Stick with older RTi line, or go with newer stuff? (RTi70 vs RTi8)

[sbpolk]

K guys, I need a little more guidance.

Here is my thread in the last week or so talking about getting polks again.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46795

I got some RTi70's that were damaged in shipping, and am now shipping those back to the seller. That leaves me in a bit of a pickle, and that is this:

Find another set of used RTi70's, or get RTi8's?

I can get a great deal on brand new RTi8's, CSi5, RTi4's, and FXi3's. I can get them all for about $900 delivered to my door. In black or cherry!

I am having a hard time finding a decent set of RTi70's for a decent price. I love the 70's and CSi40. I have FXi30's, and will have a set of RTi28's for rears. If I pay the going rate for RTi70's (if I can find some, and get them delivered to me!) I will be in this setup for almost EXACTLY what I could buy the brand new RTi system for.

I listed to the RTi8, RTi10, and RTi12 yesterday at lenght, and I really loved them all. With an AVR to power them, I think the RTi8 would be my logical choice. I thought they sounded great.

I love the look and sound of the older RTi line. I like the look of it (especially in black) over the new RTi stuff. However, I would be in a 3-5 year old system for the same price as the equivalent newer stuff, brand new.

I will be picking up a pair of RTi8's tomorrow, and will AB them alongside the RTi70's that are going back. That should really settle the issue for me, but I want to know the collective opinion of the polk forum.

Shoot away!!

PS, I am NOT an audiophile (obviously) and when I hear something I like, I can't explain why it sounds that way, or why something sounds better than the other. That is why I might need your help explaining it to me! ;)

[Early B.]

PS, I am NOT an audiophile (obviously) and when I hear something I like, I can't explain why it sounds that way, or why something sounds better than the other. That is why I might need your help explaining it to me! ;)

Nah.

You don't need us for that. Trust your own ears.

Get what you want and don't look back. If you like the Rti8's, then go for it.

[TheReaper]

Well, here is my opinion, keep in mind I only had the RTi8 for 2 weeks, and the RTi70 for 2 years.

The RTi70 has it's faults; more diffuse sounding the lower they go, a bit bass shy, a little too much tweeter, too reinforced in the upper xover region. But they have a tonality that I really like.

The RTi8 from what I can remember; was cleaner sounding, also a tick too much tweeter, had more bass but it was poofier.

[sbpolk]

Just spent some time listening to the 70's again, after having listened to the 8's yesterday. I couldn't tell you what the differences were, but I can tell you after listening to the 70's again, they just sound great to me. I guess I will still bring in a set of 8's to AB compare, but I think I want to get another set of 70's. Getting the 8's would require to sell off the rest of the system, and I just don't think I want to do that right now. Maybe if I hear a huge difference tommorrow....

[surfntomm]

hey i have rti70's and i personally do not think there is too much highs as was posted previously. what i have is the new rti line (csi5 rti6's) with my rti70's the newer center and bookshelves are better than then previous line but i prefer the 70's so i kept them. they go fine together for movies. nothing wrong with getting a pair of 70's instead of 8's just because they are older. one generation is not bad. what is the going rate for 70's because i got mine for 160 each at frys 4 years ago .

[sbpolk]

what is the going rate for 70's because i got mine for 160 each at frys 4 years ago .

That plus shipping. Used. Four years later. The problem is that they went on that firesale at the time, there and at Circuit city, but used they still seem to bring premium prices. There is a set on ebay for $500 plus shipping! Won't sell for that, I am sure, but still!

[VR3]

Neither... LSi7 and a ham sandwhich :)

[sbpolk]

Sid, sell me a set of LSi9's, 7's, and an LSiC and I will be happy!

I don't think I would be able to swing the scratch for seperate amplification for some time, and the 4ohm load I have been reading about... I just don't think my Pioneer Elite VSX-53tx will do the job. Tell me different (and sell me some speakers for cheap!)

[VR3]

IMO...

Ive owned the RT5, RT55, RT35i, RT25i, CS245i, RTi70 ---

And I would have to say the most BALANCED between detail, slam, you name it - would have to be the RT35i...

In order of greatness...

RT35i > RT5 > RT55 > RT25i > RTi70 (CS245i dosnt count)

[reeltrouble1]

55i trumps 35i.

your deal.

RT1
oooooooooooooo just noticed this was my 3333 post, do I win something for this, how about a one way trip down the mississippi in a row boat with one oar????

Still lovin Club Polk. On to 3334.

[dkg999]

You're on the right track! Bring in the RTi8's and give them a listen and compare them to the Rti70's. Only your ears can tell you what is right. I have the Rti6's in a 2nd HT system, and I find the tweeter to be a little tinney and bright, sometimes over-powering. My ears hear the RTi40/CSi40 tweeter and balance to be much more neutral and realistic. I do use the Fxi5/Fxi3's as surrounds with my Rti70's and CSi40's. To me the brighter tweeter works well in surrond duty. I also do not like the newer RTi's for music, although when my 16 yr. old daughter plays some of the newer rap/hip-hop music on them, they seem to be voiced really well for that.

We had a local Club Polk gathering a while back and tried an assortment of gear with another members RTi70's. With the right gear, I was amazed at how good they sounded for music.

Take your time, listen, and make your choice. This hobby is about having fun!

[Maurice]

I can get a great deal on brand new RTi8's, CSi5, RTi4's, and FXi3's. I can get them all for about $900 delivered to my door.

Hell, take that deal and run, dont walk. And if you do, dibs on the fxi30's.;)

[sbpolk]

Hell, take that deal and run, dont walk. And if you do, dibs on the fxi30's.;)

VULTURES!