Am I stupid to get big speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud?

Toolfan66

That isn't what I'm saying but if it makes you feel better, and for the record there are more experienced folks here then myself. all I'm saying is to think you need BIG speakers to play it loud or they are only for playing at loud volumes is "Wrong".


Enjoy your your Journey...

SRTer

Among similar speakers (RTi A series), which would be the better all around performer?

RTi A3's (6.5 inch and tweet)
RTi A5's (6.5 inch mid x2 and tweet)
RTi A7's (6.5 inch mid, 7 inch bass x2, tweet)

Which would be the better speaker?
Why? Clarity, SPL, depth, etc.

gudnoyez

I bet your average non Audiophile Joe already knows that, as for the original OP he will find that out once he gets his monitors hooked up, and I bet he will be happy with them played at lower volumes, I bet he will get the itch to turn them up in a non Audiophile sort of way. I'am sure there are more experienced folks on this forum and they know how to share thier knowledge in a more friendlier fashion, no worries though I bet there are some that still look forward to your straight forward approach of sharing yours. its all good toolforlifefan, now scuse me while I go crank me some Steely Dan.

SRTer

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Post reported..

Toolfan66

SRTer wrote: »

Among similar speakers (RTi A series), which would be the better all around performer?

RTi A3's (6.5 inch and tweet)
RTi A5's (6.5 inch mid x2 and tweet)
RTi A7's (6.5 inch mid, 7 inch bass x2, tweet)

Which would be the better speaker?
Why? Clarity, SPL, depth, etc.

Out of the three you posted I would take the RTi A5's with a good sub. Why? better ballance,and tone. Keep in mind I have not had my ears on the A7's but others that have have said they would take the A5's over the A7's with a good sub.

The A9's are the best of the series IMO!!!

SRTer

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Out of the three you posted I would take the RTi A5's with a good sub. Why? better ballance,and tone. Keep in mind I have not had my ears on the A7's but others that have have said they would take the A5's over the A7's with a good sub.

The A9's are the best of the series IMO!!!

What was not like about the RTi A7/RTi10 type speakers?

I've had RTi8's which basically RTi A5's. And I have the RTi A7's and RTi A9's.

Toolfan66

SRTer wrote: »

What was not like about the RTi A7/RTi10 type speakers?

I've had RTi8's which basically RTi A5's. And I have the RTi A7's and RTi A9's.

I don't think it had anything to do with not liking as preference in the sound they were hearing.

tonyb

kazaam wrote: »

I ordered two Monitor70s and a CS2 and that's what everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud. These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers. I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

So who's wrong?

Yes and no, not everything is an apples to apples comparison. First, the M70's are not in my opinion anyway,BIG speakers, and great sound can be had from a bookie too, and in some cases matched with the right sub, can best some floorstanders. Size doesn't necessarily equate to better.

For your purpose, I think the 70's is a great place to start, enjoy them when you get them and don't let anyone tell you different.

Toolfan66

tonyb wrote: »

Yes and no, not everything is an apples to apples comparison. First, the M70's are not in my opinion anyway,BIG speakers, and great sound can be had from a bookie too, and in some cases matched with the right sub, can best some floorstanders. Size doesn't necessarily equate to better.

For your purpose, I think the 70's is a great place to start, enjoy them when you get them and don't let anyone tell you different.

Exactly!!! +100000

SRTer

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

I don't think it had anything to do with not liking as preference in the sound they were hearing.

Could you exspound more or link thread please. As I do wonder what was heard by the collective. Since I have all those speakers in my home, I would like to listen to see if I feel the same way.

I do prefer the larger RTi A7's over the RTi8/RTi A5 speakers for full range music without a powered sub. However, I feel the RTi8's/RTi A5's are the best value when running a power sub in HT and music.

Maybe, that what some people noticed.

This would be a case where the smaller speaker is better than the larger speaker in some people eyes. Given a lot of power at high volume, I still think the RTi A7 or RTi10 will outshine the RTi8 in dynamic HT audio.

