7.1 with RTi 12s, 10s, or 8s?

ncmarine

I frequently read through the threads, but this is my first time asking anything. I'm wanting to expand my HT system from 5.1 to 7.1, but was looking for advice as to what speakers to use. My family room is rather large, approx. 22x24 and has vaulted ceilings. We probably listen to music and watch movies 50/50, if that helps.

I currently have a Denon AVR-2807, RTi8 Fronts, CSi5 Center, RTi6 Surrounds, and a PSW505 Sub. Here are a few of my thoughts and concerns about possible additions (any feedback would be appreciated):

(1) I've thought about adding RTi12s for Fronts, moving the 8s to the sides, and the 6s to the rear, but I'm not prepared to buy 12s and an amp.

(2) I've also thought about adding another set of 8s for sides and moving 6s to the rear.

Any suggestions?

Andy

(3) Lastly, adding another set of 6s for the rears.

MikeC78

If you don't plan on adding any external amplification and have the room, I'd personally get another set of the RTi8's.

I like option #2.

Mike

ncmarine

Thanks for the reply Mike. Yeah, I've been leaning towards that option myself.

If I were to get the 12s down the road, any idea how much amplification would be needed? I'm not very knowlegeable/informed about external amps.

Mike Reeter

I would not go any less than a solid 200 wpc amp.

If your Denon has pre-outs,an external amp is not a problem.

I power our 12's and a CSi5 with a 3-channel external amp,and drive the 4 surrounds with the internal amps of our AVR.

ncmarine

My wife says to get whatever I want. I'm not sure how serious she is, but I'd be willing to swing a 3 channel amp if I could get one for around $500.

Now, do you think the RTi12s with the amp would be a big improvement over the 8s? I think the 12s would probably add a little more of the low end, since I only have the 505 sub.

MikeC78

Ever consider upgrading the sub?

In your price range for amps, I'd consider looking at pro-amps, Ebay, Audiogon/videogon.

Mike Reeter

ncmarine wrote:

My wife says to get whatever I want. I'm not sure how serious she is, but I'd be willing to swing a 3 channel amp if I could get one for around $500.

Now, do you think the RTi12s with the amp would be a big improvement over the 8s? I think the 12s would probably add a little more of the low end, since I only have the 505 sub.

I can't answer that one,I also have an SVS PC-Ultra Sub with the 12's...I couldn't ask for much more low end.

I'm not so sure you wouldn't be better off as suggested:get the 8's and a GOOD sub.

With the combined cost of an external amp./RTi12's you could pick up a damn nice sub.

I picked up our 12's when Circuit City was closing out the RTi line a couple of years ago....I gave less for them than a pair of RTi8's will cost you now.

Ricardo

You could also get a good amp and stay with 5.1, see how you like that; a good 5.1 will beat an average 7.1 hands down; not much material to enjoy "real" 7.1 anyway.

MikeC78

HTrookie wrote:

You could also get a good amp and stay with 5.1, see how you like that; a good 5.1 will beat an average 7.1 hands down; not much material to enjoy "real" 7.1 anyway.

Ditto, another great idea!

Unless you have the proper setup for 7.1, I'd stick with 5.1 any day of the week. Like HT said, not much materal to enjoy "real" 7.1.

Mike

BIZILL

i use the plIIx on my receiver for some psuedo 7.1 full-time action. i honestly could not be complete without it...

ncmarine, check my sig...

ncmarine

Bizill,

I was hoping that the PLIIx would be worth adding the speakers, but haven't had the chance to test it out. I've ordered the RTi8s and I'm currently looking around at subs, so maybe in a couple of months I can get a solid amplifier if needed. I appreciate everyone's advice and I'll let you know how it works out with the new speakers.

MikeC78

ncmarine wrote:

Bizill,

I was hoping that the PLIIx would be worth adding the speakers, but haven't had the chance to test it out. I've ordered the RTi8s and I'm currently looking around at subs, so maybe in a couple of months I can get a solid amplifier if needed. I appreciate everyone's advice and I'll let you know how it works out with the new speakers.

That is going to be one nice setup, congrats! What subs are you looking at?

