RTi8's or M70s?

tolkien

Hey guys,

Have the option between getting a pair of Polk RTi8's or Polk Monitor 70's for the same price.

Don't know what to choose, the monitor apparently has better specs (extra speaker?) but the RTi is better quality.

These will be for the L/R Setup for my HT, with a CS2 as center.

Sub still undecided, probably a no-name for now.

Zeros

Here are two previous threads on the subject:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76228&highlight=rti8+monitor

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103395&highlight=rti8+monitor

domflane

If you already have the CS2, you might as well go with the Monitor 70's. Matching across the front of the soundstage is pretty important, plus the M70's have twice the drivers than the RTi8's. However, H/T is where the RTi series really shines. So you may want to consider that as well. CSi5's can be had pretty cheap nowadays. I'd love to A/B the M70's vs the RTi'8s and even the 10's to really get a good idea, so if you have the chance to do that, give it a shot. Let your ears decide. Good luck,

Dom

Ron Temple

tolkien wrote: »

Hey guys,

Have the option between getting a pair of Polk RTi8's or Polk Monitor 70's for the same price.

Don't know what to choose, the monitor apparently has better specs (extra speaker?) but the RTi is better quality.

These will be for the L/R Setup for my HT, with a CS2 as center.

Sub still undecided, probably a no-name for now.

Actually the RTi8 and Monitor 70 have very similar frequency responses. The 8 and 70s have the exact same bottom specs and the 8s have another 1khz at the top. The RTi is the more forward speaker. I prefer RTis in general over Monitors, but I've spent no time with the M70...there are lots of fans here and elsewhere of both. The CS2 would match the 70s, not the 8s.

tolkien

So given that I already bought the center, I should pass on this deal on the RTi8's and just settle with the 70s?

Forgot to mention - main use will be TV/movie.

Zeros

If you want to stick with that center, then go with the monitors in my opinion. If you go with the RTi8s be prepared to want a new center that matches.

tolkien

Ok so I have 30 days to return my CS2.

What would you recommend? RTi8, CSi3, and some random surrounds... ORRRR M70s, CS2, and M50's??

I can pretty much get the RTi78's for a 60$ price increase over the M70s. The CSi3 is 130$, the CS2 was 133$.

In the end both systems work out to about the same price.... So... what produces better sound?

Thanks a ton!

TORI3

Only heard the monitors a couple of times, but I have the RTi8s and CSi3. My buddy has the monitors, and now wishes that he would have upgraded to the RTi line (both have/had Onkyo receivers).

If you go for the RTi8s, I'd suggest going for a larger center if you can find one, such as the CSi5 or CSi A6. I was able to get a response back from Polk Support who stated that the CSi A6 is voice matched and timber matched to the RTi8s.

With all this being said, the CSi3 is still quality. And...I also believe that even though the Monitors and RTi8s have the same frequency range, the RTi8s have a different tweeter, but you might want to research that a little more.

BTW: RTi8s are a little on the bright side when paired with Onkyo's. With Pioneer, they sound a little warmer.

domflane

Go for the RTi's then, if the prices are that similar. RTi8 and CSi3 would be a great combo and very good for HT. The CSi5 would be better if you can afford it/fit it. The surrounds aren't all that important, so focues on your front soundstage for now and uupgrade the rears later. I have $50 T15's from BestBuy as my surrounds and really have no complaints. I haven't tried anything better back there yet though . .

cnh

I own M70s have heard Rti-8s and A5s many many times....search my posts if you're interested...the subject has come up many times.

The most important thing is that YOU listen. I KNOW what I think already but not because I decided on the basis of what others thought...though I respect their 'differing' opinions.

Good Luck

cnh