RTI A3 basic questions
jagorski
Posts: 11
Hey everyone!
So I'm new to the whole bookshelf speaker niche. I've been wanting to upgrade my music listening from my old
Bose sounddock to something a little...better haha. I've had an eye on the RTI A3. I would only use these speakers
for audio. Would the A3's be a good choice? If not, which model(s) would you recommend. I am tight on cash so
please don't recommend some $800 speakers! Is it worth getting the A3's or are the A1's similar?
Also, would the Yamaha RXV 757 work well with these? I wouldn't mind getting a 2 channel stereo receiver, but I've
had trouble finding one that has 100w/channel output (I have a 100w subwoofer). Does the wattage even matter, or could I get a 75w or even 50w/channel receiver? (Does a 2 channel receiver allow me to hook up 2 bookshelf
speakers AND a subwoofer?!)
I know this is a lot to answer but if someone could take their time that would be awesome! Any other advice/input
relevant to this would be greatly appreciated.
So I'm new to the whole bookshelf speaker niche. I've been wanting to upgrade my music listening from my old
Bose sounddock to something a little...better haha. I've had an eye on the RTI A3. I would only use these speakers
for audio. Would the A3's be a good choice? If not, which model(s) would you recommend. I am tight on cash so
please don't recommend some $800 speakers! Is it worth getting the A3's or are the A1's similar?
Also, would the Yamaha RXV 757 work well with these? I wouldn't mind getting a 2 channel stereo receiver, but I've
had trouble finding one that has 100w/channel output (I have a 100w subwoofer). Does the wattage even matter, or could I get a 75w or even 50w/channel receiver? (Does a 2 channel receiver allow me to hook up 2 bookshelf
speakers AND a subwoofer?!)
I know this is a lot to answer but if someone could take their time that would be awesome! Any other advice/input
relevant to this would be greatly appreciated.
Post edited by jagorski on
Comments
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PS If you want me to provide more information about anything just let me know what it is you need to know. I'm new to all this so I don't know which information is necessarily vital or not.
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Instead of a 2 channel receiver, get an integrated amp. Something from NAD, Cambridge or Marantz can be had for little money if you buy it used. Audiogon is a good place to look for one. Another advantage an integrated amp gives you is that most of them can drive 4 ohm loads, which means you can buy something like the LSi 9's from the Polk eBay store for about $550.00 and not worry about driving them. Even the less expensive LSi 7's would be a good choice since you use a sub.
You do not have to match the wattage of your sub.
You'll probably need to use a Y splitter in order to connect the sub.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I can vouch for the A1's, they sound great. But you mite want to take F1's advice and look for a used 2 channel. Your not gonna be happy with that yamaha.
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I agree with chumlie. a1 is an impressive little speaker. Put a little extra juice to them and wa laht rm.:loneranger:
arcam rblink
tyler acoustics d4mx frt.
csi a4 polk audio ctr.
fxi 3 polk audio bck
dsw 550 wi polk audio sub
sony 3600 es
adcom gfa 7605
sony bdp s-270
sony 40 lcd wide screen
panamax m4300
game:redface:
32 in. samsung
sony dhs810
m10 polk audio
Polk audio rti a1
zone 2:eek:
bose 601
advent 6003 -
The A3'S plus an integrated would be a great choice for music listening.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
If you want bookshelf speakers, check out Polk direct on e bay. They have RTI 4's which is the older model of the RTIA 1's, for 149. This includes shipping, they're a pretty good little speaker. They have them in black or cherry.
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I own a set of Rti-A3s but use them for HT in my basement because they are really mediocre sounding for music only, on a mid-fi AVR. So yes, get some 'better' amplification on them. I also have the LSI-7s below (which are 'much' better for music).
As Jesse describes, I have a NAD integrated on them and they blow the Rti-A bookies away for music IMHO.
You can probably get a pair of LSI-9s or 7s on Polk's ebay site for a "good" price. That's what I would do. Then get one of the integrated amps Jesse (F1nut) mentions and you're good to go!!
