Questtion

PolkFan1

I cannot decide what receiver to buy for my rti8's. I need a multi channel receiver. I am looking at the Pioneer Elite vsx-80txv, and some Harman Kardon models. I feel as though the HK's will be too weak for the Rti8's. The higher end HK's are too expensive for me...I was also looking at the Yamaha rx-v659. My budget is 450 bucks..might stretch it a couple bucks...can anyone help me out

roscoe1972

I have a HK AVR 245 and like it very much. It is on the lower end of their spectrum. Got a good price on Amazon. Look at Harmonaudio store on ebay. You can bid on refub. units that have full warrenties.

Note that HK's watt ratings are accurate and comparable to much higher rated receivers.

Ern Dog

You gotta get an external amp to do those Rti8's justice. My suggestion would be to get an inexpensive HK that has pre-outs and a used amp.

Rivrrat

I have a Pioneer vsx80txv driving some monitor 10's, and they do just fine. Those RTI 8's have awfly simillar specs, I'd think they'd do fine too, but that's JMHO.

PolkFan1

I think I will do that. Can you recommend me some good external amps?

I was wondering also..if I were to get a CHEAP HK receiver and use an external amp would it make a difference if I get a more expensive HK receiver and use an external amp? I am not familiar with amps and all that.

If it does make a difference I was thinking of just getting the HK3480 stereo 2 channel amp and connecting an external amp. My budget for an amp is 300 dollars.

daboyz

Do you plan to do any home theater? If so I would get the HK AVR 235/40/or 45 depending on used or new. Roscoe is right as far as getting refurb on Ebay or there is a Harman outlet that sells them straight out. I have an HK AVR125 and I really like it but I understand that I'm missing a lot from not having the ability to hook up an amp through mine. I am going to do the above mentioned as soon as the cash situation is right. you'd have to get others advice on the amp. Good luck.

PolkFan1

I listen to mainly music all the time. However, I occasionally use surround sound. I figured I will go with just a stereo receiver and an amp rather than a multi channel avr so I can make the best out of what I mainly use my system for. Would the HK3480 do a good job for the Rti8's without an amp? ALso, I still need some more info from my last post..thanks

roscoe1972

I also recommend an AVR, you can add an amp later vs. buying a whole new receiver when you do want surround. The hk avr 240 has pre outs. You can get it under $300.

Ern Dog

PolkFan1 wrote:

I think I will do that. Can you recommend me some good external amps?

I was wondering also..if I were to get a CHEAP HK receiver and use an external amp would it make a difference if I get a more expensive HK receiver and use an external amp? I am not familiar with amps and all that.

If it does make a difference I was thinking of just getting the HK3480 stereo 2 channel amp and connecting an external amp. My budget for an amp is 300 dollars.

I recommended a "cheap" HK because you said you only had $450 to spend, so the remainder could be allocated for the ext. amp and the stereo HK used solely as a preamp. That being the case, you will be bypassing the HK's amplification all together.

I'd recommend getting a 5.1 instead of stereo because it leaves more options open to you if you ever want to expand into having a home theater. As someone mentioned above, an AVR will power the 8's fine and it will sound good. An external amp will make it sound Excellent!

ben62670

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

They sell HKs factory direct refurbed. I had great luck with mine. I use it as a pre amp. AVR235 Don't worry if you "missed a great deal" they have them all the time. Take your time and get it on the cheap.

Did I mention Take your time and get it on the cheap.

Ron Temple

I used the ebay 235 and Audiosource amp on the 8s for about $350 total. Very nice combo with no real downside.

PolkFan1

Would this be good? 2 of these....

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Audiosource-AMP-100-50-Watt-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ130076525668QQihZ003QQcategoryZ39783QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

each amp used bridged mono for each rti8. I am just confused as how I would hook them both up to an HK receiver. Would there be enough pre outs on lets say the AVR245 or the HK3480 stereo amp?

How do I bridge the amps to each rti8 to get more watts?

MSALLA

You don't need an amp to run the Rti8's. You are right though about going with a stereo receiver for music. They do a much better job for two channel then AVR's. Listen to as much as you can in your price range. Check out higher end units in the used market. I would still buy one that has preouts incase you want to upgrade later. Right now, put the money you were going to use for an amp and get a good sub. Those 8's run on the bright side.

Ron Temple

This is what I used with 8s in stereo, not bridged. The 235 as the pre/pro.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=302-600

It's a nice improvement over the AVR, very clean, and you don't need more than the 80wpc to drive them very loud. I'm using this amp bridged now on my center. If you have any interest in HT, then this combination works well. You don't drop a ton of money on either the receiver or the amp. It's versatile and upgradeable.

PolkFan1

Thanks for all the help. I think I am just going to stick with a plain old stereo receiver. I hardly ever watch movies and do not plan to upgrade on HT. Im going to get the HK3480 stereo receiver. Would it make any sense to add an amp at all to it? The receiver is already rated at 120 watts and its a HK. Would this be a very good receiver to get for the rti8's too? Thanks

ben62670

120 watts per channel HK would do nicely on most speakers. If you are going to stick with stereo I think that would be a fine choice. I wouldn't worry about getting an amp. I would try running the reciever for a while and see how you like it. I didn't go nuts reading the specs but the HK's are a solid high currant amp.

here is one to check out

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-3480-Z-AM-FM-Stereo-Receiver-Tuner_W0QQitemZ150089134385QQihZ005QQcategoryZ67799QQcmdZViewItem

PolkFan1

Great! And you can do bi wiring with this HK too correct? I just wanna make sure.

Demiurge

Not trying to ride you here, but you asked a bunch of questions along the same lines in these other threads. My find your answers there as well.

Link

ben62670

PolkFan1 wrote:

Great! And you can do bi wiring with this HK too correct? I just wanna make sure.

Its only only 2 channels,but you could run 2 sets of wire to your speakers. The advantages of bi wiring are not that great with the kind of setup you are looking to do. I would just try this setup, and see what you think from there. If the price goes high they have these on a fairly regular basis. So be patient.

ben62670

Well did you get it?