RTi A7's Arrived!

[metal83]

So Con-Way Freight had scheduled to deliver my RTi A7's from Polk Audio Direct today between 8am and 2pm, and to my surprise they showed up at exactly 8 am. :D

I ordered these on Sat 1/17, if it wasn't for the holiday last monday (Polk was closed) i would of had these friday instead of today. But considering they came to New Hampshire from California in a week is still not bad at all, 5 business days (excluding the holiday and weekends of course).

They came with a refurb sticker over the original, but they were all boxed and wrapped up as if new. As far as i can tell so for they seem to be in excellent condition.

Now i just need to get my XPA3, some IC's, and some new speaker cables.

I'll give my impressions/opinions of these RTi A7's after some time with them.:cool:

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1244.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1249.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1245.jpg

[Kamzu]

Beautiful set of speakers. Congratulations! =D =D

[Retro152]

So Con-Way Freight had scheduled to deliver my RTi A7's from Polk Audio Direct today between 8am and 2pm, and to my surprise they showed up at exactly 8 am. :D

I ordered these on Sat 1/17, if it wasn't for the holiday last monday (Polk was closed) i would of had these friday instead of today. But considering they came to New Hampshire from California in a week is still not bad at all, 5 business days (excluding the holiday and weekends of course).

They came with a refurb sticker over the original, but they were all boxed and wrapped up as if new. As far as i can tell so for they seem to be in excellent condition.

Now i just need to get my XPA3, some IC's, and some new speaker cables.

I'll give my impressions/opinions of these RTi A7's after some time with them.:cool:

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1244.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1249.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1245.jpg

I think you will enjoy them alot. I cant wait to get my Xpa-3, i think our systems are really gonna rock. Good luck!

[CaligulaPolk]

Look very nice!!! How much did you paid for these a7's @ Polk Direct shipped (if you dont mind me asking)?

i believe around 700?

[metal83]

Thanks guys.

CaligulaPolk, no i don't mind you asking at all. I paid $499 for the pair, with $160 shipping, so $659 total.



So far they sound pretty good right out of the box. I can already notice that they are a little less bright then the RTi10's i had, and the midrange seems to be a bit better, this is just my personal observation and opinion of course. I'm definetly excited to get the XPA-3 and see how much they open up running off an amp.

[Menasor]

Very nice metal! They look gorgeous. I was looking at my A5's and they look brand new as well, with no actual markings on the speaker that it's a refurb. Only the box itself had a refurb sticker. Take a pic of your complete setup :)

[metal83]

Thanks.
Yeah i'm happy with Polk Audio Direct, i'd definetly order from them again in the future.

I'll do that once i get my amp, take a complete picture of my whole setup that is. :)

[Fongolio]

Great price on a fine set of speakers. Enjoy.

[leroyjr1]

Looks nice.

[Kamzu]

Definately could vouch for Polk Direct. Ordered all my speakers from them, so far they've all seemed cosmetically perfect, aside from the "refurbished" sticker on the side of the box.

[Igo]

Do yourself an experiment and be mindful of what I say.
Every Polk speaker I ever purchased new sounded terrible for the first 30 to 45 minutes. And in the first 7 or 8 minutes I'm talking awful but if you are paying close attention, listen and you will be able to hear them improve while you stand there. It's the funniest thing.

[parasomia]

Man, those are some sexy looking speakers! I guess everyone is right about polk direct.

Have fun! And tell us how you like them. I can only imagine the excitement.

[comfortablycurt]

Looks pretty nice. The A7's are some sexy looking speakers. Enjoy them!:D

[organ]

[QUOTE=metal83;992010]Thanks guys.

CaligulaPolk, no i don't mind you asking at all. I paid $499 for the pair, with $160 shipping, so $659 total.
QUOTE]

That's what I call a deal! Congrats and enjoy!

[Toolfan66]

Very nice man i will do the same i will take some pics as well when im done.
my FXi A6's,and PRO 500,and PRO 600 SUB's will be here tomarrow.

[george daniel]

congrats on your new aquisition.

[Kamzu]

Tool, let me know how you like those DSW subs!

[nm4710]

Metal83 those bad boys look SICK...and they are going to sound even better! Enjoy 'em.

[danz1906]

Those A7s look sweet,great deal from ebay store:D

[devani]

they look great...A7 got some sexy dimples

[themuskr]

Great looking speakers

[Toolfan66]

Tool, let me know how you like those DSW subs!


Will do.:D

[Fawd]

I am also in the market for some Polk audio speakers. would you guys suggest buying refurbished? I always get nervous buying used.

[CaligulaPolk]

Metal, call polk see if u can get the $200 dollars off bundle system speakers with sub, you say it will come tomorrow. Im assuming you bought sub from authorized online dealer too.

I would want my $200 back if i were you ! :D

[Kamzu]

I recently purchased a pair of A9s, CSi A6, and FXi A6 from Polk Direct. The fronts and center I received are cosmetically perfect, for all intents and purposes, brand new. The only thing that told me it was refurbished was the sticker slapped on the box that says so.

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from them again.

Hope this helps with your fears. =D

Oops, realized I didn't talk about the surrounds, I haven't received those yet. Supposed to be coming in tomorrow. :D

[metal83]

Thanks guys!


Do yourself an experiment and be mindful of what I say.
Every Polk speaker I ever purchased new sounded terrible for the first 30 to 45 minutes. And in the first 7 or 8 minutes I'm talking awful but if you are paying close attention, listen and you will be able to hear them improve while you stand there. It's the funniest thing.

I actually left my receiver on with the speakers running all afternoon and evening while i was working, so i don't think i'll be able to try this. :p


I am also in the market for some Polk audio speakers. would you guys suggest buying refurbished? I always get nervous buying used.

Many people have bought refurbished polk speakers from Polk Audio Direct, and reported that they came packaged like new and in 100% excellent condition, i am now one of those people. If you want to save a decent amount of money, i'd say go for it!


Metal, call polk see if u can get the $200 dollars off bundle system speakers with sub, you say it will come tomorrow. Im assuming you bought sub from authorized online dealer too.

I would want my $200 back if i were you ! :D

Honestly, i'm not quite sure what your talking about here...:p

[leroyjr1]

Metal, call polk see if u can get the $200 dollars off bundle system speakers with sub, you say it will come tomorrow. Im assuming you bought sub from authorized online dealer too.

I would want my $200 back if i were you ! :D


Have you been drinking?:confused:

[CaligulaPolk]

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/promo.php?id=53

FREE Polk PSW10 Sub or $200 OFF with Bundled System!


From now until through February 21st, 2009, we're giving you a FREE PSW10 Subwoofer with purchase of $499 or more of select Polk Audio home gear. If a bundle already contains a subwoofer, you will receive $200 off instead!

This is a limited time offer, so don't delay. RM705, SurroundBar 360° DVD Theater and I-Sonic ES2 already have $100 discounts and are excluded from this offer.

Order direct from Polk and get better sound for the New Year! Or buy from your favorite local or authorized online dealer and receive up to $200 off.* Impress your family or friends with your awesome new speaker system. Hear your movies and music the way they were meant to be heard!

[comfortablycurt]

He got them from Polk Direct's ebay store. The refurbs don't qualify for that deal, that's only on new ones.

