What is the best receiver to use with Polk RTi10 speakers

[alin22]

Hi, I need help in making a decision. I purchased a few months ago a pair of Polk Audio RTi10 speakers. I expected great sound, based on the store tests and reviews, and in reality I was quite unhappy when I got them in my house. Biggest problem was terrible bass. At that time I was using an old Technics receiver which was right away blamed for the poor performance. I changed it with a Yamaha 5840 which provided some improvement, but was still far from best.
In order to determine whether the speakers are the problem I purchased a Harman kardon AVR335 to test them. I could not believe the difference that this receiver made. The sound was fantastic. I returned the HK to the store because I intend to buy other model with more power.

Anyway, here I am, trying to make a decision. Since I tested the HK, I looked into AVR635 or AVR7300.

My main interest is listening to stereo music, but I would use the same receiver for home theater. The system is installed in the basement, say about 35' x 25' room.

My questions are:

1) Is 75w(90w in stereo)of AVR645 (or 635) enough for the speakers or I should go for HK AVR7300?

2) I've read about the difference in claimed power between different manufacturers and I understand that Harman Kardon are among few to tell the truth. How should I compare the 75W of avr645 with 130W of Denon AVR 4306.

3) Would Denon AVR 4306 sound as good as HK635 or 7300?

4) What receivers would you recommend?

Thank you.

[okiepolkie]

Welcome to the forum.

What type of budget are you looking at?
If you are considering the 7300, you might be better off with separates, like something from www.outlawaudio.com.

If that is a little more than you want to spend, then my second suggestion would be to go with something like the HK240, HK340, a Denon 2106, or 2806. Then you could get a used 2 channel amplifier to power the 10's.

This would keep your total cost down and still give you good stereo listening.

[alin22]

Hi Zach, thanks for the answer.

I am looking to spend around $1,000-1,500.
I saw the HK AVR7300 running at about $1,150 and the new AVR645 being already sold as pre-order at J&R's web site for $999.

[mantis]

I think you should check out the Rotel Rsx1056 or the Rotel Rsx1067. This receiver will perfrom better then all listed above and can take you further down the road with high ende speakers with harder to drive ohm load rating.

The Rotel rsx1067 is a fantastic receiver and at one point I almost bought it for myself.

Another one to get , I suggest used a B&K avr507 or 507s2. This receiver will make your Polk speakers sound better then you thought possible. It has incredibly clean and clear tone to die for. I feel it's even better then the Rotel but it costs more.

But if your budget is tight, then consider the Rotel Rsx1056 or the Denon avr3806.
Dan

[Dennis Gardner]

I like all the suggestions given so far. The big HK, Rotels, or B&K would all do great as a receiver for your 10s. This gives you a one-box solution that would still give decent music and theater. Plenty good for all the RTi lineup but the RTi 12 which cries out for big amps.

[Sherardp]

the denon 3806 along with two Outlaw M2200s would do the 10s justice. The M2200s are definitely worth a look

[gregure]

+1 for the B&K. It's one of the best receivers out there.
If you're just not looking to spend that much, for pure sound quality I dont' think you can beat the Marantz SR8500 for the price. $1200-1500 (I think the price may have come down but it used to be 1500) gets you a great sounding piece with a toroidal transformer and lot more current than anything Denon, Sony Yahama or Pioneer offer at that price. Sounds great for music and movies. It's not packed on features, but if you're goal is sound quality...

[polkyphil38]

Welcome to the forum.

What type of budget are you looking at?
If you are considering the 7300, you might be better off with separates, like something from www.outlawaudio.com.

If that is a little more than you want to spend, then my second suggestion would be to go with something like the HK240, HK340, a Denon 2106, or 2806. Then you could get a used 2 channel amplifier to power the 10's.

This would keep your total cost down and still give you good stereo listening.
No offense man BUT the HK7300 was a "flagship" receiver and will smoke the HK240/340 or the Denon 2106/2806 with ease. Trust me the 7300 is a BEAST-weighing in at almost 60lbs!!!!!! The only real drawback is that it only has component switching. Other than that it will even out do many of the separates out there. It has plenty of power and for the most part features other than not having hdmi switching the others are not even close. Recently, got to hear what the 7300 could do with an entire Rocket set-up and all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!! Anyways, hope this helps. Happy hunting. :) :) :)

[polkyphil38]

Hi Zach, thanks for the answer.

I am looking to spend around $1,000-1,500.
I saw the HK AVR7300 running at about $1,150 and the new AVR645 being already sold as pre-order at J&R's web site for $999.
Vanns.com has the HK7300 for $999 shipped!!!!!!!!!!!!Trust me it is worth every penny provided you can deal with only having component switching.:) :)

[janmike]

Make sure there are PLENTY of preouts.

[polkyphil38]

BTW people, I was not taking anything away from Denon, Outlaw Audio , and etc. What I was trying to say was that in terms of real world power the HK7300 is about as good as it gets coming from a receiver. I also got the chance to hear what (3) Outlaw Audio monoblocks could do to a set of Axiom M80's and a set of M3Ti's being used as a center. Once again, I was really impressed with the power. However, I can easily say the HK7300 sounded as good as separates to say the least. Just recently bought a Pioneer 1015 and love it but do wish I had waited because I would love to own the HK7300. Oh well, such is the life of an audiophile:D :D .

[aaharvel]

the 7300 would drive the 10's with aplomb.

[BIZILL]

i still impress friends everytime i audition my set up for them. hell, i still impress myself. plenty of headroom to go louder, but that is just rediculous to listen THAT loud. but if i had to drive rti 10's, i'd rather contemplate a separate amp.