Polk R50 with H/K AVR630...what to upgrade?

cbl117

hey guys,

I currently have a pair of R50s with a H/K AVR630 as my setup. I'm looking to upgrade a component and I'm not sure which to upgrade. I listen to mostly music and like my music darker, loud, but still gentle on the ears. Budget is 1k. Thanks!

Ferres

Audiophile grade Powercord and tryout some Xlo Ultra6 speaker cables.

cbl117

Thx for the reply. I currently have 16 AWG speaker wire for my fronts. Would upgrading to Xlo Ultra6 speaker wire really make much of an audiable difference?

I was thinking of getting better speakers....possibly the Rti10s. I want to stay away from the monitor series because they're probably pretty comparable to the R50s. Basically, I want a change thats going to put a smile on my face from ear to ear

2+2

Um...how about a good CD player although HK DACs sound great if you feed them digital....

BjornB17

cbl117 wrote:

Thx for the reply. I currently have 16 AWG speaker wire for my fronts. Would upgrading to Xlo Ultra6 speaker wire really make much of an audiable difference?

I was thinking of getting better speakers....possibly the Rti10s. I want to stay away from the monitor series because they're probably pretty comparable to the R50s. Basically, I want a change thats going to put a smile on my face from ear to ear

Having heard both the Monitor and R series, I can confidently say that the Monitor series (especially the 70s) far surpass the R50s. The definition in the trebble is just so much better, and the midrange is much improved as well. Keep that in mind and don't discredit them. However, the RTi10s are still better than the monitor 70s so you might as well get those

If you plan on paying the $399/each price for the 70s, it would be a no brainer to get the RTis, but i got my 70s for $240 each brand new at circuit city so that was the deal maker for me Perhaps you should go there and see what they can do for you.

Drumingman

I think that the most soundworthy improvement you can make at this point is new speakers. For the money you have to spend, personally I'd buy the
Rti10's. You already have a VG receiver and Very High Qualiy Polks will make the biggest sound investment that you'll notice.

Good luck.

cbl117

Thanks a lot guys. This forum seems to have some really nice people. The woman and I are going to hit up CC tonight to see whats available.

How much of a set back is the Rti8 from the Rti10? Would the Monitor 70 be a better buy over the Rti8?

BjornB17

cbl117 wrote:

Thanks a lot guys. This forum seems to have some really nice people. The woman and I are going to hit up CC tonight to see whats available.

How much of a set back is the Rti8 from the Rti10? Would the Monitor 70 be a better buy over the Rti8?

It depends on how much you can buy them for. The RTi8s are indeed a little better than the 70s, and the MSRP is actually $50 cheaper for each RTi8 (polk's pricing scheme is a little confusing). If you have a local dealer that sells the RTi, you should probably go that route if you can. It seems to be hard to get dealers to negotiate the price on polk speakers, but usually you can get circuit city to give you a hefty discount if you're buying a whole setup (5 speakers and a sub)

cbl117

I got the Rti10s!!!!!!

...and I LOVE them. Best sounding stereo system I've ever owned. Thanks for the help. BTW I have a pair of R50s that I'm looking to sell. Mint condition and well taken care of.:)

Ferres

cbl117 wrote:

Thx for the reply. I currently have 16 AWG speaker wire for my fronts. Would upgrading to Xlo Ultra6 speaker wire really make much of an audiable difference?

Yes, I have tried thicker unbranded speaker wires as well as xlo ER-11 HT cables and Acoustic Zen epoch. The ultra6 provided strong but neutral sound. You immidiately notice the increase in db forcing you to pull back on the volume plus a greater amount of detail and bass response. The epoch is better than the ER-11's, but tend to colorize the sound and have a distinct dislike for Nora Jones.

For the price, the ultra6 is worthwhile. These are the kind of cables you keep around for future systems. Also great for prolonged listening sessions, not at all fatiguing

cbl117

Thanks Ferres, I'll definately keep that upgrade in mind.

I have one last question, and it goes like this...

I have the RTi10s and they sound great with the HK AVR630, but I've been snooping around on the forums and noticed talk about separate amps. Would a separate amp greatly help my current setup? or would it only be minor?

The AVR630 has the pre-amp outs neccessary for a separate amp. The specs of my current amp are 90watts/channel in stereo. HKs are high current amps so I wasn't sure if a separate amp would be needed. This setup is used exclusively with music.

Ricardo

If you'll continue using that system only for two channel music, this is what I would do:

-Return those 10's and sell the AVR 630.
-Get a used pre-amp and 200W/channel amp; you can get a very decent pair for less than $500.
-Get a pair of LSi9's; used or....ebay :eek: :eek: $650
-You might also want to get a small sub if you feel you need more bass. $200


You will be surprised on how much better your music sounds. Believe me.

cfrizz

Welcome Cbl117! Great system you are setting up! To start I would get a 200W amp & use the pre-outs on the HK. That kind of power makes anything sound good. You just might find it totally acceptable & end your upgrades there.

Now the LSI's are better for music, but this will hold you until you can save up for a pair of LSI's.

But I really don't think you need to start from scratch again.

Ferres

cbl117 wrote:

I have the RTi10s and they sound great with the HK AVR630, but I've been snooping around on the forums and noticed talk about separate amps. Would a separate amp greatly help my current setup? or would it only be minor?

The AVR630 has the pre-amp outs neccessary for a separate amp. The specs of my current amp are 90watts/channel in stereo. HKs are high current amps so I wasn't sure if a separate amp would be needed. This setup is used exclusively with music.

The only reason I went with separates was that my Lsi9's were forcing my marantz to shut off in HT. But I am pretty happy that I went that route despite the fact I no longer have the Lsi9's. The sound becomes a lot tighter and present, you also don't have to worry about over stressing your HK.

But if your reciever can still handle the load, you can always hold off on the purchase of a power amp. Get with the cable upgrades first so when you do add the amp you'll get the full benefits.

Also take into account that speakers do have limits. At some point, no matter what you do, you can't squeeze anymore out of it. But it will be a nice learning experience as you go through the process and your ears adapt to better sounds. :cool:

For power amps, get one with 2 toroidal power transformers in the 200 watts and up category.

Ferres

HTrookie wrote:

-Get a pair of LSi9's; used or....ebay :eek: :eek: $650
QUOTE]

I would rather suggest a Tannoy Sensys DC1 bookshelfs for clean detailed sound. But that's a personal tastes. If you like 'warm', Lsi's will do.