[CaligulaPolk]

Offer available only at participating authorized Polk Audio retailers in the United States only. Dealers may vary the terms of the offer so check with your local dealer for details.



like i said call polk in case :D

[metal83]

Offer available only at participating authorized Polk Audio retailers in the United States only. Dealers may vary the terms of the offer so check with your local dealer for details.



like i said call polk in case :D

Hey i guess it couldn't hurt to try, i've got nothing to lose and $200 to gain..lol

[mdaudioguy]

Metal, call polk see if u can get the $200 dollars off bundle system speakers with sub, you say it will come tomorrow. Im assuming you bought sub from authorized online dealer too.

I would want my $200 back if i were you ! :D

I didn't think he bought a sub. Are you confusing TOOLFANFORLIFE's post with metal83? That's the guy that has subs and other speakers arriving tomorrow/today....

[CaligulaPolk]

I didn't think he bought a sub. Are you confusing TOOLFANFORLIFE's post with metal83? That's the guy that has subs and other speakers arriving tomorrow/today....

oh shit, yeah! hmmmm oh well at least toolfanforlife know now that he might save 200 dollars! :D

[Toolfan66]

oh shit, yeah! hmmmm oh well at least toolfanforlife know now that he might save 200 dollars! :D

I saved $600 from polk on my whole order for my FXI a6's (2 sets),and both Subs.:cool:

[CaligulaPolk]

i saved $600 from polk on my whole order for my fxi a6's (2 sets),and both subs.:cool:

nice! :d

[metal83]

So just for the hell of it, i called Polk about that deal. And yep, as expected, it only applies for A list products (new products). If you buy something from Polk Audio Direct (ebay store), you don't qualify.

Oh well, i saved quite a bit of cash regardless.

[comfortablycurt]

So just for the hell of it, i called Polk about that deal. And yep, as expected, it only applies for A list products (new products). If you buy something from Polk Audio Direct (ebay store), you don't qualify.

Oh well, i saved quite a bit of cash regardless.

That's what I figured.

[CaligulaPolk]

oh well, not hurt to tell anothers abt this deal in case they didnt see it.

it should clarify that polk direct is excluded

[comfortablycurt]

When it comes to electronics, 9 times out of 10 refurb units aren't included in any of their special deals or offers, because you aren't paying full retail price for anything.

[Timobi]

Those do look rather cool! My oldest brother is in the market for something like this. I need to send him this link. :)

[bartimus]

Where do you find these refurb units...You say polk audio direct, but do not see where you guys are finding these on the polk website...let me know where to look, thanks!

[Igo]

ebay store

[CaligulaPolk]

Where do you find these refurb units...You say polk audio direct, but do not see where you guys are finding these on the polk website...let me know where to look, thanks!

click where to buy on the top page

[comfortablycurt]

Where do you find these refurb units...You say polk audio direct, but do not see where you guys are finding these on the polk website...let me know where to look, thanks!

Here ya go.

Polk Audio Direct ebay store (http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct__W0QQ_armrsZ1)


Keep your eye on their inventory. Their stock is always changing from day to day. You might have to wait around a while until they get what you want in stock, but their prices are great there. Polk's refurb units are top notch as well. I've never heard of anyone being unhappy with them.

[Hilbert]

Congrats on the purchase; the speakers look great. I hope you'll post some sort of review when you've listened to them for a while.

An asided: it's amazing, isn't it, that speakers can travel from San Diego to NH (or to NC when I ordered from Polk Direct) and not only are the speakers fine, the boxes aren't even nicked up much. OTOH when Crutchfield shipped some speakers to me last May via UPS they arrived with the boxes flapping open and the contents clearly visible. Standards obviously vary a great deal among shippers.

Anyway good luck with the 7s.

[metal83]

Well i just ordered the XPA-3, and about 5 minutes after i had ordered, i got a call from them confirming my order. That is some pretty good customer service right there, i've never had a company call me after placing an online order to confirm. It's being shipped via FedEX, and i'll have a tracking number soon. At $524 shipped, it seems like a no brainer!

Wow, i'm excited!!! :D

[bartimus]

Do they have these on sale right now, because last night they were priced higher...or do they list the sale price when you place the order? I am really interested in the XPA2.

[Igo]

Been $499 for at least a couple days now.
The UPA 7 is also on sale.

[Toolfan66]

Would like to hear what you think of it when it comes.

[metal83]

Do they have these on sale right now, because last night they were priced higher...or do they list the sale price when you place the order? I am really interested in the XPA2.

The sale has been going on for a couple weeks now, at least to my knowledge, because that's when i first looked on their website.

Emotiva said the sale ends after the superbowl.


Would like to hear what you think of it when it comes.

Definetly!




All though one thing i noticed after i bought it, was something about the specs.

200 watts RMS/channel into 8 ohms, all channels driven
3 channels - 8 ohm = 200 watts per channel
2 channels - 8 ohm = 250 watts per channel
1 channels - 8 ohm = 300 watts per channel
http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=30


8 ohm rating:
3 channels - 8 ohm = 200 watts per channel
2 channels - 8 ohm = 225 watts per channel
1 channels - 8 ohm = 300 watts per channel
http://www.emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm

Different specs on different parts of their website?

[Big Dawg]

Those are beautiful speakers! Enjoy them for many years!

Question - how similar are those to the RTi10? Anyone ever heard them both side by side?

[metal83]

Those are beautiful speakers! Enjoy them for many years!

Question - how similar are those to the RTi10? Anyone ever heard them both side by side?

Well i had the RTi10's for almost a year before buying these A7's. And after a week with them, i defiently think the A7's sound better. They are not as bright as the 10's, the midrange seems to be a bit better, even the bass seems a little better. I mean it's not a drastic difference, but enough to make me happy. This is just my opinion of course, others may or may not agree.

[comfortablycurt]

Well i had the RTi10's for almost a year before buying these A7's. And after a week with them, i defiently think the A7's sound better. They are not as bright as the 10's, the midrange seems to be a bit better, even the bass seems a little better. I mean it's not a drastic difference, but enough to make me happy. This is just my opinion of course, others may or may not agree.

That kinda seems to be the general consensus. Not a huge difference, but enough to make it worth it. Personally I much prefer the cosmetics of the RTi A's too. That'd be enough to make me want to upgrade.

Good to hear you're happy though.:D

[leroyjr1]

Well i had the RTi10's for almost a year before buying these A7's. And after a week with them, i defiently think the A7's sound better. They are not as bright as the 10's, the midrange seems to be a bit better, even the bass seems a little better. I mean it's not a drastic difference, but enough to make me happy. This is just my opinion of course, others may or may not agree.

You're just in love with the cabinets. :p

[leroyjr1]

Did you find wires and Ic's yet?

[metal83]

All though one thing i noticed after i bought it, was something about the specs.

200 watts RMS/channel into 8 ohms, all channels driven
3 channels - 8 ohm = 200 watts per channel
2 channels - 8 ohm = 250 watts per channel
1 channels - 8 ohm = 300 watts per channel
http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=30


8 ohm rating:
3 channels - 8 ohm = 200 watts per channel
2 channels - 8 ohm = 225 watts per channel
1 channels - 8 ohm = 300 watts per channel
http://www.emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm

Different specs on different parts of their website?

I wish this forum would let you edit a post, i know you can for a few minutes after you make it, but being able to indefinetly would be nice. Oh well, not a huge deal i suppose.


I just wanted to say that it's actually....2 channels - 250 watts per channel. Emotiva has said that the "225" is just an error on their website.

