RTi28 vs. RTi38

brianwayne671

I currently have the following setup:

Receiver Harman Kardon AVR225
Mains Rti28
Center CSi30
Surrounds FXi30
Sub PSW303

My question is this, my receiver has a non-adjustable crossover of 100Hz. If I was to upgrade my mains from the RTi28's I currently have to the RTi38's, will I notice any significant difference? Reason being, my thought is that the 38's may play a bit lower, but the sub cuts off everything below 100Hz anyway right? Also, will the 38's overpower the CSi30? I use the setup for 90% movies and 10% music. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Bri

VR3

I have the RT35i (RTi38) and the CS245i (CSi30), and my PE also cuts them off at 100hz. Although I believe that is the surround speakers it cuts off. Because on God's green earth my mains play atleast down to 50hz!!! There is no way that woofer moves that much on 100 and play that much bass. But no the 38 will not over power your center.

dorokusai

Nice setup and hello.

No they will not overpower your CSi30.

The larger speaker, RTi38 will give you some more volume, and punch than the RTi28. It is easier to drive than the RTi28, IMO. That little RTi28, is a very nice bookshelf speaker.

Is your non-adjustable crossover for the subwoofer? Or for your mains, or all? Do you have speaker size settings that are selectable on your receiver, example...large and small?

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
I have the RT35i (RTi38) and the CS245i (CSi30), and my PE also cuts them off at 100hz. Although I believe that is the surround speakers it cuts off. Because on God's green earth my mains play atleast down to 50hz!!! There is no way that woofer moves that much on 100 and play that much bass.

Sid, the crossover is not a brick wall. It is a fairly gentle slope (probably 12 dB/octave). So an octave below 100 hz, your speaks are only -12 dB - still quite audible.

If all your speaks are set to small, then you will hear bass down to at least 60-65 Hz from them with a 100 Hz xo.

Doc

brianwayne671

Thanks Vr3MxStyler2k3, dorokusai, and Dr. Spec for the feedback. I wasn't aware that the crossover was not a true brick wall at 100Hz crossover (on receiver). So Doc, if I'm hearing you correctly, I will hear a difference in the lower and mid ranges by going with the 38's right? I have my setup in a smaller room maybe 12 x 15 or so in my apt. The 28's sound good, but do you guys think the 38's will sound even better? My thoughts are that it would prevent upgrade fever down the road and the difference is about $79 more dollars. I don't really need the extra volume, but what about sound quality. Some say the 28's are not good mains, but the seem fine to me. Thoughts?

Bri

dorokusai

It really is all subjective and up to you. The RTi28 is a great performer. The RTi28 with an even mediocre subwoofer, PSW202, are just fine for mains.

Will the RTi38 sound better? Yes. Will it be like having the finger of a Supreme Being touching you? No.

The RTi38's simply do what almost every larger cabinet, larger mid/bass driver speaker does. More bass punch, smoother midrange....but tweeter is the same, rolloff will be the same and on and on.

Is it worth $79? I think so. I went thru this whole decision process just like you.

faster100

I echo the above 2 post, I have the 38's as rears and they sound good, however as mains i think they would be even better, Great speaker and for 80 bucks extra, grab em. The 28's make nice surround speakers and if the need to crank comes along, friends over or a party.. the 38's will be louder and more solid.

My o my, If i could find someone to buy this like new polk psw 404, Oh anyways.. its up to you in the end,

ChrisDurano

I don't think its worth it to move up just to RTi38's. You should wait until you can upgrade to something more like RTi70's, and even upgrade your center to CSi40. You'll notice even more improvement and you won't be wasting your money.

dorokusai

Chris - Naturally it would be inherently better to upgrade even further, but he looks as if he prefers bookshelf speakers for whatever reasons. I was not able to employ a floorstander due to the entertainment center covering the entire wall.

The two in question are the RTi28 and RTi38. Yes the RTi70 is mighty fine, but to say its not worth upgrading to a RTi38, you may as well go further and say, why not hold off until you can afford some SDA 3.1TL's with a custom made center channel, etc.

I try to stay focused on the original question and not read to much into it, just help answer questions and move on. I'm not busting your chops Chris, please don't take offense, its not intended. All posts are good posts in the quest for information.

faster100

Are you somehow not happy with your 38's as mains? I just got a set as rears and actually would like to test them on the mains just to see how they sounded? maybe for a 2 channel down the road,

Also he lives in an apartment and room is most likely at a premium, 28's or 38's will work great, bigger is almost always better to an extent with speakers and for only 79 extra its a no brainer, CC has a sale, the 28's are 79 cheaper then usual But the 38's are 100 cheaper, usually $379.00 for 279.00

brianwayne671

Yes, I do prefer the bookshelf's. I had some floorstanders and they just overwhelm my small room, though they sound great. I am curious though as to why the guy who had 38's and fx3000i's would say it's not worth it to get the 28's? Do you not like them, or do you think it's just a minimal upgrade? It looks like we would have almost identical setups. What receiver are you using?

Thanks,

Bri

ChrisDurano

Brian,
I just think its a minimal upgrade to go to the 38's. When you get into a house, you should then upgrade. But since your in an apartment......save your money (I'm a mortgage lender) and get into a house. Then you can splurge. I'm happy with my setup...but I won't be upgrading until I get an HDTV. Then I'll get some bigger mains and throw the 38's to the rear.

VR3

I reviewed the older models of the i28, and i38 here. It is long, but hey, it will give you an example.

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10951

The 25i's are placed as surround, but they still performed very well. Its worth a read, although it's long! lol!

brianwayne671

I think I may just go ahead and save the $79 for now and possibly upgrade the receiver, or not. I see that although alot of people say that the 6 1/2" driver is much better, it looks like the LSI series everyone loves so much only use 5 1/4's? The 28's seem to do fine for mains right now. They are plenty loud and blend well with the sub which picks up the lows. Leaving my setup as is also means identical 5 1/4" drivers all the way around. It seems many people with even larger rooms than mine utilize sub/sat combos which use much smaller drivers. For the moment, I think I'll stay put. But I've been known to change my mind at the last minute!

Thanks,

Bri

VR3

You are right about the LSi. However the LSi use a much higher quality driver than that of what is in the RT line. The RTi28 is a fine speaker, enjoy.