Receiver and Amp for my RTi12 Setup

Lib0rat0r · June 2009

Polkies,

I haven't been around long enough to consider myself a true "Polkie" yet, but I have definitely found my brand. Anyway, here is my setup (including newly acquired RTi12s from this past weekend!) :

Polk Audio RTi12s
CSi5
RTi6s (Side Surrounds)
Sony STR-DG820

I believe I need more power to get my RTi12s to truly sound their best. I have also heard things about Sony inflating their amplifier wattage output on their receivers, so I think I am vastly undersupplying the RTi12s with power. I'll need an amp (200W is what I've read is best to supply to each RTi12), and because the DG820 doesn't have pre-outs, I need to upgrade receivers as well.

I've done a ton of research into receivers, and with price playing a big factor, I figure my best options are the following:

Pioneer VSX-01TXH
Denon 2809CI
Onkyo SR-706
Marantz SR5003

I also ruled out Yamaha due to less than stellar reviews on many forums - lower sound quality, and other cons. Anyone have any other receiver recommendations?

As for amplifiers, I am just beginning and have very little knowledge. I know I can't go wrong with an Emotiva, but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an amp that will be a little easier on my wallet?

Bernal · June 2009

Lib0rat0r wrote: »

Polkies,

I haven't been around long enough to consider myself a true "Polkie" yet, but I have definitely found my brand. Anyway, here is my setup (including newly acquired RTi12s from this past weekend!) :

Polk Audio RTi12s
CSi5
RTi6s (Side Surrounds)
Sony STR-DG820

I believe I need more power to get my RTi12s to truly sound their best. I have also heard things about Sony inflating their amplifier wattage output on their receivers, so I think I am vastly undersupplying the RTi12s with power. I'll need an amp (200W is what I've read is best to supply to each RTi12), and because the DG820 doesn't have pre-outs, I need to upgrade receivers as well.

I've done a ton of research into receivers, and with price playing a big factor, I figure my best options are the following:

Pioneer VSX-01TXH
Denon 2809CI
Onkyo SR-706
Marantz SR5003

I also ruled out Yamaha due to less than stellar reviews on many forums - lower sound quality, and other cons. Anyone have any other receiver recommendations?

As for amplifiers, I am just beginning and have very little knowledge. I know I can't go wrong with an Emotiva, but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an amp that will be a little easier on my wallet?

Welcome to the Club.:)
I go with Denon ...
Here and there is much good information.
Do not rush.

01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
03) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
04) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport (change for a OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player will be available soon)
05) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
06) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
07) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
11) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES (High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)

danz1906 · June 2009

Welcome to the Club

rdb2001 · June 2009

There is a guy on bluray.com forum who has a 4 month old Marantz 5003 for 475. It gets great reveiws and should do the job well act as a pre/pro for your amp.

Lib0rat0r wrote: »

Polkies,

I haven't been around long enough to consider myself a true "Polkie" yet, but I have definitely found my brand. Anyway, here is my setup (including newly acquired RTi12s from this past weekend!) :

Polk Audio RTi12s
CSi5
RTi6s (Side Surrounds)
Sony STR-DG820

I believe I need more power to get my RTi12s to truly sound their best. I have also heard things about Sony inflating their amplifier wattage output on their receivers, so I think I am vastly undersupplying the RTi12s with power. I'll need an amp (200W is what I've read is best to supply to each RTi12), and because the DG820 doesn't have pre-outs, I need to upgrade receivers as well.

I've done a ton of research into receivers, and with price playing a big factor, I figure my best options are the following:

Pioneer VSX-01TXH
Denon 2809CI
Onkyo SR-706
Marantz SR5003

I also ruled out Yamaha due to less than stellar reviews on many forums - lower sound quality, and other cons. Anyone have any other receiver recommendations?

As for amplifiers, I am just beginning and have very little knowledge. I know I can't go wrong with an Emotiva, but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an amp that will be a little easier on my wallet?

renowilliams · June 2009

Hi and welcome to club polk. Your speakers are efficient, so if you get a reciever with some power (120-130 watts per channel) I think you will be fine without a power amp to start off with. This will allow you to up your avr budget and possibly step up on your choices.Or, you could look for a good used avr and get more bang for your buck. This is what I did when I bought my avr. I bought a Pioneer elite that is six years old but was in like new condition and was the flagship model of that year. It worked out very well for me. There are a lot of good deals to be had on used or referbished avrs.
Just make sure that whatever you buy has pre-outs.
For power amp choices Rotel and Adcom are pretty popular budget choices in this forum.

