new member- Rti10's [Archive]

jflail2

02-14-2007, 11:28 AM

tommyboy

02-14-2007, 12:47 PM

Hi all. Another new member to the polk club here. I just picked up an Onkyo Tx-SR604 receiver and a pair of Rti6's from Crutchfield this last week. After much debate, I am going after work today to switch them out for Rti10's and the csi3 center. Can't wait!!!

Wanted to see if anyone had any good feedback/advice for setting this up properly, or if/when I'd need an amp.

Thanks, and glad to be here!

Welcome jflail2,

That reciever will be able to handle the RTI10s, but you are not giving those speakers even close to their full potential. The other big prob with the 604 is that it doesn't have pre-outs. I'd say at least upgrade to the 700 series, or there are some good h/k options to choose from. So then, if you want to get everything out of those speaks, you can buy an seperate amp.

good luck

tommyboy

m00npie

02-14-2007, 12:55 PM

Agree, you'll need an amp to bring them alive. They are not as power hungry as the LSI series, but they will benefit greatly as most speakers will from an amp. I had my 10’s initially driven by my Denon 4306 and then I got an Outlaw. Type of amp depends on your usage. The outlaw made my naturally bright 10's brighter as compared to the Denon. Since I'm almost 100% HT and no music, it didn't really matter.

jflail2

02-14-2007, 01:03 PM

tommyboy:

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately I am in an apt., and am surrounded by neighbors, so I can't give those speakers the push they deserve :(

I chose the 604 b/c of the hdmi thrus, but it sounds like I made a bad choice? I was trying to keep everything within reason, as this is my 1st venture into decent audio components. I would be ok with moving that receiver to my pc room in a few years and upgrading to a better receiver, but if you think that would be a worthwhile upgrade now, I might fork over the extra $$....On the other hand I don't see me buying an amp and really pushing those speakers until well after we buy a house...

So I assume the preamp output on this model is also what I am looking for??:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-nKuLtzFiKwX/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=580TXS804B

tommyboy

02-14-2007, 01:19 PM

tommyboy:

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately I am in an apt., and am surrounded by neighbors, so I can't give those speakers the push they deserve :(

hello again,

Do not think of getting a seperate amp or a better reciever so you can go louder. Your 604 can do that just fine. Even at lower volumes, your sound quality will be far superior than the 604. I also live in an apartment, and at lower volumes, the clarity difference between the amp and my reciever is undeniable. It also feels like I can just hear more in general out of my speaks at lower volumes.

tommyboy

jflail2

02-14-2007, 01:25 PM

sigh......

I knew I would end up talking to a bunch of enablers :D I'll be visiting the crutchfield outlet after work today, so if they will take my recently opened receiver back, it looks like i might be upgrading to the 804.....

cfrizz

02-14-2007, 01:50 PM

Welcome! Think of it this way, by getting a better receiver now, you won't have to upgrade that particular piece later on.

In other words, we are trying to help you do it right the first time. Something a great many people don't do and end up spending twice as much by having to buy the same piece of equipment a 2nd time to get what they really need.

jflail2

02-14-2007, 03:11 PM

Very true Cfrizz.......This is definitely going well beyond my "1k max", but like you said it will be worth it in the end.

So is the 804 I linked a couple of posts previously going to be a better fit? Will this meet all of my needs for years to come?

Thanks for your immediate help. It makes a somewhat expensive purchase a little less nervewracking...

Tequila

02-14-2007, 03:16 PM

Do you have now the Rti10? Well, the Rti8 can be drive more easy with any avr, if you can I think that is a good idea..

Good luck.

Ron Temple

02-14-2007, 03:30 PM

So is the 804 I linked a couple of posts previously going to be a better fit? Will this meet all of my needs for years to come?

Thanks for your immediate help. It makes a somewhat expensive purchase a little less nervewracking...I think the 703/4 and 804 will work well if you really need the HDMI, though pricey. If you can live without switching video through the AVR, you can save some money by going the HK route off their store on ebay. You can pickup a refurbed 235/240, a high current design, which will be as powerful as those 2 Onks for ~ $250 with a full 2 year warranty. Several of us did with great results. Pick up a used 2 channel amp in the $3-400 range later and you're good to go.

jflail2

02-14-2007, 03:46 PM

Ron:

Thanks for the helpful input! I am actually probably going to switch that receiver out for this one:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ru3yyuWUojK/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=033AV2307C

as it has everything I'm looking for, and sounded to do a bit better job than the onkyo....and yes, I would prefer the video switching on the AVR. I have an old Sony XBR 910 34" CRT, and while it still looks great, there aren't a ton of inputs...

