older Nad will be fine.
If you plan to do HT in the near future, one of the newer receivers would
be a better choice.
But if you choose the LSis, plan on adding an amp.Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
But if you choose the LSis, plan on adding an amp.
This is true, the LSi will need good clean power to be their best.Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
That's why I specifically chose the NAD + LSi option...NAD will do 4 ohms with no problem....but yes you lose all the new bells and whistles.Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
That's why I specifically chose the NAD + LSi option...NAD will do 4 ohms with no problem....but yes you lose all the new bells and whistles.
If I do decide (or can't find the LSi7s). DOes it make a difference which amp I go with? -
If you don't do LSi7s? Yeah it will still matter, but more on preference of sound as opposed to "will it actually power".Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
paradiddle wrote: »If I do decide (or can't find the LSi7s). DOes it make a difference which amp I go with?
I still think you need to list out what you want for features and functionality with this first step you want to put together to see if it fits your budget.
Your budget is going to dictate alot of what you can get.
I'm skeptical that you'll be able to get LSi7s, a NAD AVR, a BD player, cables, all of it shipped to you for $600.
If your budget can afford more - then more things are possible. How much do you REALLY have?? :biggrin:
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
I agree. LSi7s will set you back 300-400 so yeah you won't be able to get the NAD AVR and BD player for the remaining 200-300 unless you look real hard.Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
I agree. LSi7s will set you back 300-400 so yeah you won't be able to get the NAD AVR and BD player for the remaining 200-300 unless you look real hard.
My biggest hurdle is going to be the LSi7 I can't seem to find them anywhere... in decent condition + price under $390.
There seems to be a bunch of NAD AVRs in Canada (older models, no hdmi etc.) for around $200-300. I'll have to get a really crappy player and mail order cables from something like monoprice.
$375 - LSi7
$200 - NAD
$50 - BD PLayer
$20 - Cables
$645 -- but much better than the Rti4+Denon setup right?
Question is whether I can get the LSi for under $400 shipped... -
paradiddle wrote: »My biggest hurdle is going to be the LSi7 I can't seem to find them anywhere... in decent condition + price under $390.
There seems to be a bunch of NAD AVRs in Canada (older models, no hdmi etc.) for around $200-300. I'll have to get a really crappy player and mail order cables from something like monoprice.
$375 - LSi7
$200 - NAD
$50 - BD PLayer
$20 - Cables
$645 -- but much better than the Rti4+Denon setup right?
Question is whether I can get the LSi for under $400 shipped...
I dunno.
Sounds like you really want to build a system around LSi7s. They are nice speakers - but it would be a shame to then cobble together a system that you would end up being disappointed with because you want it to do too many things for the price.
If you want the LSi7s - then don't skimp on the amp. Stay 2-channel and get a decent used integrated amp. You said you wanted a bluray player, but only mentioned DVDs and CDs (no bluray disks)- so go find a used DVD player.
If $600 is your pain point and you truly are putting together a HT system - go with the RTi4s. I've owned both the LSi7s and the RTi4s and the RTi4s are really a good value for the money....really.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Erik Tracy wrote: »I dunno.
Sounds like you really want to build a system around LSi7s. They are nice speakers - but it would be a shame to then cobble together a system that you would end up being disappointed with because you want it to do too many things for the price.
If you want the LSi7s - then don't skimp on the amp. Stay 2-channel and get a decent used integrated amp. You said you wanted a bluray player, but only mentioned DVDs and CDs (no bluray disks)- so go find a used DVD player.
If $600 is your pain point and you truly are putting together a HT system - go with the RTi4s. I've owned both the LSi7s and the RTi4s and the RTi4s are really a good value for the money....really.
I think you're right. I'll just make sure and buy an amp capable of 4 ohms so that I can upgrade if need be.
One other question for everyone, since I haven't listened to the RTi6 before---
Which one is a better choice?