I'm sure others will chime in with some suggestions.

Good Luck

Tim

Sherardp · June 2009

I'd recommend a Pioneer Elite SC-05. That should drive those 12s pretty good. If you want more power, use the SC-05 as a pre and buy a Sunfire, Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, or any other amp.

Toolfan66 · June 2009

Do you use your system more for HT or Music?

NewHTguy · June 2009

It will be hard to find a better NEW amp than this.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAC5250
No affil

Retro152 · June 2009

Sherardp wrote: »

I'd recommend a Pioneer Elite SC-05. That should drive those 12s pretty good. If you want more power, use the SC-05 as a pre and buy a Sunfire, Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, or any other amp.

Welcome to Club Polk. +1 to Sherardp's post. This is really a phenominal AVR, as well it's big brother's, the SC-07, and 09. I have my 05 currently running solo without the help of my Xpa-3, with absolutely no "Dropoff" in performance. Rated at 130 watt's:rolleyes:, and it's internal "ICE" amp's, this receiver is powering my system ( similar to your's) just fine by itself. Good luck with your decision.:D

Pat.

Matt34 · June 2009

Take a look at the Onkyo TX-SR805, it's a serious power house when it comes to AVR. You can find them refurbished for around $450.

Dawgfish · June 2009

I am using a Denon 2809CI and Emotiva XPA-3 to push my RTi-12s with excellent results. I also have used the Denon with a Monster Power MPA-3250 and Adcom GFA-555 to push the RTI-12s with excellent results also. Like the others have mentioned, you can find prety good deals on used amps from Adcom, Rotel, Parasound, etc, that will all do an excellent job. If you are looking for a new amp on a budget than the Emotiva will be hard to beat for it's price/performance ratio. Either way you go, you'll more than likely be very happy with the reults.

I find the Denon 2809CI to be an excellent all around AVR/preamp. It sounds great both with music and home theater. I also own an Onkyo 806 and for my tastes the 2809CI is superior in almost every fashion (except remote and on screen display). I have also heard the Pioneer 05s and 07s and they sound great also, but I'm not necesarily sure I'd be any happier with them over my Denon. If you can, it's important for you to get out there and listen to see what sounds and works best for you. Let you own ears do the ultimate decision making if at all possible.

mantis · June 2009

Sherardp wrote: »

I'd recommend a Pioneer Elite SC-05. That should drive those 12s pretty good. If you want more power, use the SC-05 as a pre and buy a Sunfire, Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, or any other amp.

I also stand by this but I don't think you will need a external amp. The Internal amp on the Sc-05 is truly amazing. The high output of the ICE amps are shocking for a receiver. I strongly suggest you consider this as your only option.

The Pioneer Elite vsx01 is a remarkable receiver for the price. It has a lot of dynamic range and plenty of options. I don't however think its the perfect choice for your speakers.

I have no faith in Denon anymore. After Installing Pioneer Elite receivers then going back to a Denon , it's a mess. Denon has no dynamic range compared to Pioneer Elite. At all stages of the game, Pioneer Elite is the right choice. Denon has more options and a few of custom features I wish the Pioneer had like the power on volumes and such. But I can live without them for better audio performance.

Dan

Lib0rat0r · June 2009

I really appreciate the help all. I did a fairly thorough comparison between the SC-05 and the 01TXH, but having read all of your posts and rethought the entire thing, the SC-05 is much more future-proof and it is tough to find a negative review.

I have looked into Denons a great deal as well, and price-wise they are slightly higher, but not enough to base a decision off of. In comparing similar level Denons to Pioneers, I feel like you just have to hear both and make your own decision. ICE amps and MCACC in the Pioneers, and Audyssey and such in the Denons...I just need to go listen for myself.

The main reason I had ruled out the SC-05 was that I felt like it would not have enough power to get the RTi12s going to their full potential, but it sounds from the SC-05 owners here that it should be just fine. I figured 01TXH and 200W amp would be better than the SC-05 alone, but I suppose further along down the line, I'll be glad to have the SC-05.

