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Calling all Polkies:Official Polk thread - Page 524

post #15691 of 18636
12/31/12 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ComCost View Post

Hello Fellow Polkies... smile.gif
I have been lurking and reading for Years. Anyways... I just spotted "The Polkies" forum and had to speak up.. I own a few old sets of Polks and figured I'd chime in...
All Polk Audio speakers:
RTA-15TL mains - (STILL VERY AWESOME)
PSW 350 sub
CS 400i center
F/X500i surrounds
All driven by a Denon AVR-3802 Receiver
Actually, I'm thinking on upgrading my Denon receiver for a newer model with HDMI 1.4's and happened to spot "The Polkies"... before I got to the receiver section. Lol
Anywho, since I'm here, does anyone have any suggestions about the 3802 upgrade.? I really hate to do it, this receiver is so powerful and clean, I don't want to lose any of it, plus I don't have the free cash I used to. (Wife & kids)... I'm sure I'm not the only one... Lol.
Hey good reading here guys and gals...
Thanks, Mrwirez (electrician)

Rear panel of your denon

What devices are plugged in now? Do you still need s-video connections? What type of tv do you have now? If you don't plan on adding a 3D tv, you could find a blu-ray player with 5.1 or 7.1 analog outs to the analog inputs of your denon for lossless DTS-HD MA, and Dolby TrueHD. A new oppo player will run you $500 - or check amazon, cl or ebay for multi-channel blu-ray players. Having an HDMI connection is much cleaner, but the above solution would be a partial upgrade..
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post #15692 of 18636
12/31/12 at 8:44pm
Happy New Year to all of you and your families!!!


biggrin.gif:D:D
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post #15693 of 18636
12/31/12 at 9:03pm
Quick question for all you guys.

What brand amp would you get to push 2 Polk Rtia3's?
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post #15694 of 18636
12/31/12 at 9:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cr136124 View Post

Happy New Year to all of you and your families!!!
biggrin.gif:D:D
Thanks cr and a Happy New year to you and the rest of the gang, smile.gif
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post #15695 of 18636
12/31/12 at 9:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Quick question for all you guys.
What brand amp would you get to push 2 Polk Rtia3's?

Sure you need an amp? What are you driving them with now?
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post #15696 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

Sure you need an amp? What are you driving them with now?

Nope, just wanting to know what to get for future references. I have heard different amps put out different sounds. (warm,bright) I thought an amp was just supplying power but apparently there is more to it than that. I guess I should have said, "what amp sounds best with Polks" because if I ever upgrade, it will be with Polks

BTW, I will be pushing them with the Onkyo 818
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post #15697 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Nope, just wanting to know what to get for future references. I have heard different amps put out different sounds. (warm,bright) I thought an amp was just supplying power but apparently there is more to it than that. I guess I should have said, "what amp sounds best with Polks" because if I ever upgrade, it will be with Polks
BTW, I will be pushing them with the Onkyo 818

I would save my money for something else. The 818 will have no problem at all running those speakers and will sound grand. An external amp would really be just a waste of money.
They won't sound any better with an external amp. If you had some power hungry speakers it could be a different story.
Edited by XStanleyX - 12/31/12 at 10:16pm
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post #15698 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:22pm
I've owned many different brands of amps in the past. Most brands to the job just fine. Just stick with the major brands and make sure they have the power you'll need. I've had Krell and Bryston amps and I didn't think they sounded any better than a lower priced Rotel. The best bang for the buck amp now is Emotiva if you buy new. Of course there are some people who own a Krell and think they sound like liquid gold.
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post #15699 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

I would save my money for something else. The 818 will have no problem at all running those speakers and will sound grand. An external amp would really be just a waste of money.
They won't sound any better with an external amp. If you had some power hungry speakers it could be a different story.

