VM series vs RTI series

[Erik Tracy]

There is hardly a mention of the VM series of speakers here.

Does any own a set?

Any opinions on how they compare to the RTI series?

The RTI series has been labeled as being designed/tailored for Home Theater (not sure why), yet the Polk Product page explicitly says the VMs are the HT specific series.

I see from the bookshelf selections that the VM10s are pricier than the RTIA3s.

Things that make you say hmmmm.....

[curved]

I've been thinking about the same thing for a little while. I personally have not commented because I've never heard them or seen them in person.

Everyone always talks about the RTi line being for HT, but isn't this supposed to be the VM's cup of tea...

[dorokusai]

Both products hit different segments of the market. Not everyone wants a boxy speaker for HT, for example.

Extruded aluminum isn't cheap.

RTi = Reference Theater improved

I prefer the RTi series but I like boxy speakers.

[curved]

Both products hit different segments of the market. Not everyone wants a boxy speaker for HT, for example.

Extruded aluminum isn't cheap.

RTi = Reference Theater improved

I prefer the RTi series but I like boxy speakers.

We know what they look like, but how do they sound....Both speakers target market is going to be different based off of the looks alone. How do they sound?

[Erik Tracy]

[sound of crickets].........

From a sales perspective, does the VM series sell?

[mantis]

in cases where they are the right fit, not for sound quality over the rti

[curved]

[sound of crickets].........

From a sales perspective, does the VM series sell?

IDK....where is Eric Wong????

[jwhitakr]

At some point (when I get off my lazy ass) I'll write a review of the VM20s. I own the RTi8's and will base a lot of my comparison on the 8's.

to be continued ...

[Erik Tracy]

At some point (when I get off my lazy ass) I'll write a review of the VM20s. I own the RTi8's and will base a lot of my comparison on the 8's.

to be continued ...

Nice! That would be a very interesting comparison.

[MADGSF]

I have the VM30, still, from the demo and RTi-10s. I have a somewhat crappy review up on the VM30 site but here goes the comparison. I put the VM30 in place of my RTi on the system in my sig.

I found the sound stage on the VM30 to be just as large as the RTi. The VM30 are better at imaging than the RTi. They do need a sub and don't give the same kind of bass the RTi do, expected. But because they have less bass they are easier, for me, to blend into my system than the RTi. They also have a kind of airy, eveloping sort of sound that reminds me of an electrostat speaker. Not saying they are like Maritn Logan like in that respect but they lean that way a little, maybe it's just me. They are easy to drive and while I did not take my amp out for the testing I do think my B&K is overkill for these speakers.

Which would I take, well remember I still have both as I can't seem to get in touch with Russman. And right now I have the RTi in my living room and the VM30 in my closet. I recently moved and maybe I will give the VM30 a try in my new room again. Overall I prefer the RTi-10 over the VM30.

For what it's worth I also demo'd the RtiA5s and it was closer but like the new RTiA more for music and about the same for HT. I like what Polk has done with the new RTi, they are more laid back than the last version. Makes me want to demo the RTi-A9s badly.

Mark