I figure I can add an amp to the Denon a few months from now and be good to go.

Tequila: I had considered the 8's, but hated that they didn't have the midrange speaker. I'd like to have room to grow, so I will be picking up the denon tonight I think...

Ron Temple

02-14-2007, 04:07 PM

That will work...I think you'll like the Denon/Polk combo better for SQ too. Good luck.

RT

cfrizz

02-14-2007, 04:22 PM

Yes! When you buy a receiver, always get one with preamp outputs. This will give you the option of getting more power with separate amplification which is always a good thing for speakers!:D

Also if you know you will be happy with the sound of it with your speakers & also satisfied with all of the bells & whistles that it currently has & won't want any future (in the pipeline) bells & whistles then yes, you will keep your receiver for years!

Very true Cfrizz.......This is definitely going well beyond my "1k max", but like you said it will be worth it in the end.

So is the 804 I linked a couple of posts previously going to be a better fit? Will this meet all of my needs for years to come?

Thanks for your immediate help. It makes a somewhat expensive purchase a little less nervewracking...

cfrizz

02-14-2007, 04:24 PM

Oh yeah, you can't go wrong with a Denon!

tommyboy

02-14-2007, 04:27 PM

Ron:

Thanks for the helpful input! I am actually probably going to switch that receiver out for this one:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ru3yyuWUojK/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=033AV2307C

Just to let you know, there are other places than crutchfield to find some good recievers:) . Don't make a quick decision, look aroud for a good reciever at a good price.

Looks like its turning into a great system, congrats.

tommyboy

jflail2

02-14-2007, 04:36 PM

tommyboy:

Well, I am in Charlottesville, VA, so the Crutchfield outlet is a 5 minute drive from me. I appreciate being able to bring it back to the store if need be, and their tech support has always been excellent (repaired a minor problem with my Sony tv after a year and a half in, no questions asked.) I am somewhat of a convenience/local buyer, so I will pay a bit more to have that easy/immediate access. That and they are having their annual open box/outlet sale, so I am hoping that that Denon model has been opened, looked at, and then returned :) The speakers will definitely be open box, but must still be aesthetically pleasing, so no scratches/gouges or I'll have to break down and buy new.

I really appreciate everyone's help. After much gnashing of fangs, it will be the Denon receiver linked above, with the rti10s and the csi3 to start out. Any other suggestions/input is still greatly appreciated.

Pics coming, but they might have to wait until tomorrow (since I can't even leave work till 6pm tonight.) I have to show off the fruits of our labor!

edit:

1 more thing. I noticed stacking anything on top of the AVR is a heat-filled NO NO. I would like to stack my cable box on top of this receiver. Are there any options out there that add risers to the feet of the cable box (and possibly reduce vibration at the same time) that would allow me to do so without worrying about damaging the AVR?

Sherardp

02-14-2007, 06:41 PM

Good job Jflail2, Find another place for the cable box bud, let that Denon breathe. If you have the space, and can get a good price on it, opt for the CSi5 center. Again just saving you future upgrades, that CSi5 is a beast and you will probably like it a lil better. Again thats only if you have space and can get it at a good price. Let us know when you get everything in place and setup. Welcome home guy.

Oh by the way, are you planning on a sub, rear speaker purchase later on?

jflail2

02-14-2007, 06:57 PM

Sherard:

They actually had the csi5 open box (without a scratch on it), but it was sooo big that there's no way in hell the old lady's gonna go for it. She's very much worried about aesthetics, whereas I am very much worried about finally getting some kick @$$ sound rolling :)

Same thing goes for the rears, but I have a plan for implementing them when she is out of town a couple of months from now............. I would love to hear some rear recommendations now though. Same goes for the sub I guess. I would prefer rears that are fairly small (as in there's no way I could justify the RTi6's as rears), and the sub is last on the list since I'm in an apt. and not a house.

Pictures coming.........en route to crutchfield now!

MillerLiteScott

02-14-2007, 06:59 PM

I second the CSi5. I had a CSi3 for @ 4 months and while a decent center it just never gave the full sound I was looking for and the CSi5 seems to have the fuller sound I was desiring.

It is a huge center. That is the reason I went with the CSi3 in the first place.

