Monitor 30s enough?

ubertrout

I'm currently running an Onkyo 605 and a RM 6750 set, except I've upgraded the subwoofer to a PSW505. I've just upgraded my receiver to a Yamaha RX-A3000, and I'm looking to move up to Monitors. I'm definitely getting a CS2, but I've realized I don't really have room for floorstanders. So my plan is to get Monitor 30s as front speakers (keeping the RM6750 speakers as rears for now), and moving the Monitor 30s to the back once I have room for 60s or 70s as fronts. Would this be enough? I almost worry about the RX-A3000 overpowering them.

pyrocyborg

Do not fear overpowering, it won't do any harm unless you hear distortion, cracking or poping. Keep it at a respectable volume level, and you won't have any trouble. I mean, I had my RTiA3 powered by my NAD326 : it was loud with only a minimal turn of knob, and crazy loud with something like a 15 degree turn. It didn't break anything, as I was probably feeding them something like 5 watts at best. In normal listening conditions, you never use most of your power. For example, in let's say optimal conditions, you may be pushing a 80 dB to your listening position with only 1 watt of power.

Under-powering, on the other hand, can be harmful. I won't enter in technical talk, but keep in mind that as long as you keep listening at a "not that crazy loud level" (aka concert hall level), no damage can happen from both underpowering and overpowering.

Just for the records, you're probably mainly using your set as a HT? If so, don't you think buying the RTi series could be good? They are, IMO, better for HT for not that much more money. You can get great deals on Polk Direct (ebay). Not that I don't like the monitor series, but I prefer RTi.

Lietuvis91

Skip the monitors and do the Rtia3s instead with a matching center, if your budget can fit that. Just a better speaker.

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

That's a nice Yamaha Receiver there! As pointed out above, you won't damage M-30s by feeding them power but do use common sense! Why not move up to some M-40s (basically a very similar output to the Polk entry M-50 towers)? Footprint is not that different from the M-30s and you'll get a bit more range.

Or, you could get some Rti-4s for 150 and do a matching center from that series? Rti-4s (or the newer Rti-A1s) have a more robust tweeter (and that is what usually goes when you push M series speakers).

Either way. You're off to a good start. The PSW 505, one of the best subs in that under 225 price point!

Enjoy!

cnh

Lietuvis91

cnh wrote: »

Welcome to Club Polk!

Or, you could get some Rti-4s for 150 and do a matching center from that series? Rti-4s (or the newer Rti-A1s) have a more robust tweeter (and that is what usually goes when you push M series speakers).

cnh

I agree, I forgot about the rti4, that's a good suggestion. Certainly better than the m30.