[Retro152]

Well i just ordered the XPA-3, and about 5 minutes after i had ordered, i got a call from them confirming my order. That is some pretty good customer service right there, i've never had a company call me after placing an online order to confirm. It's being shipped via FedEX, and i'll have a tracking number soon. At $524 shipped, it seems like a no brainer!

Wow, i'm excited!!! :D

Metal, I just got mine 2 days ago, my fronts never sounded better. Have the Yamaha powering the rears all by their lonesome, and they sound improved. Think you will like the results.

[metal83]

That kinda seems to be the general consensus. Not a huge difference, but enough to make it worth it. Personally I much prefer the cosmetics of the RTi A's too. That'd be enough to make me want to upgrade.

Good to hear you're happy though.:D

Thanks...:)


You're just in love with the cabinets. :p

That too! :p


Did you find wires and Ic's yet?

Actually, i finally did!
I got the MIT AVt-2 speaker cables, along with the AVt-2 IC's.
I purchased them from Greg this morning, should have them either saturday or monday, i can't wait! :D

[metal83]

Metal, I just got mine 2 days ago, my fronts never sounded better. Have the Yamaha powering the rears all by their lonesome, and they sound improved. Think you will like the results.

Awesome, that's very good good to hear! :D

[leroyjr1]

Thanks...:)



That too! :p



Actually, i finally did!
I got the MIT AVt-2 speaker cables, along with the AVt-2 IC's.
I purchased them from Greg this morning, should have them either saturday or monday, i can't wait! :D



Nice cable grab. I been eyeing them for a while.

[metal83]

Nice cable grab. I been eyeing them for a while.

Thanks, i'm definetly excited.
And thanks for the initial recommendation on the MIT's from Greg.

[leroyjr1]

Thanks, i'm definetly excited.
And thanks for the initial recommendation on the MIT's from Greg.

I only charge 10%.:)

[metal83]

I only charge 10%.:)

Alright, is paypal ok? :p

[Keiko]

You really are doing those A7's and your gear justice metal. Heads-up, in case it wasn't explained to you. The long end of the IC's is the source side. The speaker cables are clearly marked as to the signal direction. Just something to keep in mind when you go to install them. Initially, they sound pretty good when you first hook em' up, but after a few days they will open up and that's when you're really going to appreciate them. I've had mine installed a little over a week now and they just keep getting better. My sound stage has improved as well as imaging, depth and detail. I'm hearing all kinds of little nuances now I never heard before. I'm eager to hear your impressions also, so please post once you've got them in and have had some time to listen. :)

Aloha,

Mike

[leroyjr1]

You really are doing those A7's and your gear justice metal. Heads-up, in case it wasn't explained to you. The long end of the IC's is the source side. The speaker cables are clearly marked as to the signal direction. Just something to keep in mind when you go to install them. Initially, they sound pretty good when you first hook em' up, but after a few days they will open up and that's when you're really going to appreciate them. I've had mine installed a little over a week now and they just keep getting better. My sound stage has improved as well as imaging, depth and detail. I'm hearing all kinds of little nuances now I never heard before. I'm eager to hear your impressions also, so please post once you've got them in and have had some time to listen. :)

Aloha,

Mike



What kind of IC's & wires did you have before the swap?

[Keiko]

What kind of IC's & wires did you have before the swap?
LOL! :D Guess? :rolleyes:

Hint: Starts with an ~M~. :p

Edit: The main speaker cables however were BJC-Belden 5000UE. Which is very good. I had it terminated with dual nanners from Radio Shack. I still use this for my surround speakers.

[leroyjr1]

Hint: Starts with an ~M~. :p



Hope you put them where they belong. THE TRASH.:D

[metal83]

You really are doing those A7's and your gear justice metal. Heads-up, in case it wasn't explained to you. The long end of the IC's is the source side. The speaker cables are clearly marked as to the signal direction. Just something to keep in mind when you go to install them. Initially, they sound pretty good when you first hook em' up, but after a few days they will open up and that's when you're really going to appreciate them. I've had mine installed a little over a week now and they just keep getting better. My sound stage has improved as well as imaging, depth and detail. I'm hearing all kinds of little nuances now I never heard before. I'm eager to hear your impressions also, so please post once you've got them in and have had some time to listen. :)

Aloha,

Mike

Thanks for the info Mike.
I'll definetly post my impressions...:)


I'm pretty much done for now, except i need some new speaker wire for my rears. Currently i'm using 16guage walmart cable, so i'd like to replace that with something. But i need 50' for each speaker, so there is no way i can buy 100' of MIT's or the like lol.

[leroyjr1]

Thanks for the info Mike.
I'll definetly post my impressions...:)


I'm pretty much done for now, except i need some new speaker wire for my rears. Currently i'm using 16guage walmart cable, so i'd like to replace that with something. But i need 50' for each speaker, so there is now way i can buy 100' of MIT's or the like lol.

You could always get M-O-N-S-T-E-R..........:eek:

[metal83]

You could always get M-O-N-S-T-E-R..........:eek:

Yeah, that is an awesome idea leroy.:p
I think i'll go to Best Buy in the morning and pick up a whole bunch of Moster Cable, might as well get some HDMI cables while i'm there as well, i'll just get rid of the Audioquest HDMI's i have lol.

MONSTER it is!!! HAHA, yeah right lol.

[bartimus]

Dang it...you guys are gonna make me ditch my monster cables so I can spend even more money....JK. You know, my entire system is wired with monster, as you can see in my sig. and I have to say that I am satisfied with them, and since I got them at a reduced price, I cant really knock them. I wasnt really aware of some of their "scare" tactics of suing everyone who uses the word " monster" in their name. Their M Series cables in my system seem to be very well made and I was able to get them for around $75.00 for the 10 foot pair from a local store that was going out of business. I know audioquest makes some nice stuff, but from what I have seen, it's just as pricey as monster. I guess it really all boils down to what you like.

[Keiko]

Thanks for the info Mike.
I'll definetly post my impressions...:)


I'm pretty much done for now, except i need some new speaker wire for my rears. Currently i'm using 16guage walmart cable, so i'd like to replace that with something. But i need 50' for each speaker, so there is no way i can buy 100' of MIT's or the like lol.
This will fit the bill perfectly and won't break the bank either.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023901&p_id=2817&seq=1&format=2

[metal83]

This will fit the bill perfectly and won't break the bank either.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023901&p_id=2817&seq=1&format=2

Will that place cut, and put terminations on the ends do you know?
I was looking at BJC, and 100' of 12awg belden cable would be about $60, but doubles if you want it cut and terminated at 50'.

[Keiko]

Will that place cut, and put terminations on the ends do you know?
I don't think so, but terminating is pretty easy. What will you be using, spade or banana? They sell those also.

[metal83]

I don't think so, but terminating is pretty easy. What will you be using, spade or banana? They sell those also.

Bananas for the receiver end, and spades for the speaker end, since they are hanging on the wall.

[Keiko]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=banana+plugs&x=0&y=0


Couldn't find spade connectors, but you can get those at Radio Shack or just use bare wire on the speaker terminal. I like the dual banana's, but they have single if that's what you prefer. Just strip the end of the wire and you're good to go.

[Keiko]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103477

Double check the width to make sure these fit your binding post. If it were me, I'd just use bare wire on the speaker side.

[metal83]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103477

Double check the width to make sure these fit your binding post. If it were me, I'd just use bare wire on the speaker side.

That's cool.
Personally i'm tired of bare wire, i'm just not comfortable with it for some reason. I always worry about the connection, even though i know it's fine.