Willow

02-14-2007, 09:23 PM

Give that csi3 200w and it's a new speaker ;)

Ern Dog

02-14-2007, 09:58 PM

Jflail2-
All I can say is that I wish I had know about "Preouts" when I bought my first Onkyo 502. It would have saved me a lot of money having to shell out for another avr with preouts later down the road. Glad you didn't have to make that same mistake.

Can't wait to hear your impressions of the Denon/Rti10 combo. And if you think it sounds good now- you just wait until you add that external amp down the road....

jflail2

02-14-2007, 10:55 PM

Well, here they are in all their glory.

[img=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7397/dsc08851zh8.th.jpg] (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc08851zh8.jpg)

I hear ya Ern Dog. BIG thx to tommyboy for steering me in the right direction. Thx to everyone for the excellent input actually.

Now what do you guys think about rears and a sub. I would want as small as possible for rears, and the sub is not an immediate need since my neighbors are probably not going to be loving these rti10s as it is...

I think I am going to stick with the csi3 for the time being. I pondered the 5, but after seeing it again in the store, its just too big. I might go bigger once I upgrade on screen size, but the next priority is a house (which is why I'm trying to stock up on new, long lasting toys before I'm permanently broke....)

Or if willow is indeed correct then I'll add the external amp, which will beef up that csi3 as well.

jflail2

02-15-2007, 01:12 AM

bah, for some reason the denon won't fire up at all. It's as if its getting no juice at all. I guess its either a bad power cord or a bad unit, unless I'm missing something basic.

I guess that's the nice part about buying locally; I'll just take it back tomorrow after work.

tommyboy

02-15-2007, 11:01 AM

BIG thx to tommyboy for steering me in the right direction. Thx to everyone for the excellent input actually.

No problem jflail, I'm glad to help.

I looked at your pic and it looks great except I have a few suggestions...

first off, you going to want to move your speaks out a few feet. I can see there is a wall or something on the left. Maybe (if you can:eek: ) move the tv to the right or somewhere else so you can get good seperation from your speaks.

Second, what would really help you with the cable box situation is an audio rack. I'm really not sure where the best place to buy them is(maybe someone else can help you with that), but it would really clean things up under your tv.

You said you wanted to get a bigger size tv. You sure about that;) . Thats one of the best tvs out there... but if you really want to get rid of it, I'll take it:D .

For rears and a sub... You said rti6s are too big... check out the rti4s, or even better the fxi3s. If those are still too big....well good luck;) . The sub, everyone here recommends SVS, I have heard them once, but I could not give them an honest listen since the SVS was playing with big ass SDA speakers(thanks Carl).

Anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask.

tommyboy

jflail2

02-15-2007, 11:18 AM

Sounds good. That is actually a giant cat tree on the left side, so that can be moved and the speakers widened in relation to the screen. Thanks for the good advice!

I'm all ears for audio rack suggestions. I dread removing that glass shelf as it connects to that stand under the television......And yes, I LOVE this tv. Picture quality is just phenomenal. That being said, this is destined to be our bedroom tv, and I'd like to replace it with a 46"+ 1080p lcd. But like I said before, that's well after we get a house squared away.......

I'll look into those rears at some point today.

As an aside, I couldn't be more pleased with the price on those RTi10's. I got them open box b/c the left one has a scuffed/dented corner and the other...well I guess it has some MINOR scratches/blemishes. They still sell for $480 each on Crutchfield's site, but I wound up paying $375 for the pair :D

m00npie

02-15-2007, 12:02 PM

They actually had the csi5 open box (without a scratch on it), but it was sooo big that there's no way in hell the old lady's gonna go for it.

Just a thought…

The CSi5 is big, but it’s not bigger than your TV or future one if you upgrade to a larger screen. One thing you could try is what I did. I bought a 27’’ TV wall mount and installed it so the lip of the stand is an inch or so above the TV. I then placed my CSi5 on top of the stand and used the kick stand on the CSi5 to point the face of the Center to my viewing height. It worked out well. Clean install and it appears that the Center is floating on top of the TV. If memory serves, the mounted stand will come out 23’’ from the wall. And can be adjusted to come out a little further but not much.

Anyway, enjoy the new system.

Ern Dog

02-15-2007, 02:17 PM

$375 a pair :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Dude you scored Big time!

jflail2

02-15-2007, 04:16 PM

Swear to God Ern. I might even post a copy of the receipt when I get home tonight. I wasn't sure I had heard the clerk properly when he checked me out, so I had to scour my itemized receipt in the parking lot, and sure enough, that was it.

