Monitor 70's vs 60's

Smigro

Would I see a noticable upgrade in my HT by uprading my fronts from Monitor 60's to Monitor 70's? Here is my current setup:

fronts - 60's
center - CS2
surrounds - 40's
heights - 30's
wides - Boston Acoustic sattelites

I have been wanting to upgrade my wides and was going to get a nother pair of 30's, but thought that if I upgrade my fronts I can just move speakers around and possibly have this setup:

fronts - 70's
center - CS2
surrounds - 60's
heights - 40's
wides - 30's

I guess what I am trying to find out is if I would see a noticable difference by replaceing my fronts and doing the speaker shuffle, or if I should go the easy route and just get some 30's. BTW, I use a BIC VK-12 for the low end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. TIA

dnoyeB

From what I have read you will. You will definitely get more clarity at a higher volume.

Smigro

dnoyeB wrote: »

From what I have read you will. You will definitely get more clarity at a higher volume.

That is what I was figuring. Looks like it time to start saving a little.

Smigro

Well looks like New Egg has their Monitor 70's on sales again until 4/7, guess it is time to come up with some money fast.

Upstatemax

I find that the M70's have a better mid range and image much better.

cnh

+1, Upstatemax.

I think Max's review of the TSI-500s/M70s in the review section of this site is SPOT on and in sync with my own experience of my set of M70s. Better imaging and a more complete 'sound' has a lot to do with differences in design/crossover and speaker array in the larger towers.

cnh

Smigro

cnh wrote: »

+1, Upstatemax.

I think Max's review of the TSI-500s/M70s in the review section of this site is SPOT on and in sync with my own experience of my set of M70s. Better imaging and a more complete 'sound' has a lot to do with differences in design/crossover and speaker array in the larger towers.

cnh

I will have to check out that review. I have also asked this question on the AVS forums and someone there told me they thought that moving the 60's to the back as surrounds would be a waste. What are your thoughts on this?

I have been trying to get my buddy to buy my front soundstage so I can upgrade all the Series II monitors to help recoup some money, but he is not ready for speakers this big. This is why I will be using such big speakers in the back.

Smigro

Also, would you happen to know what is covered with Polk's five year waranty. The reason I ask is becasue if I do get some of the Series II (which I really like for the black face), would I be voiding warranty if I were to disassemble to paint? I would guess so, but not sure. How about if I were to just tape off the cones and paint around them?

SpartanStang14

I actually just bought 70's from Newegg and moved my 60's to the surrounds. My center is a CS2 also. I really love the 70's. The imaging is waaay better than the 60's. They are a flawless match for the CS2. I watched Casino Royale and an episode of The Pacific last night, and the three front speakers sound like one complete soundstage. For example, as someone is speaking and moving from one side of the screen to another, the sound transition is seamless. I have also noticed more clarity when listening to music.

I used to have small T15 bookshelf speakers on shelves higher up on the wall on either side of the couch, which is against the back wall. I disconnected those and moved the 60's to the back on stands I built which add about 10", so they're just barely above ear height. I positioned them facing each other inward towards the couch. As planes flew overhead in The Pacific, I could follow the sound. For the most part, environmental effects aren't that much different. They are great for playing games though. Gunshots and voices around me are much clearer than what I had before. I feel like my setup is complete, and I won't be upgrading speakers anytime soon. I don't think that 60's in the back are wasted.

Lietuvis91

M70s have a much bigger sound stage, so for HT they are a nice improvement over the 60s. I like using the m60s as surrounds and bookshelves in the rear if your room size/shape allows that. Had them as rears, and really couldnt hear them over my tall couch.

Smigro

SpartanStang14 wrote: »

I actually just bought 70's from Newegg and moved my 60's to the surrounds. My center is a CS2 also. I really love the 70's. The imaging is waaay better than the 60's. They are a flawless match for the CS2. I watched Casino Royale and an episode of The Pacific last night, and the three front speakers sound like one complete soundstage. For example, as someone is speaking and moving from one side of the screen to another, the sound transition is seamless. I have also noticed more clarity when listening to music.

