RTi Line....

[Demiurge]

So, did Polk poop the bed with this line or something? It seems as if a lot of folks here are getting rid of them and I have been saving for a long time to get a solid RTi surround system for my HT. Should I be looking at the LSis instead? I'm a little confused...and I haven't been talking Polk speakers a whole lot lately because I just haven't had the money to upgrade lately...which I need to do badly.

So...I guess what I'm asking is does the RTi line kind of suck? I love my CSi40, but I don't want to make the investment in the rest of the speakers unless they're worth it. I'd rather not waste my money if I decide to sell someday and it seems these have little to no resale value.... :confused:

[jdhdiggs]

RTi's are a great entry line. They cost less than the LSi's and cost less than the LSi's to drive. Sound is very good, just not TOTL for polk. I was very pleased with my RTi setup, but the Fry's deal came along and was just too good to pass up.

By no means are the RTi (Or LSi) lines the stopping point on this journey, just another step....

[Willow]

I own the Rti line and don't think they suck what so ever, I quite enjoy them very much

[steveinaz]

Personally, I'm turned off by the silver baffle/cone stuff. It just looks cheap to me. I know they are good speakers, but asthetics are important.

[Willow]

can't see with the grills on ;)

[PolkThug]

I think the RTi's are great. I really liked the Csi40 center when I owned it, I only switched it with a Csi5 for cosmetic reasons.

[faster100]

I love mine, i don't think they are entry level sound wise.. maybe price wise, considering what you could pay. I like the RTI like i have, previous to the silver line they currently have.. i to don't care for the silver and plastic look. I like the wood exterior.. and mine are all cherry... and they dont suck by no means... Nice line

[steveinaz]

I don't mind the silver baffle so much, but the silver cones gotta go. The BLUE cones were almost a Polk trademark for me.

[faster100]

I love the blue cones :)

[landry_p2000]

I like the RTi speakers that I own. They look a lot better with the grills on instead of off. Of course, this is my first set of Polk Audio speakers, but definetly not my last. Any news on the Monitor series that Circuit City currently stocks? I have been thinking about getting a new TV or starting a new set-up for music only. Would the new Monitor series do the job with a decent sub?

[VR3]

DISCLAIMER -
This post is concerning the RT line as a whole, EX: Every version - I personally feel it is time for Polk to cut the life support from the RT line, its had its run..err..runs, time to move on - now you may read the post.
Also, keep in mind, this is a post that asked for opinions on the RT line, and this is an opinion.

Ok, the current RT line...
IS A GREAT LINE...
Ok? Yeah, when you compare it to the LAST line it 'upgraded' from. Yeah when you compare it to THAT it is awesome.

So then, when you go back to the RT35i, RT800i line, the current line is on a level ground...
And the group becomes a mountain when you keep going back... The RT5, etc

I know for a fact I am going to get flamed like a marshmellow in hell for posting that... but..who cares? lol

I won't be checking this post for replies... So if you have some rant or w/e - PM me...

Have a nice day folks...

PS: Yes, the current line is a good line, they are not bad speakers... (just to clarify)

;)

[Polkapops]

I'm just getting used to mine - At first it sounded like they lacked a little in the high's but after I bumped up the EQ in the AVR they've improved substantially. Bass & mids always sounded good - Am going to pick up my SVS 20/29pc+ after work at UPS and can hardly wait to see how they sound with the new sub incorporated into the system. So far I'm lovin' the RTi's though......
Haven't heard the LSi's but would highly recommend the RTi's!

[Demiurge]

See....I've heard them all and liked them, but I haven't heard much else. I didn't mean to say these speakers are bad at all because I almost bought more awhile ago on the flea market, but the deal fell through. It's just seemed like people here were unloading them fast and that they didn't have much resale value at all....which isn't a concern to me because I don't think I'd ever sell any speakers unless I was going for a serious upgrade....

I guess maybe I was wrong about what I was hearing here. Sorry I don't have any specifics.

[VR3]

I would DEFINETELY listen around man...

