A new found respect for the A7s.
I have had the A7s now for about a year and a half and just replaced them with the LSiM 703s.
Like most in this hobby, the quest was to make that improvement to an already decent setup that will enhance SQ.
All things being equal, speakers always seem to be the recommendation that will make the most impact...not just any speaker if I might add.
So the recent chance to step up to a flagship lSiM, notwithstanding a bookshelf, a HUGE one I might add, seemed like a natural next step and a good "investment" of one's funds to enhance SQ.
Since I got them about a month ago and after incorporating them in my 5.2 setup I have been very impressed with them thus far.
Of course I took the time, as best i could with the space i have to work with to make sure they were properly placed in the living room and think Audyssey did an excellent job in the calibration of my entire setup such that they all seemed to blend seamlessly.
I love to listen to All Channel music so their seamless integration was vital and Audyssey did a fantastic job in that regard.
I had the crossover set at 60hz for the 703s, 80hz for the center(CSiA6) and left the surrounds (FxiA6) at 120hz.
I have listened to a lot of cds, sacds and music streamed from the net and each time i have been impressed.
So out of curiosity and with time on my hands this morning, I decided to listen to the LSiM703 and the RTI A7 side by side to see how they both sounded in my room, since rooms do play a big part in what you ultimately hear.
All the professional review extolling the virtues of a speaker will never substitute your own personal experience in your own space.
Even the well meaning opinions of other forum members about the qualities of a speaker, should be taken as such. It is their opinion in their space! You may or may not have the same experience in YOUR own space.
Opinions do however help put speakers or other components in your radar to consider.
I basically selected about 10 CDs including 2 sacds, all of varying qualities to listen to on both set of speakers, one cd at a time.
I would listen to one track on a cd or sacd, pause it and move the cables to the other speaker and replay the cd.
Yes the method is not the best, but this was not a test in a lab but rather a laid back and curious attempt at whether I could hear a difference and if it would be substantial.
I went into this with a bit of a expectation bias for the LSiM. It was more expensive and so it was bound to sound better.
I listened in 2 rounds:
The first round in PURE MODE ( no subs) and the next round, I played the same tracks again in STEREO MODE (with subs engaged) crossed at 60HZ.
I am not going to bore you with how each cd sounded but rather give my impressions.
In PURE MODE, I was pleasantly shocked at how raw, natural and full the 703s sounded, especially so for their size.
From the classical SACD (Beethoven - Sym #6 Pastoral ) to the UB40's Essential reggae CD I came away with how balanced and how well they handled bass.
Then I repeated the same set of tracks on the A7s. No let down in SQ but FULLER sound! I could not quite believe this and replayed different tracks going back and forth between the speakers and the impression was no different. The 703s were balanced and FULL and the A7s were the same and FULLER.
Then i thought, one is a bookshelf and the other is a floor standing speaker. Duh!
How about leveling the playing field. Imagine that. An A7 showing up and showing out.
I then changed to STEREO MODE, with my dual subs engaged, crossed at 60hz. Now the playing field is level, or so i thought.
I went throught the same songs and yet again I came away impressed with both BUT the A7s were not only fuller, they had more IMPACT.
This experience was a bit of an education for me.
With these set of speakers i had at my disposal, the floor standers had more impact than the book shelves at the same crossover point. I did not try different crossover points. Maybe i should have.
Given the choice of a bookshelf or a floorstanding speaker of the same series, I will choose the floorstanding speaker. The impact is even more stunning when crossed with a good sub (or 2).
With this rudiementary "test" i was sufficiently satisfied that the "upgrade" to the 703s was lateral for me in this room.
So the A7s have been restored to their rightful place as the main left and right speakers until further notice
Just thought i would share my experience.
Like most in this hobby, the quest was to make that improvement to an already decent setup that will enhance SQ.
All things being equal, speakers always seem to be the recommendation that will make the most impact...not just any speaker if I might add.
So the recent chance to step up to a flagship lSiM, notwithstanding a bookshelf, a HUGE one I might add, seemed like a natural next step and a good "investment" of one's funds to enhance SQ.
Since I got them about a month ago and after incorporating them in my 5.2 setup I have been very impressed with them thus far.
Of course I took the time, as best i could with the space i have to work with to make sure they were properly placed in the living room and think Audyssey did an excellent job in the calibration of my entire setup such that they all seemed to blend seamlessly.
I love to listen to All Channel music so their seamless integration was vital and Audyssey did a fantastic job in that regard.
I had the crossover set at 60hz for the 703s, 80hz for the center(CSiA6) and left the surrounds (FxiA6) at 120hz.
I have listened to a lot of cds, sacds and music streamed from the net and each time i have been impressed.
So out of curiosity and with time on my hands this morning, I decided to listen to the LSiM703 and the RTI A7 side by side to see how they both sounded in my room, since rooms do play a big part in what you ultimately hear.
All the professional review extolling the virtues of a speaker will never substitute your own personal experience in your own space.
Even the well meaning opinions of other forum members about the qualities of a speaker, should be taken as such. It is their opinion in their space! You may or may not have the same experience in YOUR own space.
