ENERGY RC-70's or POLK RTi10

larry777

I was in Futureshop today where they had 1 Pair of Energy RC-70's on display,with no new ones left in the store or on line. The price on top of the speaker was $499 each. Upon closer inspection I noticed new price tags laying down which must have just come off the printer, that were showing $299 each. I made contact with a salesman who didn't see these new prices either,but when he checked further it was confirmed that this $299 price was correct which included the Warranty as if new etc. They also had 2 Polk RTi10's new in the Box for $249 each. Both had the 30 day return policy for a full refund so I left the store with the RC-70's. The reason is that in a second H/T room I am putting together we will likely listen to music some of the time....as well as movies. I like the RTi10's and have 2 ( L & R ) in my main H/T setup ( 100% Movies ) and they sound great for that. I am looking for opinions from everyone as to weither you would have also picked the Energy RC-70's....if given the same chance.....and any reasons for and against. Thanks for the input.

mdaudioguy

I'm saying RTi10. This is the Polk forum, and I'm an RTi10 owner myself, so I'm biased. I listened to some Energy speakers, and didn't hear anything special that would make me want to switch... or pay more. Ultimately, I think they're very similar and probably equal for HT. For music, IDK.

I recently bought some Energy bookshelves, and they're... adequate for the intended use.

leroyjr1

I would take the RC-70's over the rti 10's.

larry777

I am a Polkie also....and my main H/T setup is all Polk except the svs sub....and I plan to keep it that way. I am now planning a second H/T and music room downstairs thats all. I have a Polk psw 505 and some extra RTi4's for surround duty. I even have the RM10 satellite speakers and the Psw10 sub in reserve. But the Energy RC-70 speakers were selling for $1299 Each in Canada before Christmas and I thought for $1000 off each speaker it would be a good time to check them out ( Can return within 30 days for Refund ). Thats why I was asking for opinions on this site compared to the RTi10's which I also have.....but not used for MUSIC. For H/T I find the 10's outstanding matched up with the RTiA6 Center and RTi4 Surrounds. Anyone else like to comment on my Original Post ?

mdaudioguy

Wow, I didn't realize they were that pricey originally. Knowing that would have tempted me - I'm a sucker for a "deal." That's more than the original RTi10 price per pair! I'd actually have to give them a listen with some music, though, before I paid more than the Polks. Not that the RTis are excellent for music (they are decent IMO), but with HT content, I have trouble hearing the benefits of a "better" speaker.

jayman_1975

My brother in law has Energy C-5s. Granted they are not the RC line but they do everything better than my old set of Monitor 70s did.

danz1906

leroyjr1 wrote: »

I would take the RC-70's over the rti 10's.

Agreed,also Audio Advisor is selling the smaller Energy RC-30's for
$199.00 each.

dfledezma

Recently I got the RC-50's and couldn't be happier. Haven't compared with RTi10, but I have heard the RTiA5 and at least for music the RC's are better for me. The RC's sound very well balanced for music and HT IMHO, just a bit bright to my ears, just enough for my taste! no harshness though.

BWilberg266

I would throw in another vote for the RC-70's. I used to have Polk's for my towers and as you can see by my signature...Energy has taken over my listening experience.

polkseller

TAKE THE RC-70 FAST !!! But you'll Need a low impedance receiver to drive them 4 ohms.

or consider the good deals on the Polk RTI A7, easier to amplify, 8ohms speaker.

The RTI 10 doesn't compared to the new RTI A7, A7 is way way better and a better choice !

I have a complete 5.1 Energy RC-10 system at home, they sound big for the size. My friend has a complete 5.1 with RC-70 and stereo listening is so sweet detailed and natural !

Rc-70 is one of the best speaker on the market today, regardless of price. Just read the rc-70 review by soundstage magasine...

Plus you'll get the Original RC serie, a keeper before Klipsch modified the sound and sell the new Veritas line for a highter price and lower sound quality.

cnh

I'm listening to a set of RC-10s right now and couldn't agree more with many of the comments above. These are some nice BSs in their price range. And I would imagine that the towers only improve on what is already pretty decent bass for a speaker of this size. And the highs are smoother than Rtis-As which I also own.

cnh

BWilberg266

polkseller wrote: »

TAKE THE RC-70 FAST !!! But you'll Need a low impedance receiver to drive them 4 ohms.

According to Energy's Site:

System Type •Bass Reflex, Rear Vented
Frequency Response •31Hz-23000Hz +/- 3dB
Nominal Impedence •8 ohms nominal; 4 ohms minimum
Recommended Amplifier Power •up to 250 watts RMS

So no need for a receiver/amp that can handle 4 ohms, but as always, the more power you have behind these the more you will enjoy what they can do!

larry777

Thanks for all the comments,as they reinforce my decision to get the Energy RC-70's. They are in my house now, and I have them hooked up to my Sansui AU-717 two channel Stereo Amplifier. I know they have to go through a break-in period of 100 hours according to Energy,but I can say even at this point that they are well worth the price paid ( Even original price ) as the sound for music is more than expected. All the reviews I can find also support the sound quality of this speaker. I can just imagine what they will be like when broken in. I can't believe I was lucky enough to get them from Futureshop for $299 Each, so had to grab them quick. They are keepers for sure. I will watch for the matching Center Speaker...the RC-LCR....and pick it up when the price is right as part of a second H/T + Music system powered by my Denon AVR 888. As stated in my previous comments I will keep my main H/T system ( 100% Movies ) in tack which features my Polk Speaker system. And yes I did see where the RC-70's were 8 ohm speakers according to Energy site...Thanks for your interest in pointing this out BWilberg266.

mdaudioguy

Nice... enjoy! Let us know over the course of time how you think they compare with your RTi10s! They are definitely similar, but different. More sensitive. Are you planning to install the spikes?

mdaudioguy

polkseller wrote: »

The RTI 10 doesn't compared to the new RTI A7, A7 is way way better and a better choice !

