is there a % ratio to divide expenses?

[DavidRB]

Hey guys! I was wondering, is there a % ratio that can help me make the best possible speaker/receiver match? shall I go 50-50 or closer to 60% speakers-40% receiver? What do you think? I am not going to upgrade the system anytime soon and I want it to last. Function over form I what I usually purchase.

I am thinking going Polk on the speakers side. I am not so sure what will give me the best sound 2 monitor 70 ll (as recommended by one of the members of the forum) or 2 monitor 60 ll and a sub. As for the receiver I am thinking H/K 3490. But that is just an opinion from a guy that has little to no idea about this. Going Polk is for sure, I love the sound!! I had a pair of Klipsch, but although they were nice I got tired of them after 60 mins of listening; to bright on the highs I think.

[Big Dawg]

David,

What is your total budget? How are you going to use the system, as a 2-channel music system, a 5.1 home theater, or something else? If music, what do types do you want to listen to, and at what volumes? Same type of questions if you want a home theater, do you like romantic comedies, or do you like it when stuff blows up? How big is the room you'll put this system in? Are you willing to buy used equipment, or must everything be new?

[DavidRB]

hey Big Dawg!

total budget around 800 bucks

I want a 2.0 or 2.1 system (5.1 is a no go since I have to pay my land lady for all the mods in my apartment maybe I can get a 5.1 receiver and only hook up the front gear?)

I listen to heavy metal (Iron Maiden), classic rock (Steeley Dan), jazz (Marcus Miller and Miles David) rarely too loud (my place is small and my neighbors are in their late 50?s so I just can?t really go full blast). I rather have sound quality that loudness.

I want to hook this system up to my flat screen and improve the sound of it. I like stuff blowing up!

the room is 12*12 ( 8 ft high) feet with carpet and wood on 2 walls.

I have been told to look for used gear but, since I am in Mexico I MUST purchase from a really reputable forum member as to avoid any problems and prevent any scams.

[Lietuvis91]

I wouldn't do a ratio analysis in this situation, that is not what makes a system sound GOOD. A good sounding system is one that has correctly matched components, meaning your receiver supplies suffcient power to push the speakers into doing their best. Your budget is $800, so now you have to figure out, what speakers you want and can afford and what receiver will fit into this budget that will do those speakers justice. I would think some combination of montor 40s, 50's, or 60s and a receiver that will push 100+ watts a ch would be a good match. This should get you started :wink:

edit: in fact, for 2 ch only, you should not even need a sub if you go with m50, or m60s... I would even consider m70s in your case, because in 2 ch mode most receivers can power them fairly well. M70's might be out of your budget though, and it's a really big speaker that may be too much for your really small room.

[DavidRB]

thanks for the input!

I was looking at the HK 3490 wich is 120 x 2 Power and the monitor 70 ll at newwegg.com. The receiver is 299.99 and each speaker is 219.99 + shipping so it is within my budget (import expenses apart)

The size of the 70?s is an issue; I may go to the 60?s if you think I will do OK. I will rather have a 2.0 system. Can I get that with the m60?s?

[DSkip]

Watch NewEgg for sales. The M70 frequently goes for $179 per.

[Joe08867]

Monitor 70's are only 5" taller and about 1" wider and deeper than the Monitor 60's. If room is an issue for one it is probably an issue for the other.

For the price difference and size difference you are much better off with the 70's. And if you are only using them for 2.0 music than the HK should do fine.

[Lietuvis91]

thanks for the input!

I was looking at the HK 3490 wich is 120 x 2 Power and the monitor 70 ll at newwegg.com.

This does sound like a very decent 2.0 combo, and with m70's you really should not need a sub, that depends on your personal taste of course :wink:

[DavidRB]

Thanks again to all of you!

I was looking at a pair of RTi8 for us 423. What do you guys think? Shall I go this way?

I think if I can move around things a little in the room I can fit these speakers just fine; if I can?t what are my options for bookshelf and sub?

[B Run]

I've had the Monitors and Rti8's. The Rti's are very well definied and have an openness and airy quality to the tweeter, but can sound bright at times. I don't think you'd have that problem with the HK receiver. I'd definitely take the Rti's for movies but the Monitor 70's can put out more bass and might sound better with metal and rock, especially without a sub IMO.

