rti150 or lsi15?

VR3

I want to see another RT55i type speaker. That would be my surround speakers of choice...

bigsexy1

Vr3MxStyler2k3

"Wipe the slate, get some 96db effec speakers, more color choiced cabinets, better internal wiring, gold plated binding posts like the LSi line,"

I've got just the answer for what you're looking for

---

go buy you some Klipschs.


===============================================

"The cabinets are much better on the LSi line than the RTi line. I am sorry."

That may very well be true on the soon to be discontinued Rti line, but go read the newsrelease about the new RTi series having the "best cabinet work Polk has done to date", or something along those lines.

VR3

Klipsch are WAY to bright for me. If there is anything wrong with Polk (IMO) is they don't play loud enough.

The cabinet work is great, I saw how they did it and such. They used a new wood type, very beautiful stuff. Great looking speakers.

However, the grills are lined with plastic like the Klipsch grills. Which I do not like, but they still look awesome

brettw22

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
The RTi line coming out is another bad move by Polk.

FORGET THE DANG RTixx line!! It has nothing! They ALL sound the same..............

Sid, are you out of your freakin mind? There are always going to be ways that companies tweek their product and make it better than the previous line. Some may not like what one line changes or evolves into, but ya can't please all the people all the time. For you to make one of your blanket statements (AGAIN) only shows your overall obliviance towards the process. I'll spell this out for you ANOTHER time:

Louder does NOT equal better!!!!!!

I think that it's GREAT that they've redesigned the Rti line. Personally, I haven't liked the looks/performance of the current line for a while, and instead of getting something that's a basic/boring looking speaker, they're making them also something really nice to look at. I can only hope at this point that they sound as good as they look, but that has yet to be experienced by me. I must say that it's a little odd that they've gone away from the bottom power port, which is something that I think is one of the most innovative parts of the Polks that I own. I've checked out some of the other speakers that have the power port on the back, and the bass dispertion isn't the same.....

dorokusai

Sid wants a speaker for $200 that is:

400 lbs.
Grills made of stainless steel, not that see thru crap
One big hunk of 99.98% pure silver for a crossover
Tweeter that when played at -.10db blows your left ear off
Bass that sends his future kids to a mental hospital

Oh and wait, a cool logo for the front of them.

VR3

Brett,
I never said they were not good. I never said louder is better. I said this, I can only push 103-104db until my Polks start to strain, and it's no fun to go past there...

The new line sounds great, it is a step above the current line. However, they sound similar. It's not exactly oil and water.

Although they look great, sound similar, better top end, etc, they NEED a new line. It has been said on here time and time again. People ask for higher effec, time and time again.

The RTi12 is a great speaker, but probally one of the most ineffecient RTi line speaker they have made yet. If you plan to push it to it's max. You can plug it up to a 100 dollar receiver, it'll sing. Of course, it's RT. Its effecient. But to REALLY hear that speaker sing for all it's worth. Your gonna need a butt load of power, I'm talking 400-500. I heard 200 watts going into it, and I was not even impressed...

I made no blanket statement, they need to start over...

What was it?

RTA Line
RT Line
RTxxxi Line
RTixxx Line
RTixx Line
Whats next?
RTix Line
RiT Cracker Line

I mean cmon man...

RuSsMaN

You can remove RTA from the list. Real Time Array Series had nothing to do with the Reference Theater series.

So looking at the list, in what, the 10 yrs the RT name has been out, we've had what - THREE revisions - including the one we've yet to see released? They simply added / took away models ONCE (both under the 'RT' designation).

Lets look at some of the competition. B&W 600 series. It has been out about 8-10 years, they are currently at 'series 3'.

How about the Paradigm Monitor series (also about 10yrs old)? 'Version 3 (v3) is the order of the day.

Perhaps Polk shouldn't try to improve anything (that's what the 'i' stands for little fella). Who needs change, new models, new components anyway?

Blankets as follows (just a couple):

"The RTi line coming out is another bad move by Polk."

"FORGET THE DANG RTixx line!! It has nothing! They ALL sound the same. "

"START OVER"

Sid, sit down, and shut the F up for a minute. I'm tired of reading that a speaker is BOTH inefficient AND efficient in the same damn paragraph, which is it?


Cheers,
Russ

TroyD

Yeah, let's just get rid of the most successful line of speakers that Polk has ever had and one of the best selling lines of speakers on the market. Yeah, get rid of the speaker that allows Polk to produce a speaker such as the LSi at the bargain prices that it does.

I'd also wager that at the volumes Sid is describing, the amp is quitting before the speaker. Just a hunch. Besides, if you are listening at volumes of over 100db, you won't be listening to much when you get my age. That is the permanent hearing damage range.

