RTiA3 treble question and recommendations

Puddintane

Hello to all. This is my first post here, as I'm considering purchasing some Polk speakers and would definitely appreciate some advice/feedback based on all your experiences with Polk speakers.

I've been looking (and watching for some kind of pricing deal to really convince me) to get some RTiA3s. I think the cherry versions look very nice in the photos online (generally speaking, I don't think I like any of the black models all that much). I've come across some "professional" reviews, and they seem to be quite favorable. And recently I've read some comments here (I think in particular of the RTi4 vs A3 death match) that mention that these speakers are a bit "tinny" on the treble end (I'm not sure that's the exact word, maybe just "excessive," but I think you'll probably know what I mean). I realize that such an observation may just be a preferential thing, although I do think I've read it more than once. I would prefer to not have to adjust the treble to avoid that "problem," so I'm wondering if that assessment is an isolated one, or is it fairly widespread?

I'm also wondering how these might compare to something like the Infinity Primus 162 (definitely less expensive but also extensively favorably reviewed), and also to something like the Paradigm Atom, Mini, or Titan, or even the JBL ES20 or ES30.

I would be using them for music (CD, vinyl, and MP3 sources) and also for some kind of basic, home theater (HT) setup. But the music quality would be more important. The theater setup is just a throw-in: nice on occasion, but since we don't really watch movies that often, it isn't critical. And I'm also not able to crank them that much (or often), but when I do it would be nice to enjoy some quality crankage!

I'm in the process of upgrading from an older system that includes a Yamaha RX-730 receiver (70 wpc) and Yammie CD changer, a couple different turntables, and (1st gen) Bose AM5 (2.1). Since the HT isn't that important, I could probably just use the Bose satellites for the time being as rears for the HT. I'm leaning toward a Denon AVR-2310 or Yamaha RX-V765 or comparable Onkyo (TX-SR 608 or 707) or Pioneer VSX-1020. The Denon can be had right now at a very good price, and it also has phono inputs; so that's a big plus. I guess it's the leading candidate.

The other option I'm considering is some Polk Monitor 70s (or maybe 60s). They also can be bought for a very good price (~$325/pr). I'm wondering if anyone has any comparison info for these against the Infinity 362. They're close in price and also (I think) in features. The 362s also get positive reviews. I'm assuming that one advantage of the towers vis a vis the bookshelf speaker option is on the bass end. I don't want to have to use a sub to get some decent bass, but I don't really know how the bookshelves perform. I was able to listen to the Paradigms, and something comparable in performance would probably satisfy my listening prefs (and, I admit, the smaller size is probably a big plus too).

I confess that the lack of hifi stores these days where one can audition a lot of different brands/models is frustrating. And since I'm unable to test listen any of these Polk models (or the Infinitys or JBLs), I'll pretty much have to rely on the opinions of others and then just buy something and hope I don't have to return it. I apologize for the long first post. And thanks in advance for any and all advice. It will be much appreciated.

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

Hello to all. This is my first post here, as I'm considering purchasing some Polk speakers and would definitely appreciate some advice/feedback based on all your experiences with Polk speakers.

I've been looking (and watching for some kind of pricing deal to really convince me) to get some RTiA3s. I think the cherry versions look very nice in the photos online (generally speaking, I don't think I like any of the black models all that much). I've come across some "professional" reviews, and they seem to be quite favorable. And recently I've read some comments here (I think in particular of the RTi4 vs A3 death match) that mention that these speakers are a bit "tinny" on the treble end (I'm not sure that's the exact word, maybe just "excessive," but I think you'll probably know what I mean). I realize that such an observation may just be a preferential thing, although I do think I've read it more than once. I would prefer to not have to adjust the treble to avoid that "problem," so I'm wondering if that assessment is an isolated one, or is it fairly widespread?

I'm also wondering how these might compare to something like the Infinity Primus 162 (definitely less expensive but also extensively favorably reviewed), and also to something like the Paradigm Atom, Mini, or Titan, or even the JBL ES20 or ES30.

I would be using them for music (CD, vinyl, and MP3 sources) and also for some kind of basic, home theater (HT) setup. But the music quality would be more important. The theater setup is just a throw-in: nice on occasion, but since we don't really watch movies that often, it isn't critical. And I'm also not able to crank them that much (or often), but when I do it would be nice to enjoy some quality crankage!

