Which speakers do u recommend

sageleo
sageleo Posts: 170
edited May 2007 in Speakers
Hi new to the forum, just have a question on speakers, I currently have monitor 40's for fronts and monitor 30's for my rears, and I'm thinking about upgrading to rti6's and rti4's but I'm not sure if it would be worth the money just wondering if anyone has any input that might help, I mainly would use it for HT. any help would be helpful thanks.
T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
Post edited by sageleo on

Comments

  • Paramount Polk
    Paramount Polk Posts: 38
    edited May 2007
    just a tip, take a good hard long, Very long listen on the Rti line. specifically the Rti4, since i have experience only with that model. the tweeter is a teeny bit bright... check'em out for sure but if you've got ears that like warm sound, POSSIBLY, try another series. i would suppose that means LSI :p
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR304S
    Speakers- Front-Polk Rti4
    Rear- Bose 161
    Center- Bose Cubes
    Subwoofer- composed of
    -PIONEER TS-W251R 10" SUBWOOFER
    -Dayton 1.0 CU FT SUBWOOFER CABINET
    -DAYTON SA240-B 240W Sub Plate Amp
    Desktop
    -AMD Athlon 3000+ 1.8Ghz
    - Geforce 6600
    - 512mb Ram upgrading soon...
    - 80 Gig HD 160 Gig Slave HD
    - ECS Nforce-A939 Motherboard
  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited May 2007
    what Paramount said.

    But in all fairness Paramount, the rti4 tweeter might seem a bit bright in your setup b/c your bose don't have tweeters. ;)
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited May 2007
    so do u think that it would be a wise upgrade if even considered and upgrade or would I be better saving up and getting some lsi7's and if i did go with the lsi series how are they for home audio, and would my h/k avr 245 be able to push them?
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited May 2007
    Your H/K is not rated for 4 ohm operation, but there is another thread to fight over that....It can be done, but to get the full potential out of them, I would suggest something along the lines of NAD, or a small separate amp for them....I have heard many great things about the LSi7, I can't wait to actually hear them...How much music do you listen to compared to watching movies?
  • Paramount Polk
    Paramount Polk Posts: 38
    edited May 2007
    sageleo wrote: »
    so do u think that it would be a wise upgrade if even considered and upgrade or would I be better saving up and getting some lsi7's and if i did go with the lsi series how are they for home audio, and would my h/k avr 245 be able to push them?

    no, no, it all depends on the sound you prefer:D if you think the Lsi speakers sound much better than the Rti line and think its worth the extra money, then go for it but i just suggested a good hard and LONG listen at the Rti line. the Rti line is a wonderful series but it just isnt my taste. All options open and no, for the Lsi, i would probably go with something that can push it to its potential unless you never go above 50% volume or somewhere around there...
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR304S
    Speakers- Front-Polk Rti4
    Rear- Bose 161
    Center- Bose Cubes
    Subwoofer- composed of
    -PIONEER TS-W251R 10" SUBWOOFER
    -Dayton 1.0 CU FT SUBWOOFER CABINET
    -DAYTON SA240-B 240W Sub Plate Amp
    Desktop
    -AMD Athlon 3000+ 1.8Ghz
    - Geforce 6600
    - 512mb Ram upgrading soon...
    - 80 Gig HD 160 Gig Slave HD
    - ECS Nforce-A939 Motherboard
  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited May 2007
    I would probably use them for 80% movies and 20% music, and i was already considering getting a power amp... I was thinking about getting some outlaw audio monoblocks, are there any other amps that u would recommend?
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited May 2007
    The RTi should be very good for your setup, especially if you use it for mainly HT. You shouldnt need a power amp for the Rti 4 and 6, give it a try with the AVR first.
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited May 2007
    I have the Rti6 and they sound great for HT in a small or medium room. They do bottom out rather quickly and will need to be augmented with a sub but I find that to be more of a problem with classical music (the bass gets muddy).

    They are bright for music, especially classical and jazz. I don't mind bright for rock. But then, that's my listening preference so go do a long demo.

    If you want to step up to the LSi series, keep in mind that's a significant chunk in change in terms of speakers and electronics. If you do want to go this route, save up for it and skip the RTi series.

    I love the LSi series because I'm mostly 80% music and the highs and mids sound just right to me with the LSi15's.