[leroyjr1]

Did you check out there connectors for bare wire?

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

[metal83]

Did you check out there connectors for bare wire?

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

No, i actually didn't, i'll have to give that section a read.

[Keiko]

That's cool.
Personally i'm tired of bare wire, i'm just not comfortable with it for some reason. I always worry about the connection, even though i know it's fine.
It's actually better, but I understand. Again, just make sure the spade is wide enough to fit around the binding post. Shoot Greg a PM, maybe he has some extras he could throw in with the AVt's for ya.

[metal83]

It's actually better, but I understand. Again, just make sure the spade is wide enough to fit around the binding post. Shoot Greg a PM, maybe he has some extras he could throw in with the AVt's for ya.

Oh i'm well aware that a bare connection can be the best if done right without any stray wires, but for me it's more of a piece of mind thing.

I'd actually do that (ask Greg to throw in some extra spades), but he shipped out my package pretty much almost right after i bought it...which is awesome by the way!!! :D

I'm not overly concerned with the rears right now, just thinking of what i can do, and you guys have given me some good suggestions so i appreciate that very much. All though i do need to get rid of that 16ga cable, my runs are a little to long for that size i think.

[Keiko]

Cool. The monoprice should work good enough. IIRC, F1Nut posted somewhere awhile back that their cable is Belden, which is the same as the Blue Jeans Cable. I got lucky when I bought mine from Blue Jeans. At the time it was .32 a foot, about a week or so later the price went up to .61 a foot. Anyway, enjoy those new cables your getting from Greg.

[metal83]

Cool. The monoprice should work good enough. IIRC, F1Nut posted somewhere awhile back that their cable is Belden, which is the same as the Blue Jeans Cable. I got lucky when I bought mine from Blue Jeans. At the time it was .32 a foot, about a week or so later the price went up to .61 a foot. Anyway, enjoy those new cables your getting from Greg.

Oh nice, right place right time for you, that's pretty cool!
Thanks for the suggestions, it's appreciated..:)
I'll let ya know how i like these cables after hearing them for a bit.

[Igo]

Did you check out there connectors for bare wire?

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Beldon 5000 for the rear surrounds. Terminate yourself.

[mdaudioguy]

That's cool.
Personally i'm tired of bare wire, i'm just not comfortable with it for some reason. I always worry about the connection, even though i know it's fine.

It seems to make sense (to me at least) that a bare wire, carefully stripped, inserted into your 5-way binding posts, and screwed down tightly, would provide the best connection, period. More metal contacting more metal. Connectors are just for convenience. (Which is why I use them too.)

So you know it's fine... but you'd sit there worrying about it?:(

[Igo]

I tinned my bare wire with silver solder but did not terminate with anything. Binding post that can bight into wire is a fine connection and tinned wire does not tanish as much.

[metal83]

It seems to make sense (to me at least) that a bare wire, carefully stripped, inserted into your 5-way binding posts, and screwed down tightly, would provide the best connection, period. More metal contacting more metal. Connectors are just for convenience. (Which is why I use them too.)

So you know it's fine... but you'd sit there worrying about it?:(


I tinned my bare wire with silver solder but did not terminate with anything. Binding post that can bight into wire is a fine connection and tinned wire does not tanish as much.

That is one of the reasons i don't want bare wire, it seems to tarnish quickly. I don't have a soldering gun to do anything like tinning the wire, nor do i have any experience soldering. I'm sure it's easy, but i just don't have the ability at the moment to do that.

And yeah, i know it's fine, as i've said in an above post i'm well aware that a bare connection can be the best type. I just personally don't want the bare connections anymore, i want to try something new....:p

[Keiko]

I use this stuff on all my wires and connectors. Keeps em' squeaky clean and looking new.

http://store.caig.com/

[Igo]

That is one of the reasons i don't want bare wire, it seems to tarnish quickly. I don't have a soldering gun to do anything like tinning the wire, nor do i have any experience soldering. I'm sure it's easy, but i just don't have the ability at the moment to do that.

And yeah, i know it's fine, as i've said in an above post i'm well aware that a bare connection can be the best type. I just personally don't want the bare connections anymore, i want to try something new....:p
Well that's one of the great things about being an American, you can terminate your wires anyway ya see fit. LOL.

[metal83]

Well that's one of the great things about being an American, you can terminate your wires anyway ya see fit. LOL.

That's right! ;) LOL

[metal83]

Ok, well these speaker are aweome, i definitely like them better than the RTi10's i had, and they are not even fully broken in yet. And no not just because of the incredibly sexy cabinets lol. Everything about the A7's is better, even if it's just a little bit (my opinion of course). I would of gladly paid full price for these speakers, luckily i didn't have to though.

Anyways, i'm sure glad i didn't wait for Polk Direct to get some A9's, because they still don't have any, and i would of been climbing the walls without towers for this long. Plus i wouldn't have been able to get the XPA-3, and the MIT cables so soon if i had waited for the A9's. So it worked out well, and i'm extremely happy with my decisions.

Thanks everyone! :)

[comfortablycurt]

Good to hear you're happy with your purchase. You'll always have the option of upgrading to the A9's in the future too if you ever decide to.

On another note...what's up with Polk Direct lately? They've barely had anything in stock lately except for some Monitor series speakers, and some VM's, amongst a few other things here and there. They need to get some new stuff in stock there...

[metal83]

Good to hear you're happy with your purchase. You'll always have the option of upgrading to the A9's in the future too if you ever decide to.

On another note...what's up with Polk Direct lately? They've barely had anything in stock lately except for some Monitor series speakers, and some VM's, amongst a few other things here and there. They need to get some new stuff in stock there...

Yeah, the A9's will come one day, i'm sure of that lol...:p

Not sure what's up with Polk Direct right now though, i've noticed the same thing as you. Luckily i'm not in the market for any speakers at the moment, but i still look. It sucks for anyone who is though.

[comfortablycurt]

Yeah, the A9's will come one day, i'm sure of that lol...:p

Not sure what's up with Polk Direct right now though, i've noticed the same thing as you. Luckily i'm not in the market for any speakers at the moment, but i still look. It sucks for anyone who is though.

Yeah, the A9's are on my long term list. That's probably still a couple years off though. My direction has kinda changed as of recently.

I was planning on going for a full blown home theater system, and upgrading my Onk' 606 to an 806, and getting an XPA-5 and an XPA-2, but I think I want to take it in a different direction now.

I'm getting a pair of RTi8's and a pair of RTi6's here in another month or so...and then I'll be searching for a deal on a CSi5, and I'll probably pick up an SVS sub. I think I'm going to make myself be content with the HT setup for a while after that though.

I want to focus more on my 2-channel setup. I've got my Monitor 7A's now, which are badass 2-channel speakers in my experience so far...so I think I'm going to start building a system around those. I'm in the middle of rehabbing a vintage Fisher Studio Standard receiver to use as a temporary pre-amp, and I'm going to be picking up an Adcom GFA545 to power them with. After that, I'm going to be in the market for a nice 2-channel pre. Then it's going to be time for an upgraded CDP of course.;)

Once that's all done with though it'll be back to the HT setup. I'm thinking I'm going to skip the 806 now though, and jump right to a pre/pro and separate power amps. I'm thinking about the OnkyoPro PR-SC886p (http://www.onkyopro.com/model.cfm?m=PR-SC886P&class=Preamplifier&p=i). I'll probably still end up going with the XPA-5/XPA-2 combo though as far as amps for the HT go. Then the A9's will be next on the list, along with possibly four RTiA5's for surround duty.

