Receiver Questions (Not Sure what to do)

donedroolin

Hey I think I asked my questions in the wrong place before, SORRY. My current surround sound speakers are Rti10's front, Fxi3's rear,Cs2 center and a 150watt sony 12" sub untill I can buy a polk. My receiver is a sony STR K502P 100 watt per channel 5 to 1 receiver. First will I damage my speakers by under powering them and how much power should I be putting to them to get the best sound. All of my components are hooked up useing monster brand cables. And my speakers are all hooked with monster cable speaker wire, 19 guage I believe. I am thinking about a Denon 4806 receiver will this be enough or will I have to pre amp this to make my speakers come to life. Or can I use my current receiver and amp it to achieve GREAT sound. I use my system primarilly for movies. Do you reccomend a new receiver and can you tell me what one. Also if you think I need to pre amp it. Thank you in advance for any help with this.

donedroolin

Hey sorry if I posted this in the wrong spot. But any advice would sure be helpfull. Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!

Dennis Gardner

If your Sony has preamp outputs then get a 2 channel amp. If it doesn't then another receiver with preouts and an amp or one of the high $$$ receivers like the 4806 would be your choices. Your RTi 10s present a load problem for a lower end receiver since they like high current power to sound best and unless the receiver can deliver lots of power, you are better off with a separate amp. To compare, your receiver is more likely a 40-50 watt actual output with all channels driven.

donedroolin

Thanks Dennis for the information and advice really apprieciate it.

Early B.

The first step is to replace your receiver. The Denon you're considering would be fine. Lots of other options include Harmon Kardon, Marantz, Onkyo, Yamaha, Outlaw, etc. Once you replace your receiver, you'll realize a substantial improvement in sound.

Also, there are lots of much better options for a Polk sub. Try Hsu or SVS. Buy the biggest, baddest sub you can afford.

wingnut4772

I second the other sub comment. I love my Polks but the subs...not so much.

donedroolin

Great guys Thanks for the quick awsome respones. This is great you guys are all alot of help, Great speakers polk and Great speaker owners. THANKS !

MSkeezer

The Denon you mentioned would be a great addition to your system. It'll really start to bring out the best your Polks have to offer. Of course you can add a seperate amp later on. Get rid of that Sony sub, too. Like EB said, HSU or SVS would be great choices. Also look at Velodyne.

One more thing. While the center you have is a good one, I think it would be better to go with the CSi5, or even the CSi3. Timbre matching is important, at least with your fronts. I think you'll notice an improvement if you switch to either of those centers.

aaharvel

MSkeezer wrote:

While the center you have is a good one, I think it would be better to go with the CSi5, or even the CSi3. Timbre matching is important, at least with your fronts. I think you'll notice an improvement if you switch to either of those centers.

absolutely.

donedroolin

Thanks Mskeezer, So you think I should get the Csi3 or Csi5 thats what I told the dude at circuit city. They dont sell the Csi5 and Csi3 only the Csi1 and Csi2 so I bought the better of the two they had. I am also considering bringing back my new Rti10's and buying the Rti12's and I believe they match with the Csi5. The guy at CC said it would sound good with the Cs2 ,but me being impatient and unable to wait to buy the 5. I got the 2. So you think I should return the 2 and get the 5. Thanks for all help with this, you guys are GREAT!!!!!!!!

Ricardo

YES!! Return the 2 and get the CSi5; On the towers..I would return the 10's and get the 8's, which sound great with the SVS you are going to buy
We love confusing people....
Serioulsy...there are lots of different opinions on the RTi towers; I have the 8's with the entry level SVS and couldn't be happier; others prefer the 10's or 12's...it's a matter of personal preference. Listen to them and decide for yourself.

MSkeezer

The CSi5 would be a much better match. It's also nowhere near as bright as the CS2. You've already got the 10's setup and if you think they sound great, don't worry with returning them. The 12's will give you more output, but you'll really want to add a seperate amp for them. The 8's would be your best choice if you don't want to go in that direction, though. They require less power than the 10 and 12, and they're less expensive. You could put the extra money towards a good sub.

Holydoc

Definitely get the CSi5. It is an excellent center speaker. Just remember it is huge! It is also set up to timbre match your RTi series.

As you can see by my signature, I am a CSi5 believer.

amulford

Wait a minute. How big is the room you are using? While more power is good, you may not need it right now. If your room is medium sized, you can probably use it (the Sony) and save money to get your reciever down the road.

The Denon you mention is good. If you have the money for it right now, get it.

What I do see you lacking is a good sub and a better center. The above mentioned subs are all very good. This wil make a HUGE impact on your movies and music. It gives presence, which you are lacking and trying to make up for by turning it up. The center you have is better matched to the smaller lines of speakers, but it will work for now also.

IMHO, you need a decent sub first. Then a center. Then upgrade the receiver. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Just my .02...

donedroolin

Thanks guys for all the advice and information. I had the Rti8's and returned them for the Rti10's. I did like the 8's but my room is open so I want MORE POWER. I am going to return the Cs2 center and buy the Csi5. Im not sure what to do about the receiver yet I really like the 4806 and my wife tells me I may be able to get it in a couple weeks. Just wait intill I tell her what the SVS subs cost. You guys will probally here her yelling. I just dont wanna damage my 10's untill I can get a better receiver. Thanks for all the great advice it is really FUN trying to set up a GOOD surround system. Keep all advice coming this is AWSOME and THANKS ALOT !!!!!!!!