Bookshelf choices for reference monitors

[LeoM]

I am seriously considering using Polk bookshelf speakers as near field reference monitors for recording and mixdown. I'm on a very tight budget (emphasis on very), and I don't have unrealistic expectations about spectacularly flat response, but ... the more accurate the better.

Accuracy at low levels is important. Bass extension is not that important (unless it sucks). I'll be using a sub to check the extreme bottom end in any case.

Based on a few rave reviews by others using them as reference monitors, I have been looking at the Monitor 30 Series II, the T15, and the RTi4. Others under consideration are the TSi100, and used mint-condition RT7 and RT15i. As of today I can have any of those for under $200, and several for under $100.

Not looking for advice to buy active or passive "pro" studio monitors. I'm aware of the disdain regarding the suitability of "consumer" speakers for reference purposes, and am still thinking about that actually -- because there is one school of thought that says familiarity with one's monitors is more important than how absolutely linear they are. What I do need, to make an informed decision, is reliable data regarding the sonic accuracy of the Polk models I have listed. (And any others in this price range which I may have overlooked.)

Driving blind here. Any useful information much appreciated!

[Glowrdr]

I don't have any experience with most of your choices. I can tell you though, that between the Monitor II's and the TSi's - I'd go wit hthe monitors. Basically they are the same speaker, just updated. I believe they have the exact same drivers and specs though - should be easy enough to compare to be sure.

So budget wise, I'd get the Monitors. Although the others may be some contenders, but I won't be commenting on that.

[DSkip]

Not sure if it'd work for you, but if the lower range really isn't a big deal for you, why not look at the TL3's?

[Tbone289]

Of the ones you've listed, I would opt for the RTi4. They are accurate, reach down to 60Hz (-3dB) and are a steal at ~$150 a pair new. I own RT7s and their little brother the RT3 and, considering Polks from that era, I would rather opt for the RT5 or RT3 for nearfield. I find that the soft domes were a bit more "natural" sounding than the early tri-laminates. However, a used pair of RT3s or RT5s in great shape will likely cost nearly as much as new RTi4s.

[rebuy]

RTI's will be better than any small monitor, better drivers and tech. Get them new at J&R music world for 150.

[Tbone289]

...or Crutchfield, or Amazon. Free shipping, and Crutchfield has finish selection (cherry or black).

[DSkip]

RTi6 is on sale at Fry's (at least locally) for like $180 I think.

[skrol]

For near field listening and mixing you want a speaker with a flat response, otherwise your mix may be off. You also should have speakers with good refraction characteristics. I think Polk does a pretty good job with this in the way that they have smooth transitions from the drivers to the cabinets. You probably want grills off for near field.

As far as the frequency response, I have heard some suggest that the RTi and RTi_A series are better for home theater due to their brightness and some consider them a little too bright for music and prefer the Monitor / TSi series. I can't judge since I don't have an RTi's. I do think that the Monitors or TSi series would do well for near field.

[tonyb]

No offense Leo, but if the budget is under 200 for "reference" monitors, your going to have to up that number to "reference" levels. Neither of your choices would be considered a reference monitor but are decent enough for casual listening. Can't realy say if what you want them for is a good match though. Nearfield listening...yeah, mixing and recording....I dunno. Guess it all depends on how much value you put on the SQ of the recordings themselves. Best to get an ear on some of those you listed to get a better idea of what is acceptable to you.

[steveinaz]

Exactly; there are no free rides. "Reference" category monitors are spendy.

[mdaudioguy]

No offense Leo, but if the budget is under 200 for "reference" monitors, your going to have to up that number to "reference" levels. Neither of your choices would be considered a reference monitor but are decent enough for casual listening.

Exactly; there are no free rides. "Reference" category monitors are spendy.

Uh, doesn't RTi = Reference Theater, Improved?? Reference is a rather subjective term.

[tonyb]

Yeah, and we have beat that subject to death over the years too. Reference....while being a subjective term, still refers to something a notch above the pack. Would you consider any of the OP's choices a notch above the rest ? Even polk themselves over use the term, as with many other companies.

[rebuy]

Where in any Polk advertising does it say that RTI is for reference theater improved?

[rebuy]

For near field listening and mixing you want a speaker with a flat response, otherwise your mix may be off. You also should have speakers with good refraction characteristics. I think Polk does a pretty good job with this in the way that they have smooth transitions from the drivers to the cabinets. You probably want grills off for near field.

As far as the frequency response, I have heard some suggest that the RTi and RTi_A series are better for home theater due to their brightness and some consider them a little too bright for music and prefer the Monitor / TSi series. I can't judge since I don't have an RTi's. I do think that the Monitors or TSi series would do well for near field.

Why would Polk make an RTI speaker if the monitor and TSI series play just as well? Maybe the power port and the ARC ports just a bunch of hype to make the speaker better. Silly wasting all that money for RTI's when everyone could own monitors.

[LeoM]

I do realize that true reference monitors are out of reach, so for the time being I have to go with the most accurate speakers I can afford. Even with pricey reference monitors I would still be checking my mixes on other systems; it's a matter of becoming familiar with the tools at hand and learning to compensate.

Of course the more accurate, the less compensation needed. Right now I'm using, believe it or not, a set of Radio Shack Minimus-10 (manufactured circa 1977), surprisingly accurate speakers, and I'm getting pretty good mix portability just because I am so used to their color.

After hearing them demoed today I think that the RTi4 is going to be the interim solution. After I become famous and the cash starts rolling in I'll use the RTi as the B team.

Your advice and points are well taken. Thank you all very much for the input.

[dorokusai]

Where in any Polk advertising does it say that RTI is for reference theater improved?

It doesn't but that's in fact what the letters stand for.

It's a choice of words guys and the RTi series was created many years ago, with the HT boom and they easily handle reference level as laid out by Dolby Laboratories. Is this really that big of a deal to argue about?

Keep in mind that the RTiA is the series that's being sold now, not the RTi, so the comparison between the TSi doesn't even make sense. There's big sonic difference between them both. Was the difference as evident before? Probably not and the overlapping of lines was a bit confusing and odd but it's not an industry first. I'm not sure where the "hype" comment is coming from but all the designs are meant to hit certain price levels and brackets. You get better as you move up in the line and its more than Power Ports, especially in the RTiA vs TSi.

[thesurfer]

It doesn't but that's in fact what the letters stand for.

It's a choice of words guys and the RTi series was created many years ago, with the HT boom and they easily handle reference level as laid out by Dolby Laboratories. Is this really that big of a deal to argue about?

Keep in mind that the RTiA is the series that's being sold now, not the RTi, so the comparison between the TSi doesn't even make sense. There's big sonic difference between them both. Was the difference as evident before? Probably not and the overlapping of lines was a bit confusing and odd but it's not an industry first. I'm not sure where the "hype" comment is coming from but all the designs are meant to hit certain price levels and brackets. You get better as you move up in the line and its more than Power Ports, especially in the RTiA vs TSi.

In other words, better drivers, crossovers, and yes, the porting on the RTiA, gives it a much better midrange in my OP.

[Toolfan66]

For a HT system the RTiA line is very hard to beat at its price point especially on Polks eBay site, and the RTiA line smokes the TSi line IMO.


Let's not forget the RT line as the RT55i is one of my favorite Polk's and becoming harder and harder to come by..