Help with new RTIA9's

Billz

Hi all, I just got an incredible deal on 2 RTiA9's, a CsiA6, and 2 RtiA3's. The sub I purchases is the PSW125, though I am disappointing with the cherry finish. The sub might be going back. What I really need help on is a new receiver. I currently have a Sony STR-DH510 and it's terrible with these speakers. I don't know really how to describe how these speakers sounded when first hooked up to the Sony, but it was awful. I was almost getting a ringing of sorts in my ears. Also when the volume was turned up a little, they would distort. I really need help finding a new receiver, one that has pre-outs for eventually getting an amp. What I was looking at is a Pioneer VSX-42 for $250 at my local best buy. The only thing about the Pioneer is that the pre-outs seem to be for zone 2? Not sure what that means. Could someone shed light on this? If this isn't a good receiver, what would you recommend? I have a budget of around $500 for a receiver, new or used, sorry guys I am still young and don't have the money to shell out for a nicer one. Also will these speakers sound way better with a more capable receiver? I really didn't like the ringing in my ears. Any help would greatly be appreciated. I am very new to this, I came from crappy Sony speakers that were a 5.1 set.

zane77

You will ne an AVR with pre-outs and an amplifier to get the A9's to work for you. An amp with a minimum of 200 watts per channel. I don't think you will find an AVR alone that will power them adequately.

F1nut

Some of the best AVR's on the market are the Pioneer SC series and even those will not drive the A9's properly, but would be a lot better than what you have now.

You might be able to find the older SC-07 in your price range.

tonyb

Couple things, that receiver isn't going to cut it with those speakers. Next, what kind of cables are you using and did you check your connections ? Also, did you set up the receiver....setup the inputs, crossover, set to large or small, etc. You also bought the wrong subwoofer for those speakers, I would send it back.

500 bucks will be hard to get a new receiver with preouts or enough power on it's own to properly power those speakers. Used however is possible. Check your local craigslist or Audiogon.com but I would advise you to stay clear of EBAY. Subwoofer will depend on budget but if you can't afford a better one right now, don't use any then until you save enough. Look for a used SVS, HSU, Polk micro pro sub which will better compliment your speakers.

Billz

Thanks for all the advice. I knew going into this that my receiver wasn't going to cut it. I have to say though, these speakers are sounding better and better the more I play them. I will keep my eye out for an older SC07. I am using monster cable that I got cheap with monster banana connectors. I know monster is just all hype, but hey I got this stuff for a great price so I might as well use it. I have also played around with the settings of my receiver and gotten it to play a little bit better with my speakers. Also if I'm if I'm looking for an amp in the future, what should I be looking for? Anyone have any models that I should be looking at?

Thanks,

Bill

bondslex

Great sounding speakers.