TSi 500 vs. RTi A5

ZackaryJim

Hello everyone. This is my first post, so let the obligatory welcoming ensue.

Now that that's out of the way, here's my actual question.

I'm working on finishing building my home theater. You can see what I've got so far in my signature. What I need some input on, though, is choosing some floorstanding speakers to replace my monitor 40s (they're moving to the back for surround). I'm down to two speakers, the TSi500s and the RTi A5s.

My thoughts for the TSi500s:
Pros: almost identical drivers/cab design to the monitor series - good for voice matching/blend, flagship of the TSi line, aesthetically will match my m40s well, slightly lower (38 Hz vs 40 hz -3dB) response
Cons: Lower line than RTis, the cherry veneer is nice, but not 100% convincing

Now the RTi A5s:
Pros: LOVE the real wood finish, "higher" line of speakers, ARC and Powerport venting
Cons: "base" model of RTi, may not blend as well considering notably different driver/cab design, won't aesthetically match monitors but they're so damn pretty who cares?

I'm a Best Buy employee so through an accommodation through Polk, the speakers are effectively the same price.

I want to try to get these as soon as possible, so I want to try to stick to the budget these are around. BUT, if I was patient I could step up to the RTi A7s. At that point the TSi/RTi debate would be a no-brainer for me.

Thoughts?

Norm Apter

I didn't see you list of gear when I clicked on your signature but my philosophy toward speakers, which I consider the foundation of one's system, is get the best you can afford and then make changes around that.

Don't let the fact that Rtia5s are the lowest of their line fool you. Many, though not all here, actually prefer the Rtia5s with a sub to Rtia7s or Rtia9s.

I'm sure others will chime in but as long as you have the amplification to drive them and a decent sub, Rtia5s all the way!

bopicasso

I owned the rti8s which are the model before the Rtia5. I liked them alot. For the same price I would definately go with the rtia5s. Even though they dont timber match with the monitor series, it will be a better speaker for the money.

ZackaryJim

Here's the list of gear that should(?) be in my signature.

Current Audio Setup:
-Panamax M5300-P line conditioner
-Pioneer 919AH-K receiver
-Monitor 40 fronts (bi-amped)
-CS20 center
-DefTech ProMonitor 800 surrounds
-PSW111 subwoofer

Planned Setup:
Home Theater Room:
-TSi 500 OR RTi A5 fronts (opinion? - http://bit.ly/bJ1VXz)
-CS20 center
-Monitor 40 surrounds
-PSW125 subwoofer

Bedroom:
-DefTech ProMonitor 800s in stereo
-PSW111 subwoofer
-Denon DRA-397 receiver

bklynNupe

Rtia5's are really nice performers when they break in.
However IMO, you should take the funds that you were considering for the a7's and rolling it into your sub budget. maybe you can get a deal on something used?

ZackaryJim

Norm Apter wrote: »

I didn't see you list of gear when I clicked on your signature but my philosophy toward speakers, which I consider the foundation of one's system, is get the best you can afford and then make changes around that.

Don't let the fact that Rtia5s are the lowest of their line fool you. Many, though not all here, actually prefer the Rtia5s with a sub to Rtia7s or Rtia9s.

I'm sure others will chime in but as long as you have the amplification to drive them and a decent sub, Rtia5s all the way!

Thanks a ton for the input. I've got a PSW111 right now, which wouldn't have been my first choice, but I got it for free from a relative. I'm planning on grabbing a PSW125 when I get the money around. I can't imagine you'd suggest anything larger/more powerful than that to back up the A5s?

ZackaryJim

What do you prefer for break in? Music, frequency sweeps, pink/white noise?

geebolt

I believe the CS20 is timber matched to the TSI line. You might want to take that into consideration. That said, I think the RTi A5 are the better speaker but the TSI500 ain't bad either.

tonyb

I'd still up the sub choice. It's not about just the 5's,but for a HT room,you want those big explosions to come up and scare you. I would at least look at the 505 on up or a def tech sub since you work at BB.

mrbiron

I've been breaking in my A5's with good ol fashion Music, Movies, and VG Sound Effects!!

I can honestly say that i demoed both the TSI500 and the A5's.......By my sig, you can see that i didn't buy the TSI500's. I listened to them both in a HT setup only so i had to experience the music myself after the fact. The A5's, though didn't blow the TSI500's away, were a much cleaner, more accurate sound.
Plus they look nicer
Just be prepared to add a receiver that can send some power to them because my first receiver did them no justice. They sounded muddy with just low power.

You can find reviews on them all over the internet. I didn't read a bad review when i was ready to purchase and the combination of the above, is why i went with the 5's.

leroyjr1

Rti A's

packetjones

i have not heard the 500's. My buddy had the 400's and the sound good. maybe a little harsh but it could just be his setup. I have the A5's and love them. I would vote for the RTIA series myself. Just a better quality cabinet in my opinion. Well worth the additional $37 each.

-edit-

Keep in mind that you will need to match the center as well.

ZackaryJim

tonyb wrote: »

I'd still up the sub choice. It's not about just the 5's,but for a HT room,you want those big explosions to come up and scare you. I would at least look at the 505 on up or a def tech sub since you work at BB.

