Managing A9 Brightness with Amp

daveark
daveark Posts: 12
edited January 2010 in Speakers
I put this post in basic hookup and wiring section then realized it may not be a basic hookup type of post. Apologies to anyone who ends up reading this twice.

I recently upgraded the downstairs system with A9s.They haven't had time to break in yet so it is too early to tell if they will change some over time but initially I understand the comment some have made about RTIs being vivid or bright. I actually like them as they are but I decided to play with the old Carver 5 channel amp I have to see if I could moderate the "brightness" if I want to. I removed the jumpers, bi-amped them and then dropped the amp level to the high section by about 10%. It definitely softens the sound. I don't know If I will ultimately leave the output for the high section turned down or not but I like the control the Carver amp gives me while I play with an SPL meter and work on figuring out what I like best. I plan to upgrade the amp at some point but being able to adjust the output level by channel just became a feature I might require going forward. Anything wrong with the approach?
Post edited by daveark on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    Try a Totem acoustic IC from your source(s). That'll tame her down a bit.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    Wait until you get a couple hundred hours on them....they tame down a bit. If you still are unhappy, XO mod really works well with the RTi's.
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,990
    edited January 2010
    curved wrote: »
    Wait until you get a couple hundred hours on them....they tame down a bit. If you still are unhappy, XO mod really works well with the RTi's.

    Do you have XO mod details handy? (any RTi A series)
    Samsung 60" UN60ES6100 LED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside BJC 10 ga: LCR mids “Foamed & Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop) LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - 981, connected w/Monoprice Premiere ICs
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981 -> Bi-amped CSi A6 Surrounds: Premiere ICs ->Rotel 981 -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3. 5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”. Power Conditioning & Distribution: 4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    I did a thread on the Rti8's and CSiA4. If you know how to solder, it's very straight forward. This mod makes a VERY big difference, especially with an amp. I couldn't tell much of a difference with my Yami, but with the Adcom...it tames her way down.
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    Ouch! Adcom with RTi's? I'd rather hear fingernails on a chalkboard. :eek: :eek: :eek:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Ouch! Adcom with RTi's? I'd rather hear fingernails on a chalkboard. :eek: :eek: :eek:

    Depends on what Adcom we're talking about. I consider Adcom 555 pretty neutral. It's no NAD, but I think NAD lacks a little color. I myself like it a little forward. Again, the Adcom with the stock RTi was BRIGHT. With the mod, not so much:rolleyes:
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    The 555 is what I'm talking about. Very forward, very bright. Not a good combo with the RTi's at all.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    The 555 is what I'm talking about. Very forward, very bright. Not a good combo with the RTi's at all.

    It's all preference....I hate the 555 paired with my JBL Monitors because it's so flat...very dull sounding. Almost like there is a blanket over my tweeter. It all comes down to synergy. Everything plays a roll from pre, interconnects, etc. But I'm sure you already knew that:rolleyes:
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    The 555 is what I'm talking about. Very forward, very bright. Not a good combo with the RTi's at all.

    You are now in my KIA group....Kia stands for....who can guess?
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    Who got your panties in a wad this morning? Geeeez, I was just offering my observations.....YMMV.....Geeeez.....

    Adcom Rocks!!! RTi's Rock!!! Together, they are heavenly bliss!!!

    Can you sleep through the night now puddin'?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Who got your panties in a wad this morning? Geeeez, I was just offering my observations.....YMMV.....Geeeez.....

    Adcom Rocks!!! RTi's Rock!!! Together, they are heavenly bliss!!!

    Can you sleep through the night now puddin'?

    KIA is a "know it all" which you obviously just proved my point. You must have come over and heard my system playing.

    When you come here and bash someones system, you're going to piss people off. You're just lucky this is a forum and not a focus group.;) By the way...leave the pervertedness to another thread, this is club polk not playboy. Quit talking about panties:rolleyes:
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    You have much to learn. I'll let you learn it on your own wallet. Have fun and happy listening......
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    You have much to learn. I'll let you learn it on your own wallet. Have fun and happy listening......