I used to have small T15 bookshelf speakers on shelves higher up on the wall on either side of the couch, which is against the back wall. I disconnected those and moved the 60's to the back on stands I built which add about 10", so they're just barely above ear height. I positioned them facing each other inward towards the couch. As planes flew overhead in The Pacific, I could follow the sound. For the most part, environmental effects aren't that much different. They are great for playing games though. Gunshots and voices around me are much clearer than what I had before. I feel like my setup is complete, and I won't be upgrading speakers anytime soon. I don't think that 60's in the back are wasted.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I so want to pull the trigger on the Monitor 70's, but many are telling me to hold off on the Monitors and upgrade the front soundstage with RTi's when I get the money. I would love to do this, but at about $1,200 for the L,C,R for RTi's that may take some time.

EndersShadow

Smigro wrote: »

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I so want to pull the trigger on the Monitor 70's, but many are telling me to hold off on the Monitors and upgrade the front soundstage with RTi's when I get the money. I would love to do this, but at about $1,200 for the L,C,R for RTi's that may take some time.

If you had a decent sub you could just get a set of RTi A3's for your L/R and a CSi A6 for your center. But since I dont see a sub listed in your first post it appears you may not have one. In which case floorstanders are needed for your bass.

Also check on Polks Ebay site and the FS section here. You can score some amazing deals to bring that 1,200 down quite a bit.

Also keep in mind the Monitors work great from a reciever but once you start down the RTi path you can begin to justify a seperate amp, especially for the bigger floorstanders as they will really benefit from the dedicated wattage.

Heck I added a dedicated amp to my Monitor 60's and noticed a difference.

Smigro

EndersShadow wrote: »

If you had a decent sub you could just get a set of RTi A3's for your L/R and a CSi A6 for your center. But since I dont see a sub listed in your first post it appears you may not have one. In which case floorstanders are needed for your bass.

Also check on Polks Ebay site and the FS section here. You can score some amazing deals to bring that 1,200 down quite a bit.

Also keep in mind the Monitors work great from a reciever but once you start down the RTi path you can begin to justify a seperate amp, especially for the bigger floorstanders as they will really benefit from the dedicated wattage.

Heck I added a dedicated amp to my Monitor 60's and noticed a difference.

I guess I forgot to list my sub, I am using a BIC VK-12 which I have found to be pretty decent. Right now I have an Onkyo TX-NR1008 for my AVR and was hoping that would suffice until I could get either a UPA-3 or XPA-3. I actually forgot to put that into my budget, so that would probably add between $400-600. More and more it seems I should just upgrade my Monitors for the itme being until I am am ready to spend $1,500-2,00 on a front soundstage. Thanks for pointing out the need of an amp.

EndersShadow

Smigro wrote: »

I guess I forgot to list my sub, I am using a BIC VK-12 which I have found to be pretty decent. Right now I have an Onkyo TX-NR1008 for my AVR and was hoping that would suffice until I could get either a UPA-3 or XPA-3. I actually forgot to put that into my budget, so that would probably add between $400-600. More and more it seems I should just upgrade my Monitors for the itme being until I am am ready to spend $1,500-2,00 on a front soundstage. Thanks for pointing out the need of an amp.

If you are serious about getting some Monitor 70's put a Wanted ad in the Flea Market section. I bet there are a couple members looking to offload some Monitor 70's, and you could get a decent deal on em now.

Personally I have Monitor 60's and wont be doing any upgrading further into the Monitor line. I will stay with these until I get LSi's of some sort of Paradigm fronts (Studio series 20's, 40's or 60's). Their is a much better jump IMHO in sound between the Monitor line and the RTi line and not enough of one between the M60's and 70's for me to justify the cost of that upgrade.

Between the RTi and LSi line isnt nearly as big a jump IMHO, but if you can get your hands on some LSi's (which REQUIRE a dedicated amp) you will be super happy. RTi's can be driven by your Onkyo until you can get a dedicated amp and they will sound fine, just not as good as they can.

Smigro

EndersShadow wrote: »

If you are serious about getting some Monitor 70's put a Wanted ad in the Flea Market section. I bet there are a couple members looking to offload some Monitor 70's, and you could get a decent deal on em now.