AXIOM, ATHENA, ASCEND, DEFINITIVE TECH, EPOS, MIRAGE, PDIGM, etc etc etc

Ascend seems to make insanely nice built speakers for the money. The crossovers alone are about the size of the speakers...amazing looking/built speakers. Would love to hear a pair...

www.ascendacoustics.com

[VR3]

Ascend Crossover... like 280 dollar a pair speaker...

Plenty of options...

The Polk Monitor line looks to be a real treat...

[chenj16]

Originally posted by faster100
I love the blue cones :)

me too ;)

[Demiurge]

Well, I'm going to stick with Polk. They've been good to me. I'm just curious about this line before I drop money on it.

[mrmusicman]

I've had no problems with my RTi's,I think they sound great for h.t.I haven't had the opprotunity to hear the LSI,but from what I read from other polk members they are better sounding musically.

[Mjr7531]

If they got rid of the RTi series, what would they replace them with? I'm very happy with my RTi6 and CSi5, I would drop my money on the RTi12s in a heartbeat (If I had that money to drop of course.)

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
Ascend seems to make insanely nice built speakers for the money.
I've heard that Polk does make insanely nice built speakers for the money. :)

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by steveinaz
Personally, I'm turned off by the silver baffle/cone stuff. It just looks cheap to me. I know they are good speakers, but asthetics are important.

I agree; however, (not stepping on toes...) I think the Athena speakers look cheap.

[danger boy]

i think when a lot of us started in here.. lots of us were introduced to the RTxxi line up. I still have all mine from several years ago. I still enjoy them.. Yes they have limits.. every speaker does. But I have trouble trying to justify replacing them with any other speaker of Polk model or another brand altogether.

I'd really hate to start all over again and buy 5 (or more) speakers of another brand.. just because i feel like an upgrade. What if i did... and they didn't sound as good as what i currently have? that would hurt.

So i'll stick with what i have, till i will the lottery. ;)

When i do get a bug up my arse to try a different speaker.. it's usually within a 2 ch rig. that way, i'm not into it for as much money as if I had purchased a whole HT worth of speakers. make sense?

[nebborjk]

I have a home theater setup of RTi speakers (RTi6/CSi5/FXi3) and couldn’t be happier for home theater. I’ve also been looking at the Lsi speakers. I use my system for music a lot more than for movies, probably 90%-10% in favor of music. They say that the LSi are better for music. I’ve never heard them, but plan to audition a pair sometime in the new year. Even if I do upgrade I’ll keep the RTi speakers and create a second rig. I feel these speakers are and incredible value. No complaints here.

Kevin

[dmalino]

The LSis are a lot better speaker than the RTis. They also cost twice as much and require better amplification.
My RTi38s sound OK, sometimes I think about picking up a pair of B&W DM303s just to compare the sound in my room.
My RTis have blue cones.

[dmalino]

Originally posted by audiobliss
I agree; however, (not stepping on toes...) I think the Athena speakers look cheap.

The only place to buy/listen to Athenas around me is Worst Buy. I'll never buy anything from those rude idiots.

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by danger boy
So i'll stick with what i have, till i will the lottery. ;)

Hey, would ya will the lottery to me? lol



Originally posted by dmalino
My RTis have blue cones

Could you post some pictures? I've never seen those.

[tryrrthg]

Originally posted by audiobliss
Could you post some pictures? I've never seen those.

http://www.polkaudio.com/home/products.php?recent=1&category=3

[Willow]

I use all smaller rtis 4 and csi3. I agree the silver is a tad dormish but looks aside I really enjoy them and can only think of what the bigger rti's sound like.

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by tryrrthg
http://www.polkaudio.com/home/products.php?recent=1&category=3

hahaha.....for some reason I thought you meant you had some RTi12s with blue woofers....and I had never seen that....lol

But yeah, those blue woofers sure do look great.

[steveinaz]

I don't like the silver baffles on my Athena's either, thats why I keep the grills on...:D And I hate that they are black. I'm so tired of black speakers. My next speaker is going to be a natural wood color of some type, preferably cherry.