    Good luck!
  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited May 2007
    hmm so I surely would'nt need an amp for my current set up cs1, monitor 40's fronts, monitor 30's surrounds? cause for some reason I want it to go louder, would an amp also help with the quality? not that it sounds bad or anything.
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited May 2007
    As far as the rti's bottoming out my current sub is velodyne vrp 1000 would it be best to start out with an upgrade in the subwoofer area, and if so which would u recommend, I REALLY want an Svs 20-39 but would like to find one used.
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
  • Paramount Polk
    Paramount Polk Posts: 38
    edited May 2007
    I have the Rti6 and they sound great for HT in a small or medium room. They do bottom out rather quickly and will need to be augmented with a sub but I find that to be more of a problem with classical music (the bass gets muddy).

    They are bright for music, especially classical and jazz. I don't mind bright for rock. But then, that's my listening preference so go do a long demo.

    If you want to step up to the LSi series, keep in mind that's a significant chunk in change in terms of speakers and electronics. If you do want to go this route, save up for it and skip the RTi series.

    I love the LSi series because I'm mostly 80% music and the highs and mids sound just right to me with the LSi15's.

    Good luck!

    sageleo wrote: »
    hmm so I surely would'nt need an amp for my current set up cs1, monitor 40's fronts, monitor 30's surrounds? cause for some reason I want it to go louder, would an amp also help with the quality? not that it sounds bad or anything.

    ah yes, i forgot to say, YES! the RTi line seem more for HT(in my opinion) they do sound awesome in movies but when i've got my Rti4 at 40% gain and
    im sitting three feet away, it gets fatiguing... its loud but its not, my ears feel as if they're bleeding...

    What volume level do you normally listen at? depending on volume, yes, bi-amping would probably help
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR304S
    Speakers- Front-Polk Rti4
    Rear- Bose 161
    Center- Bose Cubes
    Subwoofer- composed of
    -PIONEER TS-W251R 10" SUBWOOFER
    -Dayton 1.0 CU FT SUBWOOFER CABINET
    -DAYTON SA240-B 240W Sub Plate Amp
    Desktop
    -AMD Athlon 3000+ 1.8Ghz
    - Geforce 6600
    - 512mb Ram upgrading soon...
    - 80 Gig HD 160 Gig Slave HD
    - ECS Nforce-A939 Motherboard
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2007
    sageleo wrote: »
    I would probably use them for 80% movies and 20% music, and i was already considering getting a power amp... I was thinking about getting some outlaw audio monoblocks, are there any other amps that u would recommend?

    If you are serious about getting an amp I would suggest getting the LSI's. I have way to many times done the upgrade thing. It would have been better, and cheaper just to do it right the first time.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited May 2007
    sageleo wrote: »
    hmm so I surely would'nt need an amp for my current set up cs1, monitor 40's fronts, monitor 30's surrounds? cause for some reason I want it to go louder, would an amp also help with the quality? not that it sounds bad or anything.

    If you are wanting to go louder, an amp is in your future. IF you are going with a separate amp, I would go for the LSi7s....It is cheaper to just get what you really want the first time....Are you looking to just power the fronts of your system, or the whole nine yards? I have heard the outlaws are nice amps, but for the price of five you could have a very nice used 5 channel amp.....
  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited May 2007
    Well eventually I would like to go the whole nine yards, but since it all takes money I would start with the center channel and front sound stage then work on my surrounds or would it be better just to wait and find a good 5 channel amp?
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited May 2007
    I would start it all with the amp, just my $.02.....If you are looking at the LSi line, the amp is going to be the most expensive piece to buy up front....You can buy one pair of speakers at a time, but you can't buy one channel of a five/seven channel amp at a time....Just my opinion....

    Check this amp out....It is a seven channel, leaving room for you to expand if need/want be later, and don't be fooled by the 140w/ch. rating, it will drive the piss out of the LSi's......Sunfire is another great choice for affordable used power, I just couldn't find one to show you....Shoot on over to www.sunfire.com and click on Hall Of Fame under the PRODUCTS page.

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1183226843
  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited May 2007
    i've got my Rti4 at 40% gain and
    im sitting three feet away, it gets fatiguing... its loud but its not, my ears feel as if they're bleeding...
    Not to say the the Rtis aren't bright, but you really need more space between you and your fronts. Turn it down about 5dbs and see if the brightness turns into detail. Every speaker and room needs to breath...you're too close.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2007
    [QUOTE=Paramount Polk;631399i've got my Rti4 at 40% gain and
    im sitting three feet away, it gets fatiguing... its loud but its not, my ears feel as if they're bleeding...[/QUOTE]

    I dont think I could manage being that close to my speakers, for yours ears to feel that at that range, its very well expected. Ron has a good suggestion. I have Rti12s and sit about 8-9 feet from screen, speakers are about 12 from the sweet spot and they sound very good.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • Paramount Polk
    Paramount Polk Posts: 38
    edited May 2007
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    Not to say the the Rtis aren't bright, but you really need more space between you and your fronts. Turn it down about 5dbs and see if the brightness turns into detail. Every speaker and room needs to breath...you're too close.
    Sherardp wrote: »
    I dont think I could manage being that close to my speakers, for yours ears to feel that at that range, its very well expected. Ron has a good suggestion. I have Rti12s and sit about 8-9 feet from screen, speakers are about 12 from the sweet spot and they sound very good.

