Help. CD stereo playback on my RTI-10's
I initially built my setup for Home Theater use but lately I've been interested in more stereo listening and I need some help or suggestions on things I should try. Here is the existing setup.
Source: PS3
Pre/Pro/Receiver: Marantz 6003
AMP: Cinenova Grande 7ch
Speakers: Polk RTI-10 L/R, CSI-5 Center,FXI-5 L/R Surround,RTI-6 Surround Back.
The setup is great for movies as I originally intended, but music playback especially CD sounds terrible (Sounds harsh or distorted) I've been roaming through the stereo and pure direct settings on my receiver but the Polk RTI-10's aren't doing it for me. I'm not sure if it's the source (PS3) or RTI-10's that's the problem. It might be that I need to find the best receiver setting for stereo listening. I'm open to any suggestions of things to try to get the most out of the RTI 10's.
Source: PS3
Pre/Pro/Receiver: Marantz 6003
AMP: Cinenova Grande 7ch
Speakers: Polk RTI-10 L/R, CSI-5 Center,FXI-5 L/R Surround,RTI-6 Surround Back.
The setup is great for movies as I originally intended, but music playback especially CD sounds terrible (Sounds harsh or distorted) I've been roaming through the stereo and pure direct settings on my receiver but the Polk RTI-10's aren't doing it for me. I'm not sure if it's the source (PS3) or RTI-10's that's the problem. It might be that I need to find the best receiver setting for stereo listening. I'm open to any suggestions of things to try to get the most out of the RTI 10's.
Post edited by sabotg on
Comments
-
I'd hazard a guess that the RTi10's are a big part of the problem. I've always felt that the 10's were the brightest sounding, and least balanced sounding out of all the RTi series speakers.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 -
I initially built my setup for Home Theater use but lately I've been interested in more stereo listening and I need some help or suggestions on things I should try. Here is the existing setup.
Source: PS3
Pre/Pro/Receiver: Marantz 6003
AMP: Cinenova Grande 7ch
Speakers: Polk RTI-10 L/R, CSI-5 Center,FXI-5 L/R Surround,RTI-6 Surround Back.
The setup is great for movies as I originally intended, but music playback especially CD sounds terrible (Sounds harsh or distorted) I've been roaming through the stereo and pure direct settings on my receiver but the Polk RTI-10's aren't doing it for me. I'm not sure if it's the source (PS3) or RTI-10's that's the problem. It might be that I need to find the best receiver setting for stereo listening. I'm open to any suggestions of things to try to get the most out of the RTI 10's.
Make sure that your PS3 volume control is set to zero.
Hit the triangle button to bring up the icon for that and adjust it down - you could be overdriving the input to your pre/pro.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
You're tone controls are set flat (0db) correct? Do you have the 10's toed-in directly at your listening position? Try less toe-in. How is your PS3 connected to your Pre/Pro?Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
-
Sounds like a source issue more than anything... the RTi10s aren't all that bad.I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999
Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3
HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000 -
You may want to try using something different as a source as well. I don't really have any experiences with PS3's, but I haven't heard much positive in regards to their CD playback(aside from the earliest models with SACD playback).
I'd try Erik Tracy's suggestion as well...that sounds like a possibility.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 -
comfortablycurt wrote: »I'd hazard a guess that the RTi10's are a big part of the problem. I've always felt that the 10's were the brightest sounding, and least balanced sounding out of all the RTi series speakers.
I would disagree with this. I wouldn't call my RTi10's bright at all. Of course they are the only RTi10's I have heard in a house (vs. a store setup). Perhaps I'm not the best judge, but several folks heard them at the DFW gathering.
Did the RTi10's sound bright to any of you that attended?
ScottWithout music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa -
there are many variables as to why you aren't fully satisfied with the music side of the rti10, i for 1 have adequate amplification with some descent ic's and speaker cable, therefore have found my pair to sound quite pleasing with the right recordings and source. i have a zune dock for digital and a ps3 for cd's going through an onkyo 805, and enough room treatments to soften any harsh reflections. you may need some slight tweaking to get your speaks to sound "right"Samsung pn64f8500
Sonus faber venere 2.5
Sf venere center
Oppo 105d
Squeezebox touch
Parasound hca1500a
Apc power filter
Audioquest cables asst
Polk rtia3 SB
Polk fxia6 sl,sr
Dual hsu vtf3 mk3 -
Music playback in my RTi10's sound great. I would wager a guess that it is the PS3 or your receiver.
-
Thanks for all the feedback. To answer some questions: The PS3 is connected to the Pre/Pro via HDMI. I'll check the PS3 volume level as suggested and also try playing with the toe-in to see if I can tame some of the brightness. I have an Onkyo CD changer in my bedroom so I might pull it and see how CD audio sounds after that.
-
How loud do you usually listen when the issues you are describing occur?~ 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. ~
-
I set the Pre/Pro to about -15 to -20. Sorry not sure what that equates to in loudness. This really only occurs with CD material. I'm happy with the Blu-ray content. Queen Live - Montreal (I realize it's multichannel
It's just that I'd like to have a better listening experience with CD audio. -
I would disagree with this. I wouldn't call my RTi10's bright at all. Of course they are the only RTi10's I have heard in a house (vs. a store setup). Perhaps I'm not the best judge, but several folks heard them at the DFW gathering.
Did the RTi10's sound bright to any of you that attended?
Scott
Wow...I think this is the first time I've heard anyone say an RTi series speaker wasn't bright.
