Need help, should I upgrade RTI 8 to RTI 12? & Do I need a very good AMP for RTI8/12?

HaiDang

1. I have a Yamaha Amplifier that I bought 1 year back for around $200(don't know which model). Which make me realize that I probably bought a low end one, which drives 2 x RTI 8s and 1 sub PSW505. I can hear the sounds from rti8 loud enough, but my uncle said RTI 8 could be under power. The pair sounds just OK, not great. Is there anyway that you can hear the sound loud from the speaker, but the speaker still under power?

2. Also, Frys has a pair RTI 12 for $680, should I switch to RTI 12 instead? I bought the pair RTI 8 last week for $300, and I can still return and exchange for RTI 12. Would my system sound better? Do I need another amp to drive RTI12?

Thanks a ton,

--Hai

mdaudioguy

Hi Hai! Welcome to Club Polk. If your "low end" receiver can't power RTi8s, DO NOT jump up to RTi12s without considering an upgrade to your receiver or the addition of an external amp. That might not even be possible with the receiver you have now. Upgrading the speakers without upgrading what's powering them would lead to a worse result. It would be helpful to anyone making a recommendation if you would provide the Yamaha model number.

Your uncle probably meant that the RTi8 speakers were being underpowered - i.e. not being driven by enough current.

Sherardp

Get the 12s at the price difference, and add an amp later. 12s are a beast but worth every penny.

polkfarmboy

Get them 12's and add a cheapo amp till you get the finances for something long term. I have always believed in upgrading your speakers first then the components later when funds permit

clarence carter

polkfarmboy wrote: »

Get them 12's and add a cheapo amp till you get the finances for something long term. I have always believed in upgrading your speakers first then the components later when funds permit

I thought a cheap amp could harm "beast" speakers just as too much power could harm cheap speakers.

clarence carter

Seems hard to get an answer about this. I have been told by Polk customer service that my Technics SA-GX670 was under powered to drive Monitor 60 Series II speakers. After two sets of replacement tweeters I upgraded to a Harman Kardon HK 3490 and the speakers really came alive. However, after several months with this combination, the tweeters of the 60s gave up again. I now have the RTi8 loudspeakers ( really wanted the RTi12s but couldn't budget for now ) and this combo is even better for my 2.1 listening. I'm looking for reassurance I will not harm any more speakers. Should I have purchased the RTi12 speakers ?

Nerd

Get them 12's and add a cheapo amp till you get the finances for something long term.

Just a clarification, I have an Adcom GFA 555 II, would you consider this cheap amp. Do I need to upgrade later ?