Ok, thanks
I guess I was just a little concerned. I was told this the other day

"""Also, if the 818 benches anything close to my 807, at a 0.1% distortion, 2ch alone will get you higer than the rated 135 @ 0.08% thd. Use 5 channels, your power drops to 105.5 @ 0.1%. Use 7ch, drop to 29.9 @ 0.1%.

As you look at the power ratings "of most" AVR's, the more channels you use, the less power you have. With power amps (at least the ones I have), the more power you request i.e. turning up the volume, the more power you yeild from the amp.""

If this is correct, it seems that when I would be using just the 818 during HT, I would be short changing my speakers with the power drop going to a 7.1 Is this correct? Or am I thinking to much into it. One thing I am not up to par on, is amps and everything that goes with them. Pretty big noob when it comes to amps.
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post #15700 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Ok, thanks
I guess I was just a little concerned. I was told this the other day
"""Also, if the 818 benches anything close to my 807, at a 0.1% distortion, 2ch alone will get you higer than the rated 135 @ 0.08% thd. Use 5 channels, your power drops to 105.5 @ 0.1%. Use 7ch, drop to 29.9 @ 0.1%.
As you look at the power ratings "of most" AVR's, the more channels you use, the less power you have. With power amps (at least the ones I have), the more power you request i.e. turning up the volume, the more power you yeild from the amp.""
If this is correct, it seems that when I would be using just the 818 during HT, I would be short changing my speakers with the power drop going to a 7.1 Is this correct? Or am I thinking to much into it. One thing I am not up to par on, is amps and everything that goes with them. Pretty big noob when it comes to amps.

Wait til you get to that bridge to cross it. Then you can base what power you need on the speakers you get in the future. Emotiva would be my choice based on price/ performance. Most likely you won't need more than a 2 or 3 channel amp for your fronts and center speaker depending on what they are. I'll be getting a XPA-2 Emotiva in the not so distant future cause I have some power hungry speakers.
Edited by XStanleyX - 12/31/12 at 10:38pm
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post #15701 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

Wait til you get to that bridge to cross it. Then you can base what power you need on the speakers you get in the future. Emotiva would be my choice based on price/ performance. Most likely you won't need more than a 2 or 3 channel amp for your fronts and center speaker depending on what they are.

lol sounds like a plan.. Thats what was looking at anyway so I will just hang tight for right now. I did find a XPA-3 for $425 which I though was a great deal. Im sure there will be another one come up in the future.
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post #15702 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:41pm
I'm sure I'll get laughed at for my T15's, but I figured I'd check in as well. I will add that I am happy with them.

I also have a Polk DXi 112 sub in my car.
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post #15703 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

lol sounds like a plan.. Thats what was looking at anyway so I will just hang tight for right now. I did find a XPA-3 for $425 which I though was a great deal. Im sure there will be another one come up in the future.

Yeah, 200 WPC @ 8 ohms will drive most speakers. I'll be going with the XPA-2 since I have 4 ohm speakers. My receiver will drive the other three with no sweat. The 818 could do that too.
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post #15704 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

Sure you need an amp? What are you driving them with now?

Nope, just wanting to know what to get for future references. I have heard different amps put out different sounds. (warm,bright) I thought an amp was just supplying power but apparently there is more to it than that. I guess I should have said, "what amp sounds best with Polks" because if I ever upgrade, it will be with Polks

BTW, I will be pushing them with the Onkyo 818

warm, bright etc are subjective terms and dont mean the same thing to everyone. room and speakers are what affect the sound quality, amps just make it so you can go louder with less distortion. there is no such thing as an amp that is matched to speaker brands or vice versa.. build quality, power handling and features are the main things that set amps apart.

Keep thinking what you have been thinking about amps "just adding power" because that is what they do, they are not tone controls. Everything else is purely subjective and conclusions are often made erroneously about amps and there performance/differences due to uncontrolled testing procedures and listener bias making one believe things are happening that are not.