Now time to start bargain hunting...any links to good deals would be greatly appreciated

I'll be looking for the Denon 2808/9CI, Onkyo 705/6, 805/6, and Pioneer SC-05...and possibly a Marantz if it happens to show itself. Thanks again for the help

Lib0rat0r · July 2009

Hey guys...thanks for all your help and advice. Just wanted to say I picked up the Pioneer SC-05 from Vann's for below $700! I know Pioneer is announcing its new line of products in the next few weeks, but an $1800 receiver at that price...unbeatable.

I'm stoked! Should be here soon and I'll be sure to let you all know how it performs.

pablo_rodz · July 2009

Welcome to the club. I have a Pio. VSX 92 and I really enjoy the way it handles my RTi 10's. I'm sure you will love it. Right now I'm to the point of adding an external amp.

renowilliams · July 2009

Lib0rat0r wrote: »

Hey guys...thanks for all your help and advice. Just wanted to say I picked up the Pioneer SC-05 from Vann's for below $700! I know Pioneer is announcing its new line of products in the next few weeks, but an $1800 receiver at that price...unbeatable.

I'm stoked! Should be here soon and I'll be sure to let you all know how it performs.

Congrats on the SC-05! I'm sure you will be happy with it based on all I have read from others in this forum. I'm looking forward to reading your review of its performance.

Tim

VXR8 · July 2009

mantis wrote: »

I have no faith in Denon anymore. After Installing Pioneer Elite receivers then going back to a Denon , it's a mess. Denon has no dynamic range compared to Pioneer Elite. At all stages of the game, Pioneer Elite is the right choice. Denon has more options and a few of custom features I wish the Pioneer had like the power on volumes and such. But I can live without them for better audio performance.

Dan

Dan - you claim Denon has no dynamic range - that is a fairly blanket statement, isn't it? Wouldn't it depend on source, cables, speakers etc. etc.? Maybe your definition of dynamic is 'bright' or 'forward' and sound to your ears - as to everyones ears are subjective and very personal.

Like Dawgfish commented, he has heard the SC series, but prefers his Denon over them. My point is that the Pioneers are your preferred choice, but they won't be everyones cup of tea. I have had the high end Yamaha receivers - RX-V4600 and RX-V2700, a high end Marantz - SR-8001 and now the Denon 3808. The Yamahas were very dynamic with my then RTi10s, the Marantz was far superior and mellowed the RTis and the Denon, like the Marantz sounds fantastic in 2 channel.

cnh · July 2009

Lib0rat0r wrote: »

Hey guys...thanks for all your help and advice. Just wanted to say I picked up the Pioneer SC-05 from Vann's for below $700! I know Pioneer is announcing its new line of products in the next few weeks, but an $1800 receiver at that price...unbeatable.

I'm stoked! Should be here soon and I'll be sure to let you all know how it performs.

Good Choice, GREAT PRICE...

cnh

cnh · July 2009

Dawgfish wrote: »

I am using a Denon 2809CI and Emotiva XPA-3 to push my RTi-12s with excellent results. I also have used the Denon with a Monster Power MPA-3250 and Adcom GFA-555 to push the RTI-12s with excellent results also. Like the others have mentioned, you can find prety good deals on used amps from Adcom, Rotel, Parasound, etc, that will all do an excellent job. If you are looking for a new amp on a budget than the Emotiva will be hard to beat for it's price/performance ratio. Either way you go, you'll more than likely be very happy with the reults.

I find the Denon 2809CI to be an excellent all around AVR/preamp. It sounds great both with music and home theater. I also own an Onkyo 806 and for my tastes the 2809CI is superior in almost every fashion (except remote and on screen display). I have also heard the Pioneer 05s and 07s and they sound great also, but I'm not necesarily sure I'd be any happier with them over my Denon. If you can, it's important for you to get out there and listen to see what sounds and works best for you. Let you own ears do the ultimate decision making if at all possible.

I think I've agreed with Dawgfish before on this. I use my Denon as a Pre/Pro over my Onkyo even though I like the Onkyo better as a stand alone unit, because the Denon is more detailed and neutral sounding than the Onkyo with my Adcom 555. And with the Adcom powering the Fronts...Dan's point about a lack of dynamism become moot--at least for two channel sound....the Adcom will knock your pants off--and the Denon is clean and clear as the sound filter! IMO Denons make great pre-pro AVRs!

Now the SC-07 on its own is superior, of course. I've heard those.

cnh

Receiver and Amp for my RTi12 Setup

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