[Willow]

If I had to set up another HT rig in our house I would go with the Athena's (shame on me) but I find they have a similar sound to the rti and they are less expensive.

[VR3]

I hear ya on the black thing...

I am getting custom caps made for my speakers in the next month or so - all of them.

Going to be 'Deep Ocean' or Royal Mahogany, decisions decisions

[steveinaz]

Originally posted by Willow
If I had to set up another HT rig in our house I would go with the Athena's (shame on me) but I find they have a similar sound to the rti and they are less expensive.

They are a steal at Audio Advisors price of $399/pr. Thats just insane given the quality/sound of that speaker. I love mine, and figure I'll have to get up into the $1500/pr zone to better them.

[Willow]

Trust me I have been looking at the rti8 and retail here for 1K but their towers are much more affordable and their bookshelves dirt cheap

[dcarlson]

Willoe, you need to get onto ebay and be patient. Or pay retail.

Not exactly what you're looking for but.... http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=71571&item=5736845457&rd=1

[Willow]

I am being patient I have given up for now.....I was just saying I like the price of athena towers......and I will wait for the right time to buy the 8s for sure.....mostly cause $$$ says so

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by steveinaz
I don't like the silver baffles on my Athena's either, thats why I keep the grills on...:D And I hate that they are black. I'm so tired of black speakers. My next speaker is going to be a natural wood color of some type, preferably cherry.

Haha, I hear ya! I agree with the natural wood/cherry look. I would love for my next speakers to have a real wood look, and cherry always seems to be the best.

[audiobliss]

wow, those are nice looking RT800i's. The old Polk's with the raised area around the drivers, the blue woofers, and the real wood veneer, look really nice.

[danger boy]

Originally posted by audiobliss
wow, those are nice looking RT800i's. The old Polk's with the raised area around the drivers, the blue woofers, and the real wood veneer, look really nice.

they are.. i love mine.. in cherry wood. can't be beat. sorry, but i've never been attracted to all black/ebony speakers.. some color of natural wood always looks best to me.

does natural wood come in ebony? :confused:

[Toxis]

Maybe it's just the models I heard but the Athena's I heard sounded like complete butt!!! The one thing they did well was make the JBL Northridge speakers sound good, which is impressive considering how god aweful those sound. I'd take the RTi line over anything else in their price range right now, except maybe Energy Connessier (sp?) line.

The problem here is that sound is subjective to the listener. What I hear and like is completely different from what someone else might like. Hell, Bose is still making speakers that people love...

[VR3]

Not that I know of, but they do offer a Ebony stain...

I like black speaker, wood speakers, etc etc

But I think I am going to get some Deep Ocean color caps...looks good

[landry_p2000]

Any body know where I can buy a set of LSi15s for a good price? I was debating on getting a set of them or the LSi9s and a sub for my living/listening room. The Rtis will do fine for the HT. I want this 3rd rig to be one hell of a blast for music only with a 2-channel amp and a cd changer. Lsi7s will do also. The only place I can find these is Crutchfield, but they want the highest retail price for the LSi series. It is a toss up between the LSi speakers and a widescreen TV.:confused:

[okiepolkie]

Try ebay or audiogon.
There is also a place in Jackson, TN that can get Polk at descent prices. I'll have to find the store later.

[landry_p2000]

Thanks.

[awolski]

:mad:
I currently own RTi12 and... they're WONDERFUL. For Home Theatre - I'd say even more than perfect (especially in not a big room). Even music sounds great.
:D
So stop posting such unfair opinions.
Peace

[Toxis]

Didn't know people couldn't have differing opinions... Hmmmmmm

[VR3]

Heck, not sure what that newbie is talking about - his post totally agreed with all my posts above...funny funny stuff

[Dennis Gardner]

I have or have had 25s, 55s, and 70s in my HT but my next step will be to either Lsi or to Onix Rockets. I really like the Vifa tweeter sound.

[GaryZ06]

I have the RTi line for my HT setup and I am very happy with them.

http://www.fototime.com/{A3377549-AD0A-4F03-999A-9DE3A7BDCDD0}/picture.JPG

[dorokusai]

Looks good Gary....and why do you have the back of my house on your TV?!

