New speaker purchase

DTLA

Greetings Club Polk, I am very happy to be here!

So, I'm upgrading the 20 year old system I've had since college (Sony/JBL), but am frankly overwhelmed by all of the choices, matching, and other intangibles that go into selecting a new setup.

BASICS
I live in a large concrete loft, the living area measuring 15' x 30', not counting the connected loft and kitchen areas. The ceilings are 19.5'.

I really don't care about an Home Theater setup (it will pieced together in time), for now, I'm mainly concerned about the MUSIC, oh the beautiful music. I listen to primarily classical, electro, and jazz.

SPEAKER SELECTION
As of right now, I've narrowed my choices to the following: RTI A7, RTI A5, and TSi500. I'm leaning towards to the A5, as it seems to a fantastic value, and the A7 just seems like overkill. I could be wrong, and that's why I'm here. Also, what sub is best paired with it?

RECEIVER
I don't want to break the bank, and am looking at a solid mid-level unit. As of right now, I am looking at the Denon AVR1911 and the Onkyo SR508 or 608.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I don't mind blowing the entire thing up and starting from scratch, I like researching this kind of stuff. I'm feel a bit over my head, so excuse me in advance if I ask any stupid questions. THANK YOU!

jbooker82

You could get the RTI A7's from polks ebay store for the retail price of the 5's else ware.

$760 with free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-RTi-A7-RTiA7-BLACK-Tower-Speaker-Polk-Audio-/230600261704?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b0d8c048

Polk's ebay store is supose to be referbs, but most of the time the product shows up looking bran new. My CSI A4 speaker I bought from them did. Their referbs also carry the full 5 year warrenty.

Then again you could also get the RTI A5's from polks ebay store and save some cash.
Black
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-RTi-A5-RTiA5-BLK-Tower-Speaker-Polk-Audio-/230600269493?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b0d8deb5

Cherry
http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-RTi-A5-RTiA5-CHERRY-Tower-Speaker-Polk-Audio-/360354104757?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item53e6c745b5

I like my 7's and would deffinatly buy them again.

slk55amg

If you should decide on the TSI 500, the monitor 70,s are pretty much the same speaker for a lot less money, ck out the polk ebay store,let me put my bias right here first, I have a sony ES5300 and for my bedroom an ES3200, both are outstanding, just an FYI, good luck, have fun!

DTLA

Given my needs, do you think the A5s will sufficiently fill the space? Also, given the space, is the sound difference between the 5 and the 7 that substantial?

Many thanks, again, any and all advise is much appreciated.

slk55amg

If you decide aginst the 70,s go with the RTIA7,s. What ever receiver you get should have pre/outs should you decide to add an amp in the future. ( trust me you will)

Florida_Gator

If you go with the A5s you'll want a sub to go with them. With the A7s you could get by without a sub (for music) and then add a sub later for HT.

dnoyeB

I think your right on point. If your able to get A7s instead of A9s your certainly a more stable person than me I can't help myself...

Alternate's for cost saving are the RTi10 which is just like the A7 I believe, but older and maybe older internals, etc.

The Monitor 70s are great. You can get an exclusively great price from Newegg. But alas, your going for Jazz so I think you may have made good picks already.

As for what sub, I have a HSU VTF-2 MK3. Its more than enough sub for my room. I'm thinking the room size recommendations on the HSU website are proper. the VTF-1 should be enough for your place, and I think they are on sale now! I agree that if you are getting a sub, the A5s could be an excellent choice. I'd rather have the 7s though just to be safe. OK, there I go again...

HSU Research.

ShadowTowel

I would go A7's and FYI eBay store gives you a 2 year warranty, not 5. At least as far as I have heard.

slk55amg

I purchased my 70,s two pairs of FXI3,s a pair of RTIA1,s and a Micropro 4000 from the polk ebay store, every one looked like it was brand new, and all of them worked perfectly.

