Polk Audio RTi A series HT powered by Pioneer Elite ICE

SRTer

Well, I have finally finished my home theater in my second living room. I must tell you that I?m impressed with the Polk RTi A series speakers. This will most likely be my last Polk set-up because I have fallen in love with some B&W speakers. Nevertheless, I don?t feel that any money was wasted on this set-up. I only stayed with Polk on this setup because the Polk RTi8 really treated me well and impressed many that came over my house unless they lied. Two were so impressed, they bought all my items off me and made one duplicate of my system and another system close to mine.

The reason for this set-up was fivefold.

1.As unintelligent as this may sound, I was look for something a little more visually impressive in my living room since the video and audio is the focus of this room.

2.I wanted the full sound from 3-way floor standing speakers that really didn?t need a separate sub-woofer to back them up.

3.It is important to me that the system create strong bass from the rear speakers so that the sub-woofer in front of the room does not sound like it is in front of the room when an explosions or something similar is coming from the rear.

4.The Pioneer Elite SC-35 allows for all speakers to play while listening to any source. Therefore I wanted some speakers that could keep up with the front left and right speakers.

5.Due to my old 100 year old brick house, I don?t have many wall outlets and have popped some circuit breakers. So speakers with built in sub-woofers would not due like Def Tech?s.

Well, RTi A's is what I got.

The RTi A9?s are truly the stars of the show. Oftentimes, it seem like there really isn?t a need for a center channel because how well these play. One could just adjust their receiver and be fine without a center. In 2 ch music mode, I had to do a bit of adjusting to tame the brightness. They are really revealing. Playing some Apple lossless tracks that was lifted from a CD that was a digital remaster of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble popular songs, I found a distortion artifact that I never heard on the four Polk RTi8?s playing with a Pioneer Elite VSX-23 in the downstairs living room. It made me think something was wrong with the speakers until multiple plays proved something going wrong with someone's mic or pick up doing this live concert version of the song. Impressive!!!

The Polk CSI A6 is still there in a strong way. This center channel is not anemic; it will play nice, low, and full. Strangely, it seem to be the most neutral or natural sound speaker of them all.

The RTi A7?s really make airplanes, car chases, explosions, etc. sound so real tied together with the whole system. Also, they do great with music when I play the entire set of speakers together in the Extended Stereo Mode filling the entire room greatly. They produce very nice echo effects on the Classical setting.

The Polk DSW Pro 500 is not as great as the rest of the supporting cast. However, in this situation the Pro 500 does not have a lot of work to do with make the whole setup perfect. The remote has some settings on it dealing with phase which is very important in my room. It really seems like the sub was barely there until I placed the sub in 180 degree mode. Then it really came alive to the point I tuned it volume down with the remote. This sub is really flexible with these settings. I would recommend it if you have towers that will play low and strong.

Pioneer Elite SC-35, I don?t know what to say other than I will most likely never buy any other receiver brand. I spent hours at local store listing to receivers and play with features. True, it is not was warm as some of the other receivers I listened to like the Onkyo TX-NR808. Nevertheless, the SC-35 has the balls to play these speaker well without heating up as much as the Onkyo would. The iPhone and iPod functionality is truly amazing. There is a lot of flexibility in the audio program to get the sound you want if you don?t mind tinkering after mic calibration. I?m most pleased with the quality found in the Polk RTi A series speaker line and Pioneer Elite models. I?m in Heaven.

Not bad for RTi A's, D-class Receiver and D-class Sub, clean, power, and efficient.

Hey, even green earth type people should love it.:biggrin:

danz1906

Nice System........Congrats!

kevhed72

DSkip wrote: »

It looks like you have a nice theft deterrent installed as well

I thought it was there in case he needs to "go Elvis" on his TV....

gfong

Looks really nice.

What does the gun have to do with the whole music/video room?

olilugo

That is in case someone has the great idea to pay him a visit.

SRTer

DSkip wrote: »

I love the looks of the RTiA's. They are the nicest looking speakers Polk has made IMO.