Personally I have Monitor 60's and wont be doing any upgrading further into the Monitor line. I will stay with these until I get LSi's of some sort of Paradigm fronts (Studio series 20's, 40's or 60's). Their is a much better jump IMHO in sound between the Monitor line and the RTi line and not enough of one between the M60's and 70's for me to justify the cost of that upgrade.

Between the RTi and LSi line isnt nearly as big a jump IMHO, but if you can get your hands on some LSi's (which REQUIRE a dedicated amp) you will be super happy. RTi's can be driven by your Onkyo until you can get a dedicated amp and they will sound fine, just not as good as they can.

Thanks for the input. Pretty mcuh everything you said in regards to upgrading is everything that has gone through my head. Not sure if the cost to upgrade to Monitor 70's is worth the price of admission considering I have the 60's. I never thought of putting something in the flea market, but may do that if I can get a good enough deal.

They way I look at I can either buy the 70's or hold off and have approx. $400 to put towards an upgrade. Damn I hate getting the upgrade bug, and it has only been about a year and a half since I got my Monitors. Love the hobby, hate the amount of I have dumped in so far.

cnh

If you're going to upgrade. Do it right, RTI-A9s or Rti-12s. That's what I would do. I don't, personally find any other Rti tower a fantastic upgrade from my 70s? Meaning that only at the A9s do I feel I'm getting some real value and a lot of 'difference' for the extra money I might spend. But that's because I find the Rti tweeter a bit to bright for my tastes until it is crossed over in a D'appolito array, as it is in the biggest Rti tower. Those speakers can also 'do' music better IMO.

Either way you won't be disappointed--for a while!

cnh

slk55amg

I agree, the 70,s are outstanding,now doing surround duty for me, I continue to love the 70,s.I upgraded to the LSI,s up front glad I waited.

Smigro

cnh wrote: »

If you're going to upgrade. Do it right, RTI-A9s or Rti-12s. That's what I would do. I don't, personally find any other Rti tower a fantastic upgrade from my 70s? Meaning that only at the A9s do I feel I'm getting some real value and a lot of 'difference' for the extra money I might spend. But that's because I find the Rti tweeter a bit to bright for my tastes until it is crossed over in a D'appolito array, as it is in the biggest Rti tower. Those speakers can also 'do' music better IMO.

Either way you won't be disappointed--for a while!

cnh

Thanks for the comparison CNH. I have been reading to find out and have really found an answer yet, but what is the differences between the RTi and RTi A speakers? Are the "A"s just an updated model? Is there any discernable difference between the two?

Smigro

slk55amg wrote: »

I agree, the 70,s are outstanding,now doing surround duty for me, I continue to love the 70,s.I upgraded to the LSI,s up front glad I waited.

I keep hearing that about the 70's, I just don't know if I should go with them or wait it out and get the RTI12 or RTiA9. I do not really think the LSi's are in my price range...at the moment.

EndersShadow

Smigro wrote: »

I have been reading to find out and have really found an answer yet, but what is the differences between the RTi and RTi A speakers? Are the "A"s just an updated model? Is there any discernable difference between the two?

Bingo. There might be some small differences sonically, but doubt its enough to be a massive dealbreaker

Upstatemax

The major dealbreaker between the RTi and RTi A line is mostly in the looks.

The "A" line looks MUCH nicer. Curved cabs and wood facia on the "A" line makes them much nicer to look at. More a piece of furniture than a just a speaker. Even my friends that could care less about audio remark on how great they look.

If you have a wife like me, looks are a HUGE factor...

As for me, I "upgraded" from the Monitor 70's to the RTi A7's and I love the A7's. I think the more they break in and the more I play around with them, the more I love them. I just hooked up my Marantz DV7600 SACD to my main system and I love the sound from the A7's. The Marantz is far more musical than my PS3 and I think it mellows out the tweeter.

ibewbrother

I went ahead and got on the Newegg deal on the 70's to upgrade my 60's. I did this for three reasons...I think the 70's sound a little better (as they should), they can handle more power (mains run on Carver TFM-45), And I had already decided that my next speaker upgrade would be to LSi line if not something more exotic. I figured for less than $400 out the door I would get plenty enough enjoyment out of them to justify the expense.