HTguru1982

I'd recommend getting the Monitor 70's from Newegg for $180 each. That way, you can put more money into your receiver and even possibly a used amplifier. When you're ready to upgrade for home theater, you can move them to the back as surrounds and get the RTi's for your front speakers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290208

mystik610

If music is your focus than these are your best bet IMO:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-Polk-LSi7-CHERRY-Bookshelf-Speakers-LAST-2-PAIR-/230602572287?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b0fc01ff

Should be able to run these off a modest AVR.

Erik Tracy

DTLA wrote: »

Greetings Club Polk, I am very happy to be here!

So, I'm upgrading the 20 year old system I've had since college (Sony/JBL), but am frankly overwhelmed by all of the choices, matching, and other intangibles that go into selecting a new setup.

BASICS
I live in a large concrete loft, the living area measuring 15' x 30', not counting the connected loft and kitchen areas. The ceilings are 19.5'.

I really don't care about an Home Theater setup (it will pieced together in time), for now, I'm mainly concerned about the MUSIC, oh the beautiful music. I listen to primarily classical, electro, and jazz.

SPEAKER SELECTION
As of right now, I've narrowed my choices to the following: RTI A7, RTI A5, and TSi500. I'm leaning towards to the A5, as it seems to a fantastic value, and the A7 just seems like overkill. I could be wrong, and that's why I'm here. Also, what sub is best paired with it?

RECEIVER
I don't want to break the bank, and am looking at a solid mid-level unit. As of right now, I am looking at the Denon AVR1911 and the Onkyo SR508 or 608.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I don't mind blowing the entire thing up and starting from scratch, I like researching this kind of stuff. I'm feel a bit over my head, so excuse me in advance if I ask any stupid questions. THANK YOU!

Did you have a budget in mind for everything? Do you need to include cabling, equipment rack?

You say you like to listen to the glorious music (same here) - so do you have sources components already like a turntable or CD or SACD player?

You mentioned you aren't interested in HT at the moment but then listed some Home Theater AVRs. Do you want to start with an AVR, or maybe start with just a pre/power amp combo, or integrated amp that could be used later as part of an AVR upgrade?

Or do you have an HDTV/Cable/Satellite setup you need to combine this all into?

slk55amg

I myself would not run LSI speakers froma receiver. My Sony ES is rated for 4 ohms, I purchased an amp BEFORE I upgraded to my LSI front sound stage. That said the LSI7,s are the least demanding of the LSI series.

tonyb

I think he's talking RTI, not LSI, regardless, if your going to run 5 channels,don't skimp on power too much. Most low to midline receivers power drops considerably in 5 or 7 channel mode.

renowilliams

Personally,If I was more interested in music than H/T,I would build myself a two channel set up. I have just got rid of my H/T speakers to do just that. I found a pair of vintage Polk SDA's 2A's and bought a Rotel power amp which I am using with my Pioneer Elite reciever. IMHO this is far superior for listening to music then the RTIA5's I used to have.

slk55amg

You can get by without an amp with the RTI series,but like the above post suggests running 5 or7 speakers regardless of the series would benefit from an amp.............................

DTLA

It seems both Erik and Reno recommend going another route if I am interested in music. While HT is a distant second, it would be nice to have that capability, but as I said, I am willing to wait it out.

From a music perspective, what do you recommend in regards to both a receiver and speakers? Would I really be taking a step down if I were to go down my previously aforementioned route?

Again, many thanks, I am very new at this.

bsoko2

Wait for the LSiM's.

SRTer

Out of your RTi choices of speakers, I would go with the RTi A7?s because of their 3-way design. The RTi A7?s should reproduce the full range of sound with mudding are distorting the because of the crossover network.

I listened to the RTi A7?s and found them to my liking and brought them home to play nicely with my Pioneer Elite SC-35.

You need to listen to some speakers setups and make your own choice. You might find that you prefer the sound of the speaker that other people don?t.
Some people with the most discerning ears will always suggest something more expensive. However, that doesn?t mean that you will not like what you hear for the cheaper speakers. The cheaper line seems to be branded often as the HT speakers. You have to ask yourself whether you can satisfy you audio desires for $1000 or $10000.

At the $10000 range, the HT speakers would more and likely began at $9000 and the speaker better for music would start at $11000 if you ask some people.

mystik610

DTLA wrote: »

It seems both Erik and Reno recommend going another route if I am interested in music. While HT is a distant second, it would be nice to have that capability, but as I said, I am willing to wait it out.

