• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Need help finding a good amp/preamp for my RS 4/b's

DMFK

DMFK

New Member
So, this is my first real post here and I'm a bit lost on what to do. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I picked up a pair of RS 4/b's cheap on CL. They needed new foam and some oil on the wood, but overall In great shape. I'll post some pics. I re-foamed them myself with rings from just speakers.

I'm not sure what to power these with. I have read that they need a decent amount of power; like 150wpc or higher. I am looking at maybe an Adcom 555/555ii. But, after that, I really have no clue what to pair that amp with, or any other amp. Once I settle on an amp, I'm at a bit of a crossroads as to what I will be using as a receiver, whether it be a DAC's, PreAmps, or integrated amps, and I'm not sure which direction to go. I am not real interested in newer amps and like the idea of solid-state vintage. Id like to keep the amp and accompanying equipment under $1000 as this is my first set up. (not my last!).

I know it might be difficult to recommend something because it's so subjective, but I am literally starting from scratch and just want to get these puppies crankin'!

Thanks in advance gents.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6834.JPG
    IMG_6834.JPG
    52.4 KB · Views: 50
  • IMG_7100.JPG
    IMG_7100.JPG
    43.9 KB · Views: 49
  • IMG_7099.JPG
    IMG_7099.JPG
    42.9 KB · Views: 47
Register to hide this ad
chef free said:
The GFA is a great choice.
Click to expand...
+1
Those are RS4 not b, b has a taller cabinet but pretty much the same speaker. They look great. I had a pair for a few years. Used my Marantz 16b and 33 to power them with great results and only 100watts @ 8 ohm. RS4 is not as hard to drive as some of the other Infinitys. They need to be on short stands around 8-10" or so. For the $ you are talking you can put together a real nice system. Adcom, Hafler, Nad, BK, Sae, Kenwood Basic series, to name a few brands. All will be well under budget and available.
 
I'll throw Aragon, Acurus, Rotel and Luxman on the pile--all available well within your budget, and competent gear for your Infinities

Although the GFA-555 is a competent amp and will drive them well, just be aware that it has no speaker protection--none at all--so in the event of a failure, the result can be catastrophic--to both the amp and the speakers. These are "aging" amps, so unless it has been gone through or refurbed, I'd be weary. At minimum, I'd put in-line fuses in your speaker wire connections.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I actually just ordered the Lepai amp suggested by Jazzmans. At that price point, I can at least get these things up and running while I research the above suggested amps. Also, thanks for clarification on the RS4 vs 4b. I was wondering where the stands were for these things. Looks like I'll be building some stands.
 
The stands I had were around 10" high and tilted back maybe 10 degrees. Everything is a little too low without them.
Jim
 
slimpikkins said:
The stands I had were around 10" high and tilted back maybe 10 degrees. Everything is a little too low without them.
Jim
Click to expand...
I'll look around the inter-webs. Probably make them myself. Doesn't look like they are sold separately from what I can tell.


Is it worth rebuilding the crossovers on these? I haven't heard them yet, but just based on age, I can imagine the caps are in need of replacement. I have a decent knowledge of electronics but wouldn't know where to start with these.
 
Most likely the caps are just fine. I have recapped many pairs of speakers and do not recall ever checking an old speaker cap that was not in spec. Have had many newer modern electrolytic caps go bad on preamps, CD players, TV sets...
 
Update..

I'm still in search of a class A amp and pre-amp.

Meanwhile, today I received the Lepai amp today. I am really impressed with the sound I am getting from these speakers with this little amp. They sound crystal clear! The low end is lacking, but I imagined it would considering the amp. But, overall I am very happy with these speakers. I can't wait to see how they sound with a bit more power.

I have been looking for stands on the web. Looks like I'm better off making them myself. Thanks again for everyone's input. I am still heavily considering the Adcom 555 and will look into an inline fuse. Although, I do see a fuse on the back of the crossover.
 
This just a guess but the fuse on the crossover is most likely just for tweeter protection.
 
that amp drives my crescendo 3009 and my ren 90's and my kappa 8.1 with lots of excellent bass, as well as my rs 4, if bass is lacking, then you have over optomistic expectatinos of the RS 4, or the woofers are wired out of phase.

In fact, below ear splitting levels, that little amp sounds simply amazing, I think they eq'd it to boost mid-bass a bit.

I prefer a subwoofer (or two, or three) on all my speakers now, so I may be a bit biased.
 
jazzmans said:
that amp drives my crescendo 3009 and my ren 90's and my kappa 8.1 with lots of excellent bass, as well as my rs 4b, if bass is lacking, then you have over optomistic expectatinos of the RS 4, or the woofers are wired out of phase.

In fact, below ear splitting levels, that little amp sounds simply amazing, I think they eq'd it to boost mid-bass a bit.

I prefer a subwoofer (or two, or three) on all my speakers now, so I may be a bit biased.
Click to expand...

I guess I meant it wasn't shaking my house. But, overall the bass is to my liking; very tight. Also, I read that the new surrounds need some time to break in.

I made sure I wired the speakers how they were when I took them apart. With the neg- of the top feeding the Pos+ of the bottom speaker. But I'll be honest, I don't know if that is considered 'in phase' or 'in series'. Been a few years since my electronics class.
 
DMFK said:
Pretty good guess. I just looked at the schematic. Indeed it is!
Click to expand...

I did not find an RS4 schematic in a quick Google search I'm so glad you did.
RS 4B schematic seems easy enough to find and appears to have a polyswitch EMIT protection device on the crossover rather than an exterior fuse on the back of the cabinet.
 
Last edited:
DMFK said:
I guess I meant it wasn't shaking my house. But, overall the bass is to my liking; very tight. Also, I read that the new surrounds need some time to break in.

I made sure I wired the speakers how they were when I took them apart. With the neg- of the top feeding the Pos+ of the bottom speaker. But I'll be honest, I don't know if that is considered 'in phase' or 'in series'. Been a few years since my electronics class.
Click to expand...
Someone has to go to a lot of trouble to wire the drivers out of phase because the connectors don't allow it. These speakers need a sub or two or three to sound their best.
 
audiomagnate said:
Someone has to go to a lot of trouble to wire the drivers out of phase because the connectors don't allow it. These speakers need a sub or two or three to sound their best.
Click to expand...

Or if the OP likes the overall sound of RS-4b's one could consider RS-IIIa's or b's. These were the top of the line speakers in this design / line-up. The dual 10'' woofers create plenty enough floor shaking bass when fed with enough clean power (150 wpc at 4 Ohm is needed per my experience).
 
audiomagnate said:
Someone has to go to a lot of trouble to wire the drivers out of phase because the connectors don't allow it. These speakers need a sub or two or three to sound their best.
Click to expand...

Are you saying you don't think that is the correct wiring?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom