RTi8s and sub wiring question

[af chief]

Hello, I have RTi8s on the way to replace my mains as the first step upgrading. Currently, I run my main speakers off the sub. Can/should I continue to do so? I'll be using the Onkyo 804.

thanks

[crd2002]

connect them to the back of the receiver and likewise the sub as that way you will get the 105wpc from the onkyo sent to the rti8

[John K.]

Chief, welcome. You could continue to connect the mains with lampcord through the speaker level inputs and outputs on your sub, but there doesn't appear to be a compelling reason to do so. Your 804 has a fine bass management system and you should use it to best advantage by connecting its sub out with coaxial cable to the unfiltered LFE input on the sub; this bypasses the sub's internal crossover and lets the 804 do the crossover job. Connect the RTi8s directly from the 804, then set a suitable crossover frequency, most likely 80Hz, on the 804 , which will relieve the RTi8s of a significant part of the lowest bass burden and give it to the sub, which should do a better job of handling it.

[af chief]

Thanks for the input, I haven't played with anything more than HTIB and a small 2-channel music (old amp and 301s) setup for about 10 years. Went from a simple Sony system, to Bose 3.2.1 (worst purchase I ever made, but it fit the TV room at the time) to the RM6900s.

I liked the Polks so much I caught the audio bug I had years ago (before wife and kids) when I was running 901s, Carver amps and DBX equipment.

So I bought the Onkyo 804 and RTi front stage (still debating CSi 3 or 5)...hopefully saving a few bucks with the new line coming out. The RTi8s can be had for $299 each right now.

I'm keeping the RM6900 system, will be perfect for the the den or bedroom.