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] -
So I'm just confused...I was thinking of getting Polk Audio RTI A3's, but apparently the Lsi7's are much better. That aside, can I just get the polk audio's, an integrated amplifier, and a subwoofer, and be fine? What is the most ideal low budget setup that I can get. I'm willing to put down paper for the speakers but I don't want to spend too much on other things (I know...illogical) but I'll upgrade them down the line as I get more money. Please let me know every simple detail, as I know little to nothing about all of this!!
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Polk has several lines of speakers and LSI are the top followed by RTI. If, like me, you cannot outlay a lot of cash for audio, then I'd probably stick with the RTi line. The LSI's require an amp that can handle a 4 ohm load, which will be more expensive, while RTi's are 8 ohm and can be played by more everyday receivers. I pieced mine together cause I did not have a lot of money. I chose the RTi4's because they were 150 delivered and I run them with a Onkyo reciever. If I had picked the LSi Speakers, my Onkyo would not have been good at playing them as my receiver is not rated to play a 4 ohm load.
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The speakers you are looking at are basically the same as mine except they have a larger woofer. I find with my Rti's my Onkyo has plenty of power to drive them. There are a lot of postings about receivers around here to help you choose what might fit your needs, use the search feature at the top of this thread and see what you can learn. I really would stay away from the basic "entry Level" receivers if you go with RTi's. I bought my Onkyo and it was a demo model, so I saved quite a bit of money. Of course I have been involved in audio for over 30 years so I kinda know what I'm looking for.
I run 4 RTi'4 across the front of my room without a sub and they sound fine. The one's you're looking at have a little lower bass. Remember, what sounds good to you might not be suitable for someone else, so if someone tells you the model you want "sucks", that is his opinion, might not be yours -
You will get a lot of good advice here on how to spend your money and it's sound advice unless you don't have the money to buy what these guys recommend. I do not have "pre outs" on my receiver but do not really need them either so I was able to buy a regular home theater receiver.
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Thanks so much! So I'll either get:
an integrated amp
RTI A3's
Subwoofer
or:
Lsi7's
Harman Kardon 3490
and no sub, for now...
Are these setup's 'complete', in other words, and I missing something truely vital? I know that there are a lot of bells and whistles but I'll look into those later. For now I just want the bare components. Thanks you guys have been awesome!! -
ALSO, would the RTI A3's, or (more importantly), the Lsi7's work with the Harmon Kardon HK3380? The 8 ohm output is only slightly less and I've found it to be a LOT cheaper. Would this combination be advised?
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and by 8 ohm I meant 4 ohm, for the Lsi7's hehe
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Thanks so much! So I'll either get:
an integrated amp
RTI A3's
Subwoofer
or:
Lsi7's
Harman Kardon 3490
and no sub, for now...
No, you want either...
Integrated amp
LSi 7's
Subwoofer
or
Harman Kardon 3490
RTi A3's
SubwooferAre these setup's 'complete', in other words, and I missing something truely vital? I know that there are a lot of bells and whistles but I'll look into those later. For now I just want the bare components. Thanks you guys have been awesome!!
You will need a source like a CD player, etc. You'll also need speaker stands.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
So how bad would it be if I matched the LSi 7's with the Harmon Kardon 3490? I know they wouldn't sound AS amazing, but they
would still sound good, right? Would they end up sounding so similar to the RTI A3's that I may as well just get those, or would it be worth it spending the extra bling? PS how loud could either of these speakers go with the HK 3490? I wouldnt be BLASTING them but they certainly wouldn't be on volume 1, either. I'd prefer to be able to crank them up every now and then and not break anything.
PS would the LSi 7's or RTI A3's work with any other HK 2 channel model, or is the 3490 generally recommended for polk audio speakers? Thanks! -
So how bad would it be if I matched the LSi 7's with the Harmon Kardon 3490? I know they wouldn't sound AS amazing, but they would still sound good, right?
They will sound better than the HK and RTi A3's. That said, if you don't need the tuner feature that a receiver has why bother, just get an integrated. The tuner section in a receiver adds more circuits and therefore more noise.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
OK, so what would be some integrated amps that are in a similar price range that would work well with the LSi 7's? I know someone farther up through out some brands, but if there are any specific models you think would work well (that aren't ridiculously expensive) that would be great! And I realize they would sound better, but would the sound quality of the LSi 7's be brought down noticeably if they were powered by the HK? I just looked at a couple of integrated amps on amazon and they are noticeably more expensive, so is it really worth the extra investment?