I think this hobby's going to end up costing me a little bit in the long run...

wow...I just realized how long that post was...lol Boring night I guess.:p

[metal83]

Yeah, the A9's are on my long term list. That's probably still a couple years off though. My direction has kinda changed as of recently.

I was planning on going for a full blown home theater system, and upgrading my Onk' 606 to an 806, and getting an XPA-5 and an XPA-2, but I think I want to take it in a different direction now.

I'm getting a pair of RTi8's and a pair of RTi6's here in another month or so...and then I'll be searching for a deal on a CSi5, and I'll probably pick up an SVS sub. I think I'm going to make myself be content with the HT setup for a while after that though.

I want to focus more on my 2-channel setup. I've got my Monitor 7A's now, which are badass 2-channel speakers in my experience so far...so I think I'm going to start building a system around those. I'm in the middle of rehabbing a vintage Fisher Studio Standard receiver to use as a temporary pre-amp, and I'm going to be picking up an Adcom GFA545 to power them with. After that, I'm going to be in the market for a nice 2-channel pre. Then it's going to be time for an upgraded CDP of course.;)

Once that's all done with though it'll be back to the HT setup. I'm thinking I'm going to skip the 806 now though, and jump right to a pre/pro and separate power amps. I'm thinking about the OnkyoPro PR-SC886p (http://www.onkyopro.com/model.cfm?m=PR-SC886P&class=Preamplifier&p=i). I'll probably still end up going with the XPA-5/XPA-2 combo though as far as amps for the HT go. Then the A9's will be next on the list, along with possibly four RTiA5's for surround duty.

I think this hobby's going to end up costing me a little bit in the long run...

wow...I just realized how long that post was...lol Boring night I guess.:p

It's quite the journey isn't it...:p

[comfortablycurt]

It's quite the journey isn't it...:p

Very much so. I'm sure my mind will end up changing about every single piece I named before I get there too.:p That's just "tonight's plan for the next couple years"...lol It will probably be completely different by tomorrow.

edit-I'm sure you've mentioned it somewhere before...Are you running a sub with those A7's? If so what kind?

[metal83]

Very much so. I'm sure my mind will end up changing about every single piece I named before I get there too.:p That's just "tonight's plan for the next couple years"...lol It will probably be completely different by tomorrow.

edit-I'm sure you've mentioned it somewhere before...Are you running a sub with those A7's? If so what kind?

No, no sub yet. That's the final piece of the puzzel, or should i say this current puzzel... lol :p

I'm thinking about getting something from HSU Research, Epik, or Elemental Designs, not sure yet though, i need to do more research. I'm starting to look a little more frequently though, as im having that taste for a new sub to add to my system. Which ever i choose will be my first sub, except for some JL's i had a while back for a vehicle. I can't really afford one at the current moment though, but i do want one! :)

[comfortablycurt]

No, no sub yet. That's the final piece of the puzzel, or should i say this current puzzel... lol :p

I'm thinking about getting something from HSU Research, Epik, or Elemental Designs, not sure yet though, i need to do more research. I'm starting to look a little more frequently though, as im having that taste for a new sub to add to my system. Which ever i choose will be my first sub, except for some JL's i had a while back for a vehicle. I can't really afford one at the current moment though, but i do want one! :)

Ah...that's what I thought. I didn't remember you ever talking about a sub. How do the A7's do without the sub? Solid bass output on their own? I've been looking into the HSU's myself actually, though I'm kind of leaning towards an SVS PB-12NSD right now...I'm still undecided though.

That's one of the things I've been diggin about my Monitor 7A's the most...you barely even need a sub with these. Granted, my sub is a crappy 75watt 8" Pioneer...but the 7A's overpower that thing and have plenty of breath to spare. I was shocked by how much bass output these things really have. The sub is off 90% of the time now.

I was watching Iron Man the other night...and they were hitting so hard, that some stuff on the shelf behind my couch was rattling around...which is like 12-13 feet away from the speakers. That never happened with the Pio sub...lol

Hm...A7's...7A's? Am I the only one that see's the similarity there?:p

[metal83]

Ah...that's what I thought. I didn't remember you ever talking about a sub. How do the A7's do without the sub? Solid bass output on their own?

That's one of the things I've been diggin about my Monitor 7A's the most...you barely even need a sub with these. Granted, my sub is a crappy 75watt 8" Pioneer...but the 7A's overpower that thing and have plenty of breath to spare. I was shocked by how much bass output these things really have.

I was watching Iron Man the other night...and they were hitting so hard, that some stuff on the shelf behind my couch was rattling around...which is like 12-13 feet away from the speakers. That never happened with the Pio sub...lol

Hm...A7's...7A's? Am I the only one that see's the similarity there?:p

The A7's, in my opinion ,do very well with bass. It's a nice clean tight bass, instead of sloppy and boomy. All though the bass will get better and better as time goes on and the woofers break in more. I remember with my RTi10's that even after 6months they were still getting better and better.

But, i'd still like to get a sub, just to complete the 5.1 setup.

Hmm...A7's...7A's....a little bit of a similarity name wise haha...i know nothing about the 7A's though, not even what the look like..:p

[comfortablycurt]

The Monitor 7A's look like this....

http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/comfortably_curt/PolkAudioMonitor7A016.jpg

http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/comfortably_curt/PolkAudioMonitor7A015.jpg

Please excuse my filthy stained carpet...lol You can see how badly I need the new couch mod too...:p

The bass in these is similar...it's very clean and punchy, rather than being boomy and sloppy sounding.

These are just in my HT rig temporarily until I get the RTi8's to take care of main duty. The 7A's will be going to a dedicated 2-channel after that. The RTi8's are almost definitely going to need a sub though, due to the lack of dedicated bass drivers. I'm gonna be missing the low end output of these 7A's though until I upgrade the Pio sub.

[metal83]

The Monitor 7A's look like this....

Please excuse my filthy stained carpet...lol You can see how badly I need the new couch mod too...:p

The bass in these is similar...it's very clean and punchy, rather than being boomy and sloppy sounding.

These are just in my HT rig temporarily until I get the RTi8's to take care of main duty. The 7A's will be going to a dedicated 2-channel after that. The RTi8's are almost definitely going to need a sub though, due to the lack of dedicated bass drivers. I'm gonna be missing the low end output of these 7A's though until I upgrade the Pio sub.

Nice looking speakers man! :)

I find myself checking craigslist quite often now, just in case a pair of vintage polks pops up for cheap.

[renowilliams]

The speakers look great. I just recieved my new A5,s a week ago,and they sound better every time I listen to them,so will yours I'm sure. I seem to be getting more lower frequency reponce,the more I play them.

[comfortablycurt]

Nice looking speakers man! :)

I find myself checking craigslist quite often now, just in case a pair of vintage polks pops up for cheap.

Good plan. I'd highly recommend picking up a pair. The vintage Polks are fantastic for music.

If you're looking for a pair of vintage Monitor series speakers, try to find one with the same tweeters as mine if possible. Those are the Peerless tweeters, which are generally regarded as the best tweeter that was available in the Monitor series.

Just keep your eyes out...good deals pop up a lot. Watch ebay too, they always have tons of vintage Polks up. I have about 3 pages of vintage Polks on my ebay watch list right now...lol

Once I get the two channel and the HT both set up how I want them...I'm definitely going to be looking into a pair of SDA's. I'm think SDA1C's most likely.