***please note that I am referring to modern solid state amps, not tube amps. tube amps often purposefully add distortion that is considered pleasing to the listener therefor it can change the sonic signature of the amp.
Edited by 67jason - 12/31/12 at 11:06pm
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post #15705 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mix1983 View Post

I'm sure I'll get laughed at for my T15's, but I figured I'd check in as well. I will add that I am happy with them.
I also have a Polk DXi 112 sub in my car.

I used to only have a transistor radio. No laughs from me.
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post #15706 of 18636
12/31/12 at 10:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67jason View Post

warm, bright etc are subjective terms and dont mean the same thing to everyone. room and speakers are what affect the sound quality, amps just make it so you can go louder with less distortion. there is no such thing as an amp that is matched to speaker brands or vice versa.. build quality, power handling and features are the main things that set amps apart.
Keep thinking what you have been thinking about amps "just adding power" because that is what they do, they are not tone controls. Everything else is purely subjective and conclusions are often made erroneously about amps and there performance/differences due to uncontrolled testing procedures and listener bias making one believe things are happening that are not.
***please not that I am referring to modern solid state amps, not tube amps. tube amps often purposefully add distortion that is considered pleasing to the listener therefor it can change the sonic signature of the amp.

Ditto, I'm in the same camp.
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post #15707 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

I used to only have a transistor radio. No laughs from me.

The receiver and Polks are definitely an upgrade from my Vizio SB200 soundbar.
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post #15708 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mix1983 View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

I used to only have a transistor radio. No laughs from me.

The receiver and Polks are definitely an upgrade from my Vizio SB200 soundbar.

You know, I have been thinking about getting a pair of T15s to use at my computer. Share your thoughts about them please.
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post #15709 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mix1983 View Post

The receiver and Polks are definitely an upgrade from my Vizio SB200 soundbar.

No doubt. I was fortunate enough to skip a soundbar so I'm happy to say I know nothing about them.
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post #15710 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67jason View Post

You know, I have been thinking about getting a pair of T15s to use at my computer. Share your thoughts about them please.

I'm using some Logitech speakers with a small sub. I'm sure they must sound better than what I'm using minus the bass. I'm not picky about the sound for my PC.
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post #15711 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:26pm
Happy new year again guys. I've decided to go to bed and sleep til next year.
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post #15712 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by 67jason View Post

You know, I have been thinking about getting a pair of T15s to use at my computer. Share your thoughts about them please.

I'm using some Logitech speakers with a small sub. I'm sure they must sound better than what I'm using minus the bass. I'm not picky about the sound for my PC.

I'm really not that picky about sound from my pc either, but i dont like most of the inexpensive powered pc speakers kits that are out there. I did use my monitor 40s for a time as my pc speakers and I really liked the set up. powered off some early 80s marantz reciver (cannot remember the model number right now). But really the whole set up was too big for my desk.

I have an unused Dayton Audio DTA-100a Class-T Digital Mini Amplifier that could easily power a set of smaller bookshelves and I have kicked the T15 idea around some. I have also considered powered monitors, but I am really not interested in spending a few hundred bucks or more on a decent set.
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post #15713 of 18636
12/31/12 at 11:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67jason View Post

You know, I have been thinking about getting a pair of T15s to use at my computer. Share your thoughts about them please.

I honestly think they sound great, I will most likely go all the way around with them except for an old CSi25 for the center, since the tweeters match. Like I said, I'm coming from a $100 Vizio sound bar, and I have just bought the speakers and receiver in the last week. So I may be in that "honeymoon" period.

I have tried TV (Netflix/Hulu Plus, don't have TV service), Bluray and several sources of music and to me they sound super clear and clean. I live in an apartment so I haven't and won't crank them, so I can't say how they handle super loud volumes.