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Don't shop Amazon for audio gear.
Here's a link to solid state integrated amps on Audiogon, new and used. Of course, buying used is a great way to get more for less. http://www.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?intatran
The LSi 7's can be purchased from Polk's eBay store for an extremely good price.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Why not Amazon ? I never had a problem.
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Also, no one ever addressed my primary question: COULD I still use the harmon kardon 3498 with the LSi 7's to get a better than decent (if not as good as with an integrated amp) sound?
Also, Could I use a powered subwoofer with an integrated amp as well? -
PS F1nut: giving me a link where there are basically only items that start at $800ish dollars is not useful given my being on a budget. If I were to get an integrated amp for these speakers it could not be more than a couple hundred bucks. (ie 2-300). I'm thinking of just getting the harmon kardon despite it not being as stellar and just dealing with the slightly less superb sound until I have enough to upgrade to an integrated amp.
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PS F1nut: giving me a link where there are basically only items that start at $800ish dollars is not useful given my being on a budget. If I were to get an integrated amp for these speakers it could not be more than a couple hundred bucks. (ie 2-300). I'm thinking of just getting the harmon kardon despite it not being as stellar and just dealing with the slightly less superb sound until I have enough to upgrade to an integrated amp.
Well for one thing you never stated a budget and for another there are items listed at Audiogon for much less than $800.00. That said, we all start somewhere, so I hope you like whatever it is you buy.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Why not Amazon ? I never had a problem.
Because it's not known as a place to buy high quality audio gear whereas Audiogon most certainly is.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I agree if your looking for mcintosh or krell but i'm on a polk & pioneer budget.
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F1nut is spot on. I happen to own an HK 3490 (and a lot of other things as well, too many). So I've run LSI-7s on that unit. They won't sound "bad" but it really didn't bring out their true potential. The bass was anemic and the highs thinner than when I put them on the current NAD integrated. And here's the kicker:
The HK is rated 120 Watts x 2 (8 ohms) and 150 watts x 2 (4 ohms). The LSI-7s are rated for 4 ohms.
The NAD I have below costs about the same or a bit more than the HK MSRP and is only 50 watts x 2 (8 ohms) and more into 4 ohms. That said. The NAD integrated drives the 7s more forcefully, with more detail and better bass! And that's part of what Jesse is telling you.
You don't have to buy the biggest or baddest amp. But a good quality amp. Sure the HK receiver will power 7s but they'll sound better with a nice integrated of at least 50 watts x 2.
Audiogon is a great place to get buys. That's where I got my NAD for about 200 less than it would've cost new. The used market is a good place to look.
Depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.
Another option would be to buy the 7s, run them off the HK and eventually add a power amp to the HK. I've done that too, and they do sound 'better' with the power amp than with the HK alone. But even with an external amp and the HK as a pre-amp, the NAD is still "better" sounding. And that's why it's currently pulling its duty with the 7s below.
There is caveat, though. And that is that your ears are not "my" ears. I prefer the sound of the NAD to the HK...it is possible that you may hear it differently. So I suggest you get your ears on some of this stuff.
Good Luck!
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] -
I agree if your looking for mcintosh or krell but i'm on a polk & pioneer budget.
Audiogon is still the better place to shop for gear.......in any price range.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I happen to own an HK 3490 (and a lot of other things as well, too many). So I've run LSI-7s on that unit. They won't sound "bad" but it really didn't bring out their true potential. The bass was anemic and the highs thinner than when I put them on the current NAD integrated.
Nothing like first hand experience, thanks for sharing it.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Don't buy LSI 7's they SUCK compared to the new LSIM 703's. At least thats what I've been reading as of late by these forum members. :evil:
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Don't buy LSI 7's they SUCK compared to the new LSIM 703's. At least thats what I've been reading as of late by these forum members. :evil:
LSi 7's are smaller, more compact and perhaps something along what the OP wants. Maybe the 703's are too large or too much money. He's looking for budget.
The 7's would make a great small bookie setup or desktop setup. However, I couldn't imagine using 703's in the same category.