[Joe08867]

I think I would go with the monitors too. The RTi line is really best at HT.

[Big Dawg]

Amazon (via J&R) currently has the Monitor 70 for 199 with free shipping. I've never heard them, so I don't know how good they sound. I might prefer good quality bookshelves, like the RTiA3, and a sub. Note that some find the RTiA bookshelves a bit bright, but with good amplification I like them.

If you KNOW that you will eventually grow to 5.1, then it makes sense to buy a 5.1 receiver now. If you are only sure you want the best 2-channel you can buy within your budget, I'd buy a better 2-channel receiver. If you don't need a tuner, consider an integrated.

Something like this, perhaps:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CATOAM10

or this:

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM5004-Integrated-Amplifier-Black/dp/B003R7KMTC/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1311365048&sr=1-3

Add an inexpensive CD source and you're off to a nice start

[DavidRB]

thanks again!

2.0 or 2.1 is as far as I want to go; I may have to move from where I am at, so this works for me in many ways.

I will look into the integrated you recommend; but I have a question: can I get audio from my flat screen to an integrated?

If I can?t make enough space for the floorstanding (mon 70s) what do you recommend? bookshelf and a sub?

[DSkip]

If you listen to metal, you might not be a fan of the RTi line. They aren't very well suited for music that is already bright IMO. If anything, I'd tell you to look at the LSi7 refurbs (or 9 if thats in the budget) through polk direct and consider those paired with the HK. They might have too much detail for certain CD's, but they will tame the shrill factor of some of those metal albums.

I would think the 3490 w/ LSi7's and the PSW505 would be a solid system, but that is ~$150 higher than your budget. Feel its worth noting though.

[Big Dawg]

If you weren't in Mexico, I suggest you pick up Polk Monitor 10s or 7s, which might not need a sub. My son likes Metal, and the 10s work well for him. However, I feel that a decent sub can handle that just fine. For Steely Dan and Miles Davis (2 of my favorites), sweet mids are more critical, and I'm guessing that you probably like the sparkle of cymbals in some of the higher frequencies. I heard the RTiA1s at PF on an Anthem tube setup, and thought there was some real magic there (undoubtedly partly due to the wonderful Anthem gear).

If you go used from eBay, you could pick up this nice tube integrated:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1316219570&/Sophia-Baby

And these look like nice bookshelves:


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1316208074&/Celestion-7-MK-2--Monitor

[DavidRB]

Can you please tell me a little more about the tube integrated? I understand they are great. The monitor 70 ll are my first option right now. Does the tube integrated have a sub out? In case I need one?

[Big Dawg]

Can you please tell me a little more about the tube integrated? I understand they are great. The monitor 70 ll are my first option right now. Does the tube integrated have a sub out? In case I need one?

No sub out. Here's some details on that amp...

http://www.sophiaelectric.com/

[nwohlford]

I would agree with the lsi with the HK given that you can not play it really loud and want good sound quality. I think the lsi7 + a nice sub would make a great combo.

[DavidRB]

I would agree with the lsi with the HK given that you can not play it really loud and want good sound quality. I think the lsi7 + a nice sub would make a great combo.

that sounds nice but I must save a tad more to be able to afford the hole set. What do you think will be a nice sub for this setup?

[nwohlford]

that sounds nice but I must save a tad more to be able to afford the hole set. What do you think will be a nice sub for this setup?

That really depends on your taste. I prefer a nice small musical sub, so I just ordered the MicroPro 1000. If you want something with a strong lower end, everybody seems to like the psw-505. Both of these have had good pricing on Newegg recently. (The MicroPro pricing seems to go up and down with a recent low of $250 but the psw-505 seems consistently in the $200 to $230 range.) There are lots of recent threads here about nice subs outside of the polk brand. (I don't have any expertise here, so I won't suggest anything.)

The nice thing about doing the 2.1 set-up is you could hold off on the sub until you have the money. Using the LSi7s without a sub, you will most likely feel something is missing on the lower end, but they should do respectable job for a bookshelf speaker.

