Best upgrade path from RT3000p?

ChrisD06 · February 13

I think the title speaks for itself. You can see my signature for my full setup. Ignore the amplifier aspect, I will figure that out separately.

I'm torn between a few options here, and I'm curious on Club Polk's opinions. I'll list them below from, on average, cheapest to most expensive (no dollar figures because it is highly variable, and I can afford them either way).

1. RTiA9 + CSiA6 + RTiA3
2. RT5000 system overhaul — crossovers, plate amps, RD2516-1 silk domes, butyl mat, internal wiring.
3. LSi25 + LSiC + LSi9
4. LSi M707 + LSi M706C + LSi M702 F/X

I will not be 'overhauling' an upgraded system for a LONG time as that'd essentially be my overhaul budget spent.

Usage is 70% music and 30% shows/movies/video games. I am quite happy with my system now but I desire better detail reproduction and a more neutral frequency response (primarily smoother, flatter bass).

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!

Emlyn · February 13

Check out the Reserve line. They're better than any of the options above. Used Legend speakers would be more difficult to find for a complete set but those would be a good choice too.

Powered tower speakers aren't a good option for longevity. RTi are not the best for primarily listening to music.

VR3 · February 13

If you really really like the rt3000p

I would look heavily for a pair of the definitive tech bp7000sc

VR3 · February 13

Easily the best def tech put out

Conradicles · February 13

I like option 3. Just be sure to choose an amp wisely for music to suit your tastes. Enjoy.

mantis · February 14

First off I would move away from Powered Towers. You're never going to accomplish even smooth flat bass with any powered tower. They don't give you the ability to move the subwoofer section around to position them better in your room which is what causes poor bass performance. Much better to run 2 separate subwoofers.

I would also suggest the Reserve line. They get amazing reviews from everyone. Depending on the size of your room, you could go book shelf mains, R500 or R600 mains of if needed the big heavy R700's and then complete the rest of the system as you feel right. The Reserve line has a nice array of choices.

That is if you want to stay in the polk family by which by your considerations looks to be that way. I would stay away from the LSIM line, according to people on this forum , there are no parts for them anymore. I'm sure the LSI line is the same way they are older. If you're planning long term then dig into reserve.

ChrisD06 · February 14

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

I will note that although I initially considered the Reserve line, the cost to replace my 7-channel setup, without a subwoofer, is $6,350 CAD. The LSi M setup would be roughly half of this cost used, at market prices up here in Canada.

My other approach I've considered is a modification to the 'overhaul' (which is $1500 for the front 3 speakers, I wouldn't bother with the surrounds) that would somehow find a way to DSP my RT3000p subwoofers but continue to treat them as full-range towers rather than have them be "LFE", in order to maintain that stereo bass.

I can also spend $2500 and get a brand new Klipsch Reference Premiere II setup (minus the subwoofer, again), though reviews seem to show that they lean quite bright with dull bass. With that said, I quite enjoy my friend's Klipsch RF-82 IV I helped him pick out. Though, I still find my RT3000p sound better in every way even with him owning the better amplifier.

Any new thoughts?

VR3 · February 14

Powered towers won't replace dedicated subwoofers but combined can lead to great in room bass response.

But I agree you can obtain way better music performance without powered towers

Best upgrade path from RT3000p?

Answers