MONITOR 40 VS RtiA3. Is it worth the difference

fyrn
fyrn Posts: 146
edited March 2011 in Speakers
Hi, I'm looking to buy some bookshelves and saw the monitor 40 (two drivers) can be had for half the price of the RTIA3 (One driver). Is the Rti that much better speaker to justify the double in price? Any opinions/experiences would help. Thanks
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited February 2011
    Yes it is, it has better quality cabinets, crossovers, drivers, tweeter and a better sound. It's much more detailed in the upper end.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited February 2011
    ^
    +1 to that!

    Also, you could visit the Polk Ebay direct outlet and pick up a pair of RTiA3s for only $249 for the pair - could now be cheaper than the price you saw for a pair of new Monitor 40s!

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited February 2011
    Another vote for YES. I have not owned the a3, but did own the rti6 (previous similar model) and the m40 before that. The rtis give you a bigger stage, more detail on the top end, tighter bass, etc. Having said that Do they sound 2X better? are they worth 2X the price? That is very subjective. I think they sound significantly better, but whether not its worth it only you can decide.
    I would recommend looking for the rti6s used if you like the look of them, as they are very similar and much cheaper on the used market.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • thesurfer
    thesurfer Posts: 574
    edited February 2011
    The rtia3, sounds better at higher levels,,, No smearing,, just a better all around speaker,, JMO,
    Not an Audiophile, just a dude who loves music, and decent gear to hear it with.
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  • fyrn
    fyrn Posts: 146
    edited February 2011
    Thanks for the input so far, I'm new at this and I forgot to mention that they are going to be use mainly for music. I don't know if that matters.
    I have also seen the RTI4 which I believe is just a smaller version and much cheaper. Is the comparison the same?
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited February 2011
    I originally upgraded from the m40s to the rti4. Major difference, especially for music. I now think that the rtis are a little on the bright side. My favorite polk tweeter in that line is from the rt25i and 35i etc. here is a link to a really good looking pair that is basically the rti a3 from several generations ago. I would personally go for this or a pair of rt25is.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220742921490&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    There are lots of guys here like me who prefer that generation of rt/rti, but of course also lots of folks who like the newer ones. If you have never heard either then you will probably like any of the above and all are major upgrades over the monitors
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    Rti4 is the old version of RTi a1's.

    I own the a3's, and they are spectacular in SQ. They put out sound as if you were listening to towers (some towers--not like the a7 or a9's!)
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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  • m1aman
    m1aman Posts: 143
    edited February 2011
    Sounds like time to upgrade from my M40s.
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  • ScudDawg
    ScudDawg Posts: 68
    edited February 2011
    yeah very good upgrade.
    Home Theater:
    Processor: Emotiva UMC-1
    Amps: Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-5
    Center: Polk Audio CSi A6
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi A7
    Surrounds: Polk Audio FXI A4
    Surround Rears: Polk Audio RTI A3
    Subwoofer: SVS 2039 PCi (upgraded woofer)
    Power Conditioner: Monster HTS 5100 Signature Series

    2 Channel: (work in progress)
    Speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 40
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  • fyrn
    fyrn Posts: 146
    edited February 2011
    I have read where a lot of people are of the opinion that the RTI is to bright for music and might not be a better choice over the monitor for this application. What is the consensus?
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited February 2011
    fyrn wrote: »
    I have read where a lot of people are of the opinion that the RTI is to bright for music and might not be a better choice over the monitor for this application. What is the consensus?

    Nonsense. :rolleyes:

    I totally enjoyed my RTiA3s for music.

    Unless you like thrash metal at ear piercing volumes they do a very good job with music especially when mated to appropriate electronics.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    I agree that is nonsense. Music sounds wonderful. The old RTi line was bright, the but the RTi A line has greatly improved on that aspect.
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited February 2011
    Have a pair of Monitor 40's I used to use as Surround speakers, while I loved the sound, I too agree that the RTiA3's would be a good upgrade.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited February 2011
    Well i guess i need to get my ears on some rti a1s or 3s...would be interested to listen for the aformentioned improvements...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • fyrn
    fyrn Posts: 146
    edited February 2011
    Thanks for the input. Nobody where I live carries the RTI A3 line so I can demo them but there is a best buy that has some TSI 400 that I can listen to. Would those (400) be comparable in sound to the A3's or are the RTI's still much better?
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    I'm not sure about better/worse, but the 400's will be different from the rti a line. They are known for greater clarity/detail over the tsi's, which you can't test by comparing upper tsi's with lower RTi's. At least that's my opinion.
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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  • sockeye
    sockeye Posts: 29
    edited February 2011
    ShadowTowel wrote: »
    I'm not sure about better/worse, but the 400's will be different from the rti a line. They are known for greater clarity/detail over the tsi's, which you can't test by comparing upper tsi's with lower RTi's. At least that's my opinion.