It looks like you have a nice theft deterrent installed as well

Glock 40, Hollows, Laser.

Daily use....

The United States Airforce will mess you up, thats all I got to say.

SRTer

gfong wrote: »

Looks really nice.

What does the gun have to do with the whole music/video room?

Its always in the same place that I am. I work for the courts now.

This has nothing to do with the Polk audio other than, I wouldn't be the one running down the stairs with a 50+ pound speaker or reciever.

gfong

SRTer wrote: »

Its always in the same place that I am. I work for the courts now.

This has nothing to do with the Polk audio other than, I wouldn't be the one running down the stairs with a 50+ pound speaker or reciever.

I was just curious, thanks for the reply. As stated, nice set-up!

SRTer

kevhed72 wrote: »

I thought it was there in case he needs to "go Elvis" on his TV....

I noticed that you have the RTi A9's and a Pioneer Elite in your signature with Amps added.

How much of a difference did external amps make for the sound in your set-up verses the receiver.

I ask this because your reciever is similar to mine and should have nearly the same performance.

Is bass tighter, highs more intense, speakers sound less bright?
Do tell...

kevhed72

IMO....huge difference. If you can, find yourself a nice, used Parasound or Rotel as a "starter" amp. I would stay away from the newer Adcom amps.

For HT, you may as well get a 3 or 5 channel amp. This forum and Audiogon are pretty safe for used gear.

SRTer

kevhed72 wrote: »

IMO....huge difference. If you can, find yourself a nice, used Parasound or Rotel as a "starter" amp. I would stay away from the newer Adcom amps.

For HT, you may as well get a 3 or 5 channel amp. This forum and Audiogon are pretty safe for used gear.

Ok, how about a amp just for the front RTi A9's and let the SC-35 power the rest?

I have had my eye on that Emotiva XPA-2 (300 watt x RMS into 8 ohms).

Without the RTi A9's on the reciever, there is more power to go around to the center channel and rear RTi A7's.

Shouldn't that be more than plenty?

It would be a shame to not use any of this Pioneer Elite ICE power.


Secondly, tell me how this Monster 3500 power conditioner is help you.

BlueFox

SRTer wrote: »

1.As unintelligent as this may sound, I was look for something a little more visually impressive in my living room since the video and audio is the focus of this room.

Nice setup. Congratulations.


Also, your logic is not unintelligent at all. I really feel sorry for people who have to hide, or minimize, their gear to appease somebody. Audio gear is made to be seen and appreciated. Both for its sound, and its appearance. While size does not necessarily guarantee a better speaker, large speakers are usually better than their stunted siblings. Being forced to go with a lower quality speaker because its appearance 'conflicts' with some warped fashion sense is unacceptable.

SRTer

kevhed72 wrote: »

IMO....huge difference. If you can, find yourself a nice, used Parasound or Rotel as a "starter" amp. I would stay away from the newer Adcom amps.

For HT, you may as well get a 3 or 5 channel amp. This forum and Audiogon are pretty safe for used gear.

I'm also thinking about a new Parasound 2250 (250 watt RMS into 8 ohms). It has a better review on the Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity website. They compared it to a Emotiva RPA-1 with 200 watts (which is a discontinued model), saying it sounded better.

How do you like that Polk PRO 600?

What are your settings on it? Phase and Postion?

HTguru1982

Nice system, looks great! You should invite me over sometime - I'm local.

SRTer

BlueFox wrote: »

Nice setup. Congratulations.


Also, your logic is not unintelligent at all. I really feel sorry for people who have to hide, or minimize, their gear to appease somebody. Audio gear is made to be seen and appreciated. Both for its sound, and its appearance. While size does not necessarily guarantee a better speaker, large speakers are usually better than their stunted siblings. Being forced to go with a lower quality speaker because its appearance 'conflicts' with some warped fashion sense is unacceptable.

Well, I put that in there because I have been lurking around longer than a member and I know how some self-proclaimed exsperts can get. So people will hear my reasons up front.

I already know someone is waiting to tell me that the RTi A7's is too much for the rear speaker selection and I should have bought RTi A3's and then paid for some stands.