That and I was wanting a tax refund "gift" for myself and this sale probably saved me $500 or more that I would have spent on a new sub.

Smigro

Upstatemax wrote: »

The major dealbreaker between the RTi and RTi A line is mostly in the looks.

The "A" line looks MUCH nicer. Curved cabs and wood facia on the "A" line makes them much nicer to look at. More a piece of furniture than a just a speaker. Even my friends that could care less about audio remark on how great they look.

If you have a wife like me, looks are a HUGE factor...

As for me, I "upgraded" from the Monitor 70's to the RTi A7's and I love the A7's. I think the more they break in and the more I play around with them, the more I love them. I just hooked up my Marantz DV7600 SACD to my main system and I love the sound from the A7's. The Marantz is far more musical than my PS3 and I think it mellows out the tweeter.

Wow, I never really noticed until now looking at pic side by side how much nicer the A lineup is compared to the regular RTi lineup. I really like the look with the curved cabinets and wood facia.

That is my only complaint with my monitors, I would love to take the speaker grills off, but they are just dog ugly with that silver front; considering all of my is black and woodgrain.

Smigro

ibewbrother wrote: »

I went ahead and got on the Newegg deal on the 70's to upgrade my 60's. I did this for three reasons...I think the 70's sound a little better (as they should), they can handle more power (mains run on Carver TFM-45), And I had already decided that my next speaker upgrade would be to LSi line if not something more exotic. I figured for less than $400 out the door I would get plenty enough enjoyment out of them to justify the expense.

That and I was wanting a tax refund "gift" for myself and this sale probably saved me $500 or more that I would have spent on a new sub.

I hear you about the refund gift, too bad I used mine to upgrade my receiver. That $1,000 bucks would have gotten me some nice speakers, although I do not think my old Sony receiver would have been able to push the speakers I am looking at and it had no preouts.

Upstatemax

Smigro wrote: »

Wow, I never really noticed until now looking at pic side by side how much nicer the A lineup is compared to the regular RTi lineup. I really like the look with the curved cabinets and wood facia.

That is my only complaint with my monitors, I would love to take the speaker grills off, but they are just dog ugly with that silver front; considering all of my is black and woodgrain.

I still run my Monitor 70's in my office. I re-painted the facia to a flat black and they look much nicer. Now I never put the grills on.

Smigro

Upstatemax wrote: »

I still run my Monitor 70's in my office. I re-painted the facia to a flat black and they look much nicer. Now I never put the grills on.

I was also thinkg about doing this, but being my speakers are only a year and ahalf old I was unsure of what that would do to my warranty. If you don't mind, how did you paint them? Did you take out the drivers and tweeter and paint, or did you just tape them off? Also, did you use spray paint or did you use a roller or brush?

EndersShadow

Upstatemax wrote: »

I still run my Monitor 70's in my office. I re-painted the facia to a flat black and they look much nicer. Now I never put the grills on.

I have debated doing this myself since not all my speakers have the same silver outline. That and I just dont like the look of the outline lol.

Will probably be doing this with my CSi5 box since its gonna be a bit before the parts come in for it.

How did you go about popping the plastic off or did you just paint directly on the speaker? Also did you scuff up the plastic before you applied the paint or no?

Upstatemax

Removed all the drivers and taped off the rest of the cabinet. Took a very fine sandpaper to the plastic, and put two coats of self leveling primer. Then I sprayed the color, two coats.

EndersShadow

Upstatemax wrote: »

Removed all the drivers and taped off the rest of the cabinet. Took a very fine sandpaper to the plastic, and put two coats of self leveling primer. Then I sprayed the color, two coats.

So something like 100 grit sandpaper?

Smigro

Upstatemax wrote: »

Removed all the drivers and taped off the rest of the cabinet. Took a very fine sandpaper to the plastic, and put two coats of self leveling primer. Then I sprayed the color, two coats.

Nice, that is what I thought you would have done. Looks like that may be a weekend project for me.

Upstatemax

EndersShadow wrote: »

So something like 100 grit sandpaper?

No, it was like 600. I did not want any deep cuts in the soft plastic.

Very little pressure, just enough to rough up the surface.