    Like being independently successful.....:D I guess we could just blame that on the economy too.
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Sorry, not buying it Steve. I ran a splitter upstairs for the 'puter and the TV and had it that way for years until I got the DVR. They said I needed two lines for that as well. Uh-huh.

    Or how about asking a question about your DVR/DTV, but continue to argue with the responses.....which was actually pretty self-explanatory if you would have just listened in the first place.

    But you keep doing you're doing and I'll keep doing what I'm doing....:D
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited January 2010
    I'm offering my experiences of 2 channel and then you reference something of which I no not much about except what I already know?

    Outstanding.

    Would you like a cookie? Now, how about crapping on somebody else's thread....Would you happen to know where to buy black paint?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2010
    gp4jesus wrote: »
    Do you have XO mod details handy? (any RTi A series)
    Pull the crossover and write down the values or contact Polk. So far, Polk hasn't published any RTi or RTiA crossover schematics.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    I'm offering my experiences of 2 channel and then you reference something of which I no not much about except what I already know?

    The point is that you're a KIA. You admit you know nothing about it but still seem to argue. I read you're other thread and it didn't surprise me.
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Would you like a cookie? Now, how about crapping on somebody else's thread....Would you happen to know where to buy black paint?

    That's actually what you did - I was giving them my opinion and you attacked me by saying it sounds like crap....or in you're words, "you would rather hear nails down a chalkboard."

    I suppose you're going to start giving advice on XO mods for the A9 because you know everything about 2-channel audio.
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Ouch! Adcom with RTi's? I'd rather hear fingernails on a chalkboard. :eek: :eek: :eek:

    Back to the thread before it went south...

    Like Face said, pull the XO and the values are right on the caps and resistors. There is a lot of information on here regarding caps and resistors. We're here to help.:D
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,990
    edited January 2010
    curved wrote: »
    I did a thread on the Rti8's and CSiA4. If you know how to solder, it's very straight forward. This mod makes a VERY big difference, especially with an amp. I couldn't tell much of a difference with my Yami, but with the Adcom...it tames her way down.

    What thread do I look for? BTW I have a CSi A6 & RTi A1s/5s & I do know how to solder; they sound pretty neutral connected to Hafler XL280s

    Thanx tony
    Samsung 60" UN60ES6100 LED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside BJC 10 ga: LCR mids “Foamed & Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop) LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - 981, connected w/Monoprice Premiere ICs
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981 -> Bi-amped CSi A6 Surrounds: Premiere ICs ->Rotel 981 -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3. 5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”. Power Conditioning & Distribution: 4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,990
    edited January 2010
    Curved & Face: sorry for being lazy & "reading into" the post. Finished reading this thread. Hadn't occured to me using better parts w/the same values is an upgrade

    thanks for your patience tony
    Samsung 60" UN60ES6100 LED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside BJC 10 ga: LCR mids “Foamed & Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop) LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - 981, connected w/Monoprice Premiere ICs
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981 -> Bi-amped CSi A6 Surrounds: Premiere ICs ->Rotel 981 -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3. 5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”. Power Conditioning & Distribution: 4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    Here is a link to the mod:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81626
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited January 2010
    The following is a great link that directly compares caps:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61727
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited January 2010
    Does anyone find it odd on Polk's chart/formula to figure out which subs to use with your speakers that the A9's aren't even listed? Yes like good wine they mellow with age , but I am still using 2 DSW PRO 400 subs. If I forget to turn power conditioner on for subs it's like " Where did the bottom end go??!! "
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited January 2010
    ^^^
    Really? I would've thought the A9s were full range...
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • Krazyz1
    Krazyz1 Posts: 256
    edited January 2010
    Music selection ( country , rock , rap , ect. ) can make a difference. I listen to a lot of the old "hair" bands and some new stuff.
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