That config would come near the price of RTi A5's which don't need stands but the RTi A5's would not clear the hieght of my sectional to project the mid-range speaker aray the way I want it too. Nor create the bass I wanted in the rear.

Also, poeple should really know that having these taller floorstanding speakers in the back of my setup allow for the mid-range and tweeters to be aimed right at the ear level while siting on the sectional. You can stick it behind the a sofa or loveseat if you have to and not miss to much.

It's great! All of the top Polk RTi A speakers at my becking call.

Plus they all look soooo good to me, and others that have come over to my house.

SRTer

HTguru1982 wrote: »

Nice system, looks great! You should invite me over sometime - I'm local.

We should talk, and do this. Bring some music you like or and iPod Apple lossless tracks, and or Blu Rays, . I might BBQ. PM me.

Also, not to be ignorant. You do know, me and my ex-Airforce renters keep heat. So, if you're not gun shy, come on by.

Love to have pokies over the house.

Slinger182

Nice setup!

If you wanted an external amp for the 9s rotel would be good plus you'd keep your power in the Class D family.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1304003991&/Rotel-RB-1092-500wpc-Amplifier

SRTer

Slinger182 wrote: »

Nice setup!

If you wanted an external amp for the 9s rotel would be good plus you'd keep your power in the Class D family.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1304003991&/Rotel-RB-1092-500wpc-Amplifier

Rotel are D class too. They are not cheap.

olilugo

SRTer, I would say if you can try to have the same amplification for your main and center, the rest use the pioneer.
I also have an Elite and when I used to have all polk I found that having the main and center with the same amp the sound seam to be very complementary.

SRTer

olilugo wrote: »

SRTer, I would say if you can try to have the same amplification for your main and center, the rest use the pioneer.
I also have an Elite and when I used to have all polk I found that having the main and center with the same amp the sound seam to be very complementary.

You know you are feeding my upgrade-I-tst!?

That will add at least another $500 to the amp purchase. This has got to stop somewhere, right?

Well, I will most likely do just what you said. It make good sense.

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

kevhed72

SRTer wrote: »

Ok, how about a amp just for the front RTi A9's and let the SC-35 power the rest?

I have had my eye on that Emotiva XPA-2 (300 watt x RMS into 8 ohms).

Without the RTi A9's on the reciever, there is more power to go around to the center channel and rear RTi A7's.

Shouldn't that be more than plenty?

It would be a shame to not use any of this Pioneer Elite ICE power.


Secondly, tell me how this Monster 3500 power conditioner is help you.

While I have not personally heard an Emotiva, all my research on amps made me shy away from one due I was afraid of the sound being too "bright" for RTiA series speakers. I wanted an amp that would smooth out my speakers while giving the bass more punch. Don't be weary of buying used, higher end gear....many SS amps are built like tanks. As far as the power conditioner goes, I noticed a slight improvement in the CDP and pre-amp, but actually like my amp plugged right into the wall. The reason I like an external amp for the center channel is approx. 60% of all the sound is generated here for your HT, so will notice the same type of improvement as your mains when listening to music. Overall, let your ears decide for you over time...

SRTer

kevhed72 wrote: »

While I have not personally heard an Emotiva, all my research on amps made me shy away from one due I was afraid of the sound being too "bright" for RTiA series speakers. I wanted an amp that would smooth out my speakers while giving the bass more punch. Don't be weary of buying used, higher end gear....many SS amps are built like tanks. As far as the power conditioner goes, I noticed a slight improvement in the CDP and pre-amp, but actually like my amp plugged right into the wall. The reason I like an external amp for the center channel is approx. 60% of all the sound is generated here for your HT, so will notice the same type of improvement as your mains when listening to music. Overall, let your ears decide for you over time...

I will look into these suggestions and update if I purchase something eles. I'll tell you all this, this forum does not help you save any money.

