In what order should I upgrade my system?

asd1234

Current System

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What I want

Fronts: Rti A7's

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Rti A9's
Center: Csi A4

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Csi A6
Sub: Bic Acoustech VK-12 1000/watt

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???
Rears:Rti Fxi A4

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Fxi A6

Receiver: Denon 4308ci:

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Amp (more power): Emotiva
Rpa-2,Xpa-2, Xpa-3, or Xpa-5

Standard Remotes

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Harmony one Remote

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated. Even if it is something I did not list on my want side. I'm not looking to go crazy on spending, just a step up from what I have right now. I use my system 70% TV/Movies, 30% Music/Games

Ricardo

With that setup, I would only get the CSiA6. Maybe a stereo amp for the A7's.

asd1234

Ricardo wrote: »

With that setup, I would only get the CSiA6. Maybe a stereo amp for the A7's.

That is the exact thinking that I had. I think the A6 can be had from polk direct for $199. For the amp I am leaning towards the RPA-2.

leroyjr1

You already got a nice system so I'd say an external amp then the csi a6 second and third dual subs.

danger boy

you should go for an amp.. then later upgrade the rest... the amp will tie you over till you can complete the rest.

comfortablycurt

CSiA6
2 channel amp

At least to start with, that would probably get you the best results.

WilliamM2

I would get some type of source, so you can use the equipment you listed. Then a good universal remote.

Hawkeye

After a source, room treatments.

Gordon

george daniel

+ 3 on the source

mantis

First off thats already a really nice well balanced system.

I didn't see a Blu ray player so a BDP05fd from Pioneer ELite is in order. Then I would sell that Denon receiver and get a Sc07. This will cover your desire for better sound and more dynamic range.

On to the center channel, yes upgrade that right away. Center channel is the most important speaker in the system and the best place to spend the most money. Never cheap out on the center.

Last but not least, what kind of wire are you wired with? This is another place to look at to make sure you are using the correct wire so the system can do it's job.

A universal remote should have already been purchased. I don't see why anyone would want to use the factory remotes and juggle them all over the place. Do yourself a favor and get the universal remote. It's just as important as a badass center channel.

So get the center channel and remote first. Then replace the Denon, then lets talk wire. I don't see the need to upgrade the main speakers, yours are already incredible. I really like the 7's. I kinds in secret fell in love with them. I was shocked in there performance. I sat and listened to them a few times before Tweeter closed. I could not believe the difference from years ago to this model year. I even had to pull in the salesmen to show my findings. I made fanboys out a few of them.

Good luck with your upgrades. Spend that money and make yourself happy.

Dan

NewHTguy

Relative the to cost of the system, the center is the cheapest/easiest upgrade. If you listen to a lot of two-channel, then get the amp first. I believe a two or three channel amp should be sufficient, given the nice AVR.

From some posts I've read in the past, the A9's may have a different and not necessarily better sound than the A7's. Not saying you wouldn't enjoy them, but I would be sure to audition them before making that kind of upgrade.

Marty913

asd1234 wrote: »

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated. Even if it is something I did not list on my want side. I'm not looking to go crazy on spending, just a step up from what I have right now. I use my system 70% TV/Movies, 30% Music/Games

You stated you listened to movies and TV 70% of the time so I'd approach it from that angle. You have a best-buy editor's choice receiver (Sound & Vision) delivering over 125 clean watts into 5 channels. I would not put an amp at the top of your list.

The center channel upgrade is an immediate payback item so go there. The universal remote is immediate payback so that's next.

You didn't mention your DVD source but if it is DVD and your display is HD-capable then I'd get with a good BR with above average upconversion. The Panasonic BD-35/55 get high marks and don't cost a lot (as does the Sony 350). Once again, very little $$ and it's based on what you do the most of.

I like the sub (12", 1000 BASH amp, Kevlar driver) so I'd keep it.

Depending on your room, treatments may be in order. You didn't mention the setup so it may not be a priority. Worthwhile looking at.

Only then would I look at the amp; and then the speakers.

asd1234

Wow!

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I'm going to call polkdirect tomorrow and see if they have any Csi a6's in stock. That seems to be on the top of everyone's list. The only reason I didn't get it first is because at the time i didn't know it would be that much of an upgrade, and i got the csi a4 for $76.00.

Right now I am using a PS3 80 gig as my blue-ray player. For me, it does a fine job de-coding audio, up-converting video, and I also like to stream the occasional movie from my computer.

What type of universal remote are you guys using. I was thinking about getting the harmony one. I can get it on ebay new for $179-$189. Any other remotes I should be looking at?

If I got the Emotiva Rpa-2, how much of an upgrade do you think it would be for my two fronts?

thsmith

H1 is an excellent remote, don't know about buying on ebay, I would check the river the same price.

Sherardp

Upgrade center, add second sub or sell the BIC and go for SVS PB13U, and finally front projector/screen.

Marty913

asd1234 wrote: »

What type of universal remote are you guys using. I was thinking about getting the harmony one. I can get it on ebay new for $179-$189. Any other remotes I should be looking at?

If I got the Emotiva Rpa-2, how much of an upgrade do you think it would be for my two fronts?

I'm using older Home Theater Masters (MX-700) but I wouldn't recommend them unless you like programming. I've heard great things about the H1 though.

If you're going to go the amp upgrade route I'd do a 3-channel at least. Why create a potential imbalance issue across the front sound stage.