Best Receiver for Polk RTi8's

[ryandelk]

I recently purchased a pair of Polk RTi8's and am now in the market for a few receiver for them.

I am fine with a two-channel receiver, as surround sound isn't in my plans in the immediate future (next 2-4 years). I want something that will do them justice, but I'm a student and don't have a ton of money to spend on them. If I can get something between $250-$500 that will do the job, that will be ideal (the lower the better).

I've been recommended the HK3490 and the Onkyo 8255, but I'm not convinced either of those are the best options.

Thanks!

[xcapri79]

Welcome to Club Polk. The Harman Kardon receivers match up well with the RTi8's.

I have used the HK AVR354, HK AVR254 and the HK 3490 stereo receiver with those speakers with good results.

Those speakers respond well to a good external amp, but that would be out of your stated price range.

[ryandelk]

Thanks!

Any other opinions out there?

[engtaz]

People have been saying very good things about the Pioneer Elite series. Marantz is good and neutral. Denon is good and warm sounding.

[mantis]

Pick up a used Rotel RX1050 , it will make them sing.

[SRTer]

People have been saying very good things about the Pioneer Elite series. Marantz is good and neutral. Denon is good and warm sounding.

Look, find a Pioneer Elite VSX-23 or VSX-33. They can be had at a great price and you will not need anything else.

I ran four RTi8's with a CSi A6 on the VSX-23 and it was pure love after having a Harmon Kardon AVR254. H/K is great but I wouldn't stay with the AVR254, now AVR354 or better is the ticket for the RTi8's in the realm of H/K as Xcapri79 said.

Those AVR's I listed can also be found used on Audiogon. Look at Costco and Amazon for good prices on those.

[tonyb]

Their is no "best receiver" to be had, only one that your ears like. Maybe make some rounds to hear a few and at least get a feeling for the house sound of different brands and then decide.

[cheezeitz51]

Also consider going vintage. There's a lot of good old stuff out there that will sound really really good if you can find it for a good price. Check around craigslist and stuff.

[angelsfann02]

I gotta nice Pioneer for sale. Its listed in the Flea market section with pics.

[ryandelk]

Alright. I've narrowed it down to these:

Harman Kardon HK 3490 - Found it for $299 on Amazon.

Or the Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH - Found it for $320 locally.

Anyone have any opinions before I pull the trigger on one of these in the next few days? Right now I'm just running in stereo with the RTi8s. I may throw in surround at some point, but my main use will be for music so I'm in no hurry (so it's not a huge selling point for me on the Pioneer).

Sorry for bugging everyone - just a student here who cares about good audio, doesn't know a ton, and wants to save as much money as possible!


Thanks everyone.

[SRTer]

Alright. I've narrowed it down to these:

Harman Kardon HK 3490 - Found it for $299 on Amazon.

Or the Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH - Found it for $320 locally.
Thanks everyone.

I said it once and I will say it again. The automatic calibration on the Pioneer Elite VSX-23 sounded superior to the calibration of my H/K on the RTi8's and powered sub so I would go with the Pio.

Either way, you wouldn't be going with a bad choice in my opinion. There still is a 23 downstairs on four RTi8's right now.

[tonyb]

We can't tell you which one will sound better, in your room with your ears, but either choice is a good place to start and better than most would start at. Rock it when you get it.

[leroyjr1]

I'd skip the receiver idea all together. For $500 you can get into a entry level amp and pre amp combo or an integrated amp.

[SRTer]

I'd skip the receiver idea all together. For $500 you can get into a entry level amp and pre amp combo or an integrated amp.

Now that is an ideal!

[ryandelk]

Alright, pulled the trigger on the Pioneer!

Thanks for the all the input. I'll be back in a few months to find out what upgrades I should start looking at to upgrade my system. Thanks again!