RTI A3s for music only

[tmas74]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking for a good pair of bookshelf speakers for my office... and wanted to get thoughts on the RTI A3's. They would not be part of a surround sound set up... and would be used for music only. My budget is low... I don't want to spend more than $400. They would be paired w/ a Technics 100w receiver... with a wide range of music. Would these be a good option? Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

[engtaz]

The LSI 7's on the FS are great office speakers

[Erik Tracy]

What type of music do you listen to and what source are you using for your music (CD, music server)?

In a small room at mid-volumes with clean music - the RTiA3 were wonderfully satisfying in my rig - great value off of Polk's Ebay site. Pushed loud with crunchy metal - they don't fare as well - for that you need really good amplification to keep it clean.

[tmas74]

Music source will vary. For the most part, probably from my itunes collection on my computer... but I also have a big vinyl collection and a lot of cds.

Its an office... so the room is not very big. Mid volume most of the time.

Music type will vary. Mostly hip hop and rock. Some electronic.

[cnh]

Welcome to Club Polk!

What kind of Technics is that receiver? A newer Black faced model or a Vintage Silver face? Also, of the Vintage Technics the SA 54XX-57XX models will fair better with the brighter RTI-A3s!
They're warmer sounding and have decent power for a receiver.

cnh

[Keiko]

I'm using a pair of RTi6s, the predecessor to the A3s and like 'em a lot. For a small office rig the 4s would work nice as well. You can score a pair of these from jr.com for 150.00. I use them for surround duty and they're a gem of a bookshelf.

http://www.jr.com/product/productLis...FQhrgwodET7XMw

If you went with the RTi4, you might consider investing the difference in a small subwoofer to fill in the low end, considering your taste in music.

Heard many positive things about the new RTi A series, either way, you should be satisfied. Good luck and welcome to CP.

[tmas74]

SA-DX930... I've had it for about 12 years.

[cnh]

SA-DX930. 400 dollars in '99, 100 watts x 2...a fairly light weight at 21 lbs. for a 100 watt receiver. Black faced, probably a little bright sounding with Rti-A3s...but your ears are the most important there.

Let me give you a comparison of these newer Technics with an older model that I own, the SA 5570: 85 watts x 2 (1977) $500, 39 lbs. Warmer sound, 4 ohm capable.

The 5570 would do 'better' with a set of Rti-A3s IMO. But you certainly can't go wrong with a set of RTI-A3s. I run them in my basement HT off a cheapo Pioneer Black Face AVR (100 watts x 5 but really more like 50 watts by 5). They sound OK for music but really shine in HT with a matching center and sub.

If I wanted to use them for music I'd hook them up to a better unit.

Buy a pair and get back to us with your opinions, we'll probably help you spend some more money. lol

cnh

[Keiko]

cnh, the 7s engtaz suggested would be a better option for a 2ch music rig, but he'd definitely need something better to power those, meza tinx.

[cnh]

I can't disagree with that, Mike. I love the LSI-7s with my NAD, that is my office set up! Well, I also have a set of Monitor 5As in there...back up! Or just a change now and then!

Have the 5s running at the moment...have my 'vintage' vibes on! Thanks to Matt Polk!!

cnh

[tmas74]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate it. I'll let you know what I decide on.

[cnh]

Hey,

Don't let us spend all your money just now. Stay within your means till you hear some of this. The RTI-A3s are a nice set of speakers and will probably sound 'better' on your existing receiver than whatever you're running on them 'now'. And 'upgrades' to amplification can always be made 'later'!

Good Luck!

cnh

[Keiko]

I can't disagree with that, Mike. I love the LSI-7s with my NAD, that is my office set up! Well, I also have a set of Monitor 5As in there...back up! Or just a change now and then!

Have the 5s running at the moment...have my 'vintage' vibes on! Thanks to Matt Polk!!

cnh

I tell ya, bro, I completely dig on my little bedroom rig with that vintage Yammie CR-840 and the TL2 Blackstones. That little system has sung me to sleep many times.

[cnh]

Not to hijack this thread but I was really digging my Yammie CR-800/ADS L520 speaker set up last night. Man that is some sweet 'old' stuff! I'm sure the CR-840 retains the general natural sound signature of the earlier unit!

To the OP, I'm actually running the Polk Monitor 5s on an old Technics ST-S78/SU-V78 Tuner & Integrated amp I got from a Thrift store for about $15+.

cnh

[jkg123]

Get the RTiA3s or the RTiA1s, both are great speakers.

[tmas74]

Ended up going w/ pair of RTi4's ($150 from Amazon). Very happy w/ them so far. Perfect for what I need. May end up going going w/ a small sub in the future... but for now, these will be perfect.

[Erik Tracy]

Congrats - nice price on a nice speaker - I started with RTi4s myself and was very satisfied w/ the sound. Still have a pair as my surrounds in the HT rig.