Lastly, the Polks are NOT inefficient. 90db is fairly effecient for a non-horn loaded speaker. Sure, horns are more efficient, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

BDT

VR3

I listen on average at 96-98db. Even then, not for a long amount of time. It will take 1 hour of continuous 105db listening to start to lose hearing. I rarily listen to 105db. With my old setup, I would go about 10 minutes at 107db. That is all I could take. I am not that stupid...

I still think we need a new line, not nessicarily a name change. Just a different sound...

Get rid of these sub towers, and get more high quality mid-bass, more high quality tweeters. etc, do you see what I mean?

If you get rid of the 6, 7 inch subs in the RTi12. Think of all the extra money and development could have gone in the mids and highs? Better crossover components, better wiring. better binding posts. Etc, for 1,300+, I want a great speaker. Not something that is going to require a 400-500 watt amp...

TroyD

What's wrong with the current crossover materials and wiring?

Essentially, the way I see it, if you don't like them. Don't buy them.

If you want a speaker that you can run at ear damaging levels on an underpowered amp, look at horns.

BDT

VR3

I like the current line, I just don't see why they did it. It sounds so similar. However the new Tweeter is amazing...

If the RT line is so effecient as you say it is, then how come a 100 watts of Adcom is under powering? That is more than enough for me, however I would love to run a 200 watt 2 channel amp on them...that would rule.

There is nothing wrong with the RT line. I have enjoyed it for the past 2 or so years, and I bought the RTi70 speaker because I enjoyed the sound. The new line is a tweeter and look upgrade. That is about it...it was a big upgrade, but that is about it.

The RT line is good, but it could be much better. They play louder than some speakers, but not as loud as they could. How about seeing a speaker with 4 6.5 inch mid-bass woofs, a passive radiator, and a tweeter. Now that is my kind of speaker...

TroyD

Sid,

I'm really not trying to bust your hump here but in one breath you seem to be saying that there are no major changes and in another that there are. In one post, the new line is great in another it's a big mistake by Polk.

At the price range that the RTi line competes, sure, they could be better but, more importantly, they could be a hell of a lot worse. I think that Polk has done a pretty good job of giving us a good bang for buck product.

Ok, here you say:

. How about seeing a speaker with 4 6.5 inch mid-bass woofs, a passive radiator, and a tweeter

Yet (and I may be wrong about this) you don't really care for the RTi150. True it doesn't have PR but that is a design compromise between ported and sealed cabinets. It shapes bass response more than ultimately shaping it.

As far as your 100 watt amp underpowering your RTi70, I dunno, I'm at a loss. I've powered RTi speakers, including the RT800i (which is the closest I can come to your 70's) to earsplitting levels on a 30wpc Marantz integrated (which still pisses me off I didn't hang on to, but I digress) amp. Maybe your amp is faulty, I dunno. Of course, I don't care to listen to music at level loud enough to wake the dead.

Like I said, I'm not trying to bust your hump but point out some inconsistencies that have me and a few others scratching our heads.

BDT

bigsexy1

Oh leave the boy alone for cryin' out loud! He's only 14 for pete's sake. Ain't ya'll got nothin' better to do than pick on a kid? Do you also abuse defensless animals too? Just take whatever he says with a grain of salt and let it go.

One thing I will say for him though, I'll bet when you were all 14, you didn't have speakers like he does.

TroyD

pffffffffft....

when I was his age, I was more concerned about experimenting with alcohol and masturbation.

Sid has got his **** together (audio-wise) for a young lad, just trying to provide some constructive criticism.

BDT

VR3

No the RTi150 is one mid-bass. 3 friggin subs. I would never have a use for that. Heck it's useless to have all that subbage in a speaker. It has that manly appeal...but sheat.

I would prefer to have 4 6.5 inch mid-bass drivers, 1 vifa tweet, and a 15 inch PR.....that would be my speaker of choice

I have never pushed the RTi70 to it's limits. But I could easily push them to their limits if I was in a bigger room.....

