Help between RTi A9s and Rti A7s

[Dunham_3654]

I have it narrowed down to these to speakers are my fronts, only problem is, is it worth the extra money to get the A9s? I will be adding a sub eventully.. Any info on weather it worth the extra money and what I will benefit if i do would be great

[sandworms]

i was just going to ask the same question!! I've been reading about the possible improvement from my rti10's, which i do not like for 2ch music. i have a descent sub (epik valor) i just don't want to make the same mistake twice ie... losing midrange in the rti10's which have only 1 mid driver, causing them to sound harsh in the top end, or brighter than my ears prefer. granted i love the 10's for home theater but would like a speaker that can handle both music AND ht. so any input would be huge right now, rtia5 or rtia7, would i be happier with either over the rti10's or should i go directly to lsi's and hope the waf doesn't lorena bobbit my butt

[thsmith]

i was just going to ask the same question!! I've been reading about the possible improvement from my rti10's, which i do not like for 2ch music. i have a descent sub (epik valor) i just don't want to make the same mistake twice ie... losing midrange in the rti10's which have only 1 mid driver, causing them to sound harsh in the top end, or brighter than my ears prefer. granted i love the 10's for home theater but would like a speaker that can handle both music AND ht. so any input would be huge right now, rtia5 or rtia7, would i be happier with either over the rti10's or should i go directly to lsi's and hope the waf doesn't lorena bobbit my butt

A friend of mine has RTi10s and I thought the highs were too harsh until he added some power (external amp) and it made the RTi10s sound much better.

I think the problem was his AVR distorting. They seem to like power.

[Dunham_3654]

Can anyone explain the diffecnce in the a7 and a9s what what they would be best used for? Also woundering if a Onkyo txsr806 will power them good. And finally how the inwall RC85i's would sould for the rears and center as I like the clean look of inwalls? Or even just one RC85i for the center? Thanks

[leroyjr1]

The Rti a9's Is a better speaker than the rti a7's. You're going to get more bass cleaner and better midrange. Your going to need some external juice to get these puppies to sing properly. For 2 channel listening a sub will not be required.

[Dunham_3654]

I relize that the A9 is a higher end speaker, but is it worth the extra $ your talking almost 50% more, and what would you recommed I power them with? And lastly what about the RC85is For rears and Center? Thanks alot I appreciate any help

[leroyjr1]

IMO well worth the money. Also the rti a5's with a sub will also be a choice over the rti a7's.

If you want to go used look at Rotel or Adcom for good amps.

[Dunham_3654]

The RTI A5s with a sub will sound better then the RTI A7s with a sub....? And will the RC85i's sounds good for the rears and center?
'

[MADGSF]

I will throw in my opinion on this. I have the RTi-10 and demoed the RTiA5 for over a month. I find even with power the 10 to be harsh/bright for 2 channel. In this regard I thought the A5 was noticably better. I did have difficulty getting the A5 to blend with my sub properly. I am sure it's just me but I think the 10 were easier to setup.

I feel that to get the most out of either the A7 or A9 requires an external amp. With the amp in my sig and the 10 no sub is needed for 2 channel IMO. I would love to demo the A9 in my rig. You can run either off that AVR but if you do not want a separate amp then stay with the A7 or A5. I like B&K but there are many great amps to choose from, don't be afraid to go used.

In walls are great for surrounds but I would not use one for the center with floor standing speakers. Ideally you want the front three speakers to be in the same plane. With an in wall center it will be behind the front L/R.

Don't forget to check the Polk ebay store for good deals on refurb speakers and let us know what you decide.

[nm4710]

The A9 is a better speaker - a little better midrange and a bit more bass as well. Whether it's worth the increased cost is up to you...if i had an enormous room I would consider a pair but prob still end up with the A7s (better value for dollar IMHO).

The A5s and a sub are a good choice on a limited budget. If you do a lot of 2 channel listening or are picky about bass localization they may leave you wishing you had something better. Unlike the A7s or A9s the A5s will sound very good off of a receiver. This is part of what makes them a good value.

[sandworms]

thanx for the input polkies, i may go with the a7's and hope they cover the midrange better than my rti10s. i have an onkyo 805 powering the set now and can't see an amp softening the top end

[Polkzilla]

I will throw in my opinion on this. I have the RTi-10 and demoed the RTiA5 for over a month. I find even with power the 10 to be harsh/bright for 2 channel. In this regard I thought the A5 was noticably better. I did have difficulty getting the A5 to blend with my sub properly. I am sure it's just me but I think the 10 were easier to setup.

I feel that to get the most out of either the A7 or A9 requires an external amp. With the amp in my sig and the 10 no sub is needed for 2 channel IMO. I would love to demo the A9 in my rig. You can run either off that AVR but if you do not want a separate amp then stay with the A7 or A5. I like B&K but there are many great amps to choose from, don't be afraid to go used.

In walls are great for surrounds but I would not use one for the center with floor standing speakers. Ideally you want the front three speakers to be in the same plane. With an in wall center it will be behind the front L/R.

Don't forget to check the Polk ebay store for good deals on refurb speakers and let us know what you decide.

I have the A9s paired with an Outlaw RR 2150 stereo receiver and it's plenty to power these speakers. I cant even turn the volume up past about one quarter of the way. Maybe the average HT receiver is not enough juice but this dedicated 100 WPC stereo receiver works great for me with the A9s.

[sdschwendener]

Again, check Polk at the beginning and 15th of the month. I've been told this is when they update their stock on the site. Or you could call them. I also am running RTi10s with 200 watt monoblocks. The change in sound was surprisingly less than I thought it would be at first, albeit still good, it took about two hours and I know now I can never go back to without amps.

More power, bigger speakers.

(quick question, can rti12s or a9s handle 600 watts? According to marantz 2 of my monoblocks bridged will output 600 watts instead of their standard 200..)

[obieone]

Again, check Polk at the beginning and 15th of the month. I've been told this is when they update their stock on the site. Or you could call them. I also am running RTi10s with 200 watt monoblocks. The change in sound was surprisingly less than I thought it would be at first, albeit still good, it took about two hours and I know now I can never go back to without amps.

More power, bigger speakers.

(quick question, can rti12s or a9s handle 600 watts? According to marantz 2 of my monoblocks bridged will output 600 watts instead of their standard 200..)

According to the specs, both the 12's & A9's are rated @ 500 watts, so I think you're safe. How many mono's you got?:eek::confused:

The 10's & A7's are rated at 300 watts.

[sdschwendener]

According to the specs, both the 12's & A9's are rated @ 500 watts, so I think you're safe. How many mono's you got?:eek::confused:

The 10's & A7's are rated at 300 watts.

Just 2 but they are awesome. If I could find 2 more and bridge them to 600 watts I THINK I would much rather do that than buy like say 2 1k emo monoblock at 500 watts.