A single component makes the difference

phipiper10

For any of you who have seen my posts or can look to the left ...I'm new.

Most of you know this but I'll say it anyway. A single component can make all the difference.

I was at my local Tweeter here in New England and was listening to a few different speakers.

I primarily wanted to compare the RTi8 to the LSi15. Just for comparison sake. (Some day I'll get those 15s)

I have RT800i at home so thought I might be able to relate the RTi8 sound to the RT800i just to see what the upgrade to the 15s might be like. (Anyone with thoughts on the difference between the RTi and RT800i sound I'd love to hear from you.)

The RTi8s (and all other speakers tested) were run off a high end Denon AVR at 130WPC. (forget the model #)

The RT8i were super bright like I wanted to squint with every snare hit. Seriously bright when compared to each of the other 5-6 speakers in the room. I don't feel my RT800is sound that way at home however - I feel mine are much more even sounding. At home I wouldn't call the sound warm by any stretch but nothing like what I experienced at the store.

I usually see the Denon regarded as warm sounding while Onkyo(my AVR at home) gets the bright tag so I was a little surprised.

When we swithced to the 15s - not impressive at all. Certainly didn't make me want to purchase them. I didn't think they were really crisp or clearer or had much more imaging or detail and hardly more bass which may have been the most surprising part. I know the Lsi might need just the right pieces and certainly something more than the Denon to drive it- I was just surprised, 1) At Tweeter for not doing all they could to make a great speaker sound great. and 2)hearing a speaker I was hoping would sound great sound mediocre. So I was disappointed too.

I know so much is dependent on so many things so my experience of comparing the RTi8 vs the RT800i vs the Lsi15 may not have even been a fair sampling of the capabilites of each.

The difference could have been with the AVR or my Rotel vs.them not having additional amplification or speaker wire or anything.

Additionaly I stopped by CC for 2 minutes (went to get something else) went to the listening room listened to some polk 10s and some Infinity (****/ $459ea) and the Infinitys sounded like they had a wet blanket over them........ seriously. Muffled, flattened, no image at all - the sound couldn't get out of the speakers -the music was TRAPPED!.

I also compared some Sony AVR to the Onkyo and again no comparison here, the Sony sounded like my kids Fischer Price radio.

I don't have the best system but I'm just reiterating the NOT so subtle differences a single piece of equipment can make to the whole sound. It also means I don't recommend listening at the box stores but we all knew that.

Take it home and try it in your system. I'm new but know enough to know that the change of a single component/speaker/wire can make a world of difference in the sound.

Off to my REAL local HIFI store this afternoon. Taking in my CD player to A/B against one of their Arcams.

Thanks all! And would love to hear thoughts on the comparison of the RT8i vs the RT800i. Is the RT8i really brighter?

Rich

wingnut4772

If you were not impressed by the 15s they were not set up or powered correctly. They are really nice speakers.

I do agree that a single component can make a huge difference in a set up. I actually have a few components that when I added each one at different times made THE difference. That is why I , and so many of us, have terminal upgraditus.:D

phipiper10

Yep on my newbie system, I said wow at the following times.

From Bose to RT800i on the mains = Wow
From Old Pioneer receiver to the Onkyo = Wow
From monster speaker wire to AQ wire = Wow
Adding the Rotel was pretty good = subtle improvement
From whatever RCA to (Copperheades to)AQ Diamondbacks=subtle improvement.

I haven't had a "wow" improvement in several months now. Consulting on another thread regarding next upgrade ; )

ND13

phipiper10 wrote:

Yep on my newbie system, I said wow at the following times.

From Bose to RT800i on the mains = Wow
From Old Pioneer receiver to the Onkyo = Wow
From monster speaker wire to AQ wire = Wow
Adding the Rotel was pretty good = subtle improvement
From whatever RCA to (Copperheades to)AQ Diamondbacks=subtle improvement.

I haven't had a "wow" improvement in several months now. Consulting on another thread regarding next upgrade ; )

Look, a newbie that could tell a difference in wire/cables. It must be a sign of the apocalypse!!!;)

wingnut4772

Ha!!!!:D