My first audio system (2.1 for music, $850), what do you think?

[j_garcia]

Infinity makes pretty decent subs and better speakers than Polk IMO.

At the very least a pair of Primus bookshelves would be a nice upgrade.

The Primus line is no better than the RTiA line.

 

[lsiberian]

The Primus line is no better than the RTiA line.

I would say with a few modification the primus line can be made better. They have terrible enclosures, but with some improved dampening they are vastly improved.

 

[j_garcia]

I would say with a few modification the primus line can be made better. They have terrible enclosures, but with some improved dampening they are vastly improved.

And I'm sure with modifications you could make the Polks sound better as well. I did a review of the RTiA3 last year and they aren't bad speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

I'd regrettably comment that even a humdrum CD player will sound better than the compressed files and sonic output of an ipod.

As long as a bitrate of 256Kbps is used there is little to no audible difference between compressed files and CDs according to the ABX test's I've seen and done.

 

[j_garcia]

As long as a bitrate of 256Kbps is used there is little to no audible difference between compressed files and CDs according to the ABX test's I've seen and done.

256K is about the point where I have a hard time telling, but I still tend to go with 320kbps.

My RTiA3 review:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38870&highlight=rti-a3

 

[lsiberian]

And I'm sure with modifications you could make the Polks sound better as well. I did a review of the RTiA3 last year and they aren't bad speakers.

most certainly. A layer of Peel-n-seal and 4" of rockwool on the back wall would vastly improve the speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

256K is about the point where I have a hard time telling, but I still tend to go with 320kbps.

My RTiA3 review:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38870&highlight=rti-a3

It certainly can't hurt to go higher. Some folks like FLAC or ALAC too.

 

[corsara]

Hi guys,

I am the one who started the thread, so, just to give you an update and ask a question at the end:

all the equipment arrived and i hooked everything up last night. I am no expert, novice in all this home audio systems stuff, but on the other hand i think i can appreciate a good sound---always kept the sound in my car distant and i would say that i feel pretty picky about the sound...

anyway, the system sounds great, it's simply amazing! however, i only listened in a small room, speakers almost next to each other (we are moving to a new house in a month, and the system is going in the basement then, which is about 23 by 13 ft, carpet and all).

One thing---I am thinking about adding a second sub to the system, a bit less powerful one, but they are on sale now for $150 and i think i'll buy it: www precision-acoustics com / hds10.html

What do you think, connecting that sub with a Y splitter of the sub-out on the receiver, and pairing this with the TSS1200, the RTiA3---would it be bad?

(pls excuse the lack of capital letters at the beginning of my sentences. i'm in the bus on my way to work, and typing on this small netbook, and the shift key is difficult to reach, i always hit enter instead..)

 

[shadyJ]

That would be the best way to hook up the second sub, but a better idea, in my opinion, would be to sell the sub you do have, and take the money you will have spent on the new one, and just buy one good sub as opposed to two so-so ones.

 

[corsara]

Ok, just to give you an update: after going to the store and actually hearing the 10 inch sub that I was considering to add to the system, I decided to stick to the single 12 inch only. The 10 inch didn't come even close to what I can hear from my Infinity TSS1200, so I didn't buy the 10 inch..

 

[corsara]

I returned the Infinity TSS-1200. Got a Velodyne DLS-5000R, a 15 inch monster! Can't wait to have it delivered tomorrow. What do you guys think, is it going to pair well with my Polks RTIa3's?

 

[skers_54]

Velodyne makes pretty good subs. It won't dig as deep as some of the internet direct offerings, but they have huge enclosures that probably won't fit in your small room. I had a smaller version of that sub (now at my parents' house) and it had impressive output. Looks purdy too

 

[jostenmeat]

FWIW, I really understand the idea of getting one excellent sub over two so-so ones, and I happen to own just one single expensive sub. However, to at least some considerable extent, one is paying for output and extension, which HT demands a lot of at times.

For music, however, two subs would be better I think. Run subs in stereo (or dual mono if need be). Have one next to each speaker (or at least 1/4 wavelength of xover freq).

You can either use high level (speaker wire) inputs and have the subs do the low pass, or the receiver do the xover (and use a y connector for dual mono subs), or an external bass mgmt system to tweak it to hearts content. Or try all of the above (options 1 and 2 are only as expensive as the wire, which is very little; try Monoprice).

Then just invite the monkey over with his peel n seal, and let him do his thang.

 

[Alex2507]

The Primus line is no better than the RTiA line.

They sure seem to be less expensive than the RTiA speakers listed here.
Maybe I'm not comparing apples to apples.

Then just invite the monkey over with his peel n seal, and let him do his thang.

This would drive the price up quick. That is a slow pain staking process and who is to say that you have enough coverage or enough layers? If your time is worth anything then this is costly indeed.

Edit: Oh, and I agree with one good sub. That way when you want two you will have two good subs. Nothing says you have to have two good ones now. However if you have one cheap sub (like I did) then for not a lot more money you end up in the two sub game. It's all good really.

 

[jostenmeat]

Also, fwiw, I'd probably try to get subs that have good upper freq response. It would allow more flexibility in choosing xover point, at least when one can do nearby stereo subs (for a single sub will most likely necessitate a lower xover point).