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

24

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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    What are some reliable sites that sell refurbished audio equipment?

    I think going refurb is going to be my best bet.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • Lego1
    Lego1 Posts: 62
    edited December 2011
    Polk Direct on ebay. You can sometimes score some good deals on craigslist as well.
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  • 62caddy
    62caddy Posts: 137
    edited December 2011
    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.
    rebuy wrote: »
    Total bunk. RTI and Monitors are not the same.

    Correct- I meant to say...I have been told the RTi and RTiA series are basically the same but in different cabinets.
    Main:
    McIntosh: MC 2155, MC 2125(x2), MR 80, C 32, MQ 101; Snell J7; Polk: RTiA7, RTiA9;
    Pioneer PL-518; A/T 440 MLa; Yamaha CD
    Vintage:
    McIntosh: MX110Z, MC 2505, MC 240, Thorens TD 145; Shure V15III; Altec 14, Boston T1000; Yamaha CDX 393 CD; Yamaha Cass
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    It looks like i'm going to be keeping the RTi4's (I may pick up the RTi6's), but replace the Pioneer receiver.

    I think I need at least a 7.1 receiver(as they typically allow bi-amping) to bi-amp my Polk RTi4's and future speaker upgrades. I also need to be able to plug my iPod right into the front.

    The Yamaha RX-V571 and RX-V671 seem to fit the bill, but they are on the pricier side for my budget.

    What other receivers would you suggest for me, keeping the receiver under $400?- I'm not afraid to go refurbished.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    This may be the winner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115339&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4172767&SID=1a88cj3z9dvn5

    Can anyone comment on this specific receiver?
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • Lego1
    Lego1 Posts: 62
    edited December 2011
    I have a Pioneer 1018 I paid 250 after shipping from ebay. Love it! It has plenty of power and has pre-outs. If you want to run some good speakers, I suggest finding a receiver with pre-outs. Even if it's a cheap receiver. Then you can pick up some Adcom 535 amps which run about $100 a piece. The specs for them are 60wpc, but they output closer to 80wpc. These little amps are beasts and should power your speakers. Don't let the output power fool you. My pioneer 1018 is supposedly 110wpc, but my speakers sound much better and clearer running off of the Adcom 535.
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  • Lego1
    Lego1 Posts: 62
    edited December 2011
    Also, why don't you look into the Polk RTI8? They are the floorstanding model like the Monitor 70s, but will outperform them any day of the week. Frys.com has a special on them for $160 each. That will come out to only slightly more than the Monitor 70's but will sound way better, especially if you run them with a sub. Also, where are you located?
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    Lego1 wrote: »
    Also, why don't you look into the Polk RTI8? They are the floorstanding model like the Monitor 70s, but will outperform them any day of the week. Frys.com has a special on them for $160 each. That will come out to only slightly more than the Monitor 70's but will sound way better, especially if you run them with a sub. Also, where are you located?

    I have set my sights on a better receiver, as that is what is going to hold me back.

    The Yamaha I posted above looks damn good, and I believe it has pre outs like you covered.

    I'm located in Pennsylvania- no Fry's round here :(. I'd pick up the RTi6 bookshelf speakers if there was a Fry's around.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    And look what I just found lego: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117395R

    This just keeps getting harder and harder.

    :(
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • 62caddy
    62caddy Posts: 137
    edited December 2011
    I can't comment on that specific unit but Yammy makes some pretty decent gear and comments from owners are generally positive. I have a Yamaha CD player in my main system that has lasted me longer than any other CD player I've ever owned. At my office I have a Yamaha AV receiver from the late '90s and never any problems with it. I also like the fact that the receiver you're considering is rated higher for 4 ohm impedance which suggests a high current output design. All things considered and at the price quoted, it seems to be an excellent choice for your application IMHO.
    Main:
    McIntosh: MC 2155, MC 2125(x2), MR 80, C 32, MQ 101; Snell J7; Polk: RTiA7, RTiA9;
    Pioneer PL-518; A/T 440 MLa; Yamaha CD
    Vintage:
    McIntosh: MX110Z, MC 2505, MC 240, Thorens TD 145; Shure V15III; Altec 14, Boston T1000; Yamaha CDX 393 CD; Yamaha Cass
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    62caddy wrote: »
    I can't comment on that specific unit but Yammy makes some pretty decent gear and comments from owners are generally positive. I have a Yamaha CD player in my main system that has lasted me longer than any other CD player I've ever owned. At my office I have a Yamaha AV receiver from the late '90s and never any problems with it. I also like the fact that the receiver you're considering is rated higher for 4 ohm impedance which suggests a high current output design. All things considered and at the price quoted, it seems to be an excellent choice for your application IMHO.

    Yeah, the Yamaha does look promising. I'm going to do some more research and compare it to the Pioneer VSX-1021 I posted above.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,011
    edited December 2011
    Gents, basically speaking, no 400 buck receiver will be able to drive a 4ohm speaker. When they tell you that, what they do is add a switch to prevent the avr from overheating and in essense limit the current provided to the speakers. Thats opposite of what is needed. What you need is a receiver with preouts to add an amp down the road if you get that upgrade bug, which you no doubt will.
    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
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    tonyb wrote: »
    Gents, basically speaking, no 400 buck receiver will be able to drive a 4ohm speaker. When they tell you that, what they do is add a switch to prevent the avr from overheating and in essense limit the current provided to the speakers. Thats opposite of what is needed. What you need is a receiver with preouts to add an amp down the road if you get that upgrade bug, which you no doubt will.