[Lietuvis91]

Get your receiver and speakers, let them break in, take a deep breath, and go from there. A psw 505 in a 12x12 room...? Completely unecessary, I wouldnt do that, way too much for a small room. Make sure u even need a sub first..

[nwohlford]

Get your receiver and speakers, let them break in, take a deep breath, and go from there. A psw 505 in a 12x12 room...? Completely unecessary, I wouldnt do that, way too much for a small room. Make sure u even need a sub first..

Yes, I forgot about the room size in my last post. Given the $800 limit, I do agree with speakers and receiver first. With your situation with neighbors if you decide you need a sub you probably should avoid a sub that goes too low. I would look for a nice smaller sub. There was a recent thread about small subs in your price range.

[20hz]

the room is 12*12 ( 8 ft high) feet with carpet and wood on 2 walls.

I have been told to look for used gear but, since I am in Mexico I MUST purchase from a really reputable forum member as to avoid any problems and prevent any scams.

12x12 is very small , I think going bookshelf size speakers and a small sub would be best because ...
1) in a small room you need more locations to choose and big speakers hold you back
2) it will get plenty loud and the sub does the work .
3) more cost effective .
4) bookshelf size speakers need less amp thus lower cost avr

[inspiredsports]

If there really was a magic ratio for sonic nirvana, this would become a boring hobby.

[BtrSound]

I would make sure you get a receiver with pre am outputs. The HK 3600 can be had on ebay through the harmanaudio direct ebay seller. I would also take a look ath the Yamaha and Onkyo receivers, and maybe check out accessories4llesss.com for onkyo/Marantz receivers that have pre amp outs. This is important because the upgrade bug will likely bite later. With that said the Monitor 70's are a great sounding speaker. The entire monitor line soundds pretty darn good and I think is likley the best bang for the buck as far as speakers go.

[decal]

can I get audio from my flat screen to an integrated?

This is not a good idea unless it's your only option. It's better to come out of your cable/satellite reciever with the audio output(that's if you have either of those units) to the input of your receiver/integrated. TV audio systems are notoriously low-fi. Just my humble opinion,that's all. Good luck with your endeavor.

[Big Dawg]

12x12 is very small , I think going bookshelf size speakers and a small sub would be best because ...
1) in a small room you need more locations to choose and big speakers hold you back
2) it will get plenty loud and the sub does the work .
3) more cost effective .
4) bookshelf size speakers need less amp thus lower cost avr

5) Bookshelves cost less for higher quality, generally, and tend to image better at comparable price points.

I love floor standing speakers, but on a limited budget in a smaller room, I'd definitely by a quality integrated and bookshelves, and save for a sub later if I felt I needed it (I probably would).

Paradigm Titans are very nice bookshelves, and I saw a brand new pair of v5 (one generation old, very good sounding) for under $400 on eBay today.

[DSkip]

Get your receiver and speakers, let them break in, take a deep breath, and go from there. A psw 505 in a 12x12 room...? Completely unecessary, I wouldnt do that, way too much for a small room. Make sure u even need a sub first..

True the 505 might be a little overkill in that room. A sub will be necessary with the LSi7's, but can be added later.

[nwohlford]

This is not a good idea unless it's your only option. It's better to come out of your cable/satellite reciever with the audio output(that's if you have either of those units) to the input of your receiver/integrated. TV audio systems are notoriously low-fi. Just my humble opinion,that's all. Good luck with your endeavor.

If the integrated has a digital input (this fairly rare) and your flat screen has a digital output, then hooking up from the tv to the integrated via a digital cable is fine. But in general, I agree that you should not use the anolog audio output from your tv and expect good sound.

[DavidRB]

man, you guys are a really helpful bunch!

Bookshelf speakers it is.

I would love to go LSi7 but with the receiver and the sub I am way over 1k plus import and shipping (still cheaper than buying here); I cannot afford that. do you have any other ideas on a good pair of speakers? as I mentioned I want to go Polk.

I will look for the sub threads and find out what fits my needs. I am not a bass head at all and with the added fact of placing this in a small room I think I will do good.

thanks to all!