Terrax

Hello all,

This is my 1st post at this forum, but I have been reading posts here for a alittle while, to gather information about the current crop of RTi speakers as well as CSi and FXi's. Forgive me please, but I felt compeled to chime in on this particular thread. I just bought the RTi100's at CC at a close out price of around 180/per.
To me, that is a killer deal on these speakers, even if alot of peeps bash them. They are far from dogs. With that said, I just found out that there is two RTi150's still NIB at another CC an hour and a half from where I live, at a "Managers Special" price of 245/per. "Now" at this price, who could resist taking the RTi100's back and getting these? The thing is, I keep reading all these posts about how th RT170's are soooooo much better than ether of the aforementioned models. Hmmmmm. Let me see, the lowest I have found the RTi70's closed out at, are around 300.00 plus/per. I know this is just my opinion, but at the price difference mentioned... "Gimmie the RTi150's any day". As far as quality sound produced from any of these models, it is, and must be up to the listener to determine if they are right for themselves. What I find odd is, all the "mine is better than yours" type statements made by very passionate people who want to feel that what they have spent their hard earned cash on was well deserved. Bare in mind, I'm sure I feel the same way sometimes, "but" I would not allow myself to bash what someone else believes to be a great product and has went out of their way to aquire. Speakers evaluations are much like opinions "subjective". But bashing what someone likes and has spent hard earned cash on "no matter the cost" is just down right rude. But let me say this before, someone jumps in and says, I haven't been bashing noone's choice of speakers. I have only been visiting this forum for about a week, and already I have gotten that impression from the few threads and posts I've read so far regarding this very touchy subject of RTi70 vs. RTi100 vs. RTi150's. And I doubt I'm the only one with that impression. It's great to be passionate about what you believe, but not at the expense of others feelings. I saw in another post here somewhere a statement that makes alot of sense in this regard, but is ultimately hard to live by, "Agree to Disagree". I would only add this, to that statement, "but do it without stepping on anyones toes". There.... now I too feel better:D Just my little two cents worth... hehe.

Oh..... and uh Sid..... "3 friggin subs" in the RTi150? I wouldn't really think those drivers qualify as subs, would anyone else?

Anyway, thanks for listening and I'm sorry that was a rather long post.

Terry.

VR3

The RTi150 is crossed over, the 'subs' do indeed do nothing but bass. Which qualifies them as 'subs', woofers might I say.

If you set your speakers to small, crossover at 80hz. The 'subs' on the RTi150 will barely be used. Noticeably used, but not incredibly used to cause impact. This will leave a 6.5 inch mid-bass, with a 1 inch tweeter. I would say this is a RTi38 in a gigantic cabinet, but the fact of the matter is...

With all that crossover, the mid-bass is crossed higher than the RTi38, as the i38 drifts off at around 50-40hz. I would have to say the mid-bass in the RTi150 is crossed at atleast, 60hz. Anyways, my point is, the RTi150, crossed over at 80hz, is basically a RTi38. The RTi150 is a great speaker. I like it alot, but for the price, and the power it requires to really do it's thing. I can not justify it. If you can find it for 250 each, go for it...I mean really. That is a good price. Killer actually.

The RTi70 rolls off around 40hz, very strong. It uses dual 6.5 inch mid-bass woofers, crossed at 2.1khz with the tweeter. Both woofers play below 2.1khz, in doing this makes a stronger midrange. As Doc said, the RTi70 will be the best speaker for use with a subwoofer crossed at 80hz.

The RTi12 is the step above the RTi150. When I say a step above, I mean 15 foot latter above. The mids are much better, but here is my point...

Rti12 will go for 1,300 or so.
the RTi8 will go for 700. The RTi8 requires HALF the power, which means it will be far easier to drive. Not even needing an extra amp. This will yield you with a 600 dollar option towards a subwoofer. Pecifically, lets say the PCi 20-39 SVS. You cross the RTi8 at 80hz with the PCi, you run that setup with the RTi12. You tell me who the victor is...

VR3

I gave the RTi150 to much credit on the mid-bass.

Polk's website says

85Hz between driver and subs

Which tells me, if you cross it over at 80hz. Very little action will be going to that subwoofer. Infact, it will mainly be just subwoofer, with a mixture of faded RTi150 subbage.

When you take (6) 6.5 inch woofers, and make them subwoofers. With ALOT of power, they can really move air....

Terrax

I haven't seen any spec's or price's on the new line, but if you are talking per/speaker, then....
Hm..... Rti12 for 1300 which I would have no plans to sink that kind of cash in.
Hm..... RTi8 for 700 which I have no plans to sink that kind of cash in.
The RTi150 for 245/each, which I do plan to sink that kind of cash in. And I have enjoyed listening to, and will save me around 2100 off the RTi12/per pair, and save me 900 off the RTi8 per/pair, as well as save me 300 off the lowest current price I have found the RTi70's for per/pair, which in the end, I can put toward a much more efficent amp in the future.

Victors? hm............

EDIT: Ok, then the savings would still be 800 off the RTi12's and 200 off the RTi8's, which I would much rather put into another piece of equipment to sit back and enjoy.

Terry

Terrax

Thank you, ATCVenom, that was most kind. I just hope I can make it there right when they open in the morning, so they don't get gone before I have a chance to snag them up.;)

VR3

The RTi12 looks to be 1,300 per pair, RTi8 looks to be 700 per pair...