Hope that helps, tried to be as honest as possible. FWIW I am, for the time being, using Logitech speakers as my center and rears, as well as a tiny Logitech subwoofer (like a 5" woofer). The speakers will most likely be 2 more T15s and the CSi25 I mentioned. The sub will probably stay the same, I don't like being a rude neighbor.
Edited by mix1983 - 12/31/12 at 11:55pm
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post #15714 of 18636
1/1/13 at 12:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XStanleyX View Post

Wait til you get to that bridge to cross it. Then you can base what power you need on the speakers you get in the future. Emotiva would be my choice based on price/ performance. Most likely you won't need more than a 2 or 3 channel amp for your fronts and center speaker depending on what they are. I'll be getting a XPA-2 Emotiva in the not so distant future cause I have some power hungry speakers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Ok, thanks
I guess I was just a little concerned. I was told this the other day
"""Also, if the 818 benches anything close to my 807, at a 0.1% distortion, 2ch alone will get you higer than the rated 135 @ 0.08% thd. Use 5 channels, your power drops to 105.5 @ 0.1%. Use 7ch, drop to 29.9 @ 0.1%.
As you look at the power ratings "of most" AVR's, the more channels you use, the less power you have. With power amps (at least the ones I have), the more power you request i.e. turning up the volume, the more power you yeild from the amp.""
If this is correct, it seems that when I would be using just the 818 during HT, I would be short changing my speakers with the power drop going to a 7.1 Is this correct? Or am I thinking to much into it. One thing I am not up to par on, is amps and everything that goes with them. Pretty big noob when it comes to amps.

+1 to the replies.

There are so many variables with AVRs. Some high end AVRs can perform closer to their claims. It all depends on the ability of the power supply to give the amplifiers the current they require at higher volumes. The more hoses you have connected to a spigot, the less water pressure you have from each one if they are all on.

If you have a high current toroidal transformer power supply, if you have multiple power supply transformers for video and audio processing circuits, if you have multiple amplifier components on each channel, if you... There are many, many variables.

You are going to lose power with each channel you add over the "Channels Driven" rating on almost all AVRs (Which is usually 2 channels driven on AVRs), otherwise, they would quote the specs with all channels driven. Amps will spec "All Channels Driven" meaning you get what they claim on all channels at the same time.
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post #15715 of 18636
1/1/13 at 7:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by climber07 View Post

+1 to the replies.
There are so many variables with AVRs. Some high end AVRs can perform closer to their claims. It all depends on the ability of the power supply to give the amplifiers the current they require at higher volumes. The more hoses you have connected to a spigot, the less water pressure you have from each one if they are all on.
If you have a high current toroidal transformer power supply, if you have multiple power supply transformers for video and audio processing circuits, if you have multiple amplifier components on each channel, if you... There are many, many variables.
You are going to lose power with each channel you add over the "Channels Driven" rating on almost all AVRs (Which is usually 2 channels driven on AVRs), otherwise, they would quote the specs with all channels driven. Amps will spec "All Channels Driven" meaning you get what they claim on all channels at the same time.

I agree. That's why I picked up an inexpensive carver amp on ebay to experiment with. I like the results with an external amp and the Onkyo 809 as a pre-amp. Previous post on the same subject. Got a little too deep for me.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1436610/are-amplifiers-worth-it/330#post_22710150
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post #15716 of 18636
1/1/13 at 8:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

Ok, thanks
I guess I was just a little concerned. I was told this the other day
"""Also, if the 818 benches anything close to my 807, at a 0.1% distortion, 2ch alone will get you higer than the rated 135 @ 0.08% thd. Use 5 channels, your power drops to 105.5 @ 0.1%. Use 7ch, drop to 29.9 @ 0.1%.
As you look at the power ratings "of most" AVR's, the more channels you use, the less power you have. With power amps (at least the ones I have), the more power you request i.e. turning up the volume, the more power you yeild from the amp.""
If this is correct, it seems that when I would be using just the 818 during HT, I would be short changing my speakers with the power drop going to a 7.1 Is this correct? Or am I thinking to much into it. One thing I am not up to par on, is amps and everything that goes with them. Pretty big noob when it comes to amps.


