Upgrade to Rti a3

hdshatter
hdshatter Posts: 14
edited December 2012 in Speakers
I am currently using a harman kardon 3490 + hsu hb-1 mkII + hsu vtf 2 mk4, I was wondering if upgrading to an Rti a3 would be worth the $. I am looking for a better speaker for Music and games and a little movies, I use these speakers wall mounted to the side of my monitor in my bedroom, I am looking for speakers that have a large immerisve soundstage that can go very loud without distortion.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    can you demo them anywhere first?

    i have the RTI4 which is the predecessor to the smaller RTI-A 1, and while i have nothing but good to say about it, it lends itself to being a brighter speaker(which isnt a huge problem for me), awesome for movies, and not bad with music, but could be better, the rt in rti stands for reference theater, kicks **** for games though, speaker placement is huge with the 4's, if you put them in a corner the seem to have a bit more bass which can help with the brightness, but its a more boomy bass and didnt seem musical to me, your room, your placement options and speakers will be different from mine so dont put too much mind to what i say, im ne here as well, plus your hk has got a warmer sound than my yammy, i just ordered that same receiver btw, i think with a warmer receiver and the larger drivers you wont have as much brightness, but it will all come down to your ear in your room with your system so merry christmas and have fun shopping
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    Nowhere near demos here, Guess ill buy them and if im not satisfied I always have 30 days to return.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    any friends with a set?
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    I know one of them has a monitor 50.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    never heard the monitors so i have no basis of comparison, although just basing this off of price points and advertising the rti-a is in a different league from the monitors, i heard the rti-a's in a demo here but they were in a crowded loud store with other speakers also playing the same demo so its hard to give an opinion on them, what i can say is they are beautifully crafted, solid, and i would never consider them as something i would regret buying so long as i found a good deal
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited December 2012
    hdshatter wrote: »
    I am currently using a harman kardon 3490 + hsu hb-1 mkII + hsu vtf 2 mk4, I was wondering if upgrading to an Rti a3 would be worth the $. I am looking for a better speaker for Music and games and a little movies, I use these speakers wall mounted to the side of my monitor in my bedroom, I am looking for speakers that have a large immerisve soundstage that can go very loud without distortion.

    As much as I liked my own pair of RTiA3 - and they are a good bargain and nice speaker - I don't think that it is the match you are looking for.

    They might be a small step up from your Hsu bookshelves - but I think you'd be better off with a bigger step up - to say the LSiM703s, or if that is too much then the LSi7s.

    I found that the RTiA3s don't go LOUD as good as the LSi7s. And at LOUD volumes you may find that your HK will start to run out of headroom.

    The RTiA3s will be easier to drive, do very well at mid-volumes, give a detailed and spacious soundstage, but the soundstage starts to collapse at higher volumes.

    The LSi7s will be a bit harder to drive, but will be the better musical choice at higher volumes as they will stay sonically coherent, but it'll take more power to wake them up.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    I can get the lsi7 for $300, same with the rti a3, which is an overall better speaker for music/games and I have a sub already so I don't care which has better bass.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    i have been told to get the 7 to pair with my 3490, been told its an amazing combo for the budget savvy beginner, http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?139863-which-to-buy-first post number 4

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?140280-lsi-7-or-9 number 2, 9

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?139481-fs-HK-3490-Receiver post 7 and 38
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    I think I'm leaning towards the Lsi 7, seems like a much better overall speaker if you can drive it and looks nice. Can it still be wallmounted with the a40, how well will it crossover with my hsu sub and can the hk 3490 get the lsi to loud levels but. I don't know if this helps but my source is an ASUS Xonar Essence STX then i use a 3 foot glass optical cable to my hk 3490, I also have a blu ray player hooked up to it but I rarely use it since my pc has one to.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    ask endershadow about how it works it that receiver, he used to have that combo
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited December 2012
    hdshatter wrote: »
    I think I'm leaning towards the Lsi 7, seems like a much better overall speaker if you can drive it and looks nice. Can it still be wallmounted with the a40, how well will it crossover with my hsu sub and can the hk 3490 get the lsi to loud levels but. I don't know if this helps but my source is an ASUS Xonar Essence STX then i use a 3 foot glass optical cable to my hk 3490, I also have a blu ray player hooked up to it but I rarely use it since my pc has one to.

    Yes, the LSi7s can be wall mounted.

    Here are some pics of my rig - RTiA3 and LSi7s - both wall mounted
    http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/hometheater/home-theater-valor.JPG
    http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/hometheater/LSi7-wallmount.JPG

    I will say that the LSi7s really really benefit from an amp with lots of power and headroom. Will your HK work? Sure - just don't go 'stupid loud'.

    I think your HK has preouts for adding an external amp later - which I would recommend if you like going "loud".

    If loud and good for music is what you are after - then the LSi7s will trump the RTiA3s - IF you get a good external amp.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    Ya it has the pre amp connections so if I do want the extra loudness I could always do that.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,005
    edited December 2012
    It's not about loudness, it's extra clarity, bigger sounstage, more dynamics. You won't gain much more volume by adding an amplifier, thats not their main function anyway.
    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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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    I don't think I will need an external amp, been looking online an hk 3490 seems more than capable of driving the lsi 7s, some people are even using it to drive the lsi 9s.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited December 2012
    hdshatter wrote: »
    I don't think I will need an external amp, been looking online an hk 3490 seems more than capable of driving the lsi 7s, some people are even using it to drive the lsi 9s.

    For now....

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • oleon621
    oleon621 Posts: 178
    edited December 2012
    These certainly aren't bookshelves but the RTI A7's would fulfill your needs very nicely. Don't go with the monitor series...they're very boomy and you'll enjoy the more natural sound from the RTI series.
    Front- RTI A7,(powered by ADCOM GFA 5500)
    Center- CSI5,
    Surrounds- RTI 6 and Rear Surrounds- TS 15.
    TV-Panasonic P55ST50
    SUB-SVS PB10-NSD and PSW505
    Receiver- Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    Anything comparable to the lsi 7 that is 8 ohm?
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited December 2012
    hdshatter wrote: »
    Anything comparable to the lsi 7 that is 8 ohm?

    Budget?

    And do you mind used?

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    the 3490 is rated 120 at 4 ohm, you dont have to find an 8 ohm speaker for it
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    Budget?

    And do you mind used?

    $500 budget for just the speakers. I don't mind used/refurbs.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited December 2012
    sorry bout that typo, 150 at 4 ohm
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    oleon621 wrote: »
    These certainly aren't bookshelves but the RTI A7's would fulfill your needs very nicely. Don't go with the monitor series...they're very boomy and you'll enjoy the more natural sound from the RTI series.

    This is for my PC I have some floorstanding for my tv though and they sound nice.
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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,990
    edited December 2012
    Polkdirect on eBay. You'll save 20-30% on Polk refurbed speakers. Bought all mine there, no regrets.
    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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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    gp4jesus wrote: »
    Polkdirect on eBay. You'll save 20-30% on Polk refurbed speakers. Bought all mine there, no regrets.

    I can get them on discount new so there only $300 for either.
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  • hdshatter
    hdshatter Posts: 14
    edited December 2012
    LSI 7's came today, these were exactly what i was looking for :biggrin:
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  • monepolk
    monepolk Posts: 1,146
    edited December 2012
    Great enjoy!
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