dumb question that i need answered

NVR2LOW

Im looking at buying a 2channel setup, i am geting 2 rti-8's and a velodyne sub. Here is my question (im a n00b), the 2-channel amp that i like is the HK 3480 (120 watts per channel, pre-outs, sub out)...now i noticed that it only had left and right inputs, does this matter? i plan on listening to mainly music but i do watch alot of movies..i was thinking of changing this receiver because i wasnt sure if getting an onkyo 503 and setting it to stereo would be better because i could use digital coax or optical...are the left/right inputs going to produce the same/better quality than going the route above? thanks for any help!!!


drew

audiobliss

I wouldn't hesitate getting the HK; HK makes some great stuff. If you're not going to be going surround sound later, the L & R analog inputs will be just fine. What this means is that whatever source you're using will decode the signal (use its own DAC to convert from a digital signal to an analog signal). Since you're into 2-channel and will probably get a pretty decent CD player, it will have a nice DAC in it, so you'd want to use that DAC opposed to a receiver's DAC, anyways. Usually DACs in receiver aren't that nice, anyways.

Hope that helps.

audiobliss

Ricardo

Welcome to the forum. Some thoughts from another somewhat newbee..

If your main interest is 2 channel music, don't get the RTi8's...I have them, and love them for HT...but they are IMO too bright for music (Only learned this after hearing something else...). For about the same money you can get the LSi7, which other people here can tell you they are a lot more musical. You can even for that money get a nice pair of SDA's (Yeah...) There are other brands to consider also :rolleyes:

The HK-3480 is a great stereo receiver and has plenty of power (yes, I have it also)....BUT..I am changing it for separates; after only one month of having it; what I read in this forum and what I heard at a friend's rig convinced me to go separates; again, if 2 channel music is what you are looking for, then this might be a better way to start and avoid soon to come upgrades

audiobliss

I would agree with HTrookie. The RTi8's aren't that great a choice for a 2-channel music-oriented system. The LSi7 would be much better for that. However, they're also more demanding speakers, requiring an amp that can push a 4-ohm load. I don't know for sure, but that HK might be able to do it.

If you go with the LSi7 (which I would highly recommend if you're mainly interested in music), you'll also need a sub, as they obviously won't dig as low as the RTi8.

Also, if you can find some separates for about the same money as the HK, I'd definitely go with separates. But you don't have to build a perfect system the first time around. Just do what you can when you can.

audiobliss

reeltrouble1

Hello NVR,

Welcome to our little club!!!

OK, here is a thought, call or www.upscaleaudio.com, check out the Antique Sound Labs gear they have on sale/closeout, you can get a set of nice tube mono block 20W for 359.99 right now, kind of a two for one thing. Dont worry plenty of power.

Then go to doddaudio.biz and pic up the Dodd ELP, call Mr. Gary Dodd, tell him you want one with an HT pass (you can thank me later for that tidbit), they are somewhere around 450.00. Remember to mention you are a Club Polker.

Get the LSI7 and you are on your way to music nervana.

The HK is OK, but I gave you another great way to jump into the boat.

RT1

ND13

reeltrouble1 wrote:

Hello NVR,

Welcome to our little club!!!

OK, here is a thought, call or www.upscaleaudio.com, check out the Antique Sound Labs gear they have on sale/closeout, you can get a set of nice tube mono block 20W for 359.99 right now, kind of a two for one thing. Dont worry plenty of power.

Then go to doddaudio.biz and pic up the Dodd ELP, call Mr. Gary Dodd, tell him you want one with an HT pass (you can thank me later for that tidbit), they are somewhere around 450.00. Remember to mention you are a Club Polker.

Get the LSI7 and you are on your way to music nervana.

The HK is OK, but I gave you another great way to jump into the boat.

