Polk RTi A5 vs Energy CF-50?

4WardMotion

Ok, I was able to go to Best Buy tonight and hear the Energy CF-50's. Since we don't have anywhere near by to listen to the RTi A5's I decided to listen to these and then get some feedback from the forum members here.

In your opinion, how do these speakers compare? I know the salesman at Best Buy said that Energy used a hard dome tweeter and Polk uses a soft, which he said took a lot more to drive it. He said the A5 would be a warmer sound compared to the Energy, which would be brighter. Does he know what he is talking about and would you agree?

I like the sound of the Energy's, especially with the sub and think there size would be plenty for my home. I'm still leaning the way of the RTi A5's because I like the look of the Cherry veneer finish, which would make my wife happier.

Any feedback you can give me if you have heard these two speakers would be great. I have looked and can't seem to find anywhere near me that has the RTi A5's to listen too.

Thanks for feedback and opinions!

4WardMotion

AsSiMiLaTeD

I don't like any of the newer Energy lines up through the Veritas. I used to love their older lines, but the newer models don't do much for me. The RTi series is not a warm speaker, but compared to the Energy I've heard they are warmer.

Its a shame what seems to eventually happen to speaker companies who are bought out by Klipsch.

If you're in a Best Buy, take a listen to the TSi. They're not as good as the RTi, but should give you at least some indication of the Polk sound, just imagine it being more of that sound and better.

cnh

Don't know what to tell you. I haven't heard the NEW line of Energies, but I own the older bookshelves (RC-10) and to my 'surprise' the metal domes in these Energy(s) are not as bright as the fabric dome in my Polk Rti-A3 which shares the same tweeter as the Rti-A5s.

Which would 'you' like better?

I couldn't tell you! You'd need to hear some of the Polks. But if you prefer a slightly 'warmer' sounding speaker--the RC series was that!

However, I don't know if the CF-series continues that since the Energy Veritas series is REALLY the true successor of the RC series?

[I just noticed that I'm basically in agreement with Assimilated--so that's something to also 'think about']

cnh

4WardMotion

Thank you for the replies. I wish there was somewhere near by to listen, but it seems that Polk is only carried by Best Buy for a 200 mile radius around me and they don't carry the RTi A5 series. So I really appreciate any and all feedback I can get here. I plan to power these with a Pioneer Elite VSX-32 receiver. It seems to have plenty of power and pre-outs.

If there is anymore feedback out there, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for all the help!

4WardMotion

thuffman03

Not sure were you live, but I know a really good sounding set of Energy C-9's for sale. Not sure how they measure up with the Polks you are looking at but I have heard these and they sound very nice.

http://www.vintagehifipgh.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=706

codyc1ark

I've seen some pretty good deals on the VSX-32 on Ebay refurbed, with 2 year warranty. Just a tip!

gudnoyez

I listened to the Energy CF30s when shopping for my HT, and could of got 2 pairs of those, for a little more coin than what I paid for my RTIa5's and my RTIa3's, the polks sounded a lot better to me.

4WardMotion

Thanks for the feedback!