    :( i wish i could but thats just how small my room really is... the living room is as small as a studio apartments main room(or smaller):( :(:( im trying ways to make room between myself and the speaker...check out my set-up in the members showcase... question: turning it down... isnt that the same as turning down the main volume? or do it, so that it softens the signal or w.e....arg all that deep explanation... the same thing with maxing a source which isnt too good and playing it through a rotel(throwing names out) amp or something and using minimal volume on the rotel... that kind of concept?
    not sure if it matters but i set the receiver distance from mains to 3 feet...
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR304S
    Speakers- Front-Polk Rti4
    Rear- Bose 161
    Center- Bose Cubes
    Subwoofer- composed of
    -PIONEER TS-W251R 10" SUBWOOFER
    -Dayton 1.0 CU FT SUBWOOFER CABINET
    -DAYTON SA240-B 240W Sub Plate Amp
    Desktop
    -AMD Athlon 3000+ 1.8Ghz
    - Geforce 6600
    - 512mb Ram upgrading soon...
    - 80 Gig HD 160 Gig Slave HD
    - ECS Nforce-A939 Motherboard
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2007
    :( i wish i could but thats just how small my room really is... the living room is as small as a studio apartments main room(or smaller):( :(:( im trying ways to make room between myself and the speaker...check out my set-up in the members showcase... question: turning it down... isnt that the same as turning down the main volume? or do it, so that it softens the signal or w.e....arg all that deep explanation... the same thing with maxing a source which isnt too good and playing it through a rotel(throwing names out) amp or something and using minimal volume on the rotel... that kind of concept?
    not sure if it matters but i set the receiver distance from mains to 3 feet...

    I can only imagine being in a tight room with speakers of that size playing loud, naturally my ears would hurt and fatigue as well. I would say yes play at a lower volume or play around with speaker placement. Perhaps a wall mount would put more distant between you and the speaker, not sure , just a thought. Happy listening.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • Paramount Polk
    Paramount Polk Posts: 38
    edited May 2007
    Sherardp wrote: »
    I can only imagine being in a tight room with speakers of that size playing loud, naturally my ears would hurt and fatigue as well. I would say yes play at a lower volume or play around with speaker placement. Perhaps a wall mount would put more distant between you and the speaker, not sure , just a thought. Happy listening.


    ah. i managed to squeeze some space out and pushed the speakers back 5 inches... i didnt do a full fatigue test yet...

    this is interesting, its from the PE board regarding my issue actually

    "Music has a large peak to average ratio, as high as 10:1, even higher on some symphonic pieces. When you ask your amp to put out 1W RMS during music, you're likely asking it to hit 10W peaks. 10W RMS means 100W peaks, even though they're short duration. If you have inefficient speakers, your tendency is to turn it up a bit, but unless you have PLENTY of power, you could be causing your amp to clip, and that could be the harshness you hear."

    "Bob Cordell did experiments to measure the amps and speakers and such to watch for clipping. Resultingly, he found that some tracks(one in particular) had a dynamic range of 25dB, and would easily clip most amplifiers. It even clipped the 200W/channel setup with 88dB speakers, and is his recommended minumum power rating for the 88-89dB sensitivity speaker. Most of the time, the 200W is enough to not clip using an 88dB speaker, and listening at a moderate level. For 95dB speakers, it's closer to 17W recommended per channel. "
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR304S
    Speakers- Front-Polk Rti4
    Rear- Bose 161
    Center- Bose Cubes
    Subwoofer- composed of
    -PIONEER TS-W251R 10" SUBWOOFER
    -Dayton 1.0 CU FT SUBWOOFER CABINET
    -DAYTON SA240-B 240W Sub Plate Amp
    Desktop
    -AMD Athlon 3000+ 1.8Ghz
    - Geforce 6600
    - 512mb Ram upgrading soon...
    - 80 Gig HD 160 Gig Slave HD
    - ECS Nforce-A939 Motherboard