[Big Dawg]

Is there anyplace you can go to listen to the LSi7 vs the RTi3? The LSi7 are more refined and laid back, but will push your budget a bit more. The RtiA3 are brighter (some would say too bright), but if paired with a good amp, will sound very nice within your budget.

Oh, don't forget to budget about $50 for decent stands.

[LitoZacky]

The M70 is currently $180 on newegg, $3 shipping. Both the black and cherry finish are at the same price.

[LitoZacky]

Here is my honest opinion, if sound quality is your hobby, then just buy w/e u can live with now, and then upgrade it slowly throughout the years. Start with an AVR and a pair of speaker. When you have the $, buy a good amp, then good speaker, then good preamp.

[DSkip]

Did you go to Polk Audio's ebay shop? The LSi7 can be had for ~$400, which is why I even brought it up. I have no idea what the final tag would be with shipping and all, but with the given budget you should be able to do those w/ a nice stereo unit for ~$700 pre-tax and shipping.

I'm not sure if the LSi7 is available currently, but I've seen it on there regularly in the past 6 months or so.

[DavidRB]

Did you go to Polk Audio's ebay shop? The LSi7 can be had for ~$400, which is why I even brought it up. I have no idea what the final tag would be with shipping and all, but with the given budget you should be able to do those w/ a nice stereo unit for ~$700 pre-tax and shipping.

I'm not sure if the LSi7 is available currently, but I've seen it on there regularly in the past 6 months or so.


[PAIR] LSi7 CHERRY Bookshelf Speakers Polk Audio 40%OFF at 480 usd I may have to wait and get them in the 400 range.

[DavidRB]

Is there anyplace you can go to listen to the LSi7 vs the RTi3? The LSi7 are more refined and laid back, but will push your budget a bit more. The RtiA3 are brighter (some would say too bright), but if paired with a good amp, will sound very nice within your budget.

Oh, don't forget to budget about $50 for decent stands.

Not sure, some monitors are around but scattered.

The RTi3; I am pretty sure I listened to them while on the USA a year ago. I liked them.

[DavidRB]

Today I went to as many stores as I could and listened to all the HT set ups they had reasonably installed and I got to this: I could not care less for surround. Don?t get me wrong I do love movies and I do watch dvd?s/br. So I thought: I would love to get better sound but for MUSIC. After all when I see a movie I see it first and then listen to it (It is just my opinion please do not offer me in sacrifice). When it comes to music I do sit for hours and do some work, have a nice meal or just close my eyes and really relax.

As mentioned before I would go with the 2.1 setup, hook it up to my screen via digital audio (once again please do not shot me) and as LitoZacky suggested, somewhere down the road get some extras for that set up. I want to go bookshelf on the speakers. I cannot audition the Lsi7?s but I am pretty sure I listened to the RTi3 and liked them. I like the HK 3490 but I am open to suggestions, just remember I want to get a digital audio input. I will ask around and contact polkaudio.com and try to find a shop nearby that carries their home audio speakers.

thanks to all of you once again

[20hz]

man, you guys are a really helpful bunch!

Bookshelf speakers it is.

I would love to go LSi7 but with the receiver and the sub I am way over 1k plus import and shipping (still cheaper than buying here); I cannot afford that. do you have any other ideas on a good pair of speakers? as I mentioned I want to go bookshelvesthanks to all!

I use older polk moniter 5's (not the jr version) mine have the silver coil tweeter a 6" mid/woofer and a 9" passive radiator , I use them w/subs .
But for the cost of $45 on ebay they sound real good plus mine came with new tweeters .
Sure new is nice but good sound is much sweeter when you get a deal , plus lights are dim during movies :)
Spend the extra money on a good avr .

[DSkip]

Glad to hear you like the RTiA3. Did you happen to take any music with you in the audition. As I mentioned before, if metal is a heavily listened to genre, that might not be the speaker for you. Over time you might find it to be quite fatiguing. They are very nice speakers though and if paired with the right receiver should tone down that top end nicely.

Did you happen to listen to the RTiA1? Some people (such as me) prefer the overall sound of the A1 over the A3. I couldn't remember how much the LSi7 went for exactly but knew it was in the $400's. I could see where that could be a stretch with international shipping.