All of the RTi series is fairly bright...but I've always found the 10's to be a touch brighter than the rest of the series.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 -
Curt, I heard Scotts 10s at the DFW get together and it must be synergy because I was shocked at how smooth and detailed his 10s sounded.
I have owned 8s and a friend had 10s and our case they were bright and harsh but Scotts were heavenly. Whatever his combo is I say they are keepers.
They sound that good, my friend agreed as well so I know it was not just me.
I do know the PS3 makes for a bad CDP. Maybe that is the OP's main problem or his AVR/AMP/Pre whatever he has.Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs -
comfortablycurt wrote: »Wow...I think this is the first time I've heard anyone say an RTi series speaker wasn't bright.
All of the RTi series is fairly bright...but I've always found the 10's to be a touch brighter than the rest of the series.
The Rti10's only do music duty when there are folks over for dinner and the like. Took me ahwile to get the sound where I wanted. They aren't being driven in typical fashion (for a HT set-up) for music.
Sony ES player, AMC Dac8, Onkyo 707 Pre/Pro, B&K ST 202 amp. Settings in the Onkyo are pretty normal for listening. It certainly sounded better after I placed an 18" piece of tile under the DSW500 pro. I also think that for CD listening the CSi5 is playing too.
Took a bit of tweaking to get the sound but I'm pretty happy with it.
In reality Curt, they might still be bright to you a bit. Having some grey in my hair, I might have lost more of my high frequency hearing than someone younger.
Scott
PS - Tracy, thanx for the confirmation. You probably saved me some $'s as I would have tried to tweak the HT a bit more.Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa -
Are you using a subwoofer? The RTi series are a bit light on bass (despite having all those woofers), and a good sub is really needed to round out the sound.KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
-
Thanks for all the feedback. To answer some questions: The PS3 is connected to the Pre/Pro via HDMI. I'll check the PS3 volume level as suggested and also try playing with the toe-in to see if I can tame some of the brightness. I have an Onkyo CD changer in my bedroom so I might pull it and see how CD audio sounds after that.
I have a PS3 with RTI8's. I can confirm to you that it is not the speakers. The PS3 is horrible with CD playback. My old CD player (which was a complete POS) broke, so I started using the PS3. Even the crappy CD player made the PS3 sound like a Kraco AM radio. There was nothing that could be done to get the PS3 to sound any better. The highs have such a shrill sound that it makes my eyes hurt (not to mention my ears). Like you, it sounds great when playing concert blu-rays or DVD's. Even streaming MP3's and FLAC files from my computer to the PS3 sounds better. I would suggest you get a CD player. Just my experience. -
This is the CDP you want http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1268356948&/Rotel-RCD-1072-Black
Its is sold but many here use it and love it.Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs -
maybe some equalization would help
-
Are you using a subwoofer? The RTi series are a bit light on bass (despite having all those woofers), and a good sub is really needed to round out the sound.
Yes. Forgot to mention Velodyne 15" subwoofer. Bass is fine -
This is the CDP you want http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1268356948&/Rotel-RCD-1072-Black
Its is sold but many here use it and love it.
What do you guys think of the new OPPO Blu-ray player? It's supposed to be great for music playback.
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/ -
What do you guys think of the new OPPO Blu-ray player? It's supposed to be great for music playback.
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/
Duh!! I just noticed the Oppo 83 post right below mine. Sorry -
What cables are you using my stereo image on my rti-12 was greatly improved with a good set of speaker cables. The floating voice appeared and all the instruments tightened up and just an overall improvement for stereo listening.
-
Funny you should mention this. I had my RTi10's hooked up today, to my Marantz SR-5300 and an optical connection to a Yamaha DVD-S796, listening to some CD's. I found the sound with THAT combination quite pleasing (I did purchase the LSi9's for a more musical speaker, as I found the 10's not so pleasing musically).
I also decided to hook up the right channel through my Emo MPS-2, just to see what a difference good clean power does for the sound. All aspects of the right channel, with the Emo powering it gave a nicer, smoother and tighter bass, which that alone tames the highs - and this was without a sub hooked up.
The RTi10's certainly benefit from good clean power and this was apparent with my A-B comparison today. With that combination, I could certainly live with the sound quality, which surprised me nicely. They're rated at 300 watts, so the more you feed them, the merrier. Try your old CD player too, many aspects can change the sound. Good luck.Regards - Gaz from the land of Oz
Main System
Denon - AVC-4700H
Emotiva - XPA-9
Cambridge Audio - Azur 851C - CXUHD
Polk Audio - Legend L800 - Legend L400 - Legend L900 - LSiM fx - OWM3
SVS - PB1000 x 2
Foxtel - iQ4
Belkin - Pure AV PF40
Sony K77A9G
Front Room System
PS Audio - Sprout 100
Cambridge Audio - CXC S2 - CA752BD
Sony - UBX800 4K BluRay
Polk Audio - Legend L200 -
...I also decided to hook up the right channel through my Emo MPS-2, just to see what a difference good clean power does for the sound. All aspects of the right channel, with the Emo powering it gave a nicer, smoother and tighter bass, which that alone tames the highs - and this was without a sub hooked up.
The RTi10's certainly benefit from good clean power and this was apparent with my A-B comparison today.
Shhh.....the AVSers may take notice and come and try to cure you of your delusion that an amp could make a sonic difference.....
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
What cables are you using my stereo image on my rti-12 was greatly improved with a good set of speaker cables. The floating voice appeared and all the instruments tightened up and just an overall improvement for stereo listening.
My three front channels are all bi-wired using Signal cable. I've been really happy with the speaker cables so far.