this is generally true, not so much with Harmon AVR's. So far as I can tell HK is the only name to quote power ratings with all channels driven. Sony, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc..... they all list wattage with two channels driven only. My 2600 is rated 65 W but it is wide bandwidth and high current, they tellme it is stable with 65 continuous minimum watts with all 7 channels going, higher with my 5.1 setup. I have not actually done the measurements yet, but will attempt that soon when my new monitors get here.

they left CA today:)
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post #15717 of 18636
1/1/13 at 8:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67jason View Post

I'm really not that picky about sound from my pc either, but i dont like most of the inexpensive powered pc speakers kits that are out there. I did use my monitor 40s for a time as my pc speakers and I really liked the set up. powered off some early 80s marantz reciver (cannot remember the model number right now). But really the whole set up was too big for my desk.
I have an unused Dayton Audio DTA-100a Class-T Digital Mini Amplifier that could easily power a set of smaller bookshelves and I have kicked the T15 idea around some. I have also considered powered monitors, but I am really not interested in spending a few hundred bucks or more on a decent set.


I have the logitech z680 and it rocks for games, movies etc.. I put a pair of cerwin vega v5m bookshelfs for fronts for a while, and it was way better sound. Those CV's aare currently my mains downstairs (getting replaced with montor 60ii this week) The tsi100's are only 100 at hhgregg and they sounded pretty good. I would recommend those for a PC system also. I am pretty sure logitechs are 4 ohm speakers, and rate at 100 amps, my logitech plate amp puts out 65 w or so per channel, so put an 8 ohm speaker on there and the rating is probly more like 45 or 50 watts. should be plenty.
Edited by 3rdHerd - 1/1/13 at 8:51am
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post #15718 of 18636
1/1/13 at 9:26am
PSW505 or DSW440?

I got the 440 from the Polk deal. (Buy $400 worth of speakers and get $299 off a sub)
Well I got the 440 for $132 and was just wondering if it would be a good idea to sell it and buy myself 2 PSW505's for $380. My room is really big and I didnt know if I would be better off with trying to find another 440 for around $300 and have 2 of those, or just sell it and get myself the 505's?

I really dont want to spend a fortune on the subs. I know I could get a high end sub for 6-900, but if I can stay in the $400 range, that would be very ideal for me!

BTW , newegg has their new year sale on the 505 going on until the 7th. $189
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post #15719 of 18636
1/1/13 at 9:59am
I have this posted over on the polk forums but I was hoping to get more input from you gentlemen:) I need some help deciding between amplifiers. I have two different systems that I'm needing amps for. One is in my living room and is a 5.1 set up with lsi 25's and an lsi c up front and lsi 9's in back. The other is a dedicated movie room that will have 9.2, consisting of 2 lsi 15's, and 3 lsi 9's across the front, 265 ls in-walls for surrounds, and 500 ls in-ceiling for rear surrounds and a pair of HSU VTF15's. In the movie room I have a denon 4311 that I think will handle the four surround channels ok. I'm considering the Emotiva xpa-5 or the xpr-5 for the living room system and for the remaining channels in the movie room. Do you guys think the xpa will do a good job in either or both of these systems or do you think it's worth the extra money to jump up to the xpr?

Thanks in advance for an advice/input

Daniel
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post #15720 of 18636
1/1/13 at 10:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisu7582 View Post

PSW505 or DSW440?
I got the 440 from the Polk deal. (Buy $400 worth of speakers and get $299 off a sub)
Well I got the 440 for $132 and was just wondering if it would be a good idea to sell it and buy myself 2 PSW505's for $380. My room is really big and I didnt know if I would be better off with trying to find another 440 for around $300 and have 2 of those, or just sell it and get myself the 505's?
I really dont want to spend a fortune on the subs. I know I could get a high end sub for 6-900, but if I can stay in the $400 range, that would be very ideal for me!
BTW , newegg has their new year sale on the 505 going on until the 7th. $189

I'd sell the 440 and get a pair of 505's. What is your room size? You might be better off with a pair of RW-12D's depending on your room size.
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