2 Stereo Set-up Scenerios.....what would you choose for music and why?

mlebler

I'm trying to piece together a stereo system for a friend and I'm trying to keep the budget low. I've got two options I can readily obtain locally (I'm in Canada, selection is limited). I need to keep the speaker side of the equation around $300. So my question is, for strictly music, what stereo solution would you choose and why:

1) pair of Monitor 70's

OR

2) pair of RTi6's with PSW108 sub

Joe08867

If it were my money I would go Monitor 70. But I am not a huge fan of 2.1 for music.

Plus with the right power monitor 70's are pretty dang musical.

mlebler

Ya, I love my 70's, my musical in my opinion.

And what about this Polk PSW108 sub? Really hard to find any information about it. Is it worth the $98 I can get it for?

tonyb

If it's just for 2 channel listening, I would stick the coin into a better 2 front speakers and no sub. Doesn't make sense to buy cheaper speakers and a cheaper subwoofer. Look for a pair of RTIA7's used.

mlebler

tonyb wrote: »

If it's just for 2 channel listening, I would stick the coin into a better 2 front speakers and no sub. Doesn't make sense to buy cheaper speakers and a cheaper subwoofer. Look for a pair of RTIA7's used.

This was my thought process: The RTi6's have better tweeters and mid-woofers; being a higher line then the monitor series. The monitor 70's on the other hand have a couple extra low-end drivers to round out the bass better. Solution: Pair the RTi6's with a sub to round out the bass. According to my thought process this is the better set-up.

Sadly I have no experience with using a sub in a stereo set-up, so I'm really not sure what represents the better solution here for music.

I would love to upgrade my buddy to a pair of RTIA7's! But sadly its not in our budget nor means. Its really just between these two options right now with some of the closeout deals happening on some older-model Polk's.

tonyb

Then stick with the RTI6's, but save the coin on the sub, there's better out there.

pyrocyborg

Hi! I guess you're looking at those RTi6 at Futureshop? While I had them for a little less than a month, I could say I was pleased with them for HT, but not that much for music, as they tend to be high on treble. With an entry-level receiver, it might even sound harsh on certain soundtrack... well, it was even sounding very bright with my NAD integrated amp, but every one has their tastes.

As for the Monitor 70, they need something near 100-150 real watts per channel to really sound great. By that, I mean, you need something else than a entry-level 7x100w receiver (which hardly do anything higher than 60 watts in 2 channel). So, first of all, what is your friends' receiver/amp? (or what are you planning to get him?). Other than that, they are great speaker, less detailed than the RTi but less fatiguing too for long time listening.

Don't get me wrong, both are good speakers, not just my cup of tea. I had a pair of RTi4 for 2 years paired with a PSW108 sub: everyone was impressed with them for HT, delivering crisp, clear and vibrant sound. However, for music, it could sometimes get on my nerves, so I changed for a pair of RTi6, to see how they would do. They didn't passed the test; while they had more bass, it was still as bright as before (but I didn't need the sub anymore to be honest.... I'm not a basshead, and I live in an appartment, so the RTi6 were doing this job quite right). I tried the RTiA3, same sound. So I gave up the RTi route and went straight to the LSi7.

For the money, I think you can't go wrong with either, but be sure that if he doesn't like the sound, he can return it in 30 days, expecially if you buy from Futureshop. They have some kind of a no question refund politic, which is quite nice. Also, tell him that he don't have to "get used" to a speaker he doesn't like or find "too harsh": he'll end up selling his stuff a few years later because he won't be able to listen to it! Sure the tweeters will be tamed after a few hours, but they'll still be on the bright/detailed side.

If you don't mind paying a little bit more... try to get a look at these, if you got a Visions near you (Which I do not as I live in Quebec, but another member bought those speakers and according to him, they are very musical speakers, detailed but yet they manage to stay with a warm sound) : http://www.visions.ca/%28S%28k11nsm45alsntg552sybmaf5%29%29/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=160&productId=7265&sku=Q100 , the only drawback being that warranty. I do not know why they only state 1 year warranty when they are authorized dealer. It might worth a shot to contact KEF about this if you buy those speakers.

My end word would be... experiment, and try to listen to those speakers with him. If he likes them in the shop, then buy a pair, set them and listen again. Good luck!

EDIT: well, search KEF Q100 visions.ca on google, as my link is %$/%/? up :P

pyrocyborg

Also, please keep in mind that the worst place to place bookshelf speakers on are actually bookshelf. You need to get him a pair of stands like Sanus Natural Foundations (about 30 inches tall). You can get a pair used too, but try to find some heavy ones, or at least, a pair that does look and feel sturdy.

I prefer bookshelf over tower because in small room, you can place to tweeter to ears level with your stands... In a bigger room, there is little to no difference if you're far from your speakers.

Sorry if you already knew about that, good luck again!

mlebler

Thanks pyrocyborg! Ya, I was looking at them at futureshop. I have a visions by me, I'll take a look!