Basically, the open box rti10's were 250$ each b/c they apparently have a TON in their warehouse right now. Since they're having their annual outlet sale, they marked their open box floor speakers down to "buy 1 get the second one 1/2 off." 250+125= a VERY happy new listener...

They had an open box of that Denon receiver at $611, but it had a couple of cosmetic blemishes on the face of the receiver........I figure for as long as I'm going to keep it, it may as well look brand spanking new.

Now if I can just kill this work day and hurry home, I can finally enjoy the fruits of my labor!

jflail2

02-18-2007, 07:52 PM

Just wanted to update everyone on the new additions. All I can say is WOW. Unfrickinbelievable. They sounded good from the get go, but by last night they sounded absolutely incredible. I started with some Meddle from Floyd, and then went to some Tool, the Gladiator Soundtrack, Zorba the Greek and Holst's The Planets. EVERYTHING sounded good. They sound to be a bit more "rock music focused" speakers, if there is such a thing, but the classical sounded phenomenal to me as well.

Sorry to ramble, but its been a great weekend :D

Thanks again for all the great advice! Now I'm starting to wonder what a nice amp would run me......:eek:

Ron Temple

02-18-2007, 09:36 PM

Thanks again for all the great advice! Now I'm starting to wonder what a nice amp would run me......:eek:Enjoy them for awhile. When you think they are struggling, then kick in for an amp. The smile will grace your face once again.

Sherardp

02-18-2007, 10:46 PM

Ern Dog

02-19-2007, 02:07 AM

Glad you are enjoying them. I listen to mine Everyday since I got them!

ben62670

02-19-2007, 03:08 AM

I think you can use 2 channels from some Denon's to BiAmp your 10's. I have never done this myself, but in an appartment envirorment you are pushing one heck of a system. Ask around if you can steal the SB channels for the tweets on the 10's. I would hold off on sepereate amps till you buy a house. Let that reciever breath!
Ben

VXR8

02-19-2007, 05:09 AM

AMp up the 10s when you can bud, no rush really. It seems like youre very happy. If you feel your denon is enough for the rest of your speaks you can just amp up the 10s with mono amps (1 per speak) or the entire system with a multichannel amp. outlaw, adcom, bryston, ATi,parasound are some that are good quality.

As for rears, since youre looking for small check out the fxi3s, and if you want to get into a 7.1 setup add a pair of rti4s. As for sub, as someone mentioned, SVS is kickass around here, maybe PB12 depending on room size, those guys at SVS will help you out, they wont over sell you for a buck.

As for the pic, awesome gear, screen is nice also. Crutchfield carries amp racks and stands, see if you can deal on one.
Just a question for Sherardp,

Unfortunately we don't have the fine selection of amps here in Oz you mentioned above. What we do have is Rotel, for which I am currently looking at their multi channel RMB 1095 (200 watts x 5 channels). Do you believe that this would be good for my RTi10s and other channels?

Thanks in advance.

ben62670

02-19-2007, 05:43 AM

Just a question for Sherardp,

Unfortunately we don't have the fine selection of amps here in Oz you mentioned above. What we do have is Rotel, for which I am currently looking at their multi channel RMB 1095 (200 watts x 5 channels). Do you believe that this would be good for my RTi10s and other channels?

Thanks in advance.

That would definitely be a good choice.

Ben

VXR8

02-19-2007, 06:36 AM

That would definitely be a good choice.

Ben
Thanks Ben - the 140wpc my Yammie has doesn't bring the RTi10s to life enough it appears, so after looking at all the various posts and threads on these forums (love them all actually), it has lead me towards a separate amp - hence the Rotel.

Thanks again.

Sherardp

02-19-2007, 09:39 AM

Yes, Allot of the guys here use Rotel also, I left that one out, sorry.

lloyds

02-21-2007, 05:40 PM

VXR8: Hello, did you happen to come across any decent SACD player that ouputs via HDMI 1.2a. Thanks in advance. lloyd, boston, usa.

treitz3

02-21-2007, 07:15 PM

Any other suggestions/input is still greatly appreciated.
I don't know if you are into vintage gear or not, but I am pushing my RTi10's with a Carver M1.5t and the beauty of these speakers really come out. I used to push them with a Denon [I think it was a PMA-250?]. A world of difference was handed to me with just that one swap. Picked it up for 400.00 and I can get it serviced / updated back to factory specs. for 165.00 + shipping. The M1.5t will give you around 350wpc with a 1000 or 1200 watt headroom. You will need a pre if you go this route, but those can be picked up for around 150-200 bucks. All of this will still be under a grand. Just a thought.