You all suck!

leroyjr1

Used this amp when I had RTI a9's with great results.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1306201842&/Rotel-RMB1095-Black-



This also would be a good choice for your setup.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1304980166&/Parasound-HCA-2205A-5x220w-pow





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Sherardp

Nice setup bro. I have a Glock 21C with laser/light combo, and love it. Shoots like a dream. As for the USAF, we all know you guys have the easiest of jobs, but thanks for serving. Just giving you tough times bro, former Marine here.

Again enjoy the setup man. If you haven't tried them yet, check out Hornady's Critical Defense and XTP rounds. I usually load 1 CD for every 2 XTP. My next toy will be a Benelli M2 or another Glock this summer. Congrats on the Pio also.

SRTer

Sherardp wrote: »

Nice setup bro. I have a Glock 21C with laser/light combo, and love it. Shoots like a dream. As for the USAF, we all know you guys have the easiest of jobs, but thanks for serving. Just giving you tough times bro, former Marine here.

Again enjoy the setup man. If you haven't tried them yet, check out Hornady's Critical Defense and XTP rounds. I usually load 1 CD for every 2 XTP. My next toy will be a Benelli M2 or another Glock this summer. Congrats on the Pio also.

Sometimes, that is the case. However, when I was in they would send a desk guy for TCN duty. Taking nationals on and off base and dodging IED?s in the road. That exactly what I was picked to do. However, those where the old days. Working in the Juvenile Detention and courts in more dangerous because you don't expect what?s going to happen. The people I lock up I see at the mall or grocery store because many don?t stay locked up unless it is convicted 1st degree murder.

I have the Glock 22 model. I added Crimson Trace Laser Grips. The laser turn on by a button in the back of the grip. It's placed where the grip safety is on Kimber 45's. That's the next gun I want. A Kimber 45.

As soon as you tense up the muscle in between the index finger and thumb, the button completes the circuit. The lazer is on then. I didn't get the Glock light and lazer combo because I thought it would be to bulky. However, I might be wrong. I will look into those rounds.

Back on topic,

Thank for the nice comments. I don't know if I like looking at these speakers in the living room or listening to them more.

SRTer

Sherardp, your setup is insane. I love it!!!

Sherardp

Thanks bro and right back at you. That Crimson setup is sweet also. We'll talk offline about firearms, don't want any trouble for the both of us.

Back OT: Enjoy the A9s, they sound very good. The SC 35 is a great receiver also. What are you using for sources?

SRTer

Sherardp wrote: »

Back OT: Enjoy the A9s, they sound very good. The SC 35 is a great receiver also. What are you using for sources?

All the sources are DirecTV with DVR, Playstation 3 and iPhone 4, and iPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks

I'm rip every CD to my iTunes to make the Apple Lossless Tracks. The Pioneer Elite SC-35 and other models decoded this infor using there own DACs.

In the case of the SC-35 DAC, it's a Burr Brown 192K/24-Bit.

Me not know any more than I do, Ithink thats a good decoder. So that what I use for music.

WGDB

SRTer wrote: »

Glock 40, Hollows, Laser.

Daily use....

The United States Airforce will mess you up, thats all I got to say.

USAF Retired.... AMT 45 ACP "Hardballer", Ruger "Mini 14" 5.56, Glock 26 "Sub Carry" loaded with Black Talons, Ruger 10-22, and last but not least - plenty of ammo.... and a Liberty Safe....

SRTer

WGDB wrote: »

USAF Retired.... AMT 45 ACP "Hardballer", Ruger "Mini 14" 5.56, Glock 26 "Sub Carry" loaded with Black Talons, Ruger 10-22, and last but not least - plenty of ammo.... and a Liberty Safe....

Wow, you got some heat. I working on mine slowly but surely.

Sledgehammer462

Love the setup!!...looks f'n great!!!...and the Glock too...nice touch for the pic...something I would do also...lol...I carry a Glock 30 .45 sub...when I'm in Florida anyway!!

Ok man, I'm following your lead!!! A9's and A7's for me...same center and the 660wi for the neighbors!!

So your SC-35 drives it all with no problem??...I'm hoping this Denon does the same!!!