I was planning on that sub, but since it's dc'd I can't get it with my accommodation. Although, it's a pretty good deal though Newegg, et al. Anything currently in production that you think is comparable? Something in the DSW line?

bopicasso

I would look at other brands besides polk for a subwoofer. SVS, HSU Research, ED, etc.. Better boom for your buck.

cnh

WELCOME TO CLUB POLK!

The consensus seems to be Rti-A5s....and they are a good speaker...but they are 'sharp' on top for 'music'. So if you're mostly a HT guy the A5s are your speaker. If not....make sure you get amplification that tones that tweeter down!

I agree with b-picasso above....look around. Elemental Designs, in particular features some pretty good lower end prices on decent subs. SVS and HSU are generally a bit more cash..but not that much.

Also if you want to go a little higher...check out the NEW Epik subs!!

cnh

ZackaryJim

Norm Apter wrote: »

I didn't see you list of gear when I clicked on your signature but my philosophy toward speakers, which I consider the foundation of one's system, is get the best you can afford and then make changes around that.

Don't let the fact that Rtia5s are the lowest of their line fool you. Many, though not all here, actually prefer the Rtia5s with a sub to Rtia7s or Rtia9s.

I'm sure others will chime in but as long as you have the amplification to drive them and a decent sub, Rtia5s all the way!

Forgot to mention, my AVR's rated at 110 watts @ 8 ohms. Think that's enough to push them? They're rated at 90dB efficiency, so that seems like they should be alright. If not, any suggestions for a standalone 2-channel amp?

ZackaryJim

I'm very much into high-quality music. (I try not to label myself as an audiophile to avoid the stereotypes. I also don't believe in magic speaker cable.)

So I want my setup to be very musical, and as linear as possible. I'm going to be putting some money into acoustic treatment for my room, since it's currently abhorrent and is definitely my current bottleneck. So as far as a sub, I want something accurate and flat to 20hz if I can swing it. As far as the A5s being 'sharp', my AVR does have an 8-band eq, so I can trim them down a little.

I am, however, a poor college student. So the cheapest way to accomplish my goals is definitely the best. I.e. anything sold at Best Buy, is a great way to go. Obviously I don't mind going somewhere else if the price is right. I think we get a pretty [damn] good price on DefTech, though. I've always heard good things about their subs.

ZackaryJim

And... I keep forgetting to post details. My room's only ~15' x 12'. So I don't need earth-shattering SPLs from the sub.

mystik610

ZackaryJim wrote: »

I'm very much into high-quality music. (I try not to label myself as an audiophile to avoid the stereotypes. I also don't believe in magic speaker cable.)

So I want my setup to be very musical, and as linear as possible. I'm going to be putting some money into acoustic treatment for my room, since it's currently abhorrent and is definitely my current bottleneck. So as far as a sub, I want something accurate and flat to 20hz if I can swing it. As far as the A5s being 'sharp', my AVR does have an 8-band eq, so I can trim them down a little.

I am, however, a poor college student. So the cheapest way to accomplish my goals is definitely the best. I.e. anything sold at Best Buy, is a great way to go. Obviously I don't mind going somewhere else if the price is right. I think we get a pretty [damn] good price on DefTech, though. I've always heard good things about their subs.

HSU subs are particularly known for their musicality. This is was the deciding factor for me when I was demoing my HSU against an SVS in my home, and decided to send the SVS back.

I would contact the guys at HSU (and SVS too) for advice. I've worked with both, and they're all very knowledgable, helpful, and best of all, won't push you into buying more than you need (or can afford).

Norm Apter

ZackaryJim wrote: »

Forgot to mention, my AVR's rated at 110 watts @ 8 ohms. Think that's enough to push them? They're rated at 90dB efficiency, so that seems like they should be alright. If not, any suggestions for a standalone 2-channel amp?

Yes, that should be fine so long as you don't have a huge room. I use my RtiA5s mostly for HT, but my Denon AVR which drives them also runs 110 watts @ 8 ohms and there seems to be plenty of power for our small/medium-sized living room. My wife does use the HT set up for listening to FM radio and the sound is fantastic for that.

One of the essential features of the Denon for me was pre-outs. When we move and have a bigger listening space in the future, I'll most likely pick up an external amp. All that said, yes, the Rtias are very easy to drive and right now I don't feel the need for extra power.

As for 2-channel, I'm afraid I haven't done any critical listening with the RtiA5s because I have only a rather no-frills Philips DVD player hooked up to the HT (no CDP). I have my dedicated 2-channel rig (Lsi9 set up) in the same room so I always used that when I want to engage in 2-channel listening.

mo976

skip the psw series and head for the dswpro or micropro if you can afford it I was at the same crossroad and instead of the psw111 went for the dswpro400 but if you want 20hz you will need the 600

ZackaryJim

Ordered the RTi A5s today. I also placed a bid on a used SVS PB-10NSD sub. Can't wait for them to get here!!!

flyfisher

Congrats and enjoy your new speakers and sub:)

reeltrouble1

ZackaryJim wrote: »

I'm very much into high-quality music.

I also don't believe in magic speaker cable.


anything sold at Best Buy, is a great way to go.

I believe you may learn many things here, the journey begins.

RT1