Used RTI-A9 Prices?

[SoulBrother]

I consider myself an audio newb.

Currently I have an Yamaha RX-Z7 receiver with Polk Monitor 70 fronts, CS2 center, and Monitor 30 rears. I live in an apartment. The sound on this is a huge step up from my old Onkyo unit and speaker package. After that all I know is what I hear in a store and I know they set up those rooms to be acoustically awesome (which my apartment will never be). I'm definitely on a budget and that was my reason for purchasing these Polks. Quality at this price level was said to be fantastic.

My questions are the following...

1. Is my current setup a good one? I use my set up primarily for Movies (60/40).
2. What would be a fair price or range for the following Polk speaker set: 2 RTI-A9's, 2 FXI A6's, 1 CSI A6? I found someone selling a set for $1500.
3. Would the above mentioned RTI, FXI, and center channel set be a big step up in audio clarity? Right now if I'm going to spend $1k+ for speakers they need to be a huge step up with a "HOLY CRAP" factor compared to what I currently have.

 

[Steve81]

1. Is my current setup a good one? I use my set up primarily for Movies (60/40).

It's certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

2. What would be a fair price or range for the following Polk speaker set: 2 RTI-A9's, 2 FXI A6's, 1 CSI A6? I found someone selling a set for $1500.

It would set you back about $2050 to get that setup from Amazon new. If the speakers are in great condition, I'd say that's a decent price, but not a steal.

3. Would the above mentioned RTI, FXI, and center channel set be a big step up in audio clarity? Right now if I'm going to spend $1k+ for speakers they need to be a huge step up with a "HOLY CRAP" factor compared to what I currently have.

IMO, the biggest "Holy Crap" you could add to your setup right now would be a subwoofer. I understand that you live in an apartment, but a subwoofer yields a lot of benefits far beyond extending bass response*, and when volume is kept in check (and an isolation pad could help as well), it may not be a big problem for neighbors either.

*By crossing your speakers over to a subwoofer around 80Hz, you're taking considerable strain off the receiver and your speakers if they're operating at or near full range currently. This equates directly to less distortion and better intelligibility at any volume level.

 

[SoulBrother]

At one point I was reading about rave reviews on the Bic VK-12 but the users pointed out how they had theirs in their basement and it was something that the neighbors could hear. I suppose that's just a matter of keeping the volume in check as you said.

The sub I currently have (and failed to mention) is part of the Onkyo speaker set from way back. If memory serves it's model: SKW-110 I don't know about the range but I can get quite a rumble out of this thing that shakes my apartment.

 

[Steve81]

At one point I was reading about rave reviews on the Bic VK-12 but the users pointed out how they had theirs in their basement and it was something that the neighbors could hear. I suppose that's just a matter of keeping the volume in check as you said.

It doesn't take a hugely powerful subwoofer to annoy neighbors by any means: I managed to draw complaints about the Klipsch Promedia subwoofer when I lived in a townhouse. I also managed to live for years in an apartment with a SVS PB10-NSD without a single complaint. Taking care in setup and keeping the volume reasonable does a lot to minimize complaints.

The sub I currently have (and failed to mention) is part of the Onkyo speaker set from way back. If memory serves it's model: SKW-110 I don't know about the range but I can get quite a rumble out of this thing that shakes my apartment.

No offense to Onkyo (they make a compelling product for the price), but even an entry level subwoofer like a Hsu STF-2 will outperform it considerably, and I'm not just talking about raw output capability, but sound quality as well. I stand by my original statement, if you want to say "Holy crap" and know without a doubt where your money went, a sub is where I'd put my money.

 

[SoulBrother]

Thank you for all your advice. Is there any sub you'd recommend? Again, I've heard nothing but nice things about the Bic VK-12 but it's $300 and it might be overkill at 1000watts, no?

 

[brianedm]

Those Rti a9s are known to be pretty power hungry as well. Something to keep in mind as they may need external amplification as well.

 

[Steve81]

Thank you for all your advice. Is there any sub you'd recommend? Again, I've heard nothing but nice things about the Bic VK-12 but it's $300 and it might be overkill at 1000watts, no?

I don't know much about the VK-12, but I can give you a few suggestions.

First, I'd toss out the idea that wattage or driver size in and of themselves are final arbiters of output or quality. Driver quality, the enclosure, and overall good engineering count for a lot more.

Second, the type and output capability of subwoofer I'd recommend is entirely dependent upon the situation: can you tell me a little about the room your system is in, ie length, width, and height, along with whether or not the room is open to other areas of the apartment or reasonably sealed off? Any size restraints? Maximum amount you'd like to spend?

And FWIW, if you're interested in a little data overload:

http://www.data-bass.com/systems

To give you a starter of what's out there and what levels of performance are available.

 

[jcl]

Polk's ebay store has the rtia9's for $500 ea shipped. If you bide your time you'll probably find those other speakers listed sooner or later but they don't have them right now. You can check the ebay history for the other speakers to see how fair that used price is.

Another thought if you're a polk fan is the LSI series. I prefer those to the RTI or RTIA. The LSI15's are currently $850 a pair on the ebay store.

 

[Steve81]

Another thought if you're a polk fan is the LSI series. I prefer those to the RTI or RTIA. The LSI15's are currently $850 a pair on the ebay store.

The only warning I'll give here is that the old LSi line was notoriously difficult to drive, being rated 4 ohm nominal with dips recorded down into the 2 ohm range, and of just middling sensitivity. I'd daresay a full 5.1 of these would seriously tax any receiver. That said, I wouldn't mind owning a pair.

http://www.hometheater.com/content/polk-lsiii-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

 

[SoulBrother]

Some sent me a private message and being a new user I have to have 5 posts before I can reply. This is number 4.

 

[SoulBrother]

this is 5

blahblahblahblahblah the message was too short to post blah blah blah

 

[cr136124]

Some sent me a private message and being a new user I have to have 5 posts before I can reply. This is number 4.

It was me........

I'll touch base with you via PM one more time.

Cheers!