Never knew what I had!!

DannyD

I use my audio rig mainly for movies. I mean 100% of the time. Tonight I decided to do some 2 channel listening with my RTI10's after reading up on this 2 channel forum, I wanted to see what all the excitement was about. I popped in a concert dvd of U2 live in Boston...one of my favourites. Much to my surprise I was extremely impressed. Mostly because of the bass that comes from these towers. I actually enjoyed it more without using my sub. From my understanding that is a much debated topic...to use a sub or not. IMO I prefer without. The highs were extremely clear. I don't feel that they are too bright like most people say about the RTI10's. Maybe my marantz amp is helping in that department. Edge's guitar sounded amazing. i just wanted to close my eyes and listen. The sound was very difficult to pinpoint. I'm assuming that's what you want in a good setup. This is my first real audio setup so my opinions are pretty bias. I'm very happy with the 10's and I plan on doing much more 2 channel listening after tonight. Just thought I would share my new experience with my fellow polkies. Cheers:D
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dorokusai

Alas...another Canadian that knows good sound, who'd a thunk it. Awesome.

RuSsMaN

I REALLY enjoyed my RTi10's for the short time they were in the cave. Lone Star Audio Fest listeners enjoyed them too. Stellar speaker for dedicated 2ch, underated by the masses, appreciated by the few.

Cheers,
Russ

MillerLiteScott

I could not get the RTi 10's to do it for me in the 2 channel department. They were great for HT and I did listen to that same U2 DVD and also prefered the sound with out the sub. IMO 2 channel not so much. YMMV.

MADGSF

I have got to get me another source so I can decide if the RTi-10s are staying or going. I think my POS Yamaha CD player is holding them back. I know they can sound good because music in movies sounds great. Music from my CD player is painful. Too bad I went and blew my money on a house:). I will get there, someday.

RuSsMaN

Does the Yammie have a digital output? I've got a Monarchy d/a you can borrow just for grins.

Early B.

Just something to keep in mind -- if you guys enjoyed the music without the sub, then odds are that your sub is not properly set up. If the sub was set up properly, you would sometimes scratch your head and wonder if the sub was powered on because it would blend so well with the mains.

I suggest playing around more with your sub -- placement, SPL meter, crossover settings, phase, volume, etc. Once you have it dialed in properly, it'll sound better for 2-channel music and HT.

AsSiMiLaTeD

If you need a sub for 2 channel listening, then it's time to upgrade to a better set of mains. That's the flipside of the statement above by early B.

I prefer 2 channel without a sub, prefer movies with a sub.

AsSiMiLaTeD

DannyD wrote: »

The sound was very difficult to pinpoint. I'm assuming that's what you want in a good setup.
.

Actually that's not really what you want. When you close your eyes, you should be able to point out where each instrument is, where each player is standing on stage. We call that imaging, and it's a good thing. If you don't have good imagine, then try playing with speaker placement (move them away from the wall, or closer or further apart, or try playing with how much they're pointed towards you (toe in)). If you think they sound good now, wait to you get them imagine properly and you'll be even more impressed

tonyb

You can intergrate a sub for 2 channel but to me,the bass is too amplified,draws too much attention to itself.Ideal would be dual subs,which I had but could never get the HT side and music side to mesh well.Subs have greatly improved over the last few years and maybe I will try again in the future.Cost is another minus to me.Take the coin you would spend on a good sub,I mean a GOOD sub,and you can most likely upgrade your speakers to something that can handle the lows.Of coarse all of this means didley squat because in the end,it comes down to personal preference,taste,flavor,whatever you want to call it these days.Now if you have 2 seperate systems,thats a whole nutha ball game.
Congrats to the OP,your system is good to go,enjoy the music.Check in the music threads for some good suggestions.

Early B.

Polkmaniac wrote: »

If you need a sub for 2 channel listening, then it's time to upgrade to a better set of mains. That's the flipside of the statement above by early B.

IMO, even if your main speakers are flat down to 20 Hz, a sub is very beneficial for 2-channel listening. Better yet, get two of 'em.

MADGSF

Russ, the Yamaha only has analog out. I do have an older Sharp DVD player with a digital out I may try just for the heck of it. I will let you know about the Monarchy.

mantis

Early B. wrote: »

Just something to keep in mind -- if you guys enjoyed the music without the sub, then odds are that your sub is not properly set up. If the sub was set up properly, you would sometimes scratch your head and wonder if the sub was powered on because it would blend so well with the mains.

I suggest playing around more with your sub -- placement, SPL meter, crossover settings, phase, volume, etc. Once you have it dialed in properly, it'll sound better for 2-channel music and HT.

I completely agree with this statement. I use my sub and even have my mains in small crossed over at 40 hz. I use a Dynaudio sub 500 and I have it crossed at 60hz. It blends in well for 2 channel. I basically doesn't seem to be on. It completely fools you to believe the mains provide all the bass. I would never set up a 2 channel system without a sub unless the mains can hit down to 18 hz by themselves. You miss out on the last bit of emotional connection without it. The lower hz really make a huge difference.

Not to mention my system seems more dynamic with the sub on then when the mains are in large.