RTi8s and sub wiring question

af chief

Hello, I have RTi8s on the way to replace my mains as the first step upgrading. Currently, I run my main speakers off the sub. Can/should I continue to do so? I'll be using the Onkyo 804.

thanks

crd2002

connect them to the back of the receiver and likewise the sub as that way you will get the 105wpc from the onkyo sent to the rti8

John K.

Chief, welcome. You could continue to connect the mains with lampcord through the speaker level inputs and outputs on your sub, but there doesn't appear to be a compelling reason to do so. Your 804 has a fine bass management system and you should use it to best advantage by connecting its sub out with coaxial cable to the unfiltered LFE input on the sub; this bypasses the sub's internal crossover and lets the 804 do the crossover job. Connect the RTi8s directly from the 804, then set a suitable crossover frequency, most likely 80Hz, on the 804 , which will relieve the RTi8s of a significant part of the lowest bass burden and give it to the sub, which should do a better job of handling it.

af chief

Thanks for the input, I haven't played with anything more than HTIB and a small 2-channel music (old amp and 301s) setup for about 10 years. Went from a simple Sony system, to Bose 3.2.1 (worst purchase I ever made, but it fit the TV room at the time) to the RM6900s.

I liked the Polks so much I caught the audio bug I had years ago (before wife and kids) when I was running 901s, Carver amps and DBX equipment.

So I bought the Onkyo 804 and RTi front stage (still debating CSi 3 or 5)...hopefully saving a few bucks with the new line coming out. The RTi8s can be had for $299 each right now.

I'm keeping the RM6900 system, will be perfect for the the den or bedroom.