Upgrade Suggestions
ThirdWorldGuy
Posts: 39
Hi,
Some time ago I asked you for advice on several topics and got wonderful feedback.
I am back with more questions,
Now my system consists of an RTi A5 and a Yamaha RX-V767(95W rms 8 ohms, 20hz-20khz), connected to an HTPC via HDMI.
Now I bitstream my flac collection via MediaMonkey (WASAPI?) and the sound is amazing. A massive upgrade from my previous setup.
Usage : 90% music/10% Blu rays and Videogames.
Should I:
a) Purchase a Polk subwoofer (Appropriate sized sub for my room) No other brand available
b) Upgrade my AVR to a Yamaha Aventage A-1000 series (a-1010, a-1020, a-1030 etc.) for real cheap. Like almost free. I've heard that most high end receivers sound more to the neutral side although that might be untrue. Can you clarify that please?
c) Purchase an Emotiva XPA-2 3 or 5? How do they sound? Warm I'm guessing? I've been told on this forum that adding an external amp really opens up such speakers.
d) Trade my RTi A5s for a pair of Lsim 703 bookshelf speaker since my main usage is music. Would myAVR handle them? I generally listen at about -30 on the AVR but sometimes I go to near -15 to -10 during critical listening.
There is one teeny tiny problem. I really feel that some of the midrange is missing. Now I know that the RTi A5s are forward and my AVR is also a bright AVR. Maybe because the speakers are set as Large and are doing all the work. Maybe a sub will help? Or maybe my room is too bright due to hard wood flooring and large windows on two walls?
Unfortunately room treatments are not an option if anyone has that in mind.
But I do have a much smaller carpeted room with one small window that I can use although I don't know how much room acoustics come into play.
Oh and it's been about 6 months since my purchase. I think they've broken in properly by now.
Thank you all in advance for all the help.
Some time ago I asked you for advice on several topics and got wonderful feedback.
I am back with more questions,
Now my system consists of an RTi A5 and a Yamaha RX-V767(95W rms 8 ohms, 20hz-20khz), connected to an HTPC via HDMI.
Now I bitstream my flac collection via MediaMonkey (WASAPI?) and the sound is amazing. A massive upgrade from my previous setup.
Usage : 90% music/10% Blu rays and Videogames.
Should I:
a) Purchase a Polk subwoofer (Appropriate sized sub for my room) No other brand available
b) Upgrade my AVR to a Yamaha Aventage A-1000 series (a-1010, a-1020, a-1030 etc.) for real cheap. Like almost free. I've heard that most high end receivers sound more to the neutral side although that might be untrue. Can you clarify that please?
c) Purchase an Emotiva XPA-2 3 or 5? How do they sound? Warm I'm guessing? I've been told on this forum that adding an external amp really opens up such speakers.
d) Trade my RTi A5s for a pair of Lsim 703 bookshelf speaker since my main usage is music. Would myAVR handle them? I generally listen at about -30 on the AVR but sometimes I go to near -15 to -10 during critical listening.
There is one teeny tiny problem. I really feel that some of the midrange is missing. Now I know that the RTi A5s are forward and my AVR is also a bright AVR. Maybe because the speakers are set as Large and are doing all the work. Maybe a sub will help? Or maybe my room is too bright due to hard wood flooring and large windows on two walls?
Unfortunately room treatments are not an option if anyone has that in mind.
But I do have a much smaller carpeted room with one small window that I can use although I don't know how much room acoustics come into play.
Oh and it's been about 6 months since my purchase. I think they've broken in properly by now.
Thank you all in advance for all the help.
Post edited by ThirdWorldGuy on
Comments
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a) I prefer my music without a sub
b) Not a bad option. My 2nd choice.
c) Emotiva is not warm. I had one with LSi's and I really liked it, but I've heard that it doesn't mate as well with the RTi line. I haven't personally heard and Emotiva with Rti's though.
d) This would be my choice. For a system that's 90% music, this is an easy decision for me.Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden -
Are you happy with the sound of the A5's for music? Or not really? Maybe you need to try a new speaker. After all, that's the 'sound' at the end of the day.
I would replace them with the 703's. Then work on better gear. If that's a better AVR at first or a external amp or what have you. -
You could also consider getting a DAC and integrated combo for what you would spend on the 703's. Something like a Peachtree DAC-it and a Yaqin integrated tube amp, which should be under the $1k mark.
Such stuff is simply not available in shops over here. I could get them shipped but I could face upto 300% customs duty on these and there is one other problem, the stuff might never get here, stolen by the customs people or the shipping people or lost.Are you happy with the sound of the A5's for music? Or not really? Maybe you need to try a new speaker. After all, that's the 'sound' at the end of the day.
I would replace them with the 703's. Then work on better gear. If that's a better AVR at first or a external amp or what have you.
I am really happy but I really feel sometimes that part of the midrange is really missing and that some songs feel harsh. I want to achieve as close to a neutral sound as possible.
Sounds good, now I've heard fantastic stuff about the LsiM 705 and 707 and that they are would be quite the upgrade, and they better be given their price tags. I need to know how the LsiM 703 book shelf speakers compare to the RTi A5s and the LsiM 705/707.
And please forgive me for I just realized that my actual usage is 80% Music and 20% Blurays and Videogames. I hope the LsiM 703s don't degrade my movies/games experience. I'll go find some reviews on these. -
If you think the RTI A5's have a mid-range imaging issue, then I don't think you would like any speaker in that line. These speakers are designed more towards HT than music. I really don't think a sub will be of much help. You could try it, but I don't think you will be very pleased.
As far as the LSIM line, they are a more musical speaker. Your AVR may have a problem powering the 703's properly, and wouldn't do justice to the 705's or 7's. If you have a small to mid-size room, the 703's would be a good choice. Just because they aren't towers, don't write them off. You may or may not want to add a sub to them at some point in time, but even without one, you will probably like them more than any RTI A series speakers.
If you're happy with the bass of the RTI A5's, I really don't think you will hear the 703's lacking anything. -
^^+1^^. Having previously owned RTi8s(predecessors to the A5s and very similar), 10s, and 12s and currently owning a set of 703s, the 703s would be a major upgrade considering your listening preferences. The 703s will be superior in every way to your A5s and also compare quite favorably to the 705s and 707s. In fact there are many that prefer the 703s to both of the larger models. The 703s fill space unlike any other bookshelf I have heard. I have mine coupled with a REL subwoofer and with this combo I don't feel they are lacking anything to any floorstander I have owned. I'm a floorstander guy, but the 703/REL sub combo has totally changed my perspective. Don't get me wrong, the 703s are more than capable without the sub. They have vastly superior bass compared to the A5s and just about every other floorstander I have owned except for SDA-1Cs and SDA SRS 2s. I would get the 703s and not look back.
