Totaly New to this and have some basic questions.

erichoward20
erichoward20 Posts: 3
edited September 2009 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
So I am going to say this upfront, I am totally new to the audio world and really don't know what I am doing so I understand that these questions are probably going to be dumb. First I recently purchased a pair of rti a3 speakers and am basically setting up my home audio system around that. I have a receiver kicking around the house (sony str-v4) but am unsure if this would be a suitable match for the speakers? I really know nothing about hooking up the system so is it just the speakers and the receiver I need if I wanted to play music (through my computer or ipod) using the speakers? Thanks. :confused:
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited September 2009
    I'm not familliar with that receiver but it sounds like you got a pretty good start. The a3's are great speekers. welcome to club polk
    jr
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    fronts - rti a9's
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited September 2009
    Welcome to Club Polk.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2009
    This receiver is a classic 55 watts/channel of power. Seems to be somewhat under powered for the rtia3's (8 ohms 150 watts??). However, if you want to start with this, you may consider Bi-amping the rtia3s (if they do have the capability) since the Sony str-v4 provides you with channel A + B (8 - 16 ohms)therefore allowing you to use this to bi-amp the rtia3s thus providing you greater and better power otherwise you should look for a more powerfull amp.

    Cheers!
    TK
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited September 2009
    Welcome to Club Polk

    Jimmy
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  • erichoward20
    erichoward20 Posts: 3
    edited September 2009
    I hooked up the rti-a3's to the sony str-v4 receiver using the bi-amping method that was suggested above. When I play my ipod through the receiver using a cord through the phono output I get a great deal of bass which does cause distortion at higher playing levels. Any ideas on how to fix this? Am I setting something up incorrectly?
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  • sTiLlLeArNiNg
    sTiLlLeArNiNg Posts: 805
    edited September 2009
    welcome to CP! a suggestion i have is to remove the metal connector between the binding post's on the speaker's and replace them with a short piece of wire ;) i did this the other day to all the polk's in my house and it made a really noticeable difference! :D

    I would assume the distortion is present because the amp does not have enough juice to push the speaker's at higher volume level's.

    +1 to what Keiko said about the iPod connection

    about the "bi-amping" thing give it a try a hear for yourself :confused:
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited September 2009
    I am with Mike (Keiko) on dumping the "Bi-Amp" idea. Your AVR only has one power source and isn't going to suddenly have more power to give your A3's just by adding another set of wire to the mix, bu that is up to you. Also make sure your Ipod is hooked up to one of the inputs that Mike suggested, and you should have better luck. Let us know how it works out, and welcome to Club Polk.

    -Jeff
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  • erichoward20
    erichoward20 Posts: 3
    edited September 2009
    Thanks for all the replies and comments. Switched from bi-amping and moved the iPod dock from the phono output to a tape one. World of difference, sounds great now. As has been stated before my reciever is underpowered so I was considering upgrading, is there anything under $400 that would compliment the rti-a3's well? Thanks again.
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  • Jim Shearer
    Jim Shearer Posts: 369
    edited September 2009
    erichoward20 wrote: »
    I hooked up the rti-a3's to the sony str-v4 receiver using the bi-amping method that was suggested above. When I play my ipod through the receiver using a cord through the phono output I get a great deal of bass which does cause distortion at higher playing levels. Any ideas on how to fix this? Am I setting something up incorrectly?

    Do NOT use the phono input for anything other than a magnetic phono cartridge! Damage may result!

    With the iPod as input, the level may have been low enough not to cause damage, but something like a CD player most likely would. Does the iPod have a 'Line Level' output? If not, then when you run the iPod from the headphone output into an AUX or CD input, you will likely have to crank the volume on the iPod. Be sure to reduce the level again before you use the headphones!

    As for the power level: unless you want high volumes levels (i.e. stay below 90 dB peaks) you will be fine. If you want to reach 100 dB levels, then you need at least 200 wpc of quality power. (Note that power ratings can be tricky. Not all manufacturers use realistic standards for their measurements; and AVRs are often unable to deliver anything close to what they seem to claim.) People run into trouble when they crack the volume and cause the amp to go into clipping (meaning you exceed the amps output capabilities so you get 'flat top' wave forms.)

    Cheers, Jim
    A day without music is like a day without food.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited September 2009
    erichoward20 wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies and comments. Switched from bi-amping and moved the iPod dock from the phono output to a tape one. World of difference, sounds great now. As has been stated before my reciever is underpowered so I was considering upgrading, is there anything under $400 that would compliment the rti-a3's well? Thanks again.

    You looking for HT or 2-channel?
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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited September 2009
    Welcome to CP
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  • potee
    potee Posts: 610
    edited September 2009
    Hi nice to see a newbie. The guys here are really smart about this stuff so you can learn a lot pretty darn fast.
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited September 2009
    IF you're staying 2 ch., then I suggest the Fatman iTube, integrated amp. on Audio Advisor, for $399.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FAIT

    I don't have one, but Lasareth seemed impressed with his?
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  • Michael R.
    Michael R. Posts: 1
    edited September 2009
    Hey Guys,New here!Just wanted to share my garage sale find today!
    A "Pristine" Sony STR-V4 This thing is Flawless!!!The guy wanted 45 dollars for it and I bargained for 40 Bucks! I had to have this thing!It's like a "one owner" Item no noise in the pots whatsoever!Looks like new!I have two Marantz Vintage receivers in the house,this one is sweeter than those!I almost passed on this today but I knew I would regret NOT getting this thing!What a find!Any thoughts on these receivers?
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