What to buy?

Dawalt
Dawalt Posts: 4
edited November 2012 in Speakers
I am considering buying new RtiA9 or rtiA7 speakers. I have Onkyo 135 w AVR . I have read reviews and forums and most say you need HUGE amplifier power to run these. Due to budget I cannot afford a big amp right now! Will my
AVR be able to handle these speakers or what is alternative. I want to upgrade to a 5.1 surround system with matching surrounds and center. Any suggestions !
Post edited by Dawalt on
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited November 2012
    You'll get varying opinions here, but that sounds like one of the beefier AVRs from Onkyo - 800 series? I'd say it should run the RTiA7s nicely, and the A9s adequately. Obviously, additional separate amplification would improve things, but that receiver should be capable. Capable enough? That's for you to decide.

    Welcome to Club Polk!!
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited November 2012
    The avr will play the speakers. Just depends on what u r expecting. For a few hundo u can pick up a vintage amp ie ( parasound B&K adcom ect.) and get far ( and i mean far) better results. I am assuming u want real good 2 CH SOUND out of it, use the avr for HT.
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
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  • ravaneli
    ravaneli Posts: 530
    edited November 2012
    why not A5? They will sound better than A7. Given that u have a good sub, of course.

    My opinion is that trying to get bass out of towers is a huge waste of money. I am not recommending A5s so u save money. I do because they will sound better. A5s + good sub > of A9 powered by the best amplifiers
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I have found that tube based computers provide the best sound quality. ENIAC and MANIAC I offer a smooth, well defined and articulated sound unmatched by the current silicon based CPUs. :wink:
    jeremymarcinko wrote: »
    But as in all things your perception is your reality.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2012
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    You'll get varying opinions here, but that sounds like one of the beefier AVRs from Onkyo - 800 series? I'd say it should run the RTiA7s nicely, and the A9s adequately. Obviously, additional separate amplification would improve things, but that receiver should be capable. Capable enough? That's for you to decide.

    Welcome to Club Polk!!

    Welcome to Club Polk!

    These days, if you want a beefier AVR from Onkyo, they're forcing you into their upper end 3XXX and 5XXX receivers! The lower models, including the new 1010 (which isn't bad; draws 1 amp less than my old-time 805 which draws 9.5 amps from your wall, whereas the 1010 has more channels and only draws 8.5?).

    The 818 draws 8.1 amps and weighs only 40.3 lbs compared to the 50.9 lbs of the years old 805?? Of course these new AVRs have tons more features, it's their amp sections that are "less capable". If you have the money and you want a "powerful" Onkyo go for the models above! 55 lbs and 11 amps (they are configured for 9 channel + 2--extra amperage needed--the 805 is a simpler 7.1). If you plan to use external amplification, the 818 is all you would ever need!

    A5s sound better than A9s with subs? OK, to each his own. Maybe one should call up the Polk engineers and tell them they got the A9 design all wrong?

    I guess all that time they spent in R&D was a waste!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • roost28
    roost28 Posts: 39
    edited November 2012
    A little more info could help,like what model of avr is it?
    samsung un40eh5300
    yamaha rx-a3010
    oppo bdp-105
    rtiA7, front
    csiA4, center
    rtiA1, front presence
    rtiA1, surrounds
    PSW 505, sub
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited November 2012
    I would go with the 7's or 9's with your AVR then plan to add an amp later on down the road when funds allow. Just make sure your AVR has analog pre outs so you can hook one up.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • Dawalt
    Dawalt Posts: 4
    edited November 2012
    My AVR is Onkyo Tx NR809 I've got fairly larger living room area 23' wide X 24' deep. So can use bigger speakers!
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,606
    edited November 2012
    ravaneli wrote: »
    why not A5? They will sound better than A7. Given that u have a good sub, of course.

    My opinion is that trying to get bass out of towers is a huge waste of money. I am not recommending A5s so u save money. I do because they will sound better. A5s + good sub > of A9 powered by the best amplifiers


    So....are you or are you not recommending A5's? Getting bass out of towers is a waste? You should listen to more towers then! I loved your "best amplifiers" comment! :rolleyes:
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
    edited November 2012
    Ok, now I have to figure out how to block quotes from this r guy! :rolleyes: Anyway, Your AVR will run the 7's just fine but with that size room you might want to add an amp with the 9's.
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
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  • cr136124
    cr136124 Posts: 186
    edited November 2012
    Welcome to the club!

    You have a solid receiver, so you will be able to drive the A7's without any problems. The A9's might require a bit more power due to the number of drivers on these towers. However the good news is that your receiver has preouts and therefore you are golden. I mean, you should be able to add an external amplifier whenever you want or your budget allows.

    I personally did that, drove my A9's for several weeks just using my receiver (Yamaha) and during that time I was looking for a good second hand amplifier. So, if you are not in a rush, you can try to do that.

    Good luck with that, have fun and report back!
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  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,685
    edited November 2012
    If your anywhere near New York, I can hook my A7 back up for you to listen...

    Hell you can even buy them from me!

    I drove mine off of my Denon for years with zero complaint. The A9's I would not bother with untill you have a separate amp, personally.
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  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited November 2012
    Welcome to Club Polk.
    I really like my A9's and they are as good as you can get in a tower speaker, any brand, for the price. YOU WILL NOT APPRECIATE THEM UNTIL YOU POWER THEM, and no AVR on earth can do that. I have powered mine with an old HCA 2200 Parasound and that does the job however they could still stand some more.

    A9's also do something very well: they LOOK GREAT and that is very important to me.