Rti4 - New for $170
Rti6 - Used (mint) for $200 -
paradiddle wrote: »I think you're right. I'll just make sure and buy an amp capable of 4 ohms so that I can upgrade if need be.
One other question for everyone, since I haven't listened to the RTi6 before---
Which one is a better choice?
Rti4 - New for $170
Rti6 - Used (mint) for $200
RTi6. The midrange will sound a tad fuller, and a pair will paint a bigger soundstage side to side and top to bottom over the RTi4.
But - if you are in a small room and sitting relatively close to the speakers, the RTi4s won't give up much compared to the RTi6s and you could use the $30 to buy cables.
I'm not trying to talk you out of LSi7s - but we all start someplace and its all about the journey. Work your way up!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
What bluray is going to set you back 50 bucks?Main Surround -
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD -
Erik Tracy wrote: »RTi6. The midrange will sound a tad fuller, and a pair will paint a bigger soundstage side to side and top to bottom over the RTi4.
But - if you are in a small room and sitting relatively close to the speakers, the RTi4s won't give up much compared to the RTi6s and you could use the $30 to buy cables.
I'm not trying to talk you out of LSi7s - but we all start someplace and its all about the journey. Work your way up!
WHat you say is true and accurate though. If I want to stick to my budget, it's silly to by the LSi7. Putting crappy rubber on a ferrari is going to hold it back. Makes more sense to have a more balanced approach.
I'm sure a new series will replace the LSi soon, and I'll jump then!
Nguyendot - probably an LG or Samsung. There are a bunch floating around from the christmas season which were included in TV sets I believe -
paradiddle wrote: »WHat you say is true and accurate though. If I want to stick to my budget, it's silly to by the LSi7. Putting crappy rubber on a ferrari is going to hold it back. Makes more sense to have a more balanced approach.
I'm sure a new series will replace the LSi soon, and I'll jump then!
Nguyendot - probably an LG or Samsung. There are a bunch floating around from the christmas season which were included in TV sets I believe
YOU'RE RIGHT HERE. THE POLK LSI-M SERIES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE SOON. Unfortunately they will also be quite a bit above your price range?
Rti-4s work well with mid-level receivers....you can get them for 149 new!
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
YOU'RE RIGHT HERE. THE POLK LSI-M SERIES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE SOON. Unfortunately they will also be quite a bit above your price range?
Rti-4s work well with mid-level receivers....you can get them for 149 new!
cnh
I won't be able to afford them, but I will probably be able to get a set of LSi7s on the cheap.
How soon are they coming out...? -
if you have a Sub already...just get the RTi4 and a good 2 channel amp.
you have more choices then Denon, Yamaha or Nad. Now with this speakers you have a budget of $400 for a good "used" integrated amp.in my case I like two channels better. I am using RTi- A1 with Bryston B60-R, it is a nice set-up and I do not have a sub and the sound is very impressive.:wink:
PS: Those LSi are very hungry for power, I did try them and I did not like the sound for their price.Make it simple...Make it better! -
The words "shoe string budget" and "LSI series" should not be in the same sentence. There is nothing "budget" about doing lsi series speakers justice. Start with rti and work on your infrastructure, avr or pre and an amp, and once you build something solid and outgrow those rtis, move on to lsi. That's what i would do, anyway.....Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
paradiddle wrote: »Ahh yes, the question I forgot!
I will likely buy a cheap blueray or DVD player to source DVDs/CDs/USB files (flac or wave files)
I have heard differing opinions about whether an 'expensive/good' vs. 'cheap' player makes a difference...?
Ask that question around here long enough, and you're bound to get the answer - everything makes a difference. With your budget, I'd say you're probably more likely to be able to put together a quality system with RTi6s, than with LSi7s. It frees up more money for quality source and amplification gear. From what I've learned here, and from my personal experience, the speakers are only as good as what they're being fed with. Both lines of speaker are of good quality, and are by no means low end or high.paradiddle wrote: »If I do decide (or can't find the LSi7s). DOes it make a difference which amp I go with?