Mike

PolkWannabie

If that's what you like ... imho the 8's and 6's are too direct for sides & rears ...

sickicw

You plan on running all 6 speakers off the Denon AVR-2807? I would think it is time for a nice big amp upgrade.

MikeC78

sickicw wrote:

You plan on running all 6 speakers off the Denon AVR-2807? I would think it is time for a nice big amp upgrade.

6? He plans on running 7.

sickicw

MikeC78 wrote:

6? He plans on running 7.

Oh yea, 7. Dont know what i was thinking.

PolkWannabie

Maybe the quadraphonic thread some how rubbed off and got legs ...

ncmarine

sickicw wrote:

You plan on running all 6 speakers off the Denon AVR-2807? I would think it is time for a nice big amp upgrade.

Well, I decided to get the RTi8s and I am looking into some of the SVS subs. (I have some room info and other details in the original post, so recommendations are welcomed.)

I'm only looking at subs due to the money I saved from not getting the 12s and an amp. How important do you think it will be to get an amp right now with adding another pair of 8s? If that important, how many channels? I've heard 200WPC minimum, so I know that any 7 Channel 200W amp will be pretty expensive. (ie. Sunfire TGA 7200, $2500)

I want the system to be as good and complete as I can get it for now. I also know that I'll want to continue to upgrade in the future.

Schwingding

You don't need a 7 channel amp to get improved sound. With separates for only your mains and/or center you will provide your AVR with a little breathing room to service the remaining speakers.

IMO, you are asking way too much of your AVR with all of those big speakers. I won't be surprised when you report back about blown tweeters.

ncmarine

Schwingding wrote:

You don't need a 7 channel amp to get improved sound. With separates for only your mains and/or center you will provide your AVR with a little breathing room to service the remaining speakers.

IMO, you are asking way too much of your AVR with all of those big speakers. I won't be surprised when you report back about blown tweeters.

Okay, so you think I can get by with a 3 channel amp for the time being? Is 200 WPC still recommended?

sickicw

ncmarine wrote:

Okay, so you think I can get by with a 3 channel amp for the time being? Is 200 WPC still recommended?

200 WPC is what i would recommend. If i were you i would return your new rti8s and just buy a 5 or 7 channel amp for now. Check out outlaw audio. They have some cheaper ones. Or if you want to keep the 8s, then buy at least a two channel amp, and maybe another monoblock.

ncmarine

sickicw wrote:

200 WPC is what i would recommend. If i were you i would return your new rti8s and just buy a 5 or 7 channel amp for now. Check out outlaw audio. They have some cheaper ones. Or if you want to keep the 8s, then buy at least a two channel amp, and maybe another monoblock.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look into getting amplification for the mains and center.

Mike C78,

I'm thinking about using an SVS SB-12 Plus with my PSW505. I was also looking at the PB12-Plus. Any comments, concerns, or recommendations?

Ron Temple

ncmarine wrote:

I'm thinking about using an SVS SB-12 Plus with my PSW505. I was also looking at the PB12-Plus. Any comments, concerns, or recommendations?

You've got a ton of space to fill...just too much, IMO, for the SB Plus. You really need a NSD/2 or Plus/2.

MikeC78

ncmarine wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look into getting amplification for the mains and center.

Mike C78,

I'm thinking about using an SVS SB-12 Plus with my PSW505. I was also looking at the PB12-Plus. Any comments, concerns, or recommendations?

Like Ron said, you have a large room to fill.

IMO, one Plus or a combo 505/SB12 won't cut the bill. If I had that room, I'd be looking at a minimum of a Plus/2. That's just me of course, I love bass and I probably wouldn't even be satisfied then. I'd email SVS your room dimensions, size of your wallet, your taste for music and movies, and go from there. They will NOT steer you in the wrong direction and you will most likely get you an answer back in a few hours. Good luck!

Mike

ncmarine

MikeC78 wrote:

Like Ron said, you have a large room to fill.

