Amp for my new RTI A5's?

bklynNupe

Please excuse the simplicity of questions

I have recently started the process for upgrading my system from one of those home theater in a box system.

I'm trying to figure out if I should consider exchanging my Onkyo Tx-SR606 7.1 to fully enjoy my just received Polk Rti a5's because the Onkyo lacks pre-amp Out ?

I tested the Pioneer VSX-1018AH -KZ because of it's pre-amp outs. I've been told that an external amp could produce an even better sound?

The sales person at J&R Music World suggested that I should simply stick with the Onkyo because it was plenty of power to drive the a5's. I have until 12/23 to return the Onkyo.

I also would like to know if I should really consider replacing the my Sony surrounds junk with Polk's?

I like good home theater sound, but powerful rich good quality music sound is my passion ( if that makes any sense). I don't have a sound room, just a elongated living room in a 3rd NYC Railroad apartment. I'm new to this quality sound game, and would simply like to get the best bang for my buck without limitations.

I would also like to achieve the best quality sound from the Mac Itunes. I am currently using Airport Express with rca's. I just read that the Airport express can deliver an optical signal. Is this the best way to go?


By the way I'm in love with A5's already!:cool:
Thanks.

Samsung ln46a650
Onkyo Tx-SR606 7.1
Polk PSW 505
Polk CSI 3
Polk RTI A5

Eric W

Hello, that's a difficult question to answer. It depends on your level of expectations and ultimately how much you want to spend?

My take (which may or may not describe you): If you're used to a HTIB system- then the Onkyo receiver/Polk combination will far out perform the HTIB. If it's good enough then just leave it for now and be done with it. The RTIA series is not difficult to drive, (and in a NYC apartment I doubt you can blast it to night club levels anyway) so instead of focusing on the electronics- I'd focus on adding a good subwoofer to fill in the lows and tweaking your system with placement and acoustic/room treatment.

If later down the road you do want to get a seperate amp, you can get a preamp processor instead of using a receiver. I've never been a fan of using a receiver as the preamp to drive seperate amps. YMMV.

apphd

bklynNupe Welcome to Club Polk. Can't comment on the Itunes or the Airport Express. I always recommend AVRs with pre-outs even if they are not needed today you may make changes in the future where you will need them. How do you like the sound of the 606? How did you like the sound of the VSX-1018AH? I think the RTiA5's would be the extent of what the 606 can effectively drive. This is just my opinion with no first hand experience with the 606 or the A5's, but others can join in with that. As far as the Sony surrounds I would just ditch them and go 5.1 to give the 606 a little extra for the rest of the speakers. Good luck with your quest

bklynNupe

Eric Wong wrote: »

Hello, that's a difficult question to answer. It depends on your level of expectations and ultimately how much you want to spend?

My take (which may or may not describe you): If you're used to a HTIB system- then the Onkyo receiver/Polk combination will far out perform the HTIB. If it's good enough then just leave it for now and be done with it. The RTIA series is not difficult to drive, (and in a NYC apartment I doubt you can blast it to night club levels anyway) so instead of focusing on the electronics- I'd focus on adding a good subwoofer to fill in the lows and tweaking your system with placement and acoustic/room treatment.

If later down the road you do want to get a seperate amp, you can get a preamp processor instead of using a receiver. I've never been a fan of using a receiver as the preamp to drive seperate amps. YMMV.

Thanks Eric, this is helpful. I'm actually trying to get away from he HTIB sound. I just didn't want to limit myself in the short term. I can always trade up in a year or two if I deem necessary. I have a very basic take on the preamp/separate amp market. It sounds like I would need to consider this under more serious undertakening separate from basic good home theater.

I do have to disagree about the "night club (music) levels" in my NYC apartment. I have an unspoken agreement with my neighbors. I do not say anything about their screaming kids who like to wrestling, and you don't say anything about my loud music!

Eric W

Ahhhhh, well in that case then see how you like it within the next few days. See if it pushes the system to the levels that are satisfying without either clipping (distorting) or going past the "0" mark on the receiver's volume dial.

If you are craving more, then the seperate amp will be the way to go. The 606 has the latest and greatest like Dolby TrueHD so you'll be set for a while there. That's a capable receiver. I'd be more inclined to add matching surrounds, center and a good subwoofer. Those will also make your system not only sound better, but play louder, more than a single seperate amp without the other channels/sub will.

bklynNupe

apphd wrote: »

bklynNupe Welcome to Club Polk. Can't comment on the Itunes or the Airport Express. I always recommend AVRs with pre-outs even if they are not needed today you may make changes in the future where you will need them. How do you like the sound of the 606? How did you like the sound of the VSX-1018AH? I think the RTiA5's would be the extent of what the 606 can effectively drive. This is just my opinion with no first hand experience with the 606 or the A5's, but others can join in with that. As far as the Sony surrounds I would just ditch them and go 5.1 to give the 606 a little extra for the rest of the speakers. Good luck with your quest

The Onkyo 606 has a lot of nice features, I was just concerned with the lack of pre-outs. It was the best bang for my buck, although I could conceivably spend a tad more If I could identify better options.

Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

bklynNupe

Eric Wong wrote: »

Ahhhhh, well in that case then see how you like it within the next few days. See if it pushes the system to the levels that are satisfying without either clipping (distorting) or going past the "0" mark on the receiver's volume dial.

If you are craving more, then the seperate amp will be the way to go. The 606 has the latest and greatest like Dolby TrueHD so you'll be set for a while there. That's a capable receiver. I'd be more inclined to add matching surrounds, center and a good subwoofer. Those will also make your system not only sound better, but play louder, more than a single seperate amp without the other channels/sub will.

Hi Eric: any suggestions for the surrounds? I have a PSW 505, it's strong, but i'm still trying to figure out how to adjust the settings without getting up from my seat every song.

Eric W

Yes, FXiA4 or FXiA6 (ideally).

For adjusting- buy a DSW Pro or MicroPRO sub with remote control

If you have the sub hooked up via "subwoofer out" you can usually adjust the subwoofer level via the remote on the receiver. However I've found that once you've adjusted the sub level properly in the room, you shouldn't have to make too many more adjustments after that no matter what the source.

comfortablycurt

If you were to just go with a 5.1 setup you could Bi-amp your A5's with the surround back outputs. That would be close to doubling your power to the A5's, but you'd have to settle for 5.1 rather than 7.1.

apphd

bklynNupe wrote: »

The Onkyo 606 has a lot of nice features, I was just concerned with the lack of pre-outs. It was the best bang for my buck, although I could conceivably spend a tad more If I could identify better options.

Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Which features was it you liked? Did you like the sound of the 606 over the Pioneer VSX-1018AH you tested? Newegg has them both with the 1018 being about $80 more free shipping on both. The cost difference is not too much more to get pre outs. I just looked quickly at them and I think their features are pretty similar. The only other AVR that comes to mind in this price range is the Yamaha RX-V663 and/or HTR-6160.

Igo

Take your mind off the receiver and put it on your surrounds. Bad speakers in a system can hugely detract from the wonder 5's you just bought. If sound quality is what you desire, loose the weekest link; buy any RTi speaker for now.
Take a look at these. These are an absolute steal and are build just for your fronts. FXi3: http://cgi.ebay.com/FXi3-White-Surround-Sound-Speakers-pair-Polk-Audio_W0QQitemZ220323712804QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3276QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

If home theatre is your goal, you will need a center more importanly then you need the surrounds. Subs are a must but not for a starter. Just turn up the bass knob until you have the money for better. Its the main speakers that will tell you the truth about your reciever. and I'd probably stay with the receiver until I got my speakers squared away. This is your most effiecient path to improving a home theatre system.
If you are just wanting to listen to music, loose the crappy sony surrounds and get a modest sub.

bklynNupe

apphd wrote: »

Which features was it you liked? Did you like the sound of the 606 over the Pioneer VSX-1018AH you tested? Newegg has them both with the 1018 being about $80 more free shipping on both. The cost difference is not too much more to get pre outs. I just looked quickly at them and I think their features are pretty similar. The only other AVR that comes to mind in this price range is the Yamaha RX-V663 and/or HTR-6160.

I currently own the 606, I tested the VSX-1018AH which is pretty much sounded the same. I will check out newegg.

Thanks

bklynNupe

Igo wrote: »

Take your mind off the receiver and put it on your surrounds. Bad speakers in a system can hugely detract from the wonder 5's you just bought. If sound quality is what you desire, loose the weekest link; buy any RTi speaker for now.
Take a look at these. These are an absolute steal and are build just for your fronts. FXi3: http://cgi.ebay.com/FXi3-White-Surround-Sound-Speakers-pair-Polk-Audio_W0QQitemZ220323712804QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3276QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

If home theatre is your goal, you will need a center more importanly then you need the surrounds. Subs are a must but not for a starter. Just turn up the bass knob until you have the money for better. Its the main speakers that will tell you the truth about your reciever. and I'd probably stay with the receiver until I got my speakers squared away. This is your most effiecient path to improving a home theatre system.
If you are just wanting to listen to music, loose the crappy sony surrounds and get a modest sub.

Thanks, I know my crappy surrounds got to go! Little by little or the wire is going to think i'm crazy! I was looking at those surrounds, but was not diggin' the white. I will look for cherry or black so I can match.
Thanks man.