Amp Poll for Polk RTi Series

TORI3
TORI3 Posts: 234
edited August 2010 in Electronics
Alright guys, I really need some help in choosing an amp with my RTi series. I already posted a couple of days ago and got some great feedback. After doing some research I've narrowed down my choices, all of which are 200 watts X 5 channels, except for the NAD.
HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
2CH: CJ MF2300, Parasound P3, PS Audio DLIII, Wadia 170i, Music Hall Maverick, Sierra-1s, Sunfire HRS8
Post edited by TORI3 on
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Comments

  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2010
    The Sunfire has a warm sound that will go good with your RTi speakers.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited August 2010
    I hear nothing but praise for the sunfire amps.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2010
    I've never noticed this before, but on the onecall.com page for the Adcom, it states,
    Adcom GFA-7705 Multi Channel Amplifier

    * Attention: Requires a 20 Amp Circuit

    Requires?:confused:
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2010
    Also, it seems like you're mixing new and used prices. Personally, I think you can do just as well or better at some of those prices in the used market. Remember, many audio folks take exceptional care of their gear. Have you tried searching on Audiogon? I haven't voted, because I haven't heard all of them, but from reading here, I think they're all well-regarded.

    P.S. Love the quote in your sig! I never quite figured out what it was he was actually trying to ask... :)
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  • texas ed
    texas ed Posts: 139
    edited August 2010
    Some of these amps do require a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit which adds to the cost of the amp.Even a do-it-yourselfer must take the time to run the wire and do the panel work.That point turned me away from a particular amp I was interested in.+1 to the Sunfire amps.They can run on 15 amps and do not run very warm if my memory serves me on early Saturday morning.Good luck with your search. Eddie
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    I voted for the Sunfire, well because I THINK, Carver makes great gear. Especially amps. But I do love NAD, have owned both. Back in the day I used a Carver amp and an NAD pre on a set of RTA11's...heaven..But I also had used an NAD integrated, very dynamic also.

    I guess it depends on what your pre/pro is going to be? I went Carver for amp for warmth and then went very neutral and detailed for a pre/pro. It has been a great synergy so far with the RtiA7. That is how I approached the RTi, with great results. All just my humble opinion.:)

    BTW, all the research I did, led me to believe that the Rotel was going to be a little bright.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2010
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    I guess it depends on what your pre/pro is going to be? I went Carver for amp for warmth and then went very neutral and detailed for a pre/pro. It has been a great synergy so far with the RtiA7. That is how I approached the RTi, with great results. All just my humble opinion.:)

    I second your humble opinion! Synergy has been the key to satisfaction with my RTis, too. I swapped several pieces of gear in and out before I achieved a sound that pleased my ears.
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  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited August 2010
    I like my Mackies. The definitely have the power to drive the larger RTi's.
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
    Cart: Shelter 501 III
    Phono Pre: dsachs consulting
    Digital: Marantz SACD 30n
    Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
    Amp: Conrad Johnson Premier 350
    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited August 2010
    http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampsmult&1285035401
    mole'
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2010
    Rotel 1075 (120x5) est. $550
    rotel 1095 (200x5) est. $1000

    I've owned both and both are great. Not a big fan of carver gear or adcom 5 channel amps, so Rotel gets my vote.

    You don't need a ton of power for your setup.
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  • TORI3
    TORI3 Posts: 234
    edited August 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    Also, it seems like you're mixing new and used prices. Personally, I think you can do just as well or better at some of those prices in the used market. Remember, many audio folks take exceptional care of their gear. Have you tried searching on Audiogon? I haven't voted, because I haven't heard all of them, but from reading here, I think they're all well-regarded.

    P.S. Love the quote in your sig! I never quite figured out what it was he was actually trying to ask... :)

    You're probably one of the few that actually understood the signature. For one reason or another, it just brought me back to Korea when I was attempting to teach English to Korean businessman.
    texas ed wrote: »
    Some of these amps do require a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit which adds to the cost of the amp.Even a do-it-yourselfer must take the time to run the wire and do the panel work.That point turned me away from a particular amp I was interested in.+1 to the Sunfire amps.They can run on 15 amps and do not run very warm if my memory serves me on early Saturday morning.Good luck with your search. Eddie

    Really good point. I totally overlooked that! Nice one.
    mole' wrote: »
    http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampsmult&1285035401

    That's a great link. I'm starting to do some research right now on that amp.
    danz1906 wrote: »
    The Sunfire has a warm sound that will go good with your RTi speakers.

    You support that opinion of many from my previous thread, which really puts weight on pulling the trigger on the Sunfire.

    Your responses are just another reason why I enjoy this forum. Thanks a ton, and I'll let you know the outcome!
    HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
    2CH: CJ MF2300, Parasound P3, PS Audio DLIII, Wadia 170i, Music Hall Maverick, Sierra-1s, Sunfire HRS8
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  • TORI3
    TORI3 Posts: 234
    edited August 2010
    Just to get as much information as possible I posted this thread on the AVS forum. The feedback was interesting and is contrary to what I've been reading for the past month in regards to amplification, speakers, and sound quality.

