RTi8s + Amp question

tigerspy

Hi, I'm a rookie here and basically just getting started with home audio etc. I've been finding this forum extremely helpful.

I have some RTi8s on the way as my mains. I have a Denon 3803 to drive them. For the rest, I got a pair of RTi4s and a CSi3 along with a PSW303. The room size is about 16x14 feet.

Ok, so my question is can I/should I power the RTi8s using an external amp? I mean, those things rate at a max of 250w and I'm not sure if when I'm cranking in stereo mode whether or not the 3803 will do justice. I was thinking the Outlaw M Block amps.. getting a couple of them. Another question, is it ok to just amp those two speakers with those 200 watt amps while the rest of the system is running the 110 watt 3803 feed?

Keith

Frank Z

Welcome to the forum!
Don't get to hyped up about an external amp(s)....yet. Wait until you've had a chance to setup your equipment, calibrate with an SPL meter and see how well everything performs. Your Denon is a good receiver and should have more than enough power to drive the 8's to mind-numbing volume levels.

The Outlaw monoblocks would work just fine, and can be had for a relatively low price.

If at some point you decide that you need more power than the Denon can provide, a multichannel amp might make more sense. It will take up less space, offer equal power to all channels, and generally cost less than 5 monoblocks.

Keep in mind that just because your speakers are rated at 250 watts doesn't mean that you need to use that much amplification to get adequate volume. Based on your room size, the Denon should work perfectly well.

Dr. Spec

You have the makings of a killer HT system. The 3803 will power all of those speakers just fine, particularly if they are all set to small with an 80 Hz crossover to the sub.

The speakers you own will perform and sound the best set to small. They will sound clearer, more dynamic, and exhibit much lower levels of harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Your 3803 will sound and feel like a 200 wpc monster powering them on small, with all kinds of headroom.

Suggestions:

1) Upgrade to the CSi5 if you can before your CC upgrade plan runs out (if you bought them there). The center is very important, and the larger drivers in the 5 will really fill the room with authority and give a wide and effortless soundstage.

2) Add another set of speaks for rear surrounds. If you have flat shelves inthe back, the CSi3 will be excellent for this. If not, then another set of RTi4's. Your 3803 IS a 7 channel amp, after all! Adding two more channels in the rear REALLY enhances the HT experience.

3) Your 303 is the weak link in the system, especially in that size room. Take the money you would otherwise sink into amps and upgrade the subwoofer. It will probably be the single best improvement you will make to your system.

tigerspy

Thanks for the replies! I ordered the speakers from Crutchfield and they should be here sometime next week. I think I will just get my ears wet with this set up and see how it goes.
I was just concerned because of people talking about clipping the speakers, etc.

A little side note: when I was shopping for speakers, I also went to my local PSB dealer and checked out the Image 5Ts (about the same price range and specs), since I have a friend who swears by PSB. They were indeed nice, but I also listened and examined the RTi8s at CC. It really seems to me that the RTi8s are at least at the same level as the Image 5Ts. I'm not a huge fan of these big outlet stores, but it sure seems the quality of Polk's speakers are quite excellent considering they are using these big retailers to push their products. The small PSB dealer made me feel like I was an audiophile shopping for speakers, but I was trying to not let that get in the way and rather just look at the speakers themselves regardless of their sales setting. Or maybe I'm wrong and I'm just a greenhorn?

Anyways, I'm dusting off my Zepellin, ready to test these 8s out when I get them! I suppose if I ever put in an external amp, I would amp all channels evenly, especially since I may check out some of the DVD-A/SACD stuff in the future.

Thanks for the suggestions for beefing up my system. I have 30 days with Crutchfield to exchange, so I'll thoroughly test everything and see if a bigger center or sub is necessary. I do agree though that maybe I should have opted for a more powerful sub... any suggestions? A PSW404?

Early B.

Yeah, get a Hsu sub. Try the VTF-2 for $449 with free shipping.

Dr. Spec

Pretty big room for a VTF-2. If you want to stay with Hsu, a VTF-3 or STF-3 or TN1220 would be a better choice.

Otherwise

SVS 25-31 PCi
SVS 20-39PCi
Paradigm 2200
Acoustic Visions Dharman