I'm in the process of upgrading from an older system that includes a Yamaha RX-730 receiver (70 wpc) and Yammie CD changer, a couple different turntables, and (1st gen) Bose AM5 (2.1). Since the HT isn't that important, I could probably just use the Bose satellites for the time being as rears for the HT. I'm leaning toward a Denon AVR-2310 or Yamaha RX-V765 or comparable Onkyo (TX-SR 608 or 707) or Pioneer VSX-1020. The Denon can be had right now at a very good price, and it also has phono inputs; so that's a big plus. I guess it's the leading candidate.

The other option I'm considering is some Polk Monitor 70s (or maybe 60s). They also can be bought for a very good price (~$325/pr). I'm wondering if anyone has any comparison info for these against the Infinity 362. They're close in price and also (I think) in features. The 362s also get positive reviews. I'm assuming that one advantage of the towers vis a vis the bookshelf speaker option is on the bass end. I don't want to have to use a sub to get some decent bass, but I don't really know how the bookshelves perform. I was able to listen to the Paradigms, and something comparable in performance would probably satisfy my listening prefs (and, I admit, the smaller size is probably a big plus too).

I confess that the lack of hifi stores these days where one can audition a lot of different brands/models is frustrating. And since I'm unable to test listen any of these Polk models (or the Infinitys or JBLs), I'll pretty much have to rely on the opinions of others and then just buy something and hope I don't have to return it. I apologize for the long first post. And thanks in advance for any and all advice. It will be much appreciated.

Well - just my biased 2 cents worth since I posted the RTi4 vs RTiA3 deathmatch post....

I wouldn't use the word 'tinny' at all in describing the RTiA3s treble characteristics.

I would say rather that they are 'detailed' with an extended 'sparkle' to the high end.

This can be a benefit depending on the type of music you like. I am biased now lately to jazz and smooth jazz - which the RTiA3s really open on well.

If you like loud rock (I still do - Sabbath is #1 in my book) then at high volumes the RTiA3s can be a tad fatiguing.

But if the music selection is well mixed and mastered - RTiA3s do a great job. For the money - a great bargain.

You can, of course, do better for more money...or maybe not. I may be one of 3 people on the face of the planet that actually preferred the RTiA3s over the LSI7s for music - but, that's me, my rig, and my musical preferences.

For HT, RTiA3s do very well.

I guess it boils down to the deal you can get on the RTiA3s. I got mine from Polk Ebay for $220 for the pair. For that amount - not many bookshelf speakers can touch the RTiA3. Paired with a good sub - the combination is very enjoyable for both music and HT.

ymmv....

Puddintane

Erik Tracy wrote: »

I guess it boils down to the deal you can get on the RTiA3s. I got mine from Polk Ebay for $220 for the pair. For that amount - not many bookshelf speakers can touch the RTiA3. Paired with a good sub - the combination is very enjoyable for both music and HT.

ymmv....

Wow. I think if I could get that price I'd already own them. Right now I've found a couple open box versions for between $325-400. And from one retailer, if you spend $500 or more they throw in for free a pair of Atrium 5s. So I was thinking of adding a pair of R150s to an open box offer. That would get me the free Atriums, and then I'd just sell them. I could use the R150s for rears or let my kids use them (or even use them through a receiver with my computer).

Erik Tracy

Puddintane wrote: »

Wow. I think if I could get that price I'd already own them. Right now I've found a couple open box versions for between $325-400. And from one retailer, if you spend $500 or more they throw in for free a pair of Atrium 5s. So I was thinking of adding a pair of R150s to an open box offer. That would get me the free Atriums, and then I'd just sell them. I could use the R150s for rears or let my kids use them (or even use them through a receiver with my computer).

If you are not adverse to used speakers, for $500 there are some good deals to be had on audiogon.com

That's where I got my current speakers at - big step up.

packetjones

+1 to erik's comments. I got my A3's on ebay as well for $220 and they were a great deal. I have not seen them recently on there so it may be a wait to get them at that price.

I used my A3's in a 3.1 config for a while before i got my towers. I was very happy with them. I did feel that the need a sub to compliment the low end. I never felt that the highs were harsh or tinny at all. I was impressed with the overall sound from them. I think that they would be a great purchase as long as there is a sub to pick up the low end.