Looking to upgrade from RTi150's...
I'm looking to upgrade to something from my current RTi150's (I also own a pair of SDA 1C's which is waiting for a replacement driver). I am considering LSi15's, older SDA-SRS 1.2TL's, and lately the Von Schweikert VR-2 has caught my eye if I can find a used set for around the LSi price range. Also adding a sub or subs is a possibility too. RTi A9's are also not completely out of the question, if they're noticeably improved over the 150's, I've seen nothing but glowing reviews of the A9's around the net.
My goals are an improvement in sound and I like to occasionally play music at extreme volumes so I would like whatever I get to be capable of high SPL's without getting destroyed. I am also not one of those "hear every little nuance in every sound and place every note in space" people, but I do want a sound that's balanced across the whole frequency range and not excessive or lacking in any area.
Things I like about the RTi's are A) they will play quite loudly, and
to my ears the highs are very good and in fact blow away my SDA's tweeters, being smoother and less shrill sounding IMO. Things I don't like about them are poor balance, the highs are fine but the midrange is kinda lacking and the bass is down at very low frequencies where the SDA's sounded awesome - not boomy but very "extended" to hit extremely low notes - the RTi's seem to roll off at these frequencies. It's amazing how much better the RTi's sound with the midrange & bass bumped up a little, it's like a different speaker, but it's still not cured entirely.
I use a Carver TFM-25 for amplification (225 watts/ch @ 8 ohms and 3-hundred-something watts @ 4 ohms) and a matching CT-7 preamp/tuner. I could always pick another one up on eBay if I need more juice but this amp has never been the weak link in my system and almost always has power to spare.
I would like something with the RTi's volume and crystal-clear highs with the SDA's lows and better balance. I have no doubt the LSi15's and VR-2's would be better balanced than the RTi's and smoother sounding than the RTi's or SDA's, but how do they do in the volume department? What about with a sub or 2, and what's a good sub for music - I'm thinking maybe the Von Schweikert VR-S1 but how is the Polk PSW1000, or the (new?) DSW Micro Pro 4000? Then there's the SDA-SRS but I'm a little worried they'd have the same so-so highs as the 1C's and require expensive refreshing/reconditioning....
Any thoughts? Cost is an issue but not a huge one. I can probably spend $1500-2000 on upgrades.
My goals are an improvement in sound and I like to occasionally play music at extreme volumes so I would like whatever I get to be capable of high SPL's without getting destroyed. I am also not one of those "hear every little nuance in every sound and place every note in space" people, but I do want a sound that's balanced across the whole frequency range and not excessive or lacking in any area.
Things I like about the RTi's are A) they will play quite loudly, and
to my ears the highs are very good and in fact blow away my SDA's tweeters, being smoother and less shrill sounding IMO. Things I don't like about them are poor balance, the highs are fine but the midrange is kinda lacking and the bass is down at very low frequencies where the SDA's sounded awesome - not boomy but very "extended" to hit extremely low notes - the RTi's seem to roll off at these frequencies. It's amazing how much better the RTi's sound with the midrange & bass bumped up a little, it's like a different speaker, but it's still not cured entirely.I use a Carver TFM-25 for amplification (225 watts/ch @ 8 ohms and 3-hundred-something watts @ 4 ohms) and a matching CT-7 preamp/tuner. I could always pick another one up on eBay if I need more juice but this amp has never been the weak link in my system and almost always has power to spare.
I would like something with the RTi's volume and crystal-clear highs with the SDA's lows and better balance. I have no doubt the LSi15's and VR-2's would be better balanced than the RTi's and smoother sounding than the RTi's or SDA's, but how do they do in the volume department? What about with a sub or 2, and what's a good sub for music - I'm thinking maybe the Von Schweikert VR-S1 but how is the Polk PSW1000, or the (new?) DSW Micro Pro 4000? Then there's the SDA-SRS but I'm a little worried they'd have the same so-so highs as the 1C's and require expensive refreshing/reconditioning....
Any thoughts? Cost is an issue but not a huge one. I can probably spend $1500-2000 on upgrades.
Post edited by phxrider on
Comments
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I have another thought too, how would an array of LSi9's combined with a pair of subs (of undetermined model at this point) work? I could start out with 2 per side and then add to that if needed. I'd pick up another TFM-25 on eBay and power the second pair from that. The subs would of course be powered.
Is there any reason not to use more than one LSi9 per front?
What subs go well with the LSi9? I have owned nothing but Polk's for 20 years so I'm somewhat brand loyal, but open to others that would be a good match. -
Not that anyone replied, but nevermind. It's gonna be SRS 1.2TL's, if and when a nice pair comes up for sale near Phoenix, AZ (hint to anyone looking to unload). I just can't seem to find anything with the overall balance matching the SDA's for anywhere near the price. Even with a driver out (replacement ordered), my 1C's still kill the RTi's for music - even though there are certain instruments and sounds that sound better on the RTi's, overall the SDA's are just a much more musical speaker. 1.2TL's should give me that little bit of extra oomph I'm looking for while still delivering that sound I love.
Polk, if you ever decide to make a modern version of the SRS, sign me up! -
phxrider,i have a pair of rti12's cherry wood speakers iwill trade with you .the speakers are located in tucson az.email me at sadiezielinski@yahoo.com. also can callat#518-702-4082 or cell#520-861-2173. dated 12-26-2009. speakers arein great condition and sound great.l
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Again with the posting of phone numbers, it isn't recommended.....Truck setup
Alpine 9856
Phoenix Gold RSD65CS
For Sale
Polk SR6500
Polk SR5250
Polk SR104Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec. -
sadiezielinski wrote: »phxrider,i have a pair of rti12's cherry wood speakers iwill trade with you .the speakers are located in tucson az.email me at sadiezielinski@yahoo.com. also can callat#518-702-4082 or cell#520-861-2173. dated 12-26-2009. speakers arein great condition and sound great.l
I don't think he's looking for RTi12's... -
The RTiA5s with a good subwoofer is also nice:)Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
Nobody looks at dates, the guy has not been on since April and this thread is over a year old and the OP finally gets a response?:rolleyes:Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
SVS SB16 X2
Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified
VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM
MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