    Along with the A9's I also use a 2pair of RTI A3's and a pair of RTI A1's in different systems. They all sound terrific on their own and look stunning and are easy to place. These little guys when paired with powered subs could make a very nice HT system which will run on just about any mid-grade AVR and used later in an office or book-room as you learn more about what a real HT set-up looks like. My current HT is a pair of SDA-SRS in the front with 2 micro-pro subs, a pair of 2000p's with powered subs in the rear and some old 28's on side duty with a RTI 6 as center. the only things changed out in this system for the last year is the center and that will probably change quite soon as I cannot seem to get enough dialog from the 6.

    So to your original question of RTI A7's or A9's: neither. Go a little smaller to the A-1's or A-3's, a nice sub and you can enjoy good HT and very good 2-channel with your 135WPC Onk. Participate with this forum read everything you can and learn.

    Sound is fun, enjoy your new passion and realize it is never over and always changing.
    Main Family Room: Sony 46 LCD, Sony Blue Ray, Sony DVD/VCR combo,Onkyo TXNR 708, Parasound 5250,
    Polk SDS-SRS with mods, CSI 5 center + Klipsch SC2, Polk RT2000P rears, Klipsch KG 1.5's sides, Polk Micro Pro 1000, Polk Micro Pro 2000, Polk SW505, Belkin PF60, Signal Cable Classics,Monster IC's, 2 15 amp circuits & 1 20 amp circuit.

    Living Room: Belkin PF60, Parasound HCA2200, MIT ProlineEXP balanced IC's,Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/Pre,Emotiva ERC2 transport,MIT AVT2, Polk LSI 9's.
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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,990
    edited November 2012
    I'll chime in w/Michael. A pair of 'A3s w/the sub of your choice. Later move them to the sides or back when you $ettle on A7s or 9s w/a robust* amp.
    * 4 ohm stable

    Tony
    Samsung 60" UN60ES6100 LED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside BJC 10 ga: LCR mids “Foamed & Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop) LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - 981, connected w/Monoprice Premiere ICs
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981 -> Bi-amped CSi A6 Surrounds: Premiere ICs ->Rotel 981 -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3. 5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”. Power Conditioning & Distribution: 4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,473
    edited November 2012
    Heck, I say A9's all day. They have a better midrange than the sibling A7. I've got the Onk 807 and although I don't power my A9's with my receiver, I wouldn't think they are going to sound "bad" by doing so. And, you can look at it this way, you've got the A9's now, you listen to them powered by your 809, down the road when you can afford to add an external amp (highly recommended), it will be like getting a new pair of speakers, some bad a** speaker for the price of an amp.

    Emotiva amps are not the most popular brand on this forum, but they are less expensive than a lot of other brand name amps, and they do put out extra power over your AVR. I've got two of them and my A9's sound really great. It's a less expensive way of getting the much needed power to your speakers.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • ravaneli
    ravaneli Posts: 530
    edited November 2012
    i don't understand why everyone is stubborn about using precious power from a power strainer receiver for feeding woofers on a tower, that will NEVER move air like a 12" sub. If you do have a good sub (1) and your only power source will be the AVR (2) it is really stupid to go A7 or A9. Get A5s or A3s, and your receiver will be perfect and will supply optimal power for the speakers, and the sub will take care of the rest.
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I have found that tube based computers provide the best sound quality. ENIAC and MANIAC I offer a smooth, well defined and articulated sound unmatched by the current silicon based CPUs. :wink:
    jeremymarcinko wrote: »
    But as in all things your perception is your reality.
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  • Dawalt
    Dawalt Posts: 4
    edited November 2012
    Well all of you convinced me not to buy RTIA9 or a7 thx! Buying another brand!
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  • sagasa
    sagasa Posts: 127
    edited November 2012
    Get emotiva xpa3 that will be more than enough to drive your rtia9
    Front: Tekton Pendragon
    Center: Tekton Pendragon
    Surr.: Fxi5
    Umc1
    Xpr-2
    Xpa-3
    Xda-2
    Erc-3
    Xsp-1
    Vtf-2 Mk3 x 2
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited November 2012
    Dawalt wrote: »
    Well all of you convinced me not to buy RTIA9 or a7 thx! Buying another brand!

    That's a shame, they're great speakers. What are you going to go with instead?
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  • wkjeffers
    wkjeffers Posts: 139
    edited November 2012
    I agree with emotiva for budget price or look at an entry level Parasound, some have John Curl designs. Good value.
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  • agco
    agco Posts: 36
    edited November 2012
    to michael1947 coment I agree not to shaby at all.
    ht rm.:loneranger:
    arcam rblink
    tyler acoustics d4mx frt.
    csi a4 polk audio ctr.
    fxi 3 polk audio bck
    dsw 550 wi polk audio sub
    sony 3600 es
    adcom gfa 7605
    sony bdp s-270
    sony 40 lcd wide screen
    panamax m4300

    game:redface:
    32 in. samsung
    sony dhs810
    m10 polk audio
    Polk audio rti a1

    zone 2:eek:
    bose 601
    advent 6003
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,006
    edited November 2012
    Dawalt wrote: »
    Well all of you convinced me not to buy RTIA9 or a7 thx! Buying another brand!

    My bet is on Klipsch.
    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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  • Dawalt
    Dawalt Posts: 4
    edited November 2012
    I'm buying some Martin Logan Motion 40 mains , Motion 30 center, Martin Logan sub, Martin Logan surround sides, really nice sounding speakers !
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