Big Dawg

double post

Big Dawg

SRTer wrote: »

Could you exspound more or link thread please. As I do wonder what was heard by the collective. Since I have all those speakers in my home, I would like to listen to see if I feel the same way.

I do prefer the larger RTi A7's over the RTi8/RTi A5 speakers for full range music without a powered sub. However, I feel the RTi8's/RTi A5's are the best value when running a power sub in HT and music.

Maybe, that what some people noticed.

This would be a case where the smaller speaker is better than the larger speaker in some people eyes. Given a lot of power at high volume, I still think the RTi A7 or RTi10 will outshine the RTi8 in dynamic HT audio.

I'll give you my opinion. I've heard the entire current RTi lineup, but mostly in less than optimum situations (stores). I like both of the little bookshelves for what they are - inexpensive but musical speakers, an excellent choice within their price range. Their biggest flaw is tweeter brightness, but with well-matched gear, they can sound very good for many types of music. Of course, the bass rolls off early, but that is common to most bookshelves. As for the towers, I think that they would sound very nice in a home theater, but I did not care for them as dedicated music speakers. To me, the bass was too boomy and bloated, although the listening rooms could very well be partly to blame for that impression.

If I were spending roughly $1,000 on Polk speakers for a musical system, I would buy the LSi9s, and I wouldn't look back.

Size does impact sound, but bigger is certainly not a guaranty of better. High or low volume has nothing to do with sound quality. All of the above speakers can play to ear-shattering volumes, but they won't play music equally well.

Toolfan66

Big Dawg wrote: »

I'll give you my opinion. I've heard the entire current RTi lineup, but mostly in less than optimum situations (stores). I like both of the little bookshelves for what they are - inexpensive but musical speakers, an excellent choice within their price range. Their biggest flaw is tweeter brightness, but with well-matched gear, they can sound very good for many types of music. Of course, the bass rolls off early, but that is common to most bookshelves. As for the towers, I think that they would sound very nice in a home theater, but I did not care for them as dedicated music speakers. To me, the bass was too boomy and bloated, although the listening rooms could very well be partly to blame for that impression.

If I were spending roughly $1,000 on Polk speakers for a musical system, I would buy the LSi9s, and I wouldn't look back.

Size does impact sound, but bigger is certainly not a guaranty of better. High or low volume has nothing to do with sound quality. All of the above speakers can play to ear-shattering volumes, but they won't play music equally well.

Just think if the A9's had a more musical tweeter like the LSi series??:cool: I had my A9's in my 2 channel rig and I didn't find the bass boomy and bloated. I was in awe at how well they performed and kept thinking if these just had a better tweeter for music they would be a killer speaker with killer looks..

Systems

Great post guys!..Now all we need is Mr H9 in here, he da man!..(Pickin)..But thats it!..As soon as i get my hands on them LSi M707 its on!..I will add two 500 watt mono block amps..Then we will see who's da man!..Really i am upgrading to them as soon as they become available..And pass on my M70,s and the subs to my Son Matthew..And then one day Tube amps them one's Bob Carver design..May the Power of the watts be with you..Amen!..Peace! Now back to Pink Floyd DarkSide of the Moon!..Baby!Man life is good!

Big Dawg

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Just think if the A9's had a more musical tweeter like the LSi series??:cool: I had my A9's in my 2 channel rig and I didn't find the bass boomy and bloated. I was in awe at how well they performed and kept thinking if these just had a better tweeter for music they would be a killer speaker with killer looks..

I'm not surprised that the bass isn't bloated in a better environment, just wasn't my experience. As far as the tweeters, I thought that when I heard them (in RTiA1s, I think) on OhSkiGod's Anthem tube pre and amp combo that the tweeters sounded fairly musical and had a bit of the ole magic in them.

