Will my receiver handle two Polk Audio Monitor 70's?

shermanator

I have this receiver:http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-821-K

I'm referring to these speakers: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290209

I will be bi-amping the speakers; taking the A channel to the top speaker terminal, and the B channel to the bottom terminal.

Will this give them enough power?

Thanks,


Connor

62caddy

Phew- I'm dammed if I could determine the power rating on that particular model. The model below is stated to be 110 "WPC" (the 521); the model above is stated as 110 "total" so I don't know what to tell you. In either case, what you are proposing is bi-wiring which is different from bi-amping which requires two separate amps plus an external crossover. Personally, I don't think you'll get any benefit by bi-wiring but that of course is up yo you.

shermanator

Yeah, i'm pretty confused at this point.

I really want to hop on the deal for the Monitor 70's, but if my receiver can't power them, I see no point.

62caddy

A lot depends on your room size, your listening levels and on the speaker efficiency which I just checked on Polk's site and it's rated at 90 dB SPL @ 1w @ 1m. Bottom line- your receiver should have no difficulty powering these Polks satisfactorily. I've used 90 dB SPL speakers for 20 years with a 40 watt receiver without any problems.

shermanator

Alright, well that makes me happy to hear.

I just picked up some Rti4's, but I'm going to give them the boot for the Monitor 70's. I can't believe the price and I'm sure they blow away the RTi4's .

I'm just assembling a budget(yet kickass) 2.1 system for our home gym.

shermanator

I also believe my receiver has a pre-amp output, which would allow me to truly bi-amp the speakers...

Is this correct?

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

I also believe my receiver has a pre-amp output, which would allow me to truly bi-amp the speakers...

Is this correct?

No, your pre-outs are to allow you to go 7.1 (using a external 2 channel amp for the other 2 channels)

Also your reciever will drive Monitor 70's ok, but if you plan on rocking out you might get some distortion if your driving more than just the 2 speakers (and even then you still might get some).

Better suggestion is a pair of Monitor 50's and a sub, setting your crossover at 80hz for the fronts. Or you could do the RTi's you suggested earlier + sub.

shermanator

EndersShadow wrote: »

No, your pre-outs are to allow you to go 7.1 (using a external 2 channel amp for the other 2 channels)

Also your reciever will drive Monitor 70's ok, but if you plan on rocking out you might get some distortion if your driving more than just the 2 speakers (and even then you still might get some).

Better suggestion is a pair of Monitor 50's and a sub, setting your crossover at 80hz for the fronts. Or you could do the RTi's you suggested earlier + sub.

Alright.

I already have a sub, and I would be returning the RTi4's if I got the M70's.

My heart is very set on the M70's, as the price is ridiculously low.

I would only be running the sub and M70's, no other speakers would be added. You say it would run ok, what can I do to increase power to the speakers, without spending too much money?

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

what can I do to increase power to the speakers, without spending too much money?

Nothing. The RTi4's are a MUCH better speaker. If you already have a sub, spend the money on quality bookshelves.

If you were told you could get a Toyota or a Lexus, which would you choose? Both are made by the same company, both quality products, but the Lexus is MADE to be better than the Toyota, thats why it cost more.

Same with the RTi's. The Monitors are good for their pricepoint, but the RTi's are BETTER across the board. Especially if you dont have lots of power, bookshelves will sound better.


But if you just want loud and dont care as much about the quality the Monitor 70's will sound ok.

P.S. DO NOT bi-amp them with your AVR, not worth it. I have done it with my Monitor 60's and it made no difference.

62caddy

Unless you upgrade to a more powerful receiver, there's really no way to get more power and apparantly the pre-outs will not provide the signal you'll need for stereo with an outboard amp. I think ES means by "rocking on" is playing really loud so in all but the most extreme circumstances, you should be fine.

shermanator

Alright, it's apparent both of you know what you're talking about, so let me hit you with a different question.

Keeping the same receiver, and sub, what speakers would you buy to upgrade my system(for $300 or less)? Although the RTi4's are nice, I have more money, and I feel I can do better.

PS- I'm still finding it hard to believe the RTi4's are superior to the M70's, but you know more than I do.

62caddy

Perhaps consider the RTiA5s which are a very nice floor standing tower speaker. Keep an eye on offerings from polkaudio on ebay. They have factory refurbished speakers that cannot be told from new and have 2 year warranty. Also check out the floor standers in the Monitor series as well which many claim are basically the RTi in a different cabinet. Definitely some of the best values in speakers IMHO.

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

Alright, it's apparent both of you know what you're talking about, so let me hit you with a different question.

Keeping the same receiver, and sub, what speakers would you buy to upgrade my system(for $300 or less)? Although the RTi4's are nice, I have more money, and I feel I can do better.

PS- I'm still finding it hard to believe the RTi4's are superior to the M70's, but you know more than I do.

Well here is the difference. I like Less volume with quality sound over MORE volume with lower quality sound. Another consideration that I have not addressed (my apologies) is room size. How big is your room and is it adjacent to any others? This does factor into what I would recommend.

Also have you looked at Polks ebay site? You could snatch up a pair of RTi A5's or A7's, A5's being the more affordable of the two.

shermanator

62caddy wrote: »

Perhaps consider the RTiA5s which are a very nice floor standing tower speaker. Keep an eye on offerings from polkaudio on ebay. They have factory refurbished speakers that cannot be told from new and have 2 year warranty. Also check out the floor standers in the Monitor series as well which many claim are basically the RTi in a different cabinet. Definitely some of the best values in speakers IMHO.