RT1

Tweek Geek has the ELP for $389 for there introductory sale of Dodd gear. That's well below cost and less than most of us paid for our used ones, and I still feel like I got a great bargain. The ELP made a night and day difference in my rig. I've used it with SS and am currently using it with the ASL monos mentioned above and it works very well with either.

NVR2LOW

thanks for all your help guys!!

Ricardo

NVR2LOW wrote:

thanks for all your help guys!!

You're welcome...though I know now you wish you'd never asked. ..

jdhdiggs

This thread rocked, cool to see a first time poster open to inputs and the old guys not jumping him. Good times!!!!

NVR: Stick around, you'll learn more than you would ever want to...

Wait, forget that. Knowledge is hard on the pocket book. Run while you still can!!!!

NVR2LOW

haha yea its sure isnt easy on the wallet...lol...yea ive been reading posts on this site for a month or two now, just to get some basic knowledge..now that im finally purchasing, i decided to get a few questions answered from u veterans..but sad to say, i cannot take your advise on the lsi's or the amps so ill have to stick with rti-6's or 8's...sadly to say because im purchasing the polks on accomodation and the lsi's aren't offered...and the amps, well..being in college my funds are stretched kind of thin..lol..ill prob end up going with either a hk240 (pre-outs) or the onk 503...i know they dont have much power but for my usage (in an apt) i think they will suffice..., and i know i will want to add a center and rears really quickly cause going from just listening to music and movies to experiencing music and movies just blows my mind...i purchased some rti-10's and polk 303 sub and an onk 502 for my father last year for fathers day and i have fallen in love with them..thats why i want a set of my own...thanks guys!! i know im rambling..this forum is great!

reeltrouble1

I set up a bedroom rig up for one of my boys using an Onk 503 and Polks he loves it.

Just enjoy.

RT1

ND13

I'd go with the HK, if you have choice, for the pre-outs alone. Plus the HK is a high current receiver and is conservatively rated powerwise. The HK sound is very nice to boot. Onkyo claims to be a high current receiver also, but I've owned both and personally prefer the HK by far. Just my opinion.

dragon1952

jdhdiggs wrote:

This thread rocked, cool to see a first time poster open to inputs and the old guys not jumping him. Good times!!!!

NVR: Stick around, you'll learn more than you would ever want to...

Wait, forget that. Knowledge is hard on the pocket book. Run while you still can!!!!

Yeah, even though.... he didn't listen to a word of advice and is going with the Rti's and HK anyway!!! :mad:


(just kidding of course)




:rolleyes:

audiobliss

Definitely go with the Harmon Kardon if you can.

aaharvel

Stay in the H/K family- don't mess with Onkyo when it comes to 2channel.

reeltrouble1

Yea, why, you got stock in HK? Look, the winds blow here for Denon, then shift for Onk, then HK, then Yammie's, maybe Pioneer once in a while then back around again. There all pretty much the same at their price points, they sound a bit different not one really better than another. Oh yea, one other thing, they are all pretty good for entry level stuff.

RT1

aaharvel

debatable, Reel- but well spoken.

TroyD

I'd pretty much agree with that. At the entry level...most consumers are looking for basic transportation so, IMO, the focus by the manufacturer is on features and bells and whistles moreso than the sound. Pretty much take your pick, IMO.

BDT

cmy330go

If you feel that music is more important to you than movies, and that you don't have a really large room or want to play way loud.....I would actually recommend the RTi4's over the 6's or 8's. Sounds like you already have a respectable subwoofer planned to fill in the lows. In my experience I found the RTi4s to be a more musical speaker than the others.

Just my 2 cents.

Enjoy your new system, and welcome to the forum!

Later

Schris22

as far as the onkyo 503...if it's anything like the 502...well I'm satisfied with it for my r series. I'm sure it can run the Rti's but regret not having the preouts...pre outs are great for future upgrades!

Always good to add a little juice to your receiver. It's up to you though the onkyo 502/503 are nice and well priced at fry's for around 200 sometimes

Chris