From a music perspective, what do you recommend in regards to both a receiver and speakers? Would I really be taking a step down if I were to go down my previously aforementioned route?

Again, many thanks, I am very new at this.

Harman Kardon is a good choice for very musical amps and receivers. Very warm and natural sounding, with a nice lush mid-range. If musicality is what you're chasing, that's generally the sound quality you should be chasing....which is why the LSi's, which also have a very warm/neutral SQ, are often regarded as the ideal choice for music. A "bright" speaker like the RTi's are less than ideal for music IMO. The high frequencies tend to dominate the sound-stage, which can sound a bit artificial at times, and is very fatiguing at high volumes.

just my 2 cents!

SRTer wrote: »

The cheaper line seems to be branded often as the HT speakers. You have to ask yourself whether you can satisfy you audio desires for $1000 or $10000.

At the $10000 range, the HT speakers would more and likely began at $9000 and the speaker better for music would start at $11000 if you ask some people.

Not necessarily true. The timbre of the speaker is what dictates whether or not a speaker is more appropriate for HT or Music....not the price. In the end its all very subjective and it hard to make a blanket statement about things when people have different tastes...... but generally a 'brighter' speaker is better for HT, and a 'warmer' speaker is better for music. (RTi=Bright, LSi=Warm).

DTLA

Thank you so much! I will definitely start researching Harman Kardon receivers, as it definitely musicality that I am looking for.

In regard to the LSi's, they are out of my budget ($1500-2000 for everything). Also, while I think I can sneak a 40-42" tower by my fiance, I will get shot if I lug a 45-49" speaker home. I know it doesn't seem like much of a difference, but seeing it's a struggle to even get them in the door, I really don't want to push it. Don't judge me! What other speakers might you suggest besides the RTiA's?

Again, thank you very much. Keep that advise rolling, I really am taking it all in.

mystik610

DTLA wrote: »

Thank you so much! I will definitely start researching Harman Kardon receivers, as it definitely musicality that I am looking for.

In regard to the LSi's, they are out of my budget ($1500-2000 for everything). Also, while I think I can sneak a 40-42" tower by my fiance, I will get shot if I lug a 45-49" speaker home. I know it doesn't seem like much of a difference, but seeing it's a struggle to even get them in the door, I really don't want to push it. Don't judge me! What other speakers might you suggest besides the RTiA's?

Again, thank you very much. Keep that advise rolling, I really am taking it all in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-Polk-LSi7-CHERRY-Bookshelf-Speakers-LAST-2-PAIR-/230602572287?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b0fc01ff

Polk Direct!

I think the Monitor 70's for music are worth considering too (full range speaker...not as bright ast the A5's).

If you do go with the RTi-A's, you absolutely need to go with a warm receiver. The RTi8's off my Onkyo AVR sounded terrible musically (great for HT though). I eventually ran my old RTi8's (practically the same as the RTi-A5's) off an HK amp, and they sounded much better musically.

Erik Tracy

DTLA wrote: »

Thank you so much! I will definitely start researching Harman Kardon receivers, as it definitely musicality that I am looking for.

In regard to the LSi's, they are out of my budget ($1500-2000 for everything). Also, while I think I can sneak a 40-42" tower by my fiance, I will get shot if I lug a 45-49" speaker home. I know it doesn't seem like much of a difference, but seeing it's a struggle to even get them in the door, I really don't want to push it. Don't judge me! What other speakers might you suggest besides the RTiA's?

Again, thank you very much. Keep that advise rolling, I really am taking it all in.

So, when you say $1500-$2000 for 'everything' - this is your total budget - for your first step in an overall system, right?