The power available from the amp is more than what they are rated for, but even at performance levels, the RTi's don't even hiccup. They will throw a punch into you that is quite satisfying, and at the same time, still be able to define other instruments within the lower frequencies. They blend well with the PSW1000 w/ power cord upgrade, but do a fine job without the sub.

As for ventilation, check out www.canby.com/raogas ...I've got 'em on my system and they do look great IMO.:D

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and happy listening!

treitz3

02-21-2007, 07:25 PM

Oh. I am also in a Townhouse, and more power will bring you more definition....not just more "noise". Isn't that what you want to achieve?

Lower listening levels sound...maybe not "as" good...but "just" as good as when played back at higher listening levels. The feel of the music slowly disappears [as you turn the volume down], not the broadcast of frequencies. Quite nice, actually.

jflail2

02-22-2007, 10:33 AM

Treitz:

Interesting data on the Carver amp with the 10's; that's exactly what I needed to hear. I most definitely wouldn't have a problem with vintage gear if it still did the job properly. And yes, when I add an amp it will most definitely be for heightened clarity and not just more noise...

Great link on the risers; that was exactly what I had in mind initially. I have actually moved the old dvd player to the bedroom, and set the cable box up vertically so that the denon has a whole shelf to itself. I would like to grab that Oppo dvd player, so these might be perfect if it doesn't fit below the shelf the denon is on.

Enjoy finding an amp Vxr8; I'll be adding one at some point, but not in the next few months. Its time to start saving seriously for a house so I can push this system to its fullest potential.

Willow

02-22-2007, 11:08 AM

[QUOTE=treitz3]Oh. I am also in a Townhouse, and more power will bring you more definition....not just more "noise". QUOTE]

Every asks me that as well wow you must play your music and movies loud with 200wpc. I say nope, I like my audio detailed and crisp and clean. They look dumbfounded after I say that. Many people think more watts= louder..well yeah it can go, but that not the reason. So with living with neighbours beside and on top, I have had no complaints with my 200wpc.

cfrizz

02-22-2007, 02:12 PM

This is the REAL benefit of having 200wpc! My neighbors never hear my system either & I'm in there rockin away!!!:D

[QUOTE=treitz3]Oh. I am also in a Townhouse, and more power will bring you more definition....not just more "noise". QUOTE]

Every asks me that as well wow you must play your music and movies loud with 200wpc. I say nope, I like my audio detailed and crisp and clean. They look dumbfounded after I say that. Many people think more watts= louder..well yeah it can go, but that not the reason. So with living with neighbours beside and on top, I have had no complaints with my 200wpc.

treitz3

02-23-2007, 10:24 PM

I like my audio detailed and crisp and clean. They look dumbfounded after I say that. Many people think more watts= louder.......... So with living with neighbours beside and on top, I have had no complaints with my 200wpc.

I don't know why they would be dumbfounded at that, unless they knew jack s**t about audio reproduction, or the references that they have to audio are an I-pod or downloaded music. (damn shame there.)

I have gotten no complaints with more wattage because I'm actually able to play the music at a lower listening level, yet I can still enjoy all of the broadcasted frequencies equally. Bottom line, I don't need to turn it up to enjoy.

The extra power is there for when I NEED it.:D

prince1

02-24-2007, 05:25 AM

Jflail2 - I live in Virginia, was wondering what Audio store you bought your equipment from? I am interested in purchasing RTi10s as well :)

jflail2

02-25-2007, 02:18 AM

Prince1:

I am in Charlottesville (central Va.) so I am lucky enough to have a Crutchfield outlet in town. They are having their annual open box clearance sale right now, so I got pretty good prices on the rti 10's. Paid retail for the receiver, but the csi3 was still in the plastic and foam and still at a good discount.

You may want to call to see when the truck is coming in, b/c that day or the next are usually the best for finding the scratch n dent/ open box stuff in the best shape.

Good luck!

Mauskar

01-12-2008, 04:14 AM

Quick question,

I just got these RTI10's and am powering it off a onkyo 605 making only 90 watts/ channel. Is it better to upgrade to the 705 (100w/ channel) and then get an amp later OR just get the 805 (130 w/ channel).

Also will 100w/ channel hurt the RTi10's? Im currently passing all lows below 100HZ to a PS10 and everything above 100Hz to the fronts.

Thx