Opinions do however help put speakers or other components in your radar to consider.
I basically selected about 10 CDs including 2 sacds, all of varying qualities to listen to on both set of speakers, one cd at a time.
I would listen to one track on a cd or sacd, pause it and move the cables to the other speaker and replay the cd.
Yes the method is not the best, but this was not a test in a lab but rather a laid back and curious attempt at whether I could hear a difference and if it would be substantial.
I went into this with a bit of a expectation bias for the LSiM. It was more expensive and so it was bound to sound better.
I listened in 2 rounds:
The first round in PURE MODE ( no subs) and the next round, I played the same tracks again in STEREO MODE (with subs engaged) crossed at 60HZ.
I am not going to bore you with how each cd sounded but rather give my impressions.
In PURE MODE, I was pleasantly shocked at how raw, natural and full the 703s sounded, especially so for their size.
From the classical SACD (Beethoven - Sym #6 Pastoral ) to the UB40's Essential reggae CD I came away with how balanced and how well they handled bass.
Then I repeated the same set of tracks on the A7s. No let down in SQ but FULLER sound! I could not quite believe this and replayed different tracks going back and forth between the speakers and the impression was no different. The 703s were balanced and FULL and the A7s were the same and FULLER.
Then i thought, one is a bookshelf and the other is a floor standing speaker. Duh!
How about leveling the playing field. Imagine that. An A7 showing up and showing out.
I then changed to STEREO MODE, with my dual subs engaged, crossed at 60hz. Now the playing field is level, or so i thought.
I went throught the same songs and yet again I came away impressed with both BUT the A7s were not only fuller, they had more IMPACT.
This experience was a bit of an education for me.
With these set of speakers i had at my disposal, the floor standers had more impact than the book shelves at the same crossover point. I did not try different crossover points. Maybe i should have.
Given the choice of a bookshelf or a floorstanding speaker of the same series, I will choose the floorstanding speaker. The impact is even more stunning when crossed with a good sub (or 2).
With this rudiementary "test" i was sufficiently satisfied that the "upgrade" to the 703s was lateral for me in this room.
So the A7s have been restored to their rightful place as the main left and right speakers until further notice
Just thought i would share my experience.
AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203
Comments
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Some one who knows a thing or two about speakers.
Interesting views.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOUqSFZeaII AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I use the RTiA7's in my HT rig, no music. Stock they were ok, but after I modded the crossovers along with a few other tweaks they became a considerably better speaker. Have you thought about modding yours?Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I use the RTiA7's in my HT rig, no music. Stock they were ok, but after I modded the crossovers along with a few other tweaks they became a considerably better speaker. Have you thought about modding yours?
I have never quite given modding a thought. I just might research/explore it.
AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
Nothing current trumps the awe inspiring sound of a set of fully modded 1.2TL's, properly set up and powered. If you have the room and the inclination, you too can achieve bliss.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
gumbay, imagine if you will, the RTi A7 towers with a fairly nice chain of Marantz CDP, Onkyo AVR with the signal going to a Parasound amp worth 205wpc and decent cabling, they hit real nicely to say the least. Warm, inviting, the brightness they are known for completely washed away. Never know what will happen til ya try it
nbrowser the possibilities are endless. $cary really.
I am currently toying with the idea of an Oppo 95 for analog listening, and incorporating a 2 or 3 channel amp.
As the holiday expense/dust settles, hopefully i can tick them off some time in the coming year
AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
Forget the Oppo for music, get a Marantz instead.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I have never quite given modding a thought. I just might research/explore it.
This might inspire you, http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/159998/rtia7-and-rtia6-crossover-upgrades-a-slightly-different-approach/p1
Click on the gray boxes to see the pictures.
Trey at VR3 mods can modify your crossovers, if you don't want to.
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I'll check the link out.
Will research the Marantz.
ThanksAMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
Didn't know the cd6004 had digital inputs.
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 -
I was always pleased with the performance of the RTIA7's. I remember the day we got them in( Tweeter) and I was in the store helping the Sales guys get them all setup.
We all sat down to take a listen and the expressions on everyones faces was priceless.
No one expected them to sound like they did nor sound as good or better then many other speakers we carried at the time.
On the day the A7's became my personal favorite sounding RT speaker. I still have a love for the RT16's of many years ago.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
I am currently toying with the idea of an Oppo 95 for analog listening, and incorporating a 2 or 3 channel amp.
So your planning to use a digital player for analog listening? Good luck with that.
JK...I agree with the others here the Marantz gear is likely to be a better match with the RTi's.
Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant -
^^^
That is why i love this hobby.
The experiences are many and varied.
You take them in , do your own reasearch and due diligence before you commit to anything.
I also listen to a lot of SACD and have a growing collection and so will have to take that into consideration when I make the move to replace my Pioneer BDP 62FD, which has been splendid thus far.AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
Have you thought about modding yours?
"Never discount the little things"guto mbay13 wrote: »...given modding a thought. I just might research/explore it.
or
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link."