    Two members from AVS basically stated that amplification will not mitigate the RTi brightness and that I should basically look for new speakers. They also found it odd that I would spend more money on an amp than speakers, which in a way I can understand.

    With this being said, I was planning on upgrading the speakers down the road. From what I've read many people have stated that their speakers "opened up" after adding an amplifier. Because of this, I figured I make the best of my RTis. Tell me, is my logic incorrect here?

    What would you do if you weren't set in buying an amplifier? Would use that money to upgrade you speakers, and then buy an amplifier?
    HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
    2CH: CJ MF2300, Parasound P3, PS Audio DLIII, Wadia 170i, Music Hall Maverick, Sierra-1s, Sunfire HRS8
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    Well, I disagree with those members. First speakers only reflect what's given to them. Yes, speakers can and do make a difference in sound. Providing ever thing else before them is top notch. Would you put Formula One tires on a Nissan Sentra?

    It's all about synergy and compatibility. Amps are the "engine" for your audio car. Your source ie, cd player, turntable etc need to transfer the music best they can to your preamp, and in turn, you need the best reflection of the source to feed to your amp.

    Any weakness in that chain cannot be mitigated by having very high end speakers. Speakers cannot correct information that is not there.

    The idea is to have equality throughout your system, but if there is going to be an imbalance, as in higher quality vs lower quality,it is way better for the higher quality to be on your source side than speakers. (Garbage in, garbage out)

    A better amp will make an average set of speakers sound better than a great set of speakers with a average amp.


    What would I do?, spend more of my dollars on quality higher end components up front. Establish a good foundation, then, upgrade speakers if you so desire.

    I hope this helps. Good luck!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • buccidiego
    buccidiego Posts: 75
    edited August 2010
    I like the Parasound 2205A with the RTi
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  • TORI3
    TORI3 Posts: 234
    edited August 2010
    Thanks Ric. What you said makes total sense to me and goes along with wanting to build a solid foundation, which is why I upgraded to the Elite from an Onkyo 607 (no preouts). I don't need the priciest sound system, but I definitely want a well thought out one without any impulse buys.

    buccidiego, you mirror what a lot of members have suggested with the RTis (the Parasound that is). Thanks you much!
    HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
    2CH: CJ MF2300, Parasound P3, PS Audio DLIII, Wadia 170i, Music Hall Maverick, Sierra-1s, Sunfire HRS8
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    If I was to replace my Parasound amp I would do it with the Sunfire amp. I had Carver amps and they are a good match for the RTI"s. There is a Sunfire amp on CL in Wisconsin that I would snatch up for $800 if I had the coin.

    MARANTZ SR7002 AVR
    Parasound HCA1500A Amp
    Rotel RCC-1055 Cd Player
    Pioneer BD320 Blue Ray
    PNF Symphony Speaker Cables
    PNF Icon IC
    D H Labs IC
    PS Audio xStream Power Cables
    Samsung 52” LCD
    Mains Polk RTi12’s
    Center Polk CSi5
    Surrounds Definitive Technology BP2X
    Subs Mirage Omni S 10’s (2)
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    TORI3 wrote: »
    Thanks Ric. What you said makes total sense to me and goes along with wanting to build a solid foundation, which is why I upgraded to the Elite from an Onkyo 607 (no preouts). I don't need the priciest sound system, but I definitely want a well thought out one without any impulse buys.

    buccidiego, you mirror what a lot of members have suggested with the RTis (the Parasound that is). Thanks you much!

    I am curious about Parasound also, it is on my short list when I get ready to upgrade my amp. Along with the Sunfire.

    However, I don't think you are taking any risk going with Sunfire.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    I am curious about Parasound also, it is on my short list when I get ready to upgrade my amp. Along with the Sunfire.

    However, I don't think you are taking any risk going with Sunfire.

    After having two Carver amps and getting a great buy on a like new used Parasound I went with Parasound. The Carvers I had made my RTi's tamed down a little but and were nice but the depth and soundstage of the Parasound won me over and it was not bright. I believe a sunfire would be a step up but I am happy with my Parasound HCA1500. In fact, I have yet to find a person who owns or has owned a Parasound amp and did not give it praise. There are other amps that are better and higher priced but finding a good Parasound amp is a great value and will perform nicely. John Curl designs very nice high quality amps:D
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,081
    edited August 2010
    Parasounds are also another warm sounding amp with RT series speakers.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, McIntosh C2300, Marantz AV7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Sim Audio Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • TORI3
    TORI3 Posts: 234
    edited August 2010
    I pulled the trigger on a Sunfire Cinema Seven that was supposedly a demo product that was liquidated. I was looking at getting a Cinema Grand, but the ebay seller sent me answers that were conflicting with other items he was posting (plus he had zero feedback).

    I figure I see how the Sunfire sounds with the current system, yet I'm already looking to upgrade the speakers in the near future. We'll see how it goes.

    Thanks for all of your input. Really appreciate it.

    T
    HT: RTi8s, CSi3, RTi4s, HSU ULS-15, Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Sunfire Cinema Seven.
    2CH: CJ MF2300, Parasound P3, PS Audio DLIII, Wadia 170i, Music Hall Maverick, Sierra-1s, Sunfire HRS8
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