[audiobliss]

nice set-up, Gary. Just curious, does the 'Z06; in your s/n mean you have a Corvette Z06 in your garage?



Looks good Gary....and why do you have the back of my house on your TV?!


ROFL.....you shouldn't have added that 'j/k'.....lol

[Mike Reeter]

A Z06 in the garage,a Plasma on the wall,with 12's and a 5 to boot...That's what I call "Livin the good life"

I also have the 12's and a 5,great combo...

[audiobliss]

whoa....you're sayin' that you have a Z06?!?!

[Mike Reeter]

No,not me,I was just bs'in about Garys handle,we just have some speakers in common!!! I've got a Harley in the garage...

[audiobliss]

hahahaha....well, no 'fense.....but no Harley comes close to a Z06.....:p

[GaryZ06]

Yes guys I have a Z06 and here it is out of the garage

http://www.fototime.com/{3CB0AB83-348E-40C9-8CE0-C7B0E93B6034}/picture.JPG

No garage queen here...

http://www.fototime.com/{07F87870-F551-4E24-ACBF-6B49246CB99C}/picture.JPG

[dorokusai]

Originally posted by audiobliss
hahahaha....well, no 'fense.....but no Harley comes close to a Z06.....:p

Typically if you're riding a Harley, you don't give a damn about a Z06....although it's very nice.

[Mike Reeter]

This is the Harley I was talkin about...Nice Vette Gary

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by Mike Reeter
This is the Harley I was talkin about...Nice Vette Gary

Thanks dude....Supercharged Harley if I am not mistaken.

[audiobliss]

Well.....ok.....still like the Z06.....lol

Tell me you beat the Trans-Am, right? Is it stock? How fast will it do the 1/4 mile? What kind of rubber are you running? How long have you had it?

Looks real sweet.

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by GaryZ06
Thanks dude....Supercharged Harley if I am not mistaken.

I'd bet the Dodge SRT-10 would give it a run for its money....



but, man; nice truck....looks real nice....

[Mike Reeter]

Yes,Blower...If your real nice about it,I'll give ya a hole shot!!!

[audiobliss]

whoa...I bet that's awesome to drive....how much boost are you stuffin'? How much HP & torque?

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by audiobliss
Well.....ok.....still like the Z06.....lol

Tell me you beat the Trans-Am, right? Is it stock? How fast will it do the 1/4 mile? What kind of rubber are you running? How long have you had it?

Looks real sweet.
Yes I beat the WS6 T/A
No it is NOT stock.....Last time I ran it I ran 11.7 @ 120 mph.I since added a cam and it is faster but I have haven't run it yet with the new mod.At the track I run BFG drag radials(315-35-17)....I have had it since new....late 2001....I willl be getting the new C6 Z06(500 hp) when it comes out.....thanks

[Mike Reeter]

WHOA,Dodge SRT-10,what a truck...I would imagine it would give Gary a run for his money...

Fords answer is supposed to be a new SVT Lightning...dual superchargers,500 H.P. 6 speed...standard...

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by Mike Reeter
WHOA,Dodge SRT-10,what a truck...I would imagine it would give Gary a run for his money...
Believe me it wouldn't stand a chance :D

[Mike Reeter]

NO doubt!!!

[audiobliss]

sweet 'vette, Gary; I hadn't heard any info on a new C6 Z06; in fact, all that I've read in magazines have said that there won't be one; that there is only the basic model and then the Z51 (which, I believe, is just a suspension upgrade); a guy at my church just got a C6; very nice......


SVT Lightning......well, ok, those are pretty cool......I just like Dodges and Chevy's more 'an fords.....in fact, most anything.....lol

Except, I DO like their F-250, GT, and seems there's something else.....lol

[GaryZ06]

Well here are some teaser pics of the 2006 C6 Z06 with a 427 cubic inch 500 hp motor that the magazines say won't be produced...It will be shown for the 1st time Jan 10th at the Detroit autoshow.
http://www.fototime.com/{0829C1EC-FE25-4874-BFDA-C6AFB5866AB5}/picture.JPG

http://www.fototime.com/{41B85E6A-BB4B-4463-BF6D-24438F55B1F7}/picture.JPG

[PolkThug]

Looks more like a Ferarri.

