emotiva xpa-3 or upa-7 and RTi10s

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broncsrule21@
broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
edited September 2008 in Electronics
Is anybody currently using one of these amps to power RTi10s. If so, what are your thoughts? I would be using a Denon 2808 as a pre/pro. I feel the RTi10s are a little lacking in the bottom end.(for 2 channel music) Would a good amp help or is the Denon holding them back regardless?

My listening ratio is 70/30 HT to music. The Rtis perform HT with no complaints
but could use a little help in the 2 channel dept. I do understand they will never be Lsi series.
HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
Post edited by broncsrule21@ on

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  • BjornB17
    BjornB17 Posts: 752
    edited September 2008
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    I too would like to know
    KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited September 2008
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    I have been reading your posts. i think we are kinda in the same boat.
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited September 2008
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    I have the RTi12's with an XPA-5 on my HT rig-I am quite happy with its performance in HT, I never was ecstatic about the setup for music though, but I think that's really the RTi12's. I've been reading they can be bright and that is exactly what I think is the problem with music. I also have what seems like an impossible room acoustically.

    I'm not saying music didn't sound good, just not near what I would expect or like. When I used my XPA-5 on a pair os LSI-9's-well now that's another story-no more brightness, and sounded fantastic. So not necessarily my room, but...anyway, instead of fight the HT to be ideal for music-with whatever changes might be required, I decided to just pursue building a dedicated 2 channel setup. I can't seem to eveer get the family room all to myself for any good listening anyway. For my 2 channel rig, I'm using a pair of LSi9's with an XPA-2, and except for one issue I'm having with the amp, I'm very happy with it.

    Some will say that with your RTi's properly amp'ed, and setup, (at least with the RTi12's) there should be no need for a sub (for music). Personally I can't imagine mt HT rig (even for 2 channel music) without a sub. IMHO, A sub just fills the bottom end in nicely and depending on the music, makes a huge difference. Besides, using a sub allows more power from the amp to be used for the frequencies above 80Hz in the speakers. I should note though that right now I do not have a sub on my 2 channel rig, but I will when I get a sub upgrade for my HT rig. The klipsch will make its way down.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited September 2008
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    When I listen to my Rti 10s in "pure audio" mode on the Onk 875, which is 2 channel with no sub, they are really bright. Using a sub seems to warm things up. Not sure why...
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited September 2008
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    mmadden28 wrote: »
    ...I never was ecstatic about the setup for music though, but I think that's really the RTi12's. I've been reading they can be bright and that is exactly what I think is the problem with music.....

    I've also read reviews and posts (haven't heard them yet myself) about the new RTiA series being not so bright and much better for music than the RTi's. I really like the new styling of the RTiA's. I have my right speaker toed in, so the rear end sticks out a bit and my rear stairs come out right there. The RTiA's curve on the back-so it wouldn't look like it was sticking out so much--sure would look nicer there.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited September 2008
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    The new RTI-A line is still very bright but much better than the RTI series imo is not music worthy at mid to high volumes. The RTI 10's are good speakers and with an amp will sound a lot better but I think a lot of people expect a little too much out of those 7" woofers. A sub will add some much more in the lower end department.

    Are you currently running a sub in you HT setup?
  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited September 2008
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    I would like to know, also.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited September 2008
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    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Are you currently running a sub in you HT setup?

    Who are you asking? the OP has a yst-sw300 in his sig.
    Broncs--How is your setup configured? Are your fronts set Large, or are they set small with a crossover setting for your sub?
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited September 2008
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    they are set to small with the crossover set at 80. Does the crossover setting apply in "Pure Direct" stereo mode? if so, maybe that is why I think those dual 7s suck. I am not expecting subwoofer type slam out of them, just a little more tight bass.
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited September 2008
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    they are set to small with the crossover set at 80. Does the crossover setting apply in "Pure Direct" stereo mode? if so, maybe that is why I think those dual 7s suck. I am not expecting subwoofer type slam out of them, just a little more tight bass.

    I honestly don't know-I never ran my Onk in the similar setup-I have a recollection of some settings somewhere being bypassed when in a Direct mode..Hmmm. Time ofr a manual check.

    Perhaps set you mains to Large, and no Sub. Turn off your sub. And try again (both in and out of Pure Direct mode).
    I've been hot on Bjork for Bass heavy songs lately-Oh and Kodo-Oh yeah. That'll maybe give you an idea.

    I know it goes without saying, but I simply could not get nearly enough bass (for my satisfaction) from my 3 x 7" woofer RTi12's running large with an external amp, as I did with the sub involved. If I never heard the difference I might not even know, but...
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's