Big Dawg

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/19CvEO3Riy0?rel=0&quot; frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Big Dawg

Not sure why that didn't work - try this link.

http://youtu.be/19CvEO3Riy0

Systems

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

That isn't what I'm saying but if it makes you feel better, and for the record there are more experienced folks here then myself. all I'm saying is to think you need BIG speakers to play it loud or they are only for playing at loud volumes is "Wrong".


Enjoy your your Journey...

..True statement!..:cool:

DarqueKnight

kazaam wrote: »

...everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud.

kazaam wrote: »

These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers.

kazaam wrote: »

I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

kazaam wrote: »

So who's wrong?

You are absolutely correct. If you are on a quest for good sound, why even listen to non-audiophiles who don't have good speakers?

In addition to the greater range, clarity and depth provided by larger speakers, more stereo realism is conveyed because the sound pressure wave created by larger speakers is more intense, even at lower volumes.

One thing that people commonly overlook is that our ears are sensitive to the intensity (strength) of sound as well as the amplitude (loudness). Consider a flute and a kick drum playing at the same level of loudness. The kick drum will sound "louder" even though it measures the same number of dB on a sound level meter. The kick drum is not "louder", it just pushes a denser (more intense) pressure wave against your ears and body. The drum will sound louder than the flute even if it is actually played at a lower amplitude than the flute.

Greater range, clarity and depth is provided by a larger sound pressure wave generated by a larger (good) speaker simply because it is easier to discern details in larger things than in small things. Consider looking at a color photograph in a room with slightly dimmed lights. You will be able to see more details in a 20" x 30" print than in an 8" x 10" print, even though the level of light (amplitude) reaching your eyes is the same from both photographs. As the lights are dimmed further, you will still be able to see details in the larger photograph long after the smaller photograph essentially becomes invisible.

Larger speakers, and higher power amplifiers, are more about playing with more accuracy at normal to low listening levels than about the ability to play loud. Remember that our ears can easily be permanently damaged by loud sounds.

kazaam

DarqueKnight wrote: »

You are absolutely correct. If you are on a quest for good sound, why even listen to non-audiophiles who don't have good speakers?

In addition to the greater range, clarity and depth provided by larger speakers, more stereo realism is conveyed because the sound pressure wave created by larger speakers is more intense, even at lower volumes.

One thing that people commonly overlook is that our ears are sensitive to the intensity (strength) of sound as well as the amplitude (loudness). Consider a flute and a kick drum playing at the same level of loudness. The kick drum will sound "louder" even though it measures the same number of dB on a sound level meter. The kick drum is not "louder", it just pushes a denser (more intense) pressure wave against your ears and body. The drum will sound louder than the flute even if it is actually played at a lower amplitude than the flute.

Greater range, clarity and depth is provided by a larger sound pressure wave generated by a larger (good) speaker simply because it is easier to discern details in larger things than in small things. Consider looking at a color photograph in a room with slightly dimmed lights. You will be able to see more details in a 20" x 30" print than in an 8" x 10" print, even though the level of light (amplitude) reaching your eyes is the same from both photographs. As the lights are dimmed further, you will still be able to see details in the larger photograph long after the smaller photograph essentially becomes invisible.

Larger speakers, and higher power amplifiers, are more about playing with more accuracy at normal to low listening levels than about the ability to play loud. Remember that our ears can easily be permanently damaged by loud sounds.

Great post, thanks a lot! Makes total sense (appreciate your analogies, that helps a lot for someone like me). The reason i listened to them is because I'm not an audiophile either. Glad there are valuable resources like here and a few other forums on the internet. The salesman hounding me at Frys had no idea what he was talking about either!

halo71

ctank wrote: »

..True statement!..:cool:

Ya know...you are starting to remind me of that little dog in the cartoon that follows the big bulldog (Spike) around. :rolleyes:

boomerfss

kazaam wrote: »

I ordered two Monitor70s and a CS2 and that's what everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud. These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers. I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

So who's wrong?