[LitoZacky]

Emotiva is having a promotion of 2 monoblock amps (UPA-1) and a stereo pre-amp (USP-1) for $1,000. I believe the shipping is free. This 1k will give u a lot of room for speakers choice. Might want to consider a pair of MMG or a pair of Lsi9 (used is around 400-500). This would be a very formiddable setup.

[DavidRB]

I listened to Bela Fleck on the RTiA3 and it sounded amazing!!!

I found this on the forum:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119979&page=2

the LSi7 may be a good option, am I right?

[Big Dawg]

The LSi7s are very nice speakers. If they can fit your budget, you should be very happy.

[Big Dawg]

Emotiva is having a promotion of 2 monoblock amps (UPA-1) and a stereo pre-amp (USP-1) for $1,000. I believe the shipping is free. This 1k will give u a lot of room for speakers choice. Might want to consider a pair of MMG or a pair of Lsi9 (used is around 400-500). This would be a very formiddable setup.

I'm not sure how $1K for electronics without speakers will fit in a budget of $800?

[swb502]

I saw it was already pointed out Monitor 70 II are on newegg for 365.96 a pair today. When I started out I just had two Monitor 70s and they were great, I got a PSW505 after that and for music I turned it off. The 70s are pretty strong on the bass with the 4 drivers and for sub 400 bucks it amazing stuff. The jump for me was massive.

That gives you $435 for a receiver. I still think the Monitor 70s are the best deal around.

[CCNJ]

I have the Polk LSI9s and really like them. Some people even prefer the LSI7s over the LSI9s. For music I don't think you can go wrong with the LSI7s. I think you will be very happy with the LSI7s even without a sub. You could always add a sub down the road if you feel you need one and as fund become available. My feeling is to spend the most on the speakers so I would get the best you can afford now.

I really think an integrated amp is the way to go for two channel. I would stick to solid state gear over tubes due to the ease and cost factor. An integrated amp will give you much better sound than a receiver will. I think NAD and Cambridge make some of the best entry level gear around. Something like a NAD 316 would run about $349 and a NAD 326 would run about $499 new. I do not know about hooking up an integrated amp with a TV so you will need to do more research on that part before you make any buying decisions.

Good luck and have fun!

[DavidRB]

what do you guys think of the LSi7 in this post:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/show...=119979&page=2

[LitoZacky]

what do you guys think of the LSi7 in this post:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/show...=119979&page=2

I think it cannot be found.

[EDUBAG]

David,

from my limited experience, i would say get the best speaker you can afford and then work from there. if i were you i would get iether the lsi7 or 9 with the hk3490 and some stands.

then i would set up your system and when you have them setup and played around and broken them in, then decide if you would need a sub. since your room is so small you might be surprised that you would not need a sub.

get the lsi line or you will be curious what they sound like, beleive me it happens to me all the time and you can read my setup on my signature.

good luck and enjoy the music

[madmax]

I tend to buy whatever speakers I really want and hope I can still afford decent equipment to go with them. Sometimes I've had to wait until the next spending spree to finish up the deal.

[DavidRB]

I think it cannot be found.

lets try again! http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119979

I found the HK 3490 for 260 shipped new in amazon, what do you think?

I just found out that NAD and Cambridge Audio do have stores here BUT I will pay way over 650 usd for an entry level receiver or integrated. With that in mind; will I do OK with the HK 3490?

If you think I will do good with the LSi7?s from Jim I will go for them and save some money and later this year get the 9?s. I think I can install the sets in a separate room with the HK so I could have the 7?s in my bedroom and the 9?s in my living/dining/tv room.

I think that the idea of getting the best speakers one can afford is a very good idea; as a noob I think, and may be wrong, that later one can add an external amp and improve a lot! I looked at the emotiva deals and man I really liked their gear.

[LitoZacky]

Instead of buying AVR to replace it later, I STRONGLY recommend you get the emotiva deals. Do some research on the monoblock, but the USP-1 itself is very stellar. Audio can be very frustrating at times, when you want to upgrade the sound, you have to upgrade everything. Getting the best speaker you can afford but with mediocre amp and pre-amp won't get you far, also to mention bad amp can blow the tweeter of your speakers.