[metal83]

Good plan. I'd highly recommend picking up a pair. The vintage Polks are fantastic for music.

If you're looking for a pair of vintage Monitor series speakers, try to find one with the same tweeters as mine if possible. Those are the Peerless tweeters, which are generally regarded as the best tweeter that was available in the Monitor series.

Just keep your eyes out...good deals pop up a lot. Watch ebay too, they always have tons of vintage Polks up. I have about 3 pages of vintage Polks on my ebay watch list right now...lol

Once I get the two channel and the HT both set up how I want them...I'm definitely going to be looking into a pair of SDA's. I'm think SDA1C's most likely.

I'd love to get some of the vintage Monitor speakers, and all the talk about the SDA's makes me want to try them out badly as well.

[CaligulaPolk]

Metal, are our three 7" woofers in a9's punchy? Do you feel bass coming out of it while watching a movie? This is what i SEEK from RTI a series especially a9's :D

If it is punchy, how far distance from your couch to the rti a9's? Thanks!!

[bevo]

I am thinking about getting the a7's. I messed up when I bought my receiver and there are no pre outs, so it will just be my receiver running them for awhile. How much of a difference does the external amp make?
Will I be happy with the A7's with just my receiver putting 90 watts to them for now?

I could bi amp them for now, and just run 5.1 instead of 7.1. But I hate to get them if they really don't sound that great with just a receiver. I will be upgrading to a better receiver and amp, but there is no telling how long that will be. It just depends on how long it takes my business to start to turn around.
I could go with the A5's. I imagine my receiver could handle them better then the 7's. But if the 7's sound good without an amp, I would go with them.

[metal83]

Metal, are our three 7" woofers in a9's punchy? Do you feel bass coming out of it while watching a movie? This is what i SEEK from RTI a series especially a9's :D

If it is punchy, how far distance from your couch to the rti a9's? Thanks!!

I have the A7's, not the A9's...:p


I am thinking about getting the a7's. I messed up when I bought my receiver and there are no pre outs, so it will just be my receiver running them for awhile. How much of a difference does the external amp make?
Will I be happy with the A7's with just my receiver putting 90 watts to them for now?

I could bi amp them for now, and just run 5.1 instead of 7.1. But I hate to get them if they really don't sound that great with just a receiver. I will be upgrading to a better receiver and amp, but there is no telling how long that will be. It just depends on how long it takes my business to start to turn around.
I could go with the A5's. I imagine my receiver could handle them better then the 7's. But if the 7's sound good without an amp, I would go with them.

The A7's sounded great with just my Pioneer Elite 92 Receiver, which is 130w per channel. However, it depends on what receiver you have.

An external amp makes a world of difference, at least it did for me. It's night and day!

[bartimus]

Metal, are our three 7" woofers in a9's punchy? Do you feel bass coming out of it while watching a movie? This is what i SEEK from RTI a series especially a9's :D

If it is punchy, how far distance from your couch to the rti a9's? Thanks!!


I have the 9's and I can say that I am really impressed with the overall sound, but the bass is not really substantial at lower listening levels, in my opinion. Now, I am used to listening with a sub, which has trained my ears to expect good solid bass. I would imagine that if I weaned my ears off of the sub and listened in two channel mode only for a while, that the bass performance would be very addequate. I would love to get an Emotiva XPA 2 hooked up to these and see what they are really capable of. I have them hooked up to a Yamaha MX600 amp that is rated at 135 WPC, but I am sure the XPA2 would really open these up sonically! Almost had my wife talked into the XPA2...but....well you know the rest of the story:o

[metal83]

I have the 9's and I can say that I am really impressed with the overall sound, but the bass is not really substantial at lower listening levels, in my opinion. Now, I am used to listening with a sub, which has trained my ears to expect good solid bass. I would imagine that if I weaned my ears off of the sub and listened in two channel mode only for a while, that the bass performance would be very addequate. I would love to get an Emotiva XPA 2 hooked up to these and see what they are really capable of. I have them hooked up to a Yamaha MX600 amp that is rated at 135 WPC, but I am sure the XPA2 would really open these up sonically! Almost had my wife talked into the XPA2...but....well you know the rest of the story:o

Wshhhhhhh Snap!!!! :p jk

[Toolfan66]

I have the A7's, not the A9's...:p



The A7's sounded great with just my Pioneer Elite 92 Receiver, which is 130w per channel. However, it depends on what receiver you have.

An external amp makes a world of difference, at least it did for me. It's night and day!


Metal,

Need to put on some White Zombie Astro Creep 2000 on those A7's:D

[bartimus]

Wshhhhhhh Snap!!!! :p jk

:eek::eek::eek::D
Like the old Guns and Roses song said..."I loved her but had to kill her".... JUST KIDDING! After 19 years of marriage, I've learned there are only two words that really matter..."yes dear!";)

[metal83]

Metal,

Need to put on some White Zombie Astro Creep 2000 on those A7's:D

I'll pull that album out later and see how it sounds...:D

[metal83]

:eek::eek::eek::D
Like the old Guns and Roses song said..."I loved here but had to kill her".... JUST KIDDING! After 19 years of marriage, I've learned there are only two words that really matter..."yes dear!";)

LOL
19 yrs...:eek: Well you've got the experience, i'm only 7 years deep, engaged, but not married yet...:p lol

[bartimus]

LOL
19 yrs...:eek: Well you've got the experience, i'm only 7 years deep, engaged, but not married yet...:p lol

Yes...give and take is what it's all about. Does you XPA3 make a difference in the bass on your A7's?

[metal83]

Yes...give and take is what it's all about. Does you XPA3 make a difference in the bass on your A7's?

It makes a world of difference!
At lower volumes now the soundstage is wider, the midrange really opened up, and yes the bass is much more profound. And of course when i crank it, it all justs gets better and better. My A7's are still new as well, so i'm expecting them to get better and better as time goes on, which is what happened with my RTi10's.

I was very surprised at the level of detail i'm getting at lower volumes though, it was amazing to me. Money well spent, no going back now..:D

[bartimus]

It makes a world of difference!
At lower volumes now the soundstage is wider, the midrange really opened up, and yes the bass is much more profound. And of course when i crank it, it all justs gets better and better. My A7's are still new as well, so i'm expecting them to get better and better as time goes on, which is what happened with my RTi10's.

I was very surprised at the level of detail i'm getting at lower volumes though, it was amazing to me. Money well spent, no going back now..:D


Everyone talks about a "break in" stage...I was realy unaware that speakers had such a thing, but how long is average break in? BTW, does your XPA3 run hot? If I can talk my wife into an XPA2, I am wandering where I will mount it. I dont think my current rack is deep enough, and i want to make sure it has enough ventilation.

[danz1906]

It makes a world of difference!
At lower volumes now the soundstage is wider, the midrange really opened up, and yes the bass is much more profound. And of course when i crank it, it all justs gets better and better. My A7's are still new as well, so i'm expecting them to get better and better as time goes on, which is what happened with my RTi10's.

I was very surprised at the level of detail i'm getting at lower volumes though, it was amazing to me. Money well spent, no going back now..:D

How many hours do you have on the A7s? I found after 50hours or so
the Mid-range really smoothed-out on my A5s:D

[metal83]

Everyone talks about a "break in" stage...I was realy unaware that speakers had such a thing, but how long is average break in? BTW, does your XPA3 run hot? If I can talk my wife into an XPA2, I am wandering where I will mount it. I dont think my current rack is deep enough, and i want to make sure it has enough ventilation.

