Rti A7 Questions and Concerns

Dino_Spumoni · January 11

I am looking to get started with a basic but good-sounding 5.1 Home Theater/music listening setup. I recently purchased a Yamaha rx-v385 and have a polk psw110 sub. Since I only wanted a 5.1 setup, I didn't want to spend the extra money on a receiver with more channels but figured the rx-v385 is a decent first crack at an AVR.

This leads me to my next concern, what speakers should I get? I am looking to keep the budget for the pair under $1k, and had my eyes on the Rti A7's now for a while. My main concerns come from what I read on many of these forums:

1) They can be harsh in the high end for music (other than classical, jazz and acoustic) -- I am someone that listens to a lot of rock/alternative.

2) They are "power hungry".

Considering my AVR isn't the most powerful unit and does not have preouts, will these speakers still sound good with out an additional amp? Down the road I can always sell my AVR and upgrade, but for now this is the one I am sticking with.

Also, regarding the harsh highs, would taming down the treble slightly on the AVR's eq help diminish some of these harsh frequencies?

I have always been a fan of Polk and was really hoping to get these speakers, but I would really appreciate some honest feedback -- even if there are recommendations for other models/brand speakers with my current setup.

Thank you

nooshinjohn · January 11

Your choice of receiver is where I would start. Yamaha and the RTi series are known to be a very bright pairing. With the power hungry nature of the A7's, you find yourself quickly running on the lean side of their power needs. Pioneer Elite AVR's tend to be a better fit. I would look for one that has pre-outs for the mains so you can add an external amp later on down the road.

Dino_Spumoni · January 11

@nooshinjohn appreciate the feedback! I will look into the Pioneer selection and do some more digging.

F1nut · January 11

Look at the Signature series. Good for both HT and music as well as being easy to drive.

sponger · January 11

If you have a sub, then I don't see the need for towers like the A7 with its dual 7" drivers. It's a tall order for that avr as was mentioned. Why not the A5?

Just out of curiosity, why did you pass on the Signature series? If you listen to lots of rock, then an S50 with that sub are probably a better match for that avr. You can walk into any best buy and listen to how much better they sound than the Klipsch display that sits right next to them.

gudnoyez · January 11

I've used a Denon and currently a Onkyo with a External amp, with all my RTI A series speakers adding a AVR with preouts and a amp will improve the sound your experiencing. The RTIA's are geared more to home theater, but do a good job with music.

rpf65 · January 11

I would personally look into Marantz or Denon AVR, with pre-outs to pair with the A7’s.

I would save and look at a different sub. The A7’s, properly powered, will dig lower than the PSW 110.

Dino_Spumoni · January 11

@sponger thanks for the reply!

I thought about going for the A5s at first, but I was figuring having the mid-range driver would be a nice touch. I guess I should also mention that I am in an apartment, so I don't need extreme volumes by any means.

I had't had a chance to listen to the Signature series in person. Is the Signature series less bright in nature than the rti? The Klipsch sounded great to me, however, I'm not looking for extreme accuracy, which I felt they had -- I would prefer some nice color to the sound.

Dino_Spumoni · January 11

@rpf65 That is another option too, thank you!

nooshinjohn · January 11

I believe the Signature Series would be the better way to go, given your space and needs.

Dino_Spumoni · January 11

@nooshinjohn I want to go give these a listen sometime next week. The signature seems like a good option for what I'm working with right now -- and since I plan on primarily listening to rock music but also for Home Theater.

Thank you for all the advice! I am fairly new to this stuff and really appreciate the help.

motorhead43026 · January 11

For what you are wanting to accomplish, the Sig series is hard to beat.

Dino_Spumoni · January 12

@motorhead43026 Awesome, thank you for the help! I may lean toward the s50 vs. the 55 or 60 due to the limited power of my AVR, but will have to hear it in person first.

mrloren · January 12

I had RTi speakers,now S60 much nicer for my 70's 80's rock

deronb1 · January 12

TSi series would pair well with that AVR. Not a lot of scratch.

mrbigbluelight · January 12

Signature Series. Period.

Dino_Spumoni · January 12

Thank you all for the help!

Assuming I lean toward the signature series, is there a tremendous difference in sound, particularly the high ranges, between the s50 and s55? Based on what I've heard about the RTI A7s -- if not properly setup -- they can be a little rough on the high frequencies, especially cymbals and hi-hats in rock music. I'm assuming the signatures are a little more forgiving?

cfrizz · January 12

Welcome to Club Polk Dino!

I highly recommend getting the S60s, they handle both music and movies beautifully. There is no harshness from the tweeter at all, just crisp clear sound. Here is the review of my S60s I did back in 2017 when I got them. I hope you find it informative.

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/176622/review-of-polk-signature-series-s60-speakers/p1

sponger · January 12

Dino_Spumoni wrote: »

is there a tremendous difference in sound, particularly the high ranges, between the s50 and s55?

No. Digital Trends magazine has a glowing review of the Signature series on youtube and concludes that any of the towers combined with a sub would do just as well as an S60.

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Rti A7 Questions and Concerns

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