Harman Kardon -- a question of wattage.

Laura Palmer

Would the RTi12s sound any better on a stereo receiver over a Home Theater receiver?

(I know they won't sound GREAT until you throw a solid AMP on them, but let's put that aside for a while).

I know the HK3480 can push 120wpc, whereas the AVR635 is only 75wpc. Would that be a significant quality-increase?

Because I'm thinking maybe then I should just use my RTi12s in a 2-channel setup on a stereo receiver such as the HK3480 and just buy another pair of RTi6s for my fronts in my home theater...since music was always the most important thing to me.

I can get a really good deal on HK stuff through my friend at Future Shop though so I'm really trying to use that to my advantage, even though everyone here has been recommending US companies and/or true amplifiers, all of which would triple the cost really.

Any thoughts on this question though? 120wpc versus 75wpc seems like a lot, however I don't know if HK's AVRs are rated any differently than HK's stereo receivers.

PolkThug

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Airplay355

Since you are going two channel. Grab the carver amp in the flea market from Troy. 375 watts/ will be great for your rti12's. Teh just use the receiver you have no as a pre/pro or get yourself a cheap preamp if you aren't trying to spend alot.

PolkThug

Laura,

I know HK used to have dedicated amps on accomodations as well. You might want to check into that.

Regards,
PT

Laura Palmer

Thanks Polkthug!


...although I admit, I don't really understand what you were trying to say with your chart

Does it mean that the stereo receivers don't power any differently than the avrs?

PolkThug

Originally posted by Laura Palmer
Thanks Polkthug!


...although I admit, I don't really understand what you were trying to say with your chart

Does it mean that the stereo receivers don't power any differently than the avrs?

I'm showing the relationship between watts and loudness for the RTi12's. A lot of people get caught up in watt ratings, when in reality you probably only use a few watts for most listening. BUT, if you want to get really loud, then you'll want something like 250x2.

VR3

Keep this in mind...

Having more power than needed gives HEADROOM, the ability for the amp to work NONE - which in the end will provide a more effortless reproduction of the music, which usually leads to a wider/deeper soundstage, the ability to reproduce the bass more effectively and what not...

This isnt exactly true with all amps or speakers though. But no receiver (unless it cost ALOT) will sound as good as a solid 2-channel amp of any power.

Laura Palmer

Okay considering what you guys have said, I guess I'll keep the RTi12s on the AVR635 (or whatever receiver I decide to go with).

I think I'm still going to have a seperate 2 channel setup (something simple though)...

Would the RTi6s be okay with a Harman Kardon 3380? Would it be worth it to spend the extra $100 on the HK 3480?

The only difference I can see between the 3380 and the 3480 is an extra 40wpc ... seems like a BIG boost for another hundred dollars, but is it really worth it on the RTi6s? They require a lot less power, so I'd imagine 80 watts of high current HK juice should do it, right?

jmierzur

For what its worth, a suggestion on system configurations.

Two Channel System:
- source of choice
- pre amp (good used ones on flea market and Agon)
- power amp (good used ones on flea market and Agon)
- RTi12 speakers

Multi Channel System:
- source
- receiver
- subwoofer
- RTi6
- surround speakers

OR

Combined System:
- better source (only one required)
- receiver
- better subwoofer
- RTi6 or RTi8 main speakers
- surround speakers
- add multi channel amp at future date
- replace receiver with a pre/pro SSP at future date

I would concentrate my budget on one system until content.

jdhdiggs

Originally posted by jmierzur
I would concentrate my budget on one system until content.

Exactly. Laura, as I stated in the other thread, it looks like you are trying to go way too far way too fast and don't quite know what you're looking for.

Some questions to ask:
What is your current setup? (Sources, AVR, Sub)
Why did you pick the speakers you did? (Those 12's weren't your first choice if I remember correctly, are you really happy with them?)
Why did you pick the electronics you did?
What are you trying to do?
What's missing?

A great HT with a good pre/AVR should sound good in HT or 2-channel. Get that one right before moving on.

As for watts/amps questions, you will typically not use more than 30W at any given time per channel anyway unless you're listening to deafening rap. I hardly ever hit 30W peaks on the maggies and they are only at 85dB/W, and that is loud enough that the neighbors can complain. From my experience, going from reciver to amp will make a good sounding speaker sound great, but will not make a poor sounding speaker sound good. If you aren't happy with the 12's on the HK, my guess is you won't be happy on a big amp either. In other words, you won't be using all the power anyway, so get what you want on the amplification side and quite worrying about the specs. Also-if you don't like the speakers now, change the speakers, not the amp.

RuSsMaN

Originally posted by jdhdiggs
A great HT with a good pre/AVR should sound good in HT or 2-channel. Get that one right before moving on.

Truer words never spoken.

Cheers,
Russ

Laura Palmer

Again, very good advice jdh.

I chose the RTi12s because I was always nervous with my decision to buy the RTi8s. That, and when I finally heard them hooked up properly, they did sound better to me than the RTi8s. So I figured it was worth the money just to get it over and done with and never look back.

I didn't get a chance to spend a LOT of time listening to the RTi12s (properly setup) but I think I heard them enough to believe they were better, with a wider soundstage to them.

I haven't really looked back on my decision to buy the speakers I did (RTi12/RTi6/CSi5) and most likely an HSU STF-2. I just bought the HK635 and it is shipping soon. It'll all be hooked up to the Monster HTS3500 Power Center and some XPHP Speaker wire.

I don't *think* I regret any of those purchases (and I hope no one will convince me otherwise since I got a great deal on most of it --- I know there aren't (m)any Monster fans here, but anyway...)

I just wanted to ensure that when everything arrives, that I have everything I need. By the sound of it, I think I will... if not, I guess I'll pick up either a NAD C272, or 2 Outlaw M-200 M-Blocks or something. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

cfrizz

Looks like we are all on the same page here Laura.

Get the best quality receiver that you can afford that gives you preouts & all the bells & whistles that you want, and the rest will take care of itself. HK is a well made & respected brand so you can't go wrong there.

I have one system for both & it sounds great for both 2 channel & HT.

Cathy

cfrizz

Congrats, you are well on your way!!!

Cathy

jdhdiggs

Great, sounds like you just need to sit back and listen to the system.

Here's a bee for your bonnet though: Did you listen to the 8's properly setup?

Laura Palmer

Yep, they were definetely set up okay (well, they didn't have a dedicated amp, but they had an HK 7300 hooked up to it)

The bulk of my listening tests were done on either a 7300, 635, and even a 3480 stereo receiver I think.

I was very impressed, which is why I bought them first
I'm happy with my decision to upgrade to the RTi12s however.

I think I'm going to sit back and relax... give all of you a little break for a while!!