I disagree. Better? Yes. Not way way better. No way. Essentially the same, but most say just a tad smoother and more refined on the high end. I demo'ed them side by side. I tried hard to hear a difference, but when I didn't know which was playing I couldn't tell which was which. Maybe with a few hours with one and then switching to the other, I might have been able to tell them apart. Looking at them, though, the As are definitely prettier. Definitely.

polkseller

larry777 wrote: »

Thanks for all the comments,as they reinforce my decision to get the Energy RC-70's. They are in my house now, and I have them hooked up to my Sansui AU-717 two channel Stereo Amplifier. I know they have to go through a break-in period of 100 hours according to Energy,but I can say even at this point that they are well worth the price paid ( Even original price ) as the sound for music is more than expected. All the reviews I can find also support the sound quality of this speaker. I can just imagine what they will be like when broken in. I can't believe I was lucky enough to get them from Futureshop for $299 Each, so had to grab them quick. They are keepers for sure. I will watch for the matching Center Speaker...the RC-LCR....and pick it up when the price is right as part of a second H/T + Music system powered by my Denon AVR 888. As stated in my previous comments I will keep my main H/T system ( 100% Movies ) in tack which features my Polk Speaker system. And yes I did see where the RC-70's were 8 ohm speakers according to Energy site...Thanks for your interest in pointing this out BWilberg266.

I think you'll be ok with your Solid STATE AU-717 !!! Seriously that's a beast !

Usually people run them with recent receiver not able to do 4ohms load with a dynamic sound, the RC-70 really needs 4 ohms amplifier or receiver to perform well, the impedance shift into the 4ohms load in the midband and EVERY expert test I read about them recommend 4 ohms amplifier to perform and SOUND at it's best. I tested them with many different receiver and yes, it'S true they sound best with lot of power, 200 wpc is ideal, Solid state amps ROTEL gear, arcam or other.

YOU really need to take more than 100 hours of playing to them, the midrange will open and the highs will extend.

I recommend Monster cable XP HP speaker wire with them, also need break-in. Best upgrade is paul speltz anticables or anti-jumper on the RC-70 I did on a friend of mine.

I run Anticable on every speaker I have with great gain in sound quality. Solid core 12g copper wire without plastic covering.

Enjoy your new RC-70 !!

Futureshop also had RTIA7 with matching center for 999$ right now. That's why I recommend those also. I'm in the process of upgrading my setup to floorstanders.. you're very lucky 299$ each.. wOW

Nothing available in Quebec province...nothing

polkseller

mdaudioguy wrote: »

I disagree. Better? Yes. Not way way better. No way. Essentially the same, but most say just a tad smoother and more refined on the high end. I demo'ed them side by side. I tried hard to hear a difference, but when I didn't know which was playing I couldn't tell which was which. Maybe with a few hours with one and then switching to the other, I might have been able to tell them apart. Looking at them, though, the As are definitely prettier. Definitely.

To my audiophile ears they are ''way'' better, here's why:

Power port gives a better and more precice bass, highs are more refined, sound balance is better with added power to them, soundstage is higher and speaker feet are better designed and give a better impact to the sound being lowered.

polkseller

I must ADD after my last post that I prefer the clarity of the Polk RTI A7 to the sound of the RC-70 in the midband somewhat.

To me, polk is a winner for the asked price compared to the RC-70 reg pricing. They just sound so natural and neutral with everything. The RC-70 always seems to miss something in the sound, like the midband is EQ a little lower in the 4-5k hz range. Polk is more flat to these frequency or maybe boosted a little, I prefer this. That's why I run RC-10 for now, flatter than RC-70 and clearer but less bass and thinner sounding.

I'm happy for you, but still, if you are going to keep them for a long time consider trying the Polk also, future shop has a 30 days satisfaction policy so.. you have nothing to loose to try both.

mdaudioguy

polkseller wrote: »

To my audiophile ears they are ''way'' better, here's why:

Power port gives a better and more precice bass, highs are more refined, sound balance is better with added power to them, soundstage is higher and speaker feet are better designed and give a better impact to the sound being lowered.

They have essentially the same components and port design. The cabinet shape is changed somewhat, and the feet are different. The sound is so close that everyone here assumes them to be timbre matched. What I'm sure the real difference is, is our ears.

landry_p2000

I also own the RTi10's, and went to Best Buy to listen to the RC-70'and and RC-50's. I definetly like what I heard even on a Pioneer Elite avr. My choices are between the RC-70's, the RTia7's or RTiA9's. I am kind of leaning toward the RTiA7's though.

larry777

I guess the moral to this whole post, is if you could get the Energy RC-70's for $299 each,whould that be everyone's pick. Polk is in the running for sure as always, but most comments seem to favour the Energys at this price point. At regular price then maybe a different story. The polk RtiA7's as an example are a lot lower in price than the original RC-70's....in Canada anyway. But I must say I do love my Polks and I plan to keep the ones I have.

Hannzz

Currently, Energy RC-70 on sale and can get them for 499 each while Rti A7 for 399 each. Which one is good for HT.

gudnoyez

I like how the energys sound I ended up getting the rtia5's as they were on sale I'am happy with my polks but have to admit the energys sounded pretty nice, they were not on sale at the time, however no second thoughts here with my choice