But, I must have missed something in the overall post for what you mean by 'everything'....do you already have source components (turntable, CD, SACD player, cable box, ipod, ???) and you are just looking for a receiver and speakers?

anilksharma

mystik610 - What does warm receiver means? Can you please elaborate more what that means and what describes a receiver is warm from tech specs perspective?

polkfarmboy

Warm for me would be that the highs have more air and not as harsh or sharp

SRTer

mystik610 wrote: »

Not necessarily true. The timbre of the speaker is what dictates whether or not a speaker is more appropriate for HT or Music....not the price. In the end its all very subjective and it hard to make a blanket statement about things when people have different tastes...... but generally a 'brighter' speaker is better for HT, and a 'warmer' speaker is better for music. (RTi=Bright, LSi=Warm).

My statement is not as blanketed as you say. I repeat, if you ask some people.
You have a technical reason for your taste. However, there are many who are not that technical no matter what they tell you.

SRTer

mystik610 wrote: »

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-Polk-LSi7-CHERRY-Bookshelf-Speakers-LAST-2-PAIR-/230602572287?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b0fc01ff

Polk Direct!

I think the Monitor 70's for music are worth considering too (full range speaker...not as bright ast the A5's).

If you do go with the RTi-A's, you absolutely need to go with a warm receiver. The RTi8's off my Onkyo AVR sounded terrible musically (great for HT though). I eventually ran my old RTi8's (practically the same as the RTi-A5's) off an HK amp, and they sounded much better musically.

I also had RTi8's which I orginally ran of a Harman/Kardon AVR 254 that i picked up from Best Buy.

It did help with the brightness. Then I got a Pio Elite VSX-23 which I felt made the four RTi8's sound great. The Auto Cal adjusted some of the higher freqs lower. It was really well rounded and cause friends to buy every item right off my floor.

H/K receiver would truly be nice. I would get one with more than the power mine had for more headroom.

DTLA

Erik: Sorry for the ambiguity.

I have about $1500-2000 to blow on speakers, a receiver, and initially, I was thinking a sub. I am now thinking of just purchasing speakers and a receiver, and building from there.

Thank you for your help.

SRTer

DTLA wrote: »

Erik: Sorry for the ambiguity.

I have about $1500-2000 to blow on speakers, a receiver, and initially, I was thinking a sub. I am now thinking of just purchasing speakers and a receiver, and building from there.

Thank you for your help.

I can't help you with other speakers but you $1500-$2000 could get you a nice RTi A set up.

Front (L,R) RTi A7
Rear RTi A3
Center CSi A6

Right around $2000 Speaker only.

Front (L,R) RTi A5
Rear RTi A1
CenterCSi A4

Right around $2000 with $600 left over for a nice reciever.

This is base off of Crutchfield prices. This is not bad to start off with. You could find some new RTi8 for cheaper than the RTi A5 which are nearly the same and do four of them like I did. It was cost effective and sounded nice. My on guy that rents from me in my house has the setup down stairs right now and everybody loves it.

Pics below
Reciever is Pio Elite VSX-32 and PSW111 sub. Crutchield gives them away with $500 plus purchase.

Erik Tracy

DTLA wrote: »

Erik: Sorry for the ambiguity.

I have about $1500-2000 to blow on speakers, a receiver, and initially, I was thinking a sub. I am now thinking of just purchasing speakers and a receiver, and building from there.

Thank you for your help.

A bit closer, but still - what source components do you have that you want to connect to the receiver?

I ask because some receivers may not have a phono input for example if you have a turntable.

Also, do you intend for this system to integrate into whatever you have now for TV (cable/satellite)? Or is your first step for audio for a stand alone dedicated setup for music (since you said that HT is 'a distant second')?

These all play into what would be a 'sound' recommendation (bad pun intended )

DTLA

Thank you for your attention to detail.

My needs are very simple: I am plugging in a a turntable, a PS3 (which I use to run a hard drive, CDs, DVD, etc), and a satellite receiver.

I'm beginning to warm to the idea of bookshelves and a sub. I had a chance to listen to the RTi A5s and A7s, but I am having a hard time finding the LSi9s locally. I keep hearing about the Monitor 70s as a wonderful value, but again, cannot find them locally.

In terms of musicality, what receiver would you recommend? Would the LSi9s stipulate a different purchase?

I'm sorry for all of the questions, I figure I'm more likely to get informed opinions here rather than a salesman, and research only provides so much. Many thanks.