This is what I have been talking about the whole time.

EndersShadow wrote: »

Well here is the difference. I like Less volume with quality sound over MORE volume with lower quality sound. Another consideration that I have not addressed (my apologies) is room size. How big is your room and is it adjacent to any others? This does factor into what I would recommend.

Also have you looked at Polks ebay site? You could snatch up a pair of RTi A5's or A7's, A5's being the more affordable of the two.

I don't believe they have the RTi A5/7 on Ebay at this time, unless I am looking in the wrong place.

The room is a dedicated weight room located in an 1800 square foot basement(all open). The gym room itself is probably 15x20.

Are there any other sites that sell factory refurbished A/V equipment?

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

The room is a dedicated weight room located in an 1800 square foot basement(all open). The gym room itself is probably 15x20.

Given that space (since its all open we have to account for all of it) I would change my recommendation from the RTi4's to 4 Monitor 50's or Monitor 60's (because you have the sub to handle the low stuff anyway).

62caddy

Sorry, I meant some of the other Monitors other than the 70.

-You're correct, nor do they seem to have the A9s either which I'm looking for as well.

1800 sq ft all open? Or is the gym separate room?

shermanator

@Shadow- I can't justify spending that much money (4 speakers) on a dedicated gym setup; it's gets dusty, weights get thrown around etc.

I may just go with two M60's or two M70's.

@Caddy- Gotcha, I am only looking for the 15x20 room to be supplied by sound.

Joe08867

The floor monitor series is nothing like the RTi series. Different Drivers, Cabinets, Tweeters and crossover designs.

I think the monitor series is nice but it is just doesn't compare to the RTi series.

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

I can't justify spending that much money (4 speakers) on a dedicated gym setup; it's gets dusty, weights get thrown around etc.

I may just go with two M60's or two M70's.

2 Monitor 70's on newegg (219 each) cost just as much as 4 Monitor 50's (99 each). But either way go with the Monitor series and you will be happy.

shermanator

EndersShadow wrote: »

2 Monitor 70's on newegg (219 each) cost just as much as 4 Monitor 50's (99 each). But either way go with the Monitor series and you will be happy.

The 70's actually come out to $150 each after coupon code.

From what I have heard, a 2.1 setup is best for music only purposes anyway.

I'm leaning towards the 70's, as opposed to the 60's, for two reasons:

1. The 70's don't cost much more.

2. My sub sucks, and I figure the 70's will help me out in that area.

EndersShadow

shermanator wrote: »

The 70's actually come out to $150 each after coupon code.

From what I have heard, a 2.1 setup is best for music only purposes anyway.

I'm leaning towards the 70's, as opposed to the 60's, for two reasons:

1. The 70's don't cost much more.

2. My sub sucks, and I figure the 70's will help me out in that area.

Makes sense. I am sure it will make you happy. If you dont like your sub run the 70's as Full Range or Large speakers so they get the full range signal. I would cross your sub over at like 60 or 70hz, if not even 50.

Play around with that and see how you like it.

shermanator

So, just to verify, the M70's will be able to "bump" with my current setup?

I just want to fully understand before purchasing said speakers.

Thanks again for all the help guys.

62caddy

You have my blessing FWIW- keeping the caveats above in mind you should be fine. You may want to experiment here and there but I think you'll be satisfied with what you're proposing. Glad if any/all of this was helpful and keep us posted.

shermanator

Sounds good!


Thanks.

rebuy

62caddy wrote: »

Perhaps consider the RTiA5s which are a very nice floor standing tower speaker. Keep an eye on offerings from polkaudio on ebay. They have factory refurbished speakers that cannot be told from new and have 2 year warranty. Also check out the floor standers in the Monitor series as well which many claim are basically the RTi in a different cabinet. Definitely some of the best values in speakers IMHO.

Total bunk. RTI and Monitors are not the same.

tonyb

If your sub sucks as you say, no speaker will make that sound better. The Rti line is a better speaker than the monitor line. Your limited by what you can upgrade to by that avr. I understand you want more, but your kinda wanting steak on a frito lay budget. You have a good size room there, I would keep the rti4's and upgrade the receiver, then the subwoofer before moving up the chain in front speakers. Just my .02

rebuy

If I had good subs, I would put my RTI4's up against monitors anyday. The RTI's recreate a nice sound experience.

shermanator

Theoretically speaking, what is a "good" receiver, and sub?

I realize this is very subjective, but it will give me somewhere to start my research.

Note: I'd like to have a receiver that allows bi-amping of speakers(RTi4's are bi-ampable).

rebuy

My unit lets me Bi-wire, Bi-amp my speakers but I won't do it cause I have 5.1 already and I do not want to put that power stress on my equipment.

Lego1

If you have a larger budget than what the rti4 cost, why not look into the rti6 or the floorstanding rti8? The rti6 is the bookshelf and has awesome reviews. Don't know what sub you have, but you could get yourself a bic f12. I've read pretty good reviews on it.

Lego1

You could also try to find some used LS90 towers. Will probably cost you 200-300 dollars. I have them, did the crossover mod, and i believe they sound amazing for music.