Here's the plan: Get the USP-1 and 2 monoblocks for $1,000. get some cheap bookshelfs ($100-150) if you don't have any speaker atm and live with it until you can buy a used pair of Lsi9 for $400-500. Or you can choose to go big and get the LSiM 703 bookshelfs.

[DSkip]

I'm sorry but trying to convince someone to spend well over their budget just on the electronics alone is not good advice. You're tacking on another $400-500 dollars before he can even enjoy his purchase. I've read several thoughts about the LSi7/9 run off the HK 3490 and it seems to be a solid pairing. Obviously there are better options out there at a steeper price point, but everyone seems to be pleased with the combo.

[Lietuvis91]

I agree with Dskip... the OP set a budget, and there is no reason to exceed it. There is ALWAYS something better for just a little more money, it never ends. So stick to your budget and buy the best matching components that fit in that price range range. Get a nice quality simple 2ch rig for starters, NO reason to complicate things!

[BeefJerky]

I get the impression that LitoZacky actually works for, or is a paid spokesman for Emotiva.

[DavidRB]

thanks guys!

I believe that LitoZachy means good, but I just can?t afford that Emotiva gear as it is.

I really liked this by Lietuvis97:"NO reason to complicate things!"

Because of work I may have to move, I will visit some places this week and see if my needs change; mostly because of space.

[LitoZacky]

I am only suggesting him $600 more, that is not a lot considering what he will get, if he get the AVR, how can he fully enjoy the LSi9 using its amp? If I work for Emotiva, I would recommend their reference monitors as well, not a pair of MMG or LSi9. Don't recommend this guy to use an AVR to power his LSi9. The LSi series are known for being power hungry, sure it can play those speakers, but what is the point of using part of its potential when you can buy cheaper speakers using almost all their potential which in theory can match with the LSi9? If you cannot stretch over $800, then buy the M70 pairs (sale ends on the 27th) and the HK AVR, stop scratching your head over this, dare I say the sound quality will be very similar no matter what you choose. If you want extraordinary sound as a cheap price then get a pair of headphone, it will save space too.

[CCNJ]

lets try again! http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119979

I found the HK 3490 for 260 shipped new in amazon, what do you think?

I just found out that NAD and Cambridge Audio do have stores here BUT I will pay way over 650 usd for an entry level receiver or integrated. With that in mind; will I do OK with the HK 3490?

If you think I will do good with the LSi7?s from Jim I will go for them and save some money and later this year get the 9?s. I think I can install the sets in a separate room with the HK so I could have the 7?s in my bedroom and the 9?s in my living/dining/tv room.

I think that the idea of getting the best speakers one can afford is a very good idea; as a noob I think, and may be wrong, that later one can add an external amp and improve a lot! I looked at the emotiva deals and man I really liked their gear.
David - I think the Polk LSI7s would be an excellent choice if you can find them at the right price. I know I recommended NAD or Cambridge integrateds previously, but if you can't get them at a decent priced in Mexico, I think I would just go for the Harmon Kardon HK3490. It seems very reasonable for what you are getting, a two Channel receiver that pumps out 150 watts x 2 (stereo) into 4-ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.2% THD. It should power the LSI7s just fine and the whole package seems to be in your price range.

Good Luck. Chris

[DSkip]

...dare I say the sound quality will be very similar no matter what you choose.

You mean to tell me the performance of M70's, RTi-A3's, and LSi7's will all be almost indistinguishable running off the same stereo unit? Well hell, I should've just got the M70's and called it a day. :rolleyes:

Speakers sound different no matter what they run off of and the good ones only get better with better gear behind them. I understand your argument, but I don't agree with your approach. I think most would agree to get the best speakers you can and build up around that.


$600 might not be much to you, but that could devastate my family if we went that far over budget on something. I have a hard enough time justifying a $50 overage that could make "all" the difference. The population here is greatly varied in terms of income and status, and what might not be a stretch to you will be to someone else.





