What amp for RTi A7

bevo
bevo Posts: 306
edited January 2009 in Electronics
What amp should I buy to push a pair of polk RTi A7 and a csi a6 center?

I have rm8s that I am currently using, but will move them to the sides and rear when I buy the new speakers. I have a denon 1909 that puts 90 watts to 7 channels for now. It does fine with the smaller speakers, But there is no way it will push the larger floor standing speakers.
I'm eventually going to also buy RTi a3's for the sides and rear. I might even buy them first, because the A7's would make my rm8's sound awful.

I really know nothing about amps, so any help would be appreciated. I guess what I am wanting is a 3 channel amp. The A3's only take 125 watts, so should my reciever be alright to push them?
Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
Fronts-polk RTi A5
center-polk CSi A4
Sides Polk FXi A6
rears- polk rm8's
sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
Blue ray-ps3
Panasonic plasma 50 inch
Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
Post edited by bevo on
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Comments

  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited January 2009
    Well, I'd recommend checking out Emotiva. I don't have any personal experience with them (not yet at least) but people here seem to really like them.

    You might look into either the UPA-7 or the XPA-3 (probably the better choice; use this to power your fronts and center, and let your AVR power the rears)


    www.emotiva.com
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2009
    I would look into a 5 channel vs 3 since you plan on upgrading your rears in the future. You should be able to find a 5 channel for about the same price as a 3 channel.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I would look into a 5 channel vs 3 since you plan on upgrading your rears in the future. You should be able to find a 5 channel for about the same price as a 3 channel.

    I second this suggestion.

    Emotiva XPA-5 maybe?
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • javygonx
    javygonx Posts: 70
    edited January 2009
    Hi Bevo. I have RTiA7 too, and Im using right now an Onkyo 706 and the receiver moves the speakers very good, how is that the Denon 1909 can't move it? Mine sounds pretty loud with the Onkyo and I try bi-amp too and the voices sounds more clear, and very loud too.

    maybe Im missing something with my Polks, or something is wrong?
    Panasonic 65" Plasma
    Pioneer SC81
    PS4 BluRay / Memorex BD-Player
    Polk RTiA7 Fronts
    Polk CS2 Center
    Polk RTi4 Surrounds
    Eomtiva XRef12
    Monster Power HtS 1600 Power Line Filter/Conditioner
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2009
    I guess it is time for everyone to throw away all their other equipment and buy an Emotiva, since that is all everyone recommends.

    Personally, I have a Sunfire TGA-5400 for the home theater, and two Cambridge-Audio 840W amps for the living room stereo. Does anyone want these amps? I need to buy some Emotivas to replace this stuff.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I guess it is time for everyone to throw away all their other equipment and buy an Emotiva, since that is all everyone recommends.

    Personally, I have a Sunfire TGA-5400 for the home theater, and two Cambridge-Audio 840W amps for the living room stereo. Does anyone want these amps? I need to buy some Emotivas to replace this stuff.

    I might take them off your hands if the price is right(possibly free). :D:D
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I guess it is time for everyone to throw away all their other equipment and buy an Emotiva, since that is all everyone recommends.

    Personally, I have a Sunfire TGA-5400 for the home theater, and two Cambridge-Audio 840W amps for the living room stereo. Does anyone want these amps? I need to buy some Emotivas to replace this stuff.


    Can't wait till they come out with a TV.:)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Can't wait till they come out with a TV.:)

    I hear the new Emotiva motorcycles are in the developmental stages.;) Guess they're following in the footsteps of Yamaha and producing everything.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited January 2009
    I'm waiting on the Emo Toaster :cool:;)
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2009
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    I'm waiting on the Emo Toaster :cool:;)

    Hell...I already have a couple of them. It'll toast some bread like you wouldn't believe. I won't even get into what it does when you put a bagel in it...lol

    If you were interested I could probably let you demo the Emo toaster for a week or so. Try before you buy and all that. ;) You just have to let me demo the Onkyo 805 and Emotiva XPA-5. Good deal right?...lol
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited January 2009
    bevo wrote: »
    What amp should I buy to push a pair of polk RTi A7 and a csi a6 center?

    I have rm8s that I am currently using, but will move them to the sides and rear when I buy the new speakers. I have a denon 1909 that puts 90 watts to 7 channels for now. It does fine with the smaller speakers, But there is no way it will push the larger floor standing speakers.
    I'm eventually going to also buy RTi a3's for the sides and rear. I might even buy them first, because the A7's would make my rm8's sound awful.

    I really know nothing about amps, so any help would be appreciated. I guess what I am wanting is a 3 channel amp. The A3's only take 125 watts, so should my reciever be alright to push them?



    what are your tastes music or HT?

    here is a list of amps to choose from that may help ya out...

    -Odyssey audio: Fantastic for music http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products.html

    -Emotiva: awesome bang for the buck
    http://emotiva.com/featured.shtm

    -Sunfire: amazing power capabilites
    http://www.sunfire.com/amp.htm

    -Outlaw: awesome bang for the buck
    http://outlawaudio.com/products/index.html

    -NAD: great audio company with great quality equipment
    http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers

    -Rotel: always known as a great company with great products
    http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/index.htm?cat=18

    and many many others but that should get you started ;) And also dont forget to check out audiogon.com for MUCHO cheaper used gear.
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    BF, I also have Sunfire gear, but you & I both know that it is VERY expensive. Even purchasing it used can cost a pretty penny.

