Advice/recommendations please - RTiA7 plus 5.1 configuration

hogermite

I've been trying to research and equip a 5.1 home theater room (18x22) that will also provide solid music delivery/enjoyment. So far I have purchased: Panasonic 58" 1080P Plasma, Onkyo TX-SR805S, PS3, and a Monster HTS 3600MKII. I have listened to the RTi10s & 12s, but just had a chance to hear the newer A7s and A9s powered by an Onkyo 805. With a knowledgeable person driving the demo, I liked the RTiA7s configuration better. With my eyes closed he switched between the A7s and A9s. The full setup was: front - RTiA7, center - CSiA4, rear - RTiA1BL bookshelf, and two Velodyne DSL 3500R 8" powered subs. I would appreciate any comments, or suggestions/alternatives - if I am on the 'wrong' track. In reading many of the posted threads, most state that one must hear and experience the speakers for themselves. From the 90 minute listening demo (multiple movies and many types of music) the RTi sound was awesome. The cost for the 7 speakers is a bit more than I wanted ($ 2,300 before tax), but I plan to have this set up for the next 8+ years. Thanks for any assistance.

Ricardo

Welcome to the forum!!!

I have never heard the new line, but I would have thought that they sounded very similar. Too bad you like the new ones better.....since you can get great prices on the old ones

Don't forget you will need a good sub to get the best out of movies/games!

Braddles

Trust your ears. They dont lie.

cfrizz

Welcome Hogermite.

You like the new speakers & plan to keep them a while so get them! You will most likely keep them longer because you are happy with them. Just add a good sub & you will be all set.

You have a good receiver that has preamp outputs so that you can upgrade to more power in the future.

So go put your system together & if you have anymore questions or need more help let us know.

hogermite

Thanks for the quick replies. Any take on whether two - Velodyne DSL 3500R 8" subs would be better than one - Velo 12"? In general, is it better to spread to multiple subs?

lakesailor

If you plan on doing a fair amount of two channels listening two subs will outperform one. For most H/T stuff one good quality sub is more than adequate from my experience. Personally I would run with a single SVS sub for H/T and just the fronts by themselves for 2 channel with no sub.

treitz3

First off, welcome to the forum.

IMO, two subs are better than one but that's just me. One sub tuned properly and located in the room correctly will still yield excellent results for you. As for "better" with two subs, we can only offer our opinions as YMMV. You have to let your ears decide. If you listen to mostly HT instead of 2-channel, having two subs can give you the extra needed "umph" when called for.

A suggestion? If you have the means, try one sub first and if you aren't completely satisfied run out and get the second sub. You can always return it [depending on the purchase place]. My advice? Try one out first and spend some time learning about proper placement, adjustment and integration to the mains. If you place one sub in an area that best suits the room, that may be all you need.

hogermite

Yes, thanks for the suggestion - starting with one sub and experiencing the results while learning about sub placement. I have also been researching the SVS SB12-Plus. Looks like you buy direct and w/ shipping charges, the total $ for one SB-12 Plus is about = to the two 8" Velo. SVS has a 45 day trial and the independent reviews seem to tout the SVS-12 Plus as a great sub. One note on sub placement which I hope does not hinder my 'quest'. My room layout almost dictates that the sub goes in the back - so I do not have as much flexibility as I would like.

Ron Temple

You're on the right track. The A series' looks and IMO, better sound would sway me too. Two small subs like those little Velos will be nice for music, but a larger more capable sub like the Plus you referenced will get you to the next level. You won't need more bass, but you'll want it.

Fongolio

For music those two Velo 8's will have great transient response (think of a quick hitting kickdrum) and two will give good low end extension. A single 12 will make movie soundtracks explode but will likely not have the quickness with music that the eights will, but a Velo 12 is still fantastic for music. As for the RTiA7's, I have had a pair for a few months now and I love them. My review is posted on the product page using my other user name Kelvin F. My whole setup is as follows:

Pioneer Elite VSX-52TXi 7.1 Receiver
Polk Audio RTiA7 Fronts
Polk Audio CSi40 Center
Klipsch RF-25 Surrounds
Polk Audio RTi70 Surround backs
Two Pure Acoustics RB 1150 10" active subwoofers(one on each side of room)
Hitachi 42HDS69 Plasma Screen
Pioneer DV-400V DVD player (for divX playback)
Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi DVD player (for sacd, dvd-audio and dts audio playback)
Oppo HD981 DVD player (universal player)
Bell ExpressVu 9200 HD-PVR Satellite Receiver
Monster Cable speaker cables and interconnects

I'm totally into surround music and this setup makes for the full immersion. Movies sound fantastic too. You will not be disapointed with the RTiA7's.

cfrizz

Great setup you have Fongolio! Welcome to Club Polk.