David, good luck with the job. I hope whatever it brings ends up being the best for you and yours.

[LitoZacky]

I think most would agree to get the best speakers you can and build up around that.




In this case, you mean the LSi9? To build around that means he would need a better amp, pre-amp, which will in turn costs even more money after dumping the AVR. My suggestion was to get him to buy something that will last him for a long time quality-wise(even the warranty is 5 years). Taking time to advice someone to buy something just to get criticized that I work for emotiva, I feel as stupid as stupid can be. Just for the record, I told him to live with whatever speaker he has now or buy a cheap pair UNTIL he can afford LSi9. Don't bother responding, after today I don't give a **** about what he gets, nor will I ever advice anything ever again.

[DSkip]

Both the 7 and 9 are great and each one has their own following. I have the 7 running off a HK 240 right now and it doesn't sound bad in the least. There is definitely room for improvement that will come once I have the cash for an amp. The 7 is easier to run due to it operating at a higher impedance than the 9. The HK 3490 also has been a successful pairing with the 7 for several members, so it makes it easier to recommend especially given the budget.

[Big Dawg]

I feel as stupid as stupid can be.... nor will I ever advice anything ever again.

First things you've said that make any sense.

For the record, if in the future you ask what you should buy with your $10,000 budget, we'll be sure to recommend that you spend $17,500 on electronics, pick up some used crap speakers, and live with them until you can afford real speakers. If that sounds stupid, well, that is the advice you gave.

[Joe08867]

I am only suggesting him $600 more, that is not a lot considering what he will get, if he get the AVR, how can he fully enjoy the LSi9 using its amp?


So you want the guy to nearly double his original budget? What are you smoking, and can I have some?

[DavidRB]

hey guys! Today, merely by chance, I had the chance to listen to a pair of RTi4 in a shop; I really liked them, they had no sub and I could not see the amp; but the speakers really sounded great. What do you think?

[BeefJerky]

hey guys! Today, merely by chance, I had the chance to listen to a pair of RTi4 in a shop; I really liked them, they had no sub and I could not see the amp; but the speakers really sounded great. What do you think?
I think if they sounded great to you, you should get them! The RTi's are a great series, and your listening session confirmed that.

[Big Dawg]

hey guys! Today, merely by chance, I had the chance to listen to a pair of RTi4 in a shop; I really liked them, they had no sub and I could not see the amp; but the speakers really sounded great. What do you think?

First, it doesn't matter what we think, only what you hear. Second, I think that in a very nice $800 system, RTi bookshelves are an excellent choice.

[DSkip]

I prefer the RTi4/A1 over the RTi6/A3. That's great if you like their sound. You should be able to get a discount on the RTi4 since it is a discontinued model too.


Do you bring your favorite CD's with you when you listen?

[Joe08867]

Big Dawg is right. It's about what you hear not what we think.

That said the RTi4's are nice speakers.

[Erik Tracy]

Just to stir the pot.

I started with RTi4s - loved them - nice little gem of a speaker and can be had at a great price. Does very well in a small/medium room.

My next step was a pair of RTiA3s which I bid and won from Polk Ebay.

They achieved a marginal step up in sound to my ears -bigger soundstage all around over the RTi4s, and I thought they gave a tad faster response and warmer midrange than the RTi4s. Not by much, but by some. Depending on the prices you can get the RTiA3s, maybe not worth the price delta to a great deal on some RTi4s.

Not being able to resist upgrading, I bid and won of pair of LSi7s on Polk's Ebay at a ridiculous price (probably why you don't see these up for bids anymore).

To me the LSi7s were (as others have said) 'laid back' in the high end, do very well with music - but, imo, need a kick in the pants with a good amp to get them to 'wake up' to pump out the sonic goodness. To me, they are a tad 'sleepy' at low volumes.

I did a direct comparison of the RTiA3 vs LSi7 in my rig having both speakers at the same time. For my listening habits and musical preferences in my rig - I'm probably one of three people in the known universe that preferred the RTiA3 over the LSi7 - so I sold the LSi7s and kept the RTiA3.

