Yamaha DSP A1 AND Polk RTi A3/A1...a match or disaster?

Starrider

Hi to all the CP members..I am new to the forum and have thoroughly enjoyed(and learned) reading some of the threads. I need some advice, and hopefully someone out there can help or relate to my query. I am in the market for a set of smaller(bookshelf) speakers for my Yamaha DSP A1. I am moving into a smaller apartment and am getting rid of all bulky items...this includes a pair of well used Wharfdale floorstanders.

I visited almost all the famous(and not so famous) speaker manufacturers websites in order to get some idea of what is on the market in the bookshelf range. My eye immediate caught the Polk RTi A3/A1 series. Besides the stunning looks, I was taken back by the specs as well. The only other speaker I could find that fall in the same category is the Boston VS 260 series.

Although I have demo'ed the Bostons, I have not heard the RTi's. How would you guys stack them up against each other? The Idea here is to use 4 RTi's for front and back, an RTi Centre Speaker and The DSW Micro Pro 4000 Sub. Would the Yamaha A1 have enough stamina to drive this setup?

I have had the A1 for six years now and this old Dame still kicks ****. For me it is has one of the best sound stages I have ever heard, as well as clarity and smoothness in power delivery. So lets hear from some of the other Yamaha fans out there, and of course owners of the RTi A3/A1 Polk's.

Thanks Guys(and Gals)

bluecomet

I am with you when it comes to Yamaha's. I love their sound especially there older seperates. I believe the Yamaha has plenty of power for the speakers you are trying to power. If you want a better bookself speaker that will knock your socks off, look for a pair of SDA CRS+ speakers. They will blow away the RTi's. The going price for these vintage speakers are around three to four hundred dollars. You will be glad you did. Trust me.

Starrider

@Bluecomet

I have to admit that finding someone that will part with their CRS+ speakers will be a tall order, especially here at the Southernmost tip of Africa(South Africa). Yeah, the Yammies are indeed something, especially the older models. I just had the A1 serviced and got two new remote contols(just in case). I guess I will be taking it to my grave one day. ha ha

I am still running a Yamaha centre speaker, and it a killer as well. I do however, believe that speakers should come in packages.. they complement each other, especially if part of a series. I suppose one can match different makes, but it takes time and patience. I already had a mismatch with the Yamaha centre and the Wharfdale Diamond 9's, with the Dale's being the thorn in the side....no match for the Yamaha centre.

bluecomet

I see what you mean. I did not realize you live in South Africa. I have a new Sony system I bought last year. There are the SS-F7000's that are suprisingly good for a budget speaker but they are floorstanders. Are there many stores that sell speakers where you live. I am wondering what kind of selection you have in South Africa.

Starrider

We are actually blessed with a very good range of high end audio equipment here in SA. The only problem is that some of the dealerships are located up in Johannesburg, which makes listening to a demo a huge problem. I have had a look at the LSi bookshelfs...almost fell off the chair when I saw that those little buggers drop down all the way to 38Hz. Thats stunning for a bookshelf, and would almost eliminate a sub. I have to add that the speaker is rated @ 4Ohms. Luckily my Yammie DSP A1 has a selector switch for 4,6 and 8 ohms...stunning piece of machinery, I tell you. Well, It does'nt look like ther are a lot of Yamaha owners on CP. Pity, I would have loved to hear how their amps deal with Polks. I see you managed to sell those monstrosities of yours...was that out of choice or were you forced to by your neighbors? ha ha. Very impressive, I have to admit.

comfortablycurt

Yamaha's and RTi's typically make for a VERY bright combination.

That said, the receiver would be able to drive that setup just fine. The RTi's are pretty easy to drive speakers, and don't take a lot of power to sing...especially the bookshelf models.

I'd recommend getting the A3's over the A1's though. The A3's are just a better rounded speaker...more low end, slightly warmer, punchier mids...a tad less bright.


By the way, welcome to Club Polk!!:)

Starrider

Thanks for the welcome. The RTi's seems to be the way to go. I was on the phone to the Polk dealership up in Johannesburg for some advise. They recommended the A3 as a perfect and stunning match for the Yamaha A1. I got informed that the LSi's have caused complete meltdowns of Yamaha A1 amps on three seperate occasions. They run way too hot due to the LSi's 4 Ohms rating.

I guess that takes me back to my initial plan of getting the A3's, DSW Micro Pro 4000 sub and CSI A6 centre. Just as a matterof interest, the price quoted for the A3's here in SA is $714....That pretty much ties in with US prices, if one adds shipping and import duties.