It doesn't get hot, but i'm having an issue with it humming when i put my ear next to it. An employee of Emotiva told me it's normal, but them many others are saying it should be dead silent, so i don't know what to think. Believe the guy that works for them? Well, that's not always the case now a days.


How many hours do you have on the A7s? I found after 50hours or so
the Mid-range really smoothed-out on my A5s:D

A couple of weeks, i don't know exactly how many hours though.

[bevo]

I have a question for all you A5 and A7 guys.

Would the A5's actually sound better when used with a nice sub the the A7's, because of the 2 6 1/2s, compared to the 7's 1 6 1/2?

I just can't decide witch one's to go with, and I plan on getting a powerful sub in the future, so I'm not sure if I need the 2 woofers in the 7's, it seems like I would be better off with the 2 midrange drivers.

I have no experience, or options to go and hear either speaker. I'm looking toward the future when making my purchase, as these will be the mains on my system for years to come. Which would I be better off getting.

[comfortablycurt]

I have a question for all you A5 and A7 guys.

Would the A5's actually sound better when used with a nice sub the the A7's, because of the 2 6 1/2s, compared to the 7's 1 6 1/2?

I just can't decide witch one's to go with, and I plan on getting a powerful sub in the future, so I'm not sure if I need the 2 woofers in the 7's, it seems like I would be better off with the 2 midrange drivers.

I have no experience, or options to go and hear either speaker. I'm looking toward the future when making my purchase, as these will be the mains on my system for years to come. Which would I be better off getting.

I'd say go for the A5's with a sub myself. A lot of people would agree...but it comes down to personal preference really.

A lot of people, myself included, feel that the A5's have much better sounding midrange. The A7's to me sounded a little on the bright side, because of the reduced midrange, and the midrange itself seemed a little lacking for my personal tastes.

IMO the A5's with a sub gets the vote...but the only way to tell is by listening to them really. There are plenty of people around that use A7's, and love them to death. The A9's are really the way to go, because it has the best of both worlds. The better midrange, and the better bass output...but that's obviously not in everyones price range. I know it's not in mine...lol...at least not yet anyway.;)

[metal83]

I'd say go for the A5's with a sub myself. A lot of people would agree...but it comes down to personal preference really.

A lot of people, myself included, feel that the A5's have much better sounding midrange. The A7's to me sounded a little on the bright side, because of the reduced midrange, and the midrange itself seemed a little lacking for my personal tastes.

Please keep this nonsense out of my thread!.....:p:D


The A9's are really the way to go, because it has the best of both worlds. The better midrange, and the better bass output...but that's obviously not in everyones price range. I know it's not in mine...lol...at least not yet anyway.;)

I do agree with this statement though, i'd have the A9's if they had been available on Polk Direct while i was looking. One day, one day...:)

[Toolfan66]

Glad i pulled the trigger befor you did.. :D J/K :p

[metal83]

Glad i pulled the trigger befor you did.. :D J/K :p

I will never forget that you SOB, damn you!!!! lol :p:D

[Toolfan66]

I will never forget that you SOB, damn you!!!! lol :p:D


i don't know about you, but everyday they keep sounding better.cleaner,better bass sound,better sound stage all the way.i am having so much fun with this,i am hooked big time. looking forward to building a 2 channel setup. but i will shot for used equipment as to try some other products without losing a crap load of money till i find what i like.

[metal83]

i don't know about you, but everyday they keep sounding better.cleaner,better bass sound,better sound stage all the way.i am having so much fun with this,i am hooked big time. looking forward to building a 2 channel setup. but i will shot for used equipment as to try some other products without losing a crap load of money till i find what i like.

I wouldn't know, since you took that last damn pair of A9's! :p

Seriously though, i agree.
My A7's seem to be getting better day by day. And now that i have some external amplfication, they are even better!

[Toolfan66]

I wouldn't know, since you took that last damn pair of A9's! :p

Seriously though, i agree.
My A7's seem to be getting better day by day. And now that i have some external amplfication, they are even better!


HAHAHAHA, i have been in vinyl bliss tonight pulled out all my old LP's,i have not had a Turntable in like 20 years. it's awesome some of it i would say sounds better then on a CD. my wife said she knows that will be my next addiction. i think she's right.HAHA

[metal83]

HAHAHAHA, i have been in vinyl bliss tonight pulled out all my old LP's,i have not had a Turntable in like 20 years. it's awesome some of it i would say sounds better then on a CD. my wife said she knows that will be my next addiction. i think she's right.HAHA

It's a never ending cycle...lol :D

[leroyjr1]

HAHAHAHA, i have been in vinyl bliss tonight pulled out all my old LP's,i have not had a Turntable in like 20 years. it's awesome some of it i would say sounds better then on a CD. my wife said she knows that will be my next addiction. i think she's right.HAHA

This is 2009 toss those LP's:p

[comfortablycurt]

Please keep this nonsense out of my thread!.....:p:D



lol...Just my personal preference. I'm not downing the A7's by any means...they're still fantastic speakers. There are many people on here that love em to death. My ears preferred the A5's with a sub though...everyones ears are different though.;):)

[Toolfan66]

This is 2009 toss those LP's:p


HAHAHA no way man. i will take them over MP3's anyday.:p

[leroyjr1]

lol...Just my personal preference. I'm not downing the A7's by any means...they're still fantastic speakers. There are many people on here that love em to death. My ears preferred the A5's with a sub though...everyones ears are different though.;):)



The A5's suck too.:p

[comfortablycurt]

The A5's suck too.:p

We all know how much you hate the A5's Leroy:p With how much you're always talking em down...lol;)

[Menasor]

Hey metal, where are the pics? :)

[metal83]

Hey metal, where are the pics? :)

On page number one, in the first post.....:p:D

[Menasor]

On page number one, in the first post.....:p:D

I mean of the whole setup! :P

[metal83]

I mean of the whole setup! :P

That's right, i did say i'd post my whole setup in this thread, i completely forgot....:p

Here's my whole setup, except for my RTi A3's. My couch is up against the back wall, and i have the A3's on the side walls pointed towards each other.

I'm thinking about getting a new TV stand, something bigger that can hold more equipment. It's either that, or i'll get some sort of component stand to put next to my current setup.

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1320.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/MetalD83/IMG_1321.jpg

[bevo]

I'd say go for the A5's with a sub myself. A lot of people would agree...but it comes down to personal preference really.

A lot of people, myself included, feel that the A5's have much better sounding midrange. The A7's to me sounded a little on the bright side, because of the reduced midrange, and the midrange itself seemed a little lacking for my personal tastes.

IMO the A5's with a sub gets the vote...but the only way to tell is by listening to them really. There are plenty of people around that use A7's, and love them to death. The A9's are really the way to go, because it has the best of both worlds. The better midrange, and the better bass output...but that's obviously not in everyones price range. I know it's not in mine...lol...at least not yet anyway.;)
I bought the A5's today. I got them for 470$ shipped from polk. I called and asked about them refurbished, and they had 3 black pairs, and a couple cherry sets. I should get them next week. Now I just have to start working more overtime, to buy a different receiver with pre outs, and and amp tp push them.
I love polk and their refurbished products. They really make it affordable to own a nice HT.