Among the RTi4, RTiA3, LSi7 - they are all good speakers. If you can get your ears on them all - better for you than reading us 'experts' tell you what to buy. It really comes down to your budget (but never think you will ever be 'done' with this hobby! :tongue:), your preferences, and the other components in your rig.

And if you make a choice and over time things don't work out - ok - live and learn and make a change - not a big deal and you've got real ears on experience.

Enjoy the journey!

[Big Dawg]

Having owned none of these speakers (and thus not subject to potential listening fatigue), but auditioned all of them, I too prefer the RTi3 to the LSi7, particularly when used with an EL34-based tube amp that warms the mids and softens the highs. However, I find the LSi9 to be vastly superior to all of them.

[DavidRB]

UPDATE
Today I took a couple of cd?s to the store and auditioned the speakers again. I took Moving Pictures and Rock in Rio (what I usually listen to) and I sat and listened for about 30 minutes; I am sold. I also listened to some mp3 (I know it is not Hi Fi stuff, but in the end I had to try)

I already ordered the HK 3490 new from e-bay (300 bucks legally imported and shipped) and the RTi4 speakers new from Amazon (149.99). I think I will be really happy, just got to wait for my stuff to arrive to my new place.

I am pretty happy, I saved some money and will get a sub later if I need to. I want to listen to this set-up first and go from there.

I got to tell you all that I learned something very important; speakers are like hiking boots; it is not about the brand, pricing, looks or model; they either suit your needs or they don?t

[DSkip]

Congrats on your purchase David. For $150, you will be hard pressed to find a better speaker. Everyone's ears are different. Even though we all might be able to tell the differences in each speaker, which one we prefer depends on the individual. I also think that adjusting to the speakers themselves before buying a sub is a great idea. You will have a better idea of what you are really looking for in a sub before your purchase. Who knows, by then you might be moving up the speaker chain anyways. Let us know how it works out.

[DavidRB]

thanks DSkip!

I really want to try the RTi A3 in the future but first enjoy this speakers and really get to know them. I think I can hook up 2 pairs of speakers to the receiver and have one pair for everyday music and a better pair (and sub) for self indulgence; If I can I will do it for sure.

I auditioned some Klipsch reference and I confirmed what I felt before, I got tired of them soon. They were even cheaper than the Polks (import and shipping to me included) and were nice but not nice enough for me.

The COOLEST girlfriend ever offered to pay for the speakers so I just have 150 bucks for the sub and/or set of speakers already saved.

[BeefJerky]

To me the LSi7s were (as others have said) 'laid back' in the high end, do very well with music - but, imo, need a kick in the pants with a good amp to get them to 'wake up' to pump out the sonic goodness. To me, they are a tad 'sleepy' at low volumes.
Wow, I couldn't disagree more with that statement. I find the low volumes to be where the LSi7's and LSi9's really shine. I've never heard more detail and clarity out of a speaker when played at low volumes. I also have no problem with them being "awake" at high volumes; this includes when they were running off my Pioneer VSX-21TXH AVR's built-in amps.

Don't get me wrong, the Rti's are very nice speakers. However, I don't find them better than the LSi7/9's in any way shape or form. Just my opinion.

At any rate, I'm sure you will be incredibly happy with your purchase DavidRB!

[Big Dawg]

David, congrats on choosing a nice setup. After you've got it all together and listened for a while, please come back and let us know what you think.

[DavidRB]

Wow, I couldn't disagree more with that statement. I find the low volumes to be where the LSi7's and LSi9's really shine. I've never heard more detail and clarity out of a speaker when played at low volumes. I also have no problem with them being "awake" at high volumes; this includes when they were running off my Pioneer VSX-21TXH AVR's built-in amps.

Don't get me wrong, the Rti's are very nice speakers. However, I don't find them better than the LSi7/9's in any way shape or form. Just my opinion.

At any rate, I'm sure you will be incredibly happy with your purchase DavidRB!

Hey man! Do you think that in the case I want to update my speakers (to Lsi?s) in the future I will do good with the HK 3490? I saw both Lsi 7 and niners are rated 4 ohms, that is I why I ask.

I should be getting my stuff by August the 10th, so I will have to wait.


by the way: What speaker wire should I get?