Which Stereo Receiver for Polk RTiA7

Himes

I am trying to determine which is the best stereo receiver to match the Polk RTiA7.
Would the Yamaha R-N303, the Onkyo TX 826, or the Harmon Kardon HK 3770 be a perfect match. I do not want a home theater receiver because I want to namely play music such as jazz, pop, and soul. I want to hear the highs, cymbals, and got to have some solid bass also. If the Polk RTiA7 is not a good fit for these 3 named stereo receivers, then which Polk speaker should I buy for them. Greatly appreciate your advice.

Dennis Gardner

The RTiA7 or 9 series deserve good high current power to be run full range without subwoofer support. If you are dead set on a receiver only, I would personally go with the HK as I have good experience with their receivers and Polk RT lineup in the past. They produce good power and are rated honestly, but I see that the other two receivers do have RCA preamp out capability that allows for better separate amps to be used in the future if wanted.

rburgess714

I have heard the Yamaha R-N303 and it is nice for bookies but I don’t think has near enough grunt for the A7s.

Look at the Yamaha Aventage series or Marantz as well.

Sounds like you haven’t purchased the A7s? If not I would seriously consider the Signature S60s. I had the A7s and they were way too bright for my liking for music. I replaced with the 60s and couldn’t be happier.

tonyb

I might agree with the Sig series over the RTI's, that or the LSIM's are the speakers you want for music first. RTI's are a HT speaker first and foremost. Many other brands too that one should consider.

Any particular reason why you want a receiver for music ? A nice integrated may be a better route.

rooftop59

rburgess714 wrote: »

I have heSounds like you haven’t purchased the A7s? If not I would seriously consider the Signature S60s. I had the A7s and they were way too bright for my liking for music. I replaced with the 60s and couldn’t be happier.

This was my first thought as well. RTi = reference theater improved. Bright, forward sounding speakers that are very dynamic, immersive and fun for home theater, grating and biting for extended music listening. Jazz symbols would drive me nuts on the RTis.

I would go for the Sigs or the LSiM as Tony suggests. I had the LSiM703 for a spell and with good power they are quite impressive. Bass can be a little much actually, but once I got 200 wpc behind them they sound really sweet in a small to medium sized room. Of course larger room or more bass, go for one of the towers, but they are more expensive.

And yes, if you can afford it look for an integrated, or better, yet, a preamp and amplifier. That way you can easily upgrade the power if you feel it necessary.

Himes

The only reason I want a stereo receiver rather than a home theater receiver is because I read that a stereo receiver is better when listing strictly to music. Home theater receivers are complicated when connecting tv's. Connecting a separate good sound bar is really the way to go for tv and videos and the sound can be awesome. Still undecided about the speakers and receiver to buy. I welcome more suggestions. Thanks

F1nut

Forget the receiver since it appears radio is not an interest. Get an integrated amplifier.