Speaker Advice, Please..

[woof633]

Hi – apologies in advance for the long post…

Because there are no dealers carrying either the RTi or LSi series in the area, I'd appreciate the thoughts of those who have heard both.

My purpose is to replace the existing main speakers in my 3-channel (main speakers plus subwoofer) system, 95% for music and 5% for H/T (three channels only). The rig consists of:

Preamp: Adcom GTP-500
Active Crossover: DBX 234 (independently adjustable high & lo levels)
Main amp: Adcom GFA-555, 200 w/ch
Subwoofer amp: Carver M-500t, bridged for 500 w mono
Subwoofer: JBL 18"

There is plenty of low bass available. What I'm looking achieve by replacing my two-way satellites is improved midrange (e.g. vocals), and optimized bass, hi-freq., and imaging performance per dollar at realistic but sane listening levels for jazz, rock, R&B, classical, ...

Specific questions:
1. Within the RTI series: is there a significant difference in midrange performance and/or imaging performance between the a7's and a9's?

2. Between the RTI and LSI series: I've read in posts that the a9's (and presumably the a7's) are very bright. Could this be brought in line with the sound of the LSI by decreasing the hi output using the crossover, or with the suggested speaker mod? Or, is the LSI a totally different animal?

3. Between floorstanding and satellite speakers, each for use with the subwoofer: assuming an adjustable crossover frequency for the sub, what significant differences, if any, might be noticed between the floorstanding speaker and the satellite of comparable mid/hi design, either in the LSI or RTI series?

Thanks!

[skipf]

I have no personal experience with the RTI series, but can sure vouch for LSI9's. Excellent sound, slightly lacking in very low bass output which your sub should fill in nicely.