Denon 3805 with RTi10s?

myork

I currently have Polk RT55is as my main speakers, with a Velodyne CHT-10 sub, but I was at a Fry's in California w/ a buddy, and he was in the market for new speakers, so we were listening to the RTi10s and I was blown away by how much better they sound.

Question is, does the Denon 3805 have enough juice to power these speakers? I have heard that it takes alot of power to get the best out of these speakers. But there are still floor models left at the CC near me and they are really cheap!

Also, do you think these speakers would match well with the RT35is or even the RT55is?

Right now I have:

Front: RT55i x 2
Center: CS245i
Back: RT35i x 2
Sub: Velodyne CHT-10

Thanx!

jefft1314

Well what was being used to power the speakers in the store? If it's the best reciever CC carries, the onkyo 901, and you really like the sound of the rti 10's, your denon shouldn't have any difficiulty reproducing that kind of sound quality at home, though, without a doubt, the 10's will sound better. I'd say grab the tens and enjoy, later on, if you want to experiment, grab a two channel amp 2X200 watts, and experience it for yourself. What you'll notice, as I understand it, with more power going to the 10's is an overall increase in bass output as well as perhaps better clarity in the midrange. Seeing that you currently have the velodyne cht-10 (which really is a decent sounding budget woofer) you may be perfectly content to never add another amp. Oh, and welcome to the forum. Stick around, take it in, I've learned a lot from the guys on this forum way more than I'll ever need to know to sell at Circuit City, but way less than I'll ever need to know to satiate my hunger for knowledge.

myork

jefft1314, thanx for the response, and the welcome.

I listened to them at a Fry's in California when I was out there a few weeks ago. The receiver was a Harman Kardon, I think it was the AVR-630, but I cannot remember for sure. I specifically asked the sales guy what other equipment was driving the speakers, because we had also listened to the RTi8, RTi12, and LSi15. I didnt think at the time that this receiver could power the higher models without a seperate amplifier, but he said there were no other amps, and that receiver was the only one setup in this room ( I still dont believe him).

I have seen in a review of the 3805 that the actual power output, all channels driven, is 97 wpc. Would this be enough to get the most out of the RTi10, or should I just stick with the RT55is?

I really do like the RT55i, but I think, for music, that the RTi10 might be a better choice.

I do a 50/50 mix between music and HT.

Dennis Gardner

Most here will tell you that the 55is are hard to beat. You may notice a tad more bass extension with the 10s and the new tweeter has a slightly brighter profile, but hardly leaps and bounds better than your 55is.

The HK 630 does put out some sweet sounds with good high current power, a solid 60-70 watts.

What are you currently driving your 55is with? You may find different amping to bring out more from your "little bookshelves".
I have both 55s and Rti 70s driven by HK sound and love the match.

DG

gregure

myork,
I think the Denon 3805 should be plenty to power your Rti10's. I agree that they sound great, although most people on the forum here don't like them. They feel the 8's or 10's have better midrange, but I've never been bothered by the sound of my 10's. They don't seem lacking to me. I power my system with an Onkyo 701, and I get great sound from the 10's. However, this is the best system I've ever had, and I don't know how much better it can be. I will be shortly upgrading to Outlaw separates, and the amp puts out 200 wpc continuous. I'm sure I will notice a difference. Denon's are good receivers, though, and you should be fine with what you have. As for getting the "most" out of your 10's, well, that will be impossible with just your receiver. Will your receiver be enough to satisfy your needs? Probably. As others have suggested, take advantage of the deal now, and possibly shell out for another stereo amp for the bass driver inputs later on.

jefft1314

Good possibility the sales guy wasn't lying, you have to remember that even inefficient speakers like the lsi's will still put out like 85 decibals with one watt at one meter away, two watts will put 88 decibals 4 watts will put out 91 decibals, and so on. It sounds like you really enjoyed the RTI 10's, and regardless what other people say, if you really like the speaker I'd say spring for them. Worst thing that could happen is you get them home go through the hassle of disconnecting your old speakers, hooking up your new ones and finding that they dont' sound as good at home as they do in the store. Oh no!! Thankfully, most stores have generous return policies and will have no problem returning the speakers for you. Adding extra amplification over your denon will bring out more bass from your rt 10's, but you should experience a pretty similiar listening experience at home as you did in the store, if anything the rti10's might sound better at home as the 3805 is highly regarded in terms of sq, for a receiver.

myork

I bit the bullet and picked up a pair of RTi10s today at CC for $202.95 each. I figure if I dont like them after they are in my home, I can always either return them, or post them on Ebay (that way I coud probably get more than what I paid ).

Thanx for your input, Ill let you know how things turn out.

AsSiMiLaTeD

If you decide to sell the 55is, let me know and I'll take them off your hands...

jefft1314

Be sure to post with your impressions so I know if I gave you a good suggestion or not;-).

Herdfan

Originally posted by myork
I bit the bullet and picked up a pair of RTi10s today at CC for $202.95 each.

Were these open boxes? If not, would you mind PM'ing me a copy of the receipt. I paid $296 at CC and still have 5 days to get a price match.

Thanks.

myork

Herdfan,

They were sealed boxes but unless you live in the northern NJ/NY area, I dont think that would work. Plus I dont have access to a scanner.

Sorry!

hellotheworld

if you have a digital camera, that will also solve the problem:D