IMO, one Plus or a combo 505/SB12 won't cut the bill. If I had that room, I'd be looking at a minimum of a Plus/2. That's just me of course, I love bass and I probably wouldn't even be satisfied then. I'd email SVS your room dimensions, size of your wallet, your taste for music and movies, and go from there. They will NOT steer you in the wrong direction and you will most likely get you an answer back in a few hours. Good luck!

Mike

I agree with Ron and you. That Plus/2 is 900W (Continuous? not sure peak?), so that would really help my room out a lot and is probably worth the extra $300. I think I'll give that a try. By the way, I just grabbed an Outlaw M2200 M-Block off of Audiogon for $225. Still looking for more, but now that I'm getting these amps, should I revisit the RTi12s later down the road and hold off on the 8s? I'm on a slippery slope of spending money and upgrading my system, but it's fun.

(Off thread for a sec, I saw on some other thread that you had been down range. I'm leaving for my 3rd trip soon.) Thanks again for all the help.

Andy

Tequila

yes, you should go to the 12´s.:D

MikeC78

ncmarine wrote:

I agree with Ron and you. That Plus/2 is 900W (Continuous? not sure peak?), so that would really help my room out a lot and is probably worth the extra $300. I think I'll give that a try. By the way, I just grabbed an Outlaw M2200 M-Block off of Audiogon for $225. Still looking for more, but now that I'm getting these amps, should I revisit the RTi12s later down the road and hold off on the 8s? I'm on a slippery slope of spending money and upgrading my system, but it's fun.

(Off thread for a sec, I saw on some other thread that you had been down range. I'm leaving for my 3rd trip soon.) Thanks again for all the help.

Andy

Hey Marine!:)

Thank you and everything that you do! You a grunt or a POG?;) Yes, I've been in Iraq since 04. I was in Tikrit(Camp Danger 04), Umm Quasar(Camp Bucca 05), and just came back from Camp Blue Diamond, Ramadi.

IMO, I'd keep the 8's and use the amp to power your center(CSi5?), get another amp to power the front 8's and use the receiver to power the surrounds for time being. I'd get a good sub like the plus/2 for the bottom end, that should knock your socks off!

Mike

ncmarine

MikeC78 wrote:

Hey Marine!:)

Thank you and everything that you do! You a grunt or a POG?;) Yes, I've been in Iraq since 04. I was in Tikrit(Camp Danger 04), Umm Quasar(Camp Bucca 05), and just came back from Camp Blue Diamond, Ramadi.

IMO, I'd keep the 8's and use the amp to power your center(CSi5?), get another amp to power the front 8's and use the receiver to power the surrounds for time being. I'd get a good sub like the plus/2 for the bottom end, that should knock your socks off!

Mike

Thanks for your service as well. I'm guessing that you are Army based on some of your locations. I'm a POG by design, but these days over there we are all patrolling, running security, and training the Iraqis.

I just figured out how much money I'm spending and now I need to cut some costs. I can save $700 by staying with the 8s, so this will help out tremendously with the SVS PB12-Plus/2 ($1200) purchase.

If anyone hears of any good deals on a 2 channel amp or 2 monos, please let me know.

SLOCOOKN

ncmarine wrote:

Thanks for your service as well. I'm guessing that you are Army based on some of your locations. I'm a POG by design, but these days over there we are all patrolling, running security, and training the Iraqis.

I just figured out how much money I'm spending and now I need to cut some costs. I can save $700 by staying with the 8s, so this will help out tremendously with the SVS PB12-Plus/2 ($1200) purchase.

If anyone hears of any good deals on a 2 channel amp or 2 monos, please let me know.

I have an Adcom gfa 555 mk2 200 wpc @ 8 ohm..I would sell..I know you cant pm so just reply here if you are interested.

Thanks,
Steve

BIZILL

my bad, marine. didn't take into consideration the power you have available right now. my avr is only rated at 110wx7. but it's enough to turn up the sound and make me wanna slap my mother. (just a phrase i picked up along the way)

ncmarine

SLOCOOKN wrote:

I have an Adcom gfa 555 mk2 200 wpc @ 8 ohm..I would sell..I know you cant pm so just reply here if you are interested.

Thanks,
Steve

Please email at andylear@ec.rr.com with asking price.