    The point is to encourage them to get good amplification, not scare them off with how outlandishly expensive it can be to get that amplification!:)
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I guess it is time for everyone to throw away all their other equipment and buy an Emotiva, since that is all everyone recommends.

    Personally, I have a Sunfire TGA-5400 for the home theater, and two Cambridge-Audio 840W amps for the living room stereo. Does anyone want these amps? I need to buy some Emotivas to replace this stuff.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    Hi Javy. It's not that the receiver can't move the speakers. It's just that those of us who have separate amplification have discovered that having more power than what a receiver can put out, enables the speakers to operate to their full potential. It has nothing to do with more volume.

    There is better separation of instruments, better bass, much greater clarity in vocals & instruments & dialog. You will also have much more headroom for loud passages that your receiver would possibly distort on from being overdriven.

    You have biwired your speakers to your Onkyo rather than biamped. It might help but since you are still using the same amp in the receiver it is probably just putting more of a drain on the receiver.

    Enjoy your system, but if you ever want to find out what your speakers are truly capable of, look into getting a separate amp for them.:)
    javygonx wrote: »
    Hi Bevo. I have RTiA7 too, and Im using right now an Onkyo 706 and the receiver moves the speakers very good, how is that the Denon 1909 can't move it? Mine sounds pretty loud with the Onkyo and I try bi-amp too and the voices sounds more clear, and very loud too.

    maybe Im missing something with my Polks, or something is wrong?
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited January 2009
    Consider also some good used Carver gear. I have a Carver TFM-25 powering my RTiA7's in two channel mode and they sound fantastic. What Cathy (cfrizz) says about power being about clean articulate sound and NOT about sheer volume is bang on. On my HT rig the A7's sound good with my Yamaha 6160 Receiver but on two channel with the Carver they sound unbelievable. Deep clean bass, huge soundstage, clear but not over bright highs. A huge difference.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • Unknown
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    edited January 2009
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  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited January 2009
    Great info everyone.
    I can't believe the feedback I got overnight. This forum is great for a beginner like me.
    Everyone in here seems to really love their systems.
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    Of course choosing an amp can be a complicated process. This whole damn hobby can be complicated.

    What I try to do is to make it as simple as possible to get the best results in the fastest manner possible.

    Like it or not, getting a nice beefy 200wpc or more amp will show immediate, clear cut improvements to a system. Starting out with an amp say 120wpc that might be the same supposed wattage of a receiver may or may not yield noticable results.

    I know this because I had a Rotel 50wpc amp and a 110wpc Denon receiver & couldn't hear any improvement. Switch over to a 205wpc Parasound amp was truly an ear openning experience. Hence my preference for 200wpc or more for power.

    Now you chose to take the cheaper way out for your first amp Kex & got disappointed. Deciding that Emo products were not up to snuff. So now you recommend whatever, good for you.

    If people are inclined to experiment & spend all kinds of money to find synergy, they can go your route.

    If they want to hear a nice big improvement the first time around, then sit back & enjoy their systems they will be willing to spend more money up front, and be done with that particular upgrade to their systems once & for all.

    I just like to keep it simple and effective.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • CaligulaPolk
    CaligulaPolk Posts: 1,650
    edited January 2009
    I hope this will help. I decided i will power Polk speakers (A9 or LSi 25) with Emotiva XPA-2 or 3. From my researching i find these sufficient for RTi a floor speakers.
    I am 100% BORN DEAF and No I am not kidding! :D Why am I here? My wife's hearing! :p

    My Home Theater Rig || Television: 58" Panasonic TH-58PZ800U Viera Plasma || Power Conditioner: Power Monster HTS 3600 MKII || Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR805 || Blu-Ray/Gaming: 60 Gigabytes Playstation 3 || Amplifier: Emotiva XPA-5 || Fronts: Polk Audio RT800i || Center: Polk Audio CS245i || Surrounds: TBA|| Subwoofer: TBA
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    It will be. Keep us posted when you put it all together.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited January 2009
    I started this thread trying to figure out what amp I would push the RTi a7s. I just figured out that my denon 1909 only has 1 pre out, and that's for the sub. Does that mean I'm screwed and can't run an external amp with it?
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
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  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited January 2009
    yes, I think so.
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    You're right Bevo. So unless you upgrade your receiver first, you are out of luck.

    Whatever Kex, the point is since you never tried 200wpc you don't know if it will make a difference or not. I'm glad you found your sound.

    If you want to experiment, go right ahead. Like I said, I keep things nice & simple and want people to hear a difference right away & do it just once the right way & not over & over again. (for those who only want to do it once)

    I'm out of this!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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    edited January 2009
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  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited January 2009
    I hate when I make spontaneous purchases. I just want to hide in a corner and cry myself to sleep.

    Anyone want to buy a denon 1909 for about 450$ It's very lightly used.
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
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    edited January 2009
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  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited January 2009
    Is there any kind of converter, where I can run my speaker wires into from my receiver, and it converts them into pre outs.
    Come on guys, there has to be something. PLEASE,PLEASE!!!
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
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  • Unknown
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    edited January 2009
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited January 2009
    bevo wrote: »
    Is there any kind of converter, where I can run my speaker wires into from my receiver, and it converts them into pre outs.
    Come on guys, there has to be something. PLEASE,PLEASE!!!

    Yes, its a speaker level to line level converter. Its commonly used in the car audio world. But that is all I know about it.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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