Mismatched front stage advice - timbre correction with Audyssey MultEQ XT

Ronman79

Helpful people,


I need help, but first, here's my setup:

POLK RTi6 (fronts - on stands)
POLK CSi A6 (center)
POLK F/Xi5 (surrounds - bipole mode, on rear wall)
POLK PSW505 (3) (subwoofers - been building up, intend to run 4)
Onkyo TX-SR876 (receiver)

Now for your advice and opinions (thanks for already helping, Jim).

As you can tell, I've been building my system with RTi stuff, and I really like them. Even though most of it is comprised of the previous generation, it's still the same series, and it matches up.

I've wanted to go with towers for a while now, and I'm about to be able to do so. I had originally looked at the
RTi A7s and A5s, as well as the previous gen RTi10s and 8s. However, I'm very much on a budget, and I've recently seen the Monitor 70s refurbished with Polk warranty for only $350 shipped!!!

Monitor 70s or RTi A5s? Highest model from Monitor series vs. lowest model in RTiA series? Would it be a mistake to mix those two series'? Is the timbre really that different between the two series'? Would Audyssey correct it? Should I wait, save, and get the RTi A5s, or go ahead and nab that Monitor 70 deal??? Sorry...:redface:


Sincere thanks,
RM

pdxfj

With three, perhaps four 505's for bass I don't really see any reason to get towers. The A7's are basically what you have for L-R speakers with a couple of 7" bass drivers. I'm sure I'll get some flack for that comment....

I went from Monitor 70's to RTi-A7's and there was a very significant improvement in sound quality. Even more so when I upgraded the caps and resistors in my A6 center and the A7 towers.

When I A/B the 70's with the A7's, the 70's have a bit more mid-range punch but the clarity and smoothness of the upgraded A7's leave the 70's in the dust.

Audyssey can't correct for timber match. Physically different tweeters between the two product lines. Is there any particular reason you want to move up to towers? I would look at doing the XO upgrades on your 6's and center channel. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised at the change. Also does your Onkyo have pre-outs? If it does you should consider an 2 or 3 channel amp.

tommyt21

Rti series wins! I had/have monitors and they are great, but the rti is a big step up..In my opinion.. Whats with the attempt at 4 PSW505's that makes no sense to me, waste of space and money. I would sell the 3 and get a single good ID sub. My HSU will kick the snot out of those 505's in depth and clarity. I know because I owned the 505.

Also I wouldn't view it as the lowest in one model line vs the highest in the other. You should just be comparing the lines the build is much better on the rti series than any of the monitors.

Disclaimer: This is all my opinion and is not backed up by anything but my opinion

nhhiep

yeah, I don't understand why he has so many so-so subs. with the current setup, I think he just needs 1 good sub, not 3-4 so so ones.

Ronman79

Points taken about the subs...I already had a couple of them, and did a good bit of research on the subject. The PSW505 I know isn't the best, but it's a great value. I just got one, perfectly functioning (missing grill) for $160!

As far as going multiple, it cuts down on room resonance, each individual sub is driven less to achieve comparable output, so there's less port noise and distortion at high volumes. It also smoothes bass response for more listening positions, and cuts down on standing waves.

tommyt21

Ronman79 wrote: »

Points taken about the subs...I already had a couple of them, and did a good bit of research on the subject. The PSW505 I know isn't the best, but it's a great value. I just got one, perfectly functioning (missing grill) for $160!

As far as going multiple, it cuts down on room resonance, each individual sub is driven less to achieve comparable output, so there's less port noise and distortion at high volumes. It also smoothes bass response for more listening positions, and cuts down on standing waves.

Please dont take this the wrong way, but I only agree with you to a point. Multiple subs can infact create standing waves and bass nulls themselves. Room treatments (bass traps) will do a better job at helping with room/bass issues.

jkg123

Are you going to try to stack the subs at all?

jkg123

or just four corners?

Ronman79

tommyt21 wrote: »

Whats with the attempt at 4 PSW505's that makes no sense to me, waste of space and money. My HSU will kick the snot out of those 505's in depth and clarity.

Tommy21, with comments like that, why would anyone take you the wrong way??? :cheesygrin: I'm open to ANY helpful input.

JKG, with my setup, I'm planning 1/4 wall placement, front and rear. Your opinion?


Thanks,
RM

Ronman79

Well, I've gotten all four subs up and running. It's sounding great, and contributing to that is the fact that I also bi-amped my RTi6s up front. I think I'm gonna hold off on going with towers for now. I'm very pleased. I played around with phase settings and options within the receiver, and I think it sounds the best with the rear subs out of phase. Still tweaking.....

devani

RTi6 is more than capable if you have a dedicated sub IMO....I have RTi6, CSi5, FXi3 for HT after having many various polk speakers....

tonyb

Monitor 70's is taking a step backwards imho. Save up for the A5's or 7's. Don't count out used either to stretch those dollars. You could find some A7's used for the price of M70's new.

codyc1ark

How about a sub eq? If your running four, I would think that would be the best bang for your buck. Look for a Velodyne SMS-1, it should be in your budget, and it will help you with your curve. After that, room treatments may be the biggest upgrade you can do, or vise versa. Nice system.

20hz

I have a problem room and got good subs to sound bad, I had multiple subs but the lows never sounded even somthing was always wrong so I have twice the needed sub and its in the cornor and it sounds great at all volumes !