RTi12 are awesome on 2ch

[organ]

Well, I'm still training so I decided to screw around in the sound room for about an hour today. Wanted to learn how to use the switching devices and stuff. The store I'm working at actually have a good soundroom. You can close the door to block out noise outside.

The RTi12's were set up as main speakers powered by a H/K AVR635 and source was a Panasonic DVD player connected via optical. I listened to them in 2ch with my ass parked on the big comfy sofa. Damn these speakers sound good! No, I wasn't blown away because of the obvious flaws in the set up. But what I heard was what I know these speakers are capable of. This is what really impressed me.

Bass was really lacking and sound wasn't as warm as I expected. I know this is due to the H/K receiver and it's DAC. Even though they were obviously underpowered, they gave a BIG sound and I know those subs will really kick with an external amp. They threw a big soundstage.

I'm going to bring some demo material one day and take a really good listen to them. Hell, I may even buy a pair for myself and power them with my NAD. Once in a while I like to listen to my LSi9. I place them between the Klipsch and listen for a few hours at a time. I can see myself doing this with the 12's. Yes, they're that good. I think Polk is really improving the RTi series. Do I like them more than my Klipsch? NO! But they're damn good sounding speakers.

Maurice

[lomic]

I finally heard, or rather felt, some well-powered RTi12's the other day. Jesus, it was like I was being punched in the chest repeatedly, I could hardly breathe. Definitely not the sort of bass I prefer, but it was cool to listen to for a few minutes, even though I emerged with a headache.

They sounded good though, maybe the seating was just a little too close.

[organ]

Awesome! Now that's what I'm talking about. I just know they WILL shine with proper amplification. I know that what I experienced today is just tiny fraction of what they're capable of.

Do you remember what they were being powered with?

Yeah, I think you're right about sitting too close and getting a headache.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Iomic.

Maurice

[marker]

Good to hear that Organ. I have a new pair of RTi12 still in the box I got from CC for $800 on closeout that I have not even hooked up to anything yet cause I really don't have a suitable amp for them at the moment.
Any suggestions?

[Zero]

Awesome.

You think the 12's are good for two-channel... plug up some Monitor 60's. Assuming there is no difference between the T90 and the Monitor 60, it should be a pretty eye opening experience when you factor in dollar amount.. especially at what YOU can now get it for. ;)

[organ]

Marker,
What do you have at the moment? You can run them on receivers but I doubt you'll hear what they're really capable of.

I recommend a good external amp. Take a look at NAD, Rotel, B&K, etc. Are you planning to use them for 2ch music listening or home theatre?

Sean,
They don't carry the Monitor series. Just RTi. And I guess you know by now there's no discount for me;). I was doing some thinking though, as much as I like them, I'd rather have a pair of RF-7......one day.

Maurice

[marker]

Organ I will probably just use them for 2 channel. My Polk HT rig has RT55 mains, CS400i center and RT35i surrounds. I don't know if the RTi12 would timber match with the older RTi series with the tri-lams or not, and I don't care to get a new center and surrounds from the current series.

For receivers, I have a Denon 3803 with the Polks. I also have a NAD T753. Also I have an Onkyo 8511 stereo receiver. I don't think any of them would be powerful enough for a pair of RTi12.

I was thinking about trying to to maybe pick up some old Adcom amps for them. I had an Adcom 535, and I really liked it for years till I started to get into surround sound.

Has anyone ran Adcoms with the Rti12, and if so, how do they match up together?

PS- almost forgot, Tweeter is closing out their B&K line, and I can get a new B&K 125 watt 2 channel amp for just a little bit over $500. Is that a fairly good price, and would that be strong enough to drive the RTi12?

[VR3]

thats a pretty good price considering they go for about 400 or so used.

I don't think it could rightfully push the RTi12

[organ]

From the receivers you listed, my guess is that the NAD is the most powerful.

Never heard an Adcom amp with RTi's before, only on B&W's. It was a little on the bright side but I don't know if the speakers or amp is to blame.

I'm sure the timber will be close. The RT/RTi series have a similar tone to my ears. I don't think you'll mind if you're not picky.

Will Tweeter let you do an in-home trial? I'm sure the B&K will power them just fine. Remember, doubling the power will only give you a 3db increase in volume. What you want is an amp with a good power supply and reserves and the B&K have balls. Have checked out the used market like audiogon?

Maurice

[Toxis]

I'd take a set of RB-75's over a set of RF-7's any day of the year. And with the extra money I saved, I'd take and buy a second amp to bi-amp them. I had the pleasure of hearing a set of RB-75's bi-amped using dual Aragon 2002 amplifiers (200x2) and wow. They blew me away. I'm not a huge fan of music on klipsch but these were impressive.

[marker]

Organ I think the Denon actually measured just a little bit higher in wattage output than the NAD when in 2 channel mode, but not by much if any. Plus I'm sure the NAD would have more headroom for reserve power.

I'm pretty sure that the NAD probably also has a better analog pre amp section in it than the Denon, so I was planning on using it along with an external amp for them.

I even kicked around the idea of getting a NAD amp and biamping using the amp to drive the woofers and the receiver to drive power the highs.

[Mike Reeter]

Marker,I have a pair of 12's bi-amped with 2 channels of an Adcom 5503 powering the lower end,and an Adcom 5400 powering upper end.

I like this set-up for our HT,but the very highs and mids are still a bit "bright" for 2-channel listening...I contribute this "brightness" to the tweeters in the new RTi series...

I haven't powered the 12's with anything but our 3803 and the Adcoms,so I don't know if the brightness is the amps or the tweeters.

[marker]

Mike it may be a combination of both.

I'm leaning towards getting the B&K 125.2 amp new or either picking up a NAD amp and biamping along with the NAD receiver.

[Mike Reeter]

You could be right,I've heard nothing but good things about NAD amps/equipment...B&K would be another good choice.

I'm in the quest of trying to find the "perfect" set-up for both HT and 2-channel listening,a task that is hard to come up with...

[marker]

Originally posted by Mike Reeter
I'm in the quest of trying to find the "perfect" set-up for both HT and 2-channel listening,a task that is hard to come up with...

So true Mike. I am now of the opinion that one is better off to build a really killer 2 channel rig with full range (or close) speakers and seperates.

For movies, satellite speakers are not as critical, so just make sure you have a good center and a kick ass sub like a SVS. For electronics, just go with a receiver like a Pioneer 1014 that is a great deal for the money, use it a couple of years, and then simply replace it when new formats and features come out with another new good bang for the buck model.

[Mike Reeter]

I'm with you on a dedicated 2-channel set-up...We have a sitting room off of our master that is just begging me to bring in a pair LSi9's and a good clean amp/pre-amp/CD player...

Only one thing that stands in my way...MO MONEY