[audiobliss]

looks ugly with that little hood scoop up front......but, hey, if it's got 500 horses....I can live with it!! :D :D :D

[jcaut]

Seems like a lot of disussions about speakers are evolving into car-talk lately;)

Nice to see another 'Vette guy on the Polk board! With the exception of the two years following the birth of my son, I've had a Corvette in the garage since I got my driver's license.

The C6 isn't growing on me yet though, looks-wise.... Mechanically it's great..

Oh well. Can't afford one anyway! :p


Jason

P.S. I'm quite fond of my RT800i's and RT55i's too, BTW.

[HBombToo]

I'm proud of my Yugo. I take my shower on the way to work which gives me an additional 10 minutes of snoozing;)

[Demiurge]

ahahaha, this thread is great.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by dorokusai
Looks good Gary....and why do you have the back of my house on your TV?!

Hey Doro, I think that's the back of Gary's house.:eek: Nice system, and nice car.

Hey Gary, Why did you remove the rubber spike feet from the RTi12s?

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
Hey Doro, I think that's the back of Gary's house.:eek: Nice system, and nice car.

Hey Gary, Why did you remove the rubber spike feet from the RTi12s?
Thanks....Back of my house....I ain't telling:D I removed them cause the speakers are standing on tile....The spikes I guess are better suited for carpet......

[landry_p2000]

I got the RTi10s and I wish the speakers would stand without the outrigger arms as well. I can see where the spikes would go in the grouted area. Makes sense. I hopefully will have my CSi5 by next month.
What is the fastest you have driven your Vette? If you said it I may have missed it.:D

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
What is the fastest you have driven your Vette? If you said it I may have missed it.:D
I have hit about 145.......:D

[landry_p2000]

Holy :eek: *@#!:eek: :eek: :eek: !

Since you put that cam in, your horsepower is going to anny up quite a bit. Hold that beauty in the road "G"!

[GaryZ06]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
Holy :eek: *@#!:eek: :eek: :eek: !

Since you put that cam in, your horsepower is going to anny up quite a bit. Hold that beauty in the road "G"!
I got 30 rwhp more......it is not that radical....but it has a nice lope to it.

[Kpt_Krunch]

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
I would DEFINETELY listen around man...

AXIOM, ATHENA, ASCEND, DEFINITIVE TECH, EPOS, MIRAGE, PDIGM, etc etc etc

Ascend seems to make insanely nice built speakers for the money. The crossovers alone are about the size of the speakers...amazing looking/built speakers. Would love to hear a pair...

www.ascendacoustics.com

Sid - I just bought 'em, 340CMT's across the front, replacing my RT800i's and CS400i, and the CBM 170's for the surrounds. Not even close I'm afraid. Not that the RT800i's are bad. I did a direct a/b comparison when I got the 340's to my RT800i's. For tone, very close, for soundstage, depth, clarity, neutrality, Ascend wins easily. My RT800i's and CS400i are now retired from the main area, and going to the family room.

[dorokusai]

Cars are great, keep it audio oriented.

[bvette94]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
What is the fastest you have driven your Vette? If you said it I may have missed it.

I had mine up to 156 mph a 1994. I was in my buddies 2003 in florida and we went 161 mph.

[jcaut]

Cars are great, keep it audio oriented

Doro is right.



Since I put the true duals on my Vette, I can't hear my Bose when I'm going 150.:D

[beardog03]

My 98` Chevy c1500 p/u sounds like true high performance
@ 65mph with my (2) 10" Polk subs (dbx) and my component system w / alpine head, and kenwood amps...

It doesn`t look as good, go as fast, or cost as much...
But hey...it shure sounds good !!!

Too bad it doesn`t attract the women like the vet !!

That`s okay ...they probably wouldn`t appreciate good sound if they heard it....