RTi A5 or RTi A7

[Slaine777]

I currently have a HK AVR-3600, RTi A3 fronts, CSi A6 center, FXi50 surrounds, and an Epik Empire.
I'd like to upgrade the front speakers and I don't want to get an amp right now so that knocks out the A9. Between the A5 and A7 which would be a better choice? I will probably upgrade the crossovers also. Thanks.

[domflane]

My vote is for the A5's if your main interest is HT/multi channel music. They would save you some money over the A7's, they're better looking(IMO), your HK receiver will easily drive them, and you have a pretty good sub that'll handle the low stuff that the A5's can't.

[Lietuvis91]

Since you have a nice sub, my vote goes to a5s too. Especially if you will build this to be a 7.1 system using all your available speakers.

[Slaine777]

Thanks for the advice guys. It's good to hear in this hobby the less expensive way to go is better.

[DaveHCYJ]

The A9 will sound better with or without an amp; it just really rocks that much more when you add an amp. I wouldn't let the fact that you don't have an amp stop you from getting the A9.
But on the A5 vs A7 question the A7 will go a little deeper, but the midrange on the A5 if much more clear. I would personally go for the A5.

[over50]

I was in the same situation , and for the same reasons stated above went with A5.

[Slaine777]

Newegg just put the RTi A series on sale again. I called J&R and got them to price match the A5's in Cherry. Can't wait for them to come in.

[domflane]

Nice choice Slaine, congrats on the new speaks

[Geoff4rfc]

Newegg just put the RTi A series on sale again. I called J&R and got them to price match the A5's in Cherry. Can't wait for them to come in.

Congrats! Tell me, is that Empire a beast or what?? Mine is only set at 1/3 volume and I have PLENTY of shake your skeleton out thump. What about your setting?

[Slaine777]

Congrats! Tell me, is that Empire a beast or what?? Mine is only set at 1/3 volume and I have PLENTY of shake your skeleton out thump. What about your setting?

I have a big room, roughly 40' x 16' x 8' about half of which is the HT area, the other half is kitchen/dining room. I have mine set to just under half. In the first Iron Man after he builds the new suit and flies back to Afghanistan, the scene right before he gets there shows him breaking the sound barrier. You can feel it thump your chest.

[Geoff4rfc]

Yeah, that's about what I have, 25' including wet bar X 15.5 X 7.5

Probably by this time next year, I'll be adding a second empire.

[pstrev]

I had the same question. I went with the A5's too. I think the A7's need an amp too. Have fun with them!

Pat