I have the Monitor 70's. They are great for my needs. That being said, I do not listen to them "loud" very often. Unless I am watching a Blu Ray or listening to some great music.

When I do want them loud, they are good to go. Better too much than too little I think.

Lastly, your friends are probably a little jealous. I know my friend felt the same way until the speakers went on sale again and then he bought them as well.

mdaudioguy

halo71 wrote: »

Ya know...you are starting to remind me of that little dog in the cartoon that follows the big bulldog (Spike) around. :rolleyes:

Funny! :biggrin:

Systems

halo71 wrote: »

Ya know...you are starting to remind me of that little dog in the cartoon that follows the big bulldog (Spike) around. :rolleyes:

..lol.Spike?...no its Fluffy!..lol..not really dude..:biggrin::biggrin:

DarqueKnight

kazaam wrote: »

The reason i listened to them is because I'm not an audiophile either.

There are a lot of misconceptions about what audiophiles are about. Some people with very expensive audio systems think they are audiophiles but they are not. Some people with very modest, but good quality, audio systems think they are not audiophiles but they actually are.

Some people know they are audiophiles but don't refer to themselves as such because the term has crazy, negative connotations by some ignorant, misinformed (and often jealous and envious) people.

Here are some dictionary definitions you may find helpful:

DarqueKnight wrote: »

The 1973 edition of the World Book Dictionary (p. 137) defines audiophile as:

audiophile - a devotee of high fidelity sound reproduction.

The term "audiophile" initially appeared in the first issue of High Fidelity magazine in September of 1951. The phrase "Devoted to the Interests of Audio-philes" appeared at the bottom of the magazine cover.

DarqueKnight wrote: »

audiophilia - enthusiasm for high fidelity sound and equipment.
Source: World Book Dictionary, 1973 ed., p. 137.

While it is true that quality costs money, one does not have to spend insane amounts of money and engage in mystical, voodooish rituals in order to assemble a high quality audiophile sound system, just as you don't have to spend $100,000 to get a high quality, dependable automobile.

Notice that the dictionary definitions above contain the concepts of "devotion" and "enthusiasm" for "high fidelity sound" rather than devotion and enthusiasm for "highly expensive equipment".

Audiophile quality sound systems can be put together for very modest sums of money...especially is one shops wisely on the used market!

Are you sure you're not an audiophile?

Systems

DarqueKnight wrote: »

There are a lot of misconceptions about what audiophiles are about. Some people with very expensive audio systems think they are audiophiles but they are not. Some people with very modest, but good quality, audio systems think they are not audiophiles but they actually are.

Some people know they are audiophiles but don't refer to themselves as such because the term has crazy, negative connotations by some ignorant, misinformed (and often jealous and envious) people.

Here are some dictionary definitions you may find helpful:





While it is true that quality costs money, one does not have to spend insane amounts of money and engage in mystical, voodooish rituals in order to assemble a high quality audiophile sound system, just as you don't have to spend $100,000 to get a high quality, dependable automobile.

Notice that the dictionary definitions above contain the concepts of "devotion" and "enthusiasm" for "high fidelity sound" rather than devotion and enthusiasm for "highly expensive equipment".

Audiophile quality sound systems can be put together for very modest sums of money...especially is one shops wisely on the used market!

Are you sure you're not an audiophile?

..Nice..Mr Harman had something to do with this.He passed away at the sweet age of 93 this year.

halo71

ctank wrote: »

..Nice..Mr Harman had something to do with this.He passed away at the sweet age of 93 this year.

You forgot your "..HI-5 bro!!":biggrin:

TouchOfEvil

I has small and bigger speakers. They can all be played at low volumes or higher. True story.

camp21178

One thing I would change about this forum. If you have less than 1000 posts, you can be treated pretty disrespectfully. One of the forums I post on is the Motorcycle Journal Forum. We treat newbies with respect, because most of them have had lots of real world experience before they discovered on line forums.

Systems

halo71 wrote: »

You forgot your "..HI-5 bro!!":biggrin:

..lol...