RTi8 vs. TSi500

[maggior]

Hi -

Wow, what a great forum! Great to see a bunch of fellow Polk fans :-).

I have discovered the Polk Ebay store and I'm now considering doing some upgrading to my speaker systems.

I currently own a pair of RT800s I purchased new back in the 90's that I just love to death. I have them paired with a sub for my stereo music listening setup. These speakers have become my reference.

On another system (home theater), I have a pair of R30s and R10s. I'm thinking of ditching the R10s, moving the R30s to the rear channels, and getting either a pair of RTi8's or TSi500s for the front.

From my reading, I see that the RTi line is higher than the TSi line. But I'm wondering how higher end TSi's compare with lower end RTi's.


In short, would you recommend the RTi8 or TSi500 speakers? I have a sub in the setup (a Velodyne), so bass isn't an issue.

Thanks!!
Rich

[nhhiep]

the TSi series replaces the Monitor series. The Rti8 will sound brighter. I heard they tone it down a bit in the new Rti A series. Rti series feel more solid because it's made out of real wood. You can feel it when you tap on it.

If you like "bright" sound you may like the Rti8 more. I personally hate it and I am waiting for Fry's to have the Rti A9 for $350 like last BlackFriday.

[wutadumsn23]

I have a set of TSi 500's that I used for awhile as my fronts before sending them to surround duty. It wasn't because I didn't like them, because they did a very good job, I just didn't like the way they didn't match up with my CS2 center. The 500's are a great HT speaker and actually do music bery well with the aid of an external amp. Also, on a side note, the Monitor 70's are very similar to the TSi 500's and can be had for much less than the 500's. I have both and actually prefer the 70's over the 500's. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

[maggior]

Thanks for the insight guys. I didn't realize that the Monitor series were closely related to the TSi series. My reference are my RT800i speakers, so I don't know if I'd be dissapointed by the sound quality of the Monitor 50's or 70's. My brother has a pair of Monitor 50's that he loves. I've heard them myself and they sound great, but I'd have to side-by-side compare them with mine. I'm not really prepared to do that.

I find myself leaning toward the RTi8's because they seem similar to what I have already. But then what is the point of upgrading? :-).

With the prices many of these speakers can be had at the moment, I wish I had a real need for new speakers.

[cnoat]

the 8's are very easy to push. I use them in my ht set up paired with a polk 505 sub.The soundstage is very good.

[cnh]

You can get a set of Rti-8s right now from Polk's ebay direct site for about 359 a pair....definitely worth it if you're a Home Theater man. Probably sound a bit more like your 800is but not exactly...they have a bit more detail in the highs!

cnh

[maggior]

I'm actually more of a 2 channel music listening guy. HT is actually a secondary use for speakers for me. My RT-800i's paired with my PSW-350 sub have a very "musical" sound to me. The sub was essential as I found out after I bought the 800's.

Of the speakers discussed in this thread (Monitor 60's, Monitor 70's, RTi-8, and TSi500), which are the most musical sounding in your opinions?

This is a great discussion - I appreciate the input!!

[bopicasso]

I would go with the rti-8 because they are the best quality and deal for 359 refurbished. You will need the sub though.

[polkfarmboy]

RTI8 is best deal

I love the 8's for HT

[nhhiep]

if you're into music more than movies, sorry but the Rti8 isn't for you. it's way too bright for music. the Monitor/Tsi series is better for music. In fact, do you know what "RTi" stand for? The T stands for Theater

I'm pushing my Rti8 and Csi5 with a top of the line HK AVR 7000 with a huge power supply. Everything sound great with movies, but too bright when I play music. My friend has Monitor 70 using a midrange Onkyo AVR and his system sounds much better with music. I haven't tested his with movies yet.

the reason that I am still holding on the Rti8 is because I got them dirt cheap for $100/each at Fry's vs. 170 for the Monitor 70 at newegg. I am waiting for Fry's to have $350 deal for the Rti A9 just like as Blackfriday. I heard that the new A series is less harsh

[curved]

if you're into music more than movies, sorry but the Rti8 isn't for you. it's way too bright for music. the Monitor/Tsi series is better for music. In fact, do you know what "RTi" stand for? The T stands for Theater

The more I change my setup, the more I disagree with this statement. It's all about finding the right synergy. However, if you are a "hardcore" music listener, I don't recommend either one mentioned for the price. Get some SDA's.