power for RTi 150

danger boy · October 2003

Originally posted by Joel McIntosh
My Marantz 7300 with (105 watts per channel - 8 ohms) was too underpowered to handle my RTi150s. So I bought a separate amp (NAD 218THX -- stereo output, 225 watts with 280 dynamic power - 8 ohms). Right now, I have the RTi150s speakers wired exclusively to the NAD; however, I am wondering if I could get a more full, realistic sound by bi-amping the speakers (i.e., running the mid-range and tweeter off of the Marantz and the woofers off of the NAD). What do you guys think? Is this a good idea? Is there any reason not to do this (i.e., will using two different brands/types of amplification create some kind of sound disharmony?).

Ummmm... i wouldn't do it that way.. if the 150's sound good now.. mixing amps I doubt will yield any upgrade in performance. To get a boost in performance i would suggest a second 2 channel amp. run the current one you have for the subs in the 150's. then a second amp for the tweets.. and keep your NAD to run the rest of the speakers.. ie.. center and surrounds.

I would say if it's keeping you up and night wondering if it will work or not.. i say give it a try.. you may really dig it.

walk · October 2003

Depends on how loud you will be listening doesn't it?

I have an older Onkyo (TX-DS-575) rated at 70wpc and it's more than enough for 80-100db playback. More than that I dunno, but I'm sure the cops would be busting down my door, I live in an apartment building... I do also have a 50w powered sub though.

Onkyo's are famous for rating "honest" watts. Whereas a HK or Denon rated at 100wpc would barely push 35w into 5 or 6 channels, the Onkyos rated at 85-100wpc will happily pump out 70-80w times 6 channels before clipping.

When I get some more money I do plan to upgrade to the Onkyo 701 or 800, mostly for the ProLogicII/DTS-ES etc but also for more power, and to a bigger sub.

Speaking of which, Circuit City has a special on the Polk PSW202 subwoofer ($189) is that a good sub?

danielyu · October 2003

how do you guys determine whether a Receiver has sufficient power for RTi 150s? I have a HK 7200 receiver and the 150 sounds fine for me, loud and clear. So how does a power Amp, say 200w/channel, make it sound better? or how does a 300w/channel Amp make the 150 sound better than powered by a 200w/ch Amp?

Tour2ma · October 2003

daniel,
Basically the thread(s) on the 150's power requirements have included several owners reporting amps overheating and/or shutting down, the sure sign of being underpowered. Otherwise it's a more difficult call.

As much as folks talk about power, i.e., wpc, an amp's or an amp section's current capacity is just as important of a specification. Lack of high current capacity (HCC) leads to difficulites when presented with low (<8 ohm) speaker loads. That said, your post indicates you are happy with your match and that's what really matters.

walk,
Yes, how loud, but also in what space and to what material. Room size is a big factor as is how far your listening position is from the speakers nd how "live" your room is. And of course, if you a re talking HT, which you seem to be, five or more channels will fill a given room with sound at a lower wpc demand than 2 ch's will. Assigning some of the bass duties to a sub also helps.

As for your sub questions... One of the reasons to buy the 150's vs. other models is their bass capability. If you're using 150's as mains, I don't believe your present sub or the 202 would be a meaningful addition to the system.

faster100 · October 2003

Originally posted by Tour2ma
.

As for your sub questions... One of the reasons to buy the 150's vs. other models is their bass capability. If you're using 150's as mains, I don't believe your present sub or the 202 would be a meaningful addition to the system.

Agreed, The 150's had almost as much bass as my SVS dare i say, on some music at very high volumes, without the impact though unfortunatly.. The svs slams the 150's.. and it should. BUT the 150's put some bass out no doubt, and is best suited IMO for 2 channel without a sub, the combo of 150's/with a sub just doesnt mesh as well as i first thought.. It will take a pretty powerful sub to surpass the bass at high volumes of the 150's.. and sound correctly, again IMO

power for RTi 150

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