[metal83]

I bought the A5's today. I got them for 470$ shipped from polk. I called and asked about them refurbished, and they had 3 black pairs, and a couple cherry sets. I should get them next week. Now I just have to start working more overtime, to buy a different receiver with pre outs, and and amp tp push them.
I love polk and their refurbished products. They really make it affordable to own a nice HT.

Awesome man, enjoy your new speakers! :D

[comfortablycurt]

I bought the A5's today. I got them for 470$ shipped from polk. I called and asked about them refurbished, and they had 3 black pairs, and a couple cherry sets. I should get them next week. Now I just have to start working more overtime, to buy a different receiver with pre outs, and and amp tp push them.
I love polk and their refurbished products. They really make it affordable to own a nice HT.

Nice...that's a great price. You'll be enjoying those speaks quite a bit when they arrive.

Do you already have a sub, or is that yet to come?


Metal-I'll say it again...that is the best spot you could possibly have your computer...lol...Cruise around Club Polk while you're listening to your Polk's. That's one of the reasons I want to get a laptop...I'm reduced to my crappy Boston Acoustics PC speakers when I'm on the computer...they have a little sub too...so it's not that bad...but it's not quite up to par with my other system...lol

The Bud Light on the table is a nice touch too.;)

edit-is that one of the B-tech center channel brackets? I've been thinking about getting one of those...

[metal83]

Metal-I'll say it again...that is the best spot you could possibly have your computer...lol...Cruise around Club Polk while you're listening to your Polk's. That's one of the reasons I want to get a laptop...I'm reduced to my crappy Boston Acoustics PC speakers when I'm on the computer...they have a little sub too...so it's not that bad...but it's not quite up to par with my other system...lol

The Bud Light on the table is a nice touch too.;)

edit-is that one of the B-tech center channel brackets? I've been thinking about getting one of those...

Haha..My laptop is usually always in that spot, it's just so flippin convenient...:D
Same goes for the ice cold beverage! :)

Actually no, those aren't the B-tech brackets, all though i did look into those while i was trying to figure out a way to mount the CSi A6. What you see there are just 2 black shelf brackets i happened to find at Home Depot, once i saw them i knew they would be perfect for what i wanted to do. I spent less than $1 a piece for those things, they had different sizes, and they can be mounted how ever you want (i could flip them around if i didn't want to see the brackets, but i like how they look). They also have some screw holes in the top, just in case i ever wanted to a actually mount a shelf, but i prefer the look without the shelf. Those B-techs are nice, don't get me wrong, but after finding these shelf brackets for less than $1 a piece, i couldn't justify spending the money on the B-techs.

[comfortablycurt]

Yeah, well at 2 dollars compared to 30 I probably would have done the same thing myself. That's basically all that the B-tech ones are anyway...just an L-bracket. They just have a little more fit and finish to them...which isn't really that big of a deal.

[CaligulaPolk]

hey metal, lucky buddy with a9's!

I got a question, i keep on noticing white spot on your top corner of a9 in the picture. Whats up wit hthat? hope its reflection from camera?

or wife kicked it on floor and nickeled the top after it arrived home unexpected? :p

[comfortablycurt]

hey metal, lucky buddy with a9's!



Those are A7's, not A9's.;)

That white spot is the corner of the grille. There's silver trim on all of the corners.

[metal83]

hey metal, lucky buddy with a9's!

I got a question, i keep on noticing white spot on your top corner of a9 in the picture. Whats up wit hthat? hope its reflection from camera?

or wife kicked it on floor and nickeled the top after it arrived home unexpected? :p

Dude, you keep confusing me with someone else, i don't have the A9's, look at the name of my thread for christ sake!...:p:p:p:D

Sorry, i got a little excited when i got the speakers, the fiancee wasn't home, so what's a man to do when he's home alone with no one to bone! I had no rags, socks, or paper towels near by so i just let it fly! :eek: LOL

But in all seriousness, that's not a white spot on the top corner of my "A7's", that's the silver trim on the corner of the grill that you're seeing.

If she kicked my new speakers on the floor, she'd have to find a new place to live!!! lmao

[mdaudioguy]

Your setup really looks great! The center is mounted nicely. Have you considered flipping it so that it's angled toward your listening position? I'm sure it wouldn't make a huge difference, but you never know.

It must be the perspective of your picture, but the left tower appears to be taller than the right... an optical illusion for sure, but that's probably why it was confused for an A9. Anyhow, with the size of your room, and the amplification you have available to you, you really do not need to upgrade those A7's. They must sound sweet in there.

And... despite all that beautiful equipment... my eye was drawn straight to that beer too! Dang it, now I'm thirsty.;)

[comfortablycurt]

Your setup really looks great! The center is mounted nicely. Have you considered flipping it so that it's angled toward your listening position? I'm sure it wouldn't make a huge difference, but you never know.


lol...if he flipped it over, it would be pointing towards the ceiling.;)

It definitely wouldn't hurt to try and angle it a bit so that it's pointing downwards a little bit. Right now it's pointing over the top of your head, you'd probably see some nice improvements if you rigged it up so it was pointing down a little bit.

[metal83]

Your setup really looks great! The center is mounted nicely. Have you considered flipping it so that it's angled toward your listening position? I'm sure it wouldn't make a huge difference, but you never know.

Thanks man...:D
I really haven't thought all that much about trying to angle the center downwards, couldn't flip it though, i'd have to put up a shelf and use the kick stand. It sounds great how it it is, but that's something i could definitely try out sometime, just to experiment.


It must be the perspective of your picture, but the left tower appears to be taller than the right... an optical illusion for sure, but that's probably why it was confused for an A9. Anyhow, with the size of your room, and the amplification you have available to you, you really do not need to upgrade those A7's. They must sound sweet in there.

Yeah that's definitely an optical illusion because of the angle i shot the picture from. They definitely sound great in this room, that's for sure! But come on, we both know i'll upgrade to those A9's eventually...lol :p


And... despite all that beautiful equipment... my eye was drawn straight to that beer too! Dang it, now I'm thirsty.;)

Mmmmmm Beer!!! :D

[mdaudioguy]

Have you considered flipping it so that it's angled toward your listening position?


lol...if he flipped it over, it would be pointing towards the ceiling.;)


couldn't flip it though, i'd have to put up a shelf and use the kick stand.

To quote Homer again... Doh!

(Unless you're 7 feet tall while sitting:confused::confused:)

[metal83]

(Unless you're 7 feet tall while sitting:confused::confused:)

:confused::confused:

[Retro152]

Nice setup Metal! I have my Center right below my TV, Have you ever had it there? Just wondering if you could give me a comparison on top and bottom location regarding performance. Your top mounting has me intrigued.

[metal83]

Nice setup Metal! I have my Center right below my TV, Have you ever had it there? Just wondering if you could give me a comparison on top and bottom location regarding performance. Your top mounting has me intrigued.


Thanks Retro. :D

Unfortunately no, i have no room underneath my TV to fit this monster of a center speaker! :)

It sounds great where i have it mounted though, everything seems to blend well together. And on top of that, i enjoy the look of it as well.

[Retro152]

Thanks Retro. :D

Unfortunately no, i have no room underneath my TV to fit this monster of a center speaker! :)

It sounds great where i have it mounted though, everything seems to blend well together. And on top of that, i enjoy the look of it as well.

That's what i noticed in your pics', it look's real good on top. I have my setup, "Caty corner" because of my living room layout, only way it works for the time being. Sucks', all this nice equip., and cant get THE optimal setup.:mad: Oh well. But i will definetly try your top mount setup.:D Thanks'



Pat.