rti4 bass management w/ int. amp w/ NO bass mngt

ribbit

well I ordered the Rti4 and will probably get it within the week
(I cannot and did not demo any polk speaker)
I'll be using this on my PC


I have two connection options ...

option 1: running the Rti4 full range + sub (speakers connected via speaker level on "speaker A" subwoofer connected to "speaker b")

or

option 2: running the Rti4 with the sub's 80hz crossover (speaker level from amp to sub then sub to speaker)

which is better?

cons:
option 1: I lose bass management - letting the bookshelf roll off by itself
option 2: isnt the high pass crossover of 80hz a bit high? (wish it was variable just like the low pass crossover)

will be using the Velodyne DLS5000R btw.

on a side note: I am having a little buyer's remorse, I considered the rti4 and the monitor 40. my target was low end extension. I searched the forum but mostly found arguments between other members and some guy saying the monitor series was better than the rti series. does the monitor 40 really have more extension with the dual drivers and a bigger enclosure?

on a 2nd side note: I registered using the name "mike c" but my hotmail account folded up and I couldnt post nor PM anybody so here I am with this weird login name.

aaharvel

welcome. choose option b. I have my rti4's (as everything else) set to 60hz. But 80hz. will be just fine.

In regards to rti4 vs. monitor 40, no comparison. in bass and sound quality- you did good by getting the rti4's. imo it's the best of the rti series, and better than anything from the monitor line.

http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1004polk/

ribbit

thanks, I did post this in another forum (a guy's opinion I trust pointed me to the rti4's - just having a little remorse)

btw, I only have 2 options on the integrated amp ...
a Rotel RA-04 40wpc or a HK3480 120wpc receiver

of course the HK unit has more power (but so they say), I trust the ratings on the rotel unit, but its not that high to begin with.

does the rti4 need a lot of power? how many watts recommended? (never had bookshelves up front)

aaharvel

Either the Rotel or H/K would do well, but I would prefer the H/K for two reasons- first, H/K is just as conservative with it's wattage ratings (thanks to high current capability) as the Rotel. Secondly, the H/K will provide a warmer sound which when paired with the newer rti's imo sounds excellent.

At 8ohms, the rti4 doesn't require alot of power to drive, but it certainly likes it. I have mine powered with a Harman Kardon Signature 2.0 that provides 100watts per channel but more importantly a full 100 amps of current! The speaker can take it, and it likes it, even when bi-amped.

ribbit

also, another question:

how do you read Polk?
rhymes with folk?
or
or read as spelled? (emphasis on the L)

Danny Tse

aaharvel wrote:

Either the Rotel or H/K would do well, but I would prefer the H/K for two reasons- first, H/K is just as conservative with it's wattage ratings (thanks to high current capability) as the Rotel. Secondly, the H/K will provide a warmer sound which when paired with the newer rti's imo sounds excellent.

The H/K also provide a dedicated subwoofer pre-out, although the owner's manual doesn't specify a crossover frequency.

ribbit

the HK unit doesnt have crossover, full range signal I think.

my speakers arrived early btw!!