Fongolio

Thankyou cfrizz.
Club Polk is a great community. Very informative. I've read posts for hours and have learned much here even though I've posted only a few times myself. Most members are very helpful and supportive.

hogermite

Just picked up the L/R RTiA7s and the center CSiA4 and wired them into the TX-SR805 via BlueJeanCables - 10 gauge. Still trying to figure out how to best configure for optimal sound - but so far - quite pleased. Taking advice from the thread/suggestions - will next add one Velodyne DSL 3500R 8" powered sub to see where and how it performs - with the thought of adding a 2nd 8". Non trivial to get all this sorted out - but fun!

MrNightly

Congrats man... great buys!

Although, I think you will find that the SVS would outperform the Velodyne. I listened to a sealed $1500 Velodyne in a store and compared to my SVS, it was a baby in a men's locker room. Just no comparison. SVS know's how to make subs!!! But good for you on getting a purchase! Now get it set up, and enjoy the ride... it only picks up pace from here on out!

Fongolio

Congrats on the RTiA7's and CSiA4. Speaking from my own experience the A7's get better and better as they break in. Have fun and happy listening!!

Smokescreen

I just re-vamped my entire setup over the weekend...

Yamaha RX-V1800 Receiver
(2) RTi A7 (Front L and R) (Bi-Amped via the Yamaha)
(1) CS2 (Center)
(2) RTi A1 (Rear L and R)
PSW10 Sub

I had a pair of Monitor 50s but when teamed with the RTi A1 rears, my fronts we noticible less quality and my surrounds were putting them to shame, so I ran out and grabbed the RTi A7s and it polished off the setup nicely...

Next step is to move the CS2 to the living room with the Monitor 50s for the wifey.... Gotta get 100% of the new RTi A line in the theater room... and then I am sure to dump the PSW10 for something stronger (although the RTi A7s hit the lows nicely and it is currently a very full sound... we'll see ).

hogermite

Picked up the Velo 8" sub and still trying to figure out how to adjust and where to place it. I have 25 more days to eval/return. From what I can hear - sounds 'ok'. But I have little to reference it against. I'm still looking at the SVS: SB12 plus, PB12 - NSD, or the PB12 plus. The PB12 plus is a monster, and for my mid size room, wondering if it will rotate the screws out of the sheetrock? Does anyone own and have experience with any of these? Really appreciate how folks take the time to respond and share their opinions/experiences. I have to admit that trying to get this right (with little audio experience) is causing a mind state of 'overdriven'.

Bill Ayotte

Smokescreen wrote: »

I just re-vamped my entire setup over the weekend...

Yamaha RX-V1800 Receiver
(2) RTi A7 (Front L and R) (Bi-Amped via the Yamaha)
(1) CS2 (Center)
(2) RTi A1 (Rear L and R)
PSW10 Sub

I had a pair of Monitor 50s but when teamed with the RTi A1 rears, my fronts we noticible less quality and my surrounds were putting them to shame, so I ran out and grabbed the RTi A7s and it polished off the setup nicely...

Next step is to move the CS2 to the living room with the Monitor 50s for the wifey.... Gotta get 100% of the new RTi A line in the theater room... and then I am sure to dump the PSW10 for something stronger (although the RTi A7s hit the lows nicely and it is currently a very full sound... we'll see ).

I would check out the new Polk subs while you are out looking at that center. I haven't heard one yet, but from what I have heard locally and on here, they are a substantial step up from their older brethren.....Me, I rolled Sunfire again this time, to match the Speaks I've got (Sunfire CRM-2). I would imagine that the new Polk subs would be a good match for the RTi series...