    Can you verify that both of these receivers have pre outs to add an amp?

    1.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115339&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4172767&SID=1a88cj3z9dvn5

    2.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117395R

    Thanks Tony.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited December 2011
    The Yamaha does have preouts, the Pioneer does not.
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  • Lego1
    Lego1 Posts: 62
    edited December 2011
    Well, it looks like both of those are out of stock. I agree with tonyb, get a receiver with pre-outs. Don't look at the power it puts out, it doesn't matter since you will use the pre-outs for an amp that will power the speakers. If you're looking at a few receivers, find some that have pre-outs, don't compare the power, but compare the other features you want, like on screen display, HD-Audio, and so on. They find yourself an amp to run at least the two front speakers, or better yet, the front and center channel. I know you said there is no fry's around you, but they do ship. You're right, I checked Philadelphia craigslist, and there are hardly any polk speakers for sale. I did find a surprisingly cheap adcom 555. I would snag it if I was local, but I just bought one. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/2711292862.html
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    Yeah, both went out of stock at like 1:00 am, so i'm on the search again.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2011
    Get you some old monitor 10s.
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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited December 2011
    Why are you looking at 7.1 receivers for a 2.1 speaker system? Find a nice integrated 2 channel receiver with preouts. Harman Kardon makes really nice ones that are affordable and powerful, as does NAD. And +1 on the old Monitor line. I had 5's and they sounded better than my RTiA5's for music, IMO. Now I have RTA15TL's that I found on CL for $150 that will easily blow away any of the aforementioned speakers, and they're being driven by a HK3485 that I paid $100 for. If it's a weight room system, I say go used. Way more bang for the buck . .
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    The MONitor series from Polk Audio, vintage or modern is NOT hard to drive with almost anything you connect to it @ 90db efficiency.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    domflane wrote: »
    Why are you looking at 7.1 receivers for a 2.1 speaker system? Find a nice integrated 2 channel receiver with preouts. Harman Kardon makes really nice ones that are affordable and powerful, as does NAD. And +1 on the old Monitor line. I had 5's and they sounded better than my RTiA5's for music, IMO. Now I have RTA15TL's that I found on CL for $150 that will easily blow away any of the aforementioned speakers, and they're being driven by a HK3485 that I paid $100 for. If it's a weight room system, I say go used. Way more bang for the buck . .

    The bold is a very good point. I guess I was just thinking about the future (moving into my own place).

    The Harmon Kardon HK 3490 may be just what I am looking for actually.

    Said receiver: http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=HK%203490

    Can anyone think of anything comparable to that HK above?
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited December 2011
    shermanator wrote: »
    The Harmon Kardon HK 3490 may be just what I am looking for actually.

    Thats what I have for my office setup. Note you have 2 connections for subs as well so you can easily deal with the down low stuff.

    AND you have pre-outs as well so if you wanted to add a dedicated amp you can.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Thats what I have for my office setup. Note you have 2 connections for subs as well so you can easily deal with the down low stuff.

    AND you have pre-outs as well so if you wanted to add a dedicated amp you can.

    Yeah, that may be the winner. I love that it has pre-outs for bad **** speakers down the road, and it looks sexy ;).

    A few places have it for $250 too.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited December 2011
    shermanator wrote: »
    Yeah, that may be the winner. I love that it has pre-outs for bad **** speakers down the road, and it looks sexy ;).

    A few places have it for $250 too.

    Forum member is selling his for 225, check here: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?127869-HK-3490-Receiver-FS
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Forum member is selling his for 225, check here: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?127869-HK-3490-Receiver-FS

    Thanks, but for $25 more, I get a brand new one with a two year warranty.
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    Just bought the HK 3490 for $252 total!
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,011
    edited December 2011
    Congrats, happy listening. Let us know your impressions.
    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
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    tonyb wrote: »
    Congrats, happy listening. Let us know your impressions.

    Thanks, I have high hopes.

    Happy New Year!
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • shermanator
    shermanator Posts: 59
    edited December 2011
    It's going to be interesting to hear the difference between the Pioneer and the HK....
    http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Shermanatorx/
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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited January 2012
    Nice choice shermanator, those HK integrated stereo amps are great, especially at the price. There should be no comparison between the HK and the Pio. The 120W the HK is rated at is deceiving. My 3485 is the 3490's older brother and I love everything about it. In fact, another forum member I know has Monitor 70's paired to the 80WPC version of your new HK and they're a great match. With your extra 40W, I think you'll have no problems getting the thump you're looking for. The 70's have pretty good bass response, not great compared to a good sub, but pretty good. Good luck and enjoy
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited January 2012
    shermanator wrote: »
    Just bought the HK 3490 for $252 total!
    Where from ?
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