    Look at the difference in construction, material. design in the PRODUCTS.
    I looked hard, decided on RTiA. I spent more than my wife expected.
    From what I could hear, the tsi is hard to beat at that price point.
    I really prefer the sound of tsi400 Polk over the Klipsch= more $ at Best Buy.
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    So fryn, and decision made?
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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  • dnoyeB
    dnoyeB Posts: 114
    edited March 2011
    With the RTi As your not just paying for sound. Your paying for wooden construction.
    Music
    LR: Polk Monitor 70 (willing to sell if interested)
    C: Cerwin Vega E-75C
    Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK3
    AVR: Sony STR-DE835
    AMP:

    HT
    5.1: Paradigm CT110
    AVR: Integra DTR-4.6
    WTB: RTiA9 or RTi12
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited March 2011
    dnoyeB wrote: »
    With the RTi As your not just paying for sound. Your paying for wooden construction.
    ...:confused:

    Are you being facetious or is that really your impression.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • dnoyeB
    dnoyeB Posts: 114
    edited March 2011
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    ...:confused:

    Are you being facetious or is that really your impression.
    RTi A are made of wood, Monitor's are made of fiberboard. I don't think Polk is eating the cost!?
    Music
    LR: Polk Monitor 70 (willing to sell if interested)
    C: Cerwin Vega E-75C
    Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK3
    AVR: Sony STR-DE835
    AMP:

    HT
    5.1: Paradigm CT110
    AVR: Integra DTR-4.6
    WTB: RTiA9 or RTi12
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited March 2011
    dnoyeB wrote: »
    RTi A are made of wood, Monitor's are made of fiberboard. I don't think Polk is eating the cost!?
    Both are MDF, yes the wood veneer, design, power port and construction cost more, as do the drivers and crossover. However, your statment implies that there is no difference between the speakers except wood. That's not true. The RTiA is a superior product.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited March 2011
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    However, your statment implies that there is no difference between the speakers except wood. That's not true. The RTiA is a superior product.
    I think you need to reread dnoyeB's statement:
    "With the RTi As your not just paying for sound. Your paying for wooden construction."

    The key words being "not just." It is clear that he is saying that the sound is not the only reason for the price difference. He is saying that the higher quality construction also plays a role.
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited March 2011
    BeefJerky wrote: »
    I think you need to reread dnoyeB's statement:
    "With the RTi As your not just paying for sound. Your paying for wooden construction."

    The key words being "not just." It is clear that he is saying that the sound is not the only reason for the price difference. He is saying that the higher quality construction also plays a role.
    I did misread it...sorry dnoyeB :smile:

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • DeadFeat1
    DeadFeat1 Posts: 51
    edited March 2011
    As I have stated in other threads, I love my RTiA1s for two channel. Had the chance to audition A3s and several other higher end bookshelf speakers, including Thiel and B&W, and thought they performed very well in comparison...
    Don't forget to enjoy the music...
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  • thesurfer
    thesurfer Posts: 574
    edited March 2011
    DeadFeat1 wrote: »
    As I have stated in other threads, I love my RTiA1s for two channel. Had the chance to audition A3s and several other higher end bookshelf speakers, including Thiel and B&W, and thought they performed very well in comparison...
    How, in your OP, is the rtiA1, a better speaker than the rtiA3??? The 3 has a bigger soundstage,, and deeper bass, just curiouse,
    Not an Audiophile, just a dude who loves music, and decent gear to hear it with.
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited March 2011
    Wow, interesting. I auditioned both for fun after I received my A3's and cannot understand how anyone could prefer the A1. The A1 is awesome, but I find the A3 quite superior.
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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  • slammin86
    slammin86 Posts: 238
    edited March 2011
    I wish I had a local place to demo all of this stuff.
    Receiver: ONKYO 709
    Amplifier: Acurus A200x3
    Front: EmpTek E55Ti
    Center: EmpTek E56Ci
    Surround: EmpTek E5Bi
    Sub: Elemental Designs A5-350
    TV: LG 55"
    Blu-Ray: PS3
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  • thesurfer
    thesurfer Posts: 574
    edited March 2011
    ShadowTowel wrote: »
    Wow, interesting. I auditioned both for fun after I received my A3's and cannot understand how anyone could prefer the A1. The A1 is awesome, but I find the A3 quite superior.
    I think what there saying is being the RtiA1, has a smaller driver, so it will normally have better imageing, more detail, and have a tighter quicker sound,, I found this to be true when i A and B,ed my rt5,s against my rt25i,s the 25,s smoked the rt5,s in detail,, and were more accurate, but the rt5, had more bass, so as stated, i guesse its what your looking to accomplish,
    Not an Audiophile, just a dude who loves music, and decent gear to hear it with.
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  • ShadowTowel
    ShadowTowel Posts: 89
    edited March 2011
    Yeah I'm lucky to have a Fry's nearby. Nice for demos! You don't need demos for this one though (to me) - there is a good reason the A3's cost more!

    Surfer - you're saying the only thing better about the a3 over the a1 is bass response? In other words, me who has a sub would get better quality from the a1's, and better imaging? I find that hard to believe. By that theory, you may as well get some tiny speakers with tiny drivers if less is more.

    Also, by that theory, my csi a4 is better than the csi a6 (which is the clear favorite everywhere I have looked, including this forum). I think the 6.5" driver is superior to the 5.25" for more than just bass. Correct me if I'm wrong though. You guys definitely know way more than I do. I just keep hearing how the a6 is superior to the a4 (by a wide margin I might add), and the only difference I see is driver size (and in turn, weight, depth, and width).
    Polk Audio RTi A3 (mains)
    Polk Audio CSi A4 (center)
    Polk Audio RC60i (rears)
    BIC Acoustech PL-200 (sub)
    Denon AVR-590 (receiver)
    Samsung LN46B550 (LCD)
    Sharp BD HP22U (Blu-ray player)
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