While YMMV, IMHO I believe XO mods are well worth the trouble & $. Actually most would boast "a labor of love" and, like F1, the $ low compared to the return.
Thousand$ on amp$, cable$, etc can't compensate for CHEAP ($2?) of XO components.
Years ago I added free caps to free tweets until my "real*" ones came in. These were for an add'l 6dB over the 2nd order active filtering. Before swapping in real* ones, I removed the caps & cranked it up, not caring if I fried the free tweets. To our amazement, no smoke & MUCH cleaner top end!
Trey's worked his magic on jBooker's LR and enough other's speakers to earn a place in the Polk tweeker community. Further, he freely shares his knowledge & inspires other to DIY.
Add to that the "most important" end result of the upgrade its self'
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 -
Hello, I had Trey do the XO on my Rti-a7 an couple of years ago and I was impressed with the workmanship.
Cheers
Roger
-
Be careful looking at the pic's of Jesse's XO as they are pure Audio horn. Once you do you will probably have your crossovers redone, especially if you see the before & after comparison.2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
^^^
You take them in , do your own research and due diligence before you commit to anything.
EGGzackly....trust me MY ears are different that YOURS..as is my gear chain. When replacing or going a different route as my dad used to say but I never listened ..much .."Patients is a virtue" never get in a hurry with audio goodies.
-
^^^
BINGO!
I could not have said it any better.
This hobby in many ways is pretty intriguing.
It can be both simple and complex and each route has its cost, financially and emotionally.
AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
Source:OPPO UDP-203 -
never get in a hurry with audio goodies.
but...... but...... but.....
I want it all.....
And I want it NOW!
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
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"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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Some one who knows a thing or two about speakers.
Interesting views.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOUqSFZeaII
My respect or Andrew Jones continues to grow and grow! That's a wonderful interview with which I think "few" of the "regulars" here could find much to disagree. And a wonderful primer for people looking to get into good quality audio.
Very accessible and understandable, he talks to you, with you, and not "down to you"! Bravo! Kinda like Club Polk during its good periods, and like a lot of what is in this thread?
As for Rti-A7s. I'm not a fan of that series. I prefer the A9s with the appropriate amount of power, etc. But hey, it's really about what "you" hear not what "I" hear!
Enjoy!
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] -
, it's really about what "you" hear not what "I" hear!
Enjoy!
cnh
Exactly....but truth be told there is a fine line between good advice and audio snobbery.
Many newbs not that vested in the hobby take advice as snobbery, which simply isn't so.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 -
I enjoyed his interview. He is actually spot on about the most important thing in getting your sound right in your room.
Positioning and seating I personally found over the decades to be the most important thing. If this is poor everything is poor no matter what.
Nothing I hate more is when a client buys a nice pair of speakers only to be dictated on where he is allowed to put them.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Nothing I hate more is when a client buys a nice pair of speakers only to be dictated on where he is allowed to put them.
As true as that statement is, some of us are in that same boat. Maybe more than some.
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 -
LOL... my wife just noticed yesterday I had spaced the fronts out about another 1.5 feet wider and pulled them about another foot into the room and toe'd them in more....
I did that about 5 days prior and have been waiting to see how long it takes her to notice it.
hehehe... thankfully it wasn't enough to result in more than a comment.
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »LOL... my wife just noticed yesterday I had spaced the fronts out about another 1.5 feet wider and pulled them about another foot into the room and toe'd them in more....
I did that about 5 days prior and have been waiting to see how long it takes her to notice it.
hehehe... thankfully it wasn't enough to result in more than a comment.
In 6 weeks I will lift the curtain on the man-cave! I have 42 inches to the sidewalls, and 7 feet to the centers. I expect that once planted and properly spiked, I will be in great shape.
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
nooshinjohn wrote: »
In 6 weeks I will lift the curtain on the man-cave! I have 42 inches to the sidewalls, and 7 feet to the centers. I expect that once planted and properly spiked, I will be in great shape.
Pics or I dont believe you lol..... I will think you finished it as a yoga studio for your wife thats covered head to toe in fuchsia, scented candles and one wall of mirrors lol..
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
That relaxation music will sound just divine.
-
nooshinjohn wrote: »Nothing current trumps the awe inspiring sound of a set of fully modded 1.2TL's, properly set up and powered. If you have the room and the inclination, you too can achieve bliss.
If I'm not mistaken, you don't have a dreadnaught John....You still have not yet achieved true bliss with your 1.2's.
____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
With this rudiementary "test" i was sufficiently satisfied that the "upgrade" to the 703s was lateral for me in this room.
Thank you for posting your observations. I am not surprised by your experience. I had the opportunity to demo the LSiM 707's and had them in two different rooms connected to a variety of good quality gear. My experience tells me that the LSiM's are very picky about room conditions. I could not get them to wake up and sound good in either location although they sounded better in one room over the other. They might be a great upgrade for one person and a downgrade for another simply because of where they will be placed. The only place the LSiM's sounded good to me was in the center channel position; hence the reason I purchased a LSiM 706C. It sounds amazing dead center between the 2.3TL's. Go with your ears on this one.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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