TroyD

Sid, when, may I ask, did you get to do all this critical listening of the RTi150?

BDT

faster100

for such a young guy at 14 who go's to school, he has more time on his hands for exstensive demo's and he notices more details about speakers then i ever have at 30, I think it takes years of listening to speakers and gear to start to notice subtle differences in sound, from one speaker to another, gear, cables. wire and so on, I have been into this for about 5-6 years maybe.. and only the last 2-3 have i got really serious about it, and moreso the last 1 1/2 years have i got more critical of sound and details, and i "STILL" can't hear much if any difference with wire, cables, and amps.. but i'm learning. I think it's a aquired tatste to know and learn this stuff, to know what all the terms truely mean and be able to give advice accordingly. I never have given this kind of review because put simply i don't know how yet..

at 14, trey does seem to know alot more then the average kid, and has more gear then average, But it takes alot more knowledge and time served per say, to give such details.

I'm not ripping on you one bit,sid or getting all Oprah.. LOL but i think its true,

Terrax

Woot!

Just got back from Charlotte, NC with RTi150's in tow and hooked up. WoW! These puppy's are brute's. And at a killer deal of 245.09 each. BTW, if anyone lives near to or in Charlotte, NC, the Independance CC has one pair left still NIB priced at 245.09 "Managers Special" as of 11:00 o'clock this morn. Just wanted pass that along, maybe help someone else get lucky too.:D

faster100

Great deal!! all the CC managers i spoke with when i was trying for these speakers said, "we cant sell them that cheap" we can do $399.00 each, HUH! It seems GA and NC CC's stores give some good ol boy prices, because they sure wont in Florida ..

bigsexy1

Congrats terrax! Welcome to the club. Hit them w/ enough power, and you won't be disappointed.

As for Sid, it's best to just leave him alone. As I stated earlier, I've decided from now on that I'm just going to take whatever he says with a grain of salt for whatever it's worth, then let it go and just move on.

I'm sure he really means well, even if it doesn't always seem like it.

fireshoes

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
The RTi12 looks to be 1,300 per pair, RTi8 looks to be 700 per pair...

$1400 on the RTi12's

Terrax

Thanks, Big.
I agree with you on the grain of salt, I'm sure Sid does mean well. I'm just happy I found an even better deal on the RTi150's than I found the RTi100's, hehe

VR3

I've heard the RTi70, RTi100, RTi150 all in the same room, all different placements, same track, different times, and out of all the times I still like the 70 better. I just have never found Polk's one mid-bass worth a stand alone...always found it lacking. A prime example is the RT35i, very enclosed, where as the 70 is not. Anyways...

Faster,
I agree with you. I have listened to alot of speakers in the past year. From the very best, to the very worst. (Wilson Audio X-1, Jensen Outdoors). The Wilson Audio gives you a real taste of what music REALLY sounds like. Everything else is just there. I heard the Wilson and decided to listen to a 8,000 dollar Sonus Fabor afterwards...bad idea, if I was out to buy it. Why? Because it sounded like a car speaker on 100% THD amps, thats just how good the Wilson is. The SRT is another speaker I will have to say makes the Sonus Fabor look bad, it could totally rule the Sonus...

I have heard Krell, Mcintosh, Mark L, Adcom, Yamaha (their old amps), several other brands. I will say, they're all great, and have their own place. I can not sit here and tell you I can hear everything a speaker can and can not do. However, I can tell you what I like and do not like, and you already know that. I am just a little more careless with telling people what I like and do not like. I could care less if someone is offended, because I am sure they will not hesitate to say something along these lines "He's a kid, take everything he says with a grain of salt, for he may mean well, I am sure he really does." Thats besides the point. I hear about how people like the RTi150. hey! I have heard it, it IS a great speaker, but how can you justify it? I mean, if you planned to never get a subwoofer, and lay down 600+ maybe 700 on amps, that run 400-500 watts of power, then I say get them. Other than that, I don't see why...

I've heard B&K on Mcintosh pre and amps, great setup. Great room placement and acoustics...was I floored by this setup? Honestly..no...

I have heard many different setups, not as much as others. I am still a kid, yep, I go to school every day and come home and jam for atleast 2 hours to music, and take a nap. Come on the boards, read a little, advice a little, make trouble. All that good teenage stuff that seems like you guys missed out on lol, jk there...

Anyways,
I have not heard every speaker, amp, etc, probally never will. I have heard how music, instruments, how things sounds, and thats what I go by. Thats all I can offer when I listen to a speaker. My friend plays drums, I KNOW how a bass drum feels when you are 7-10-15-20 feet away from it. Acoustically, not speaker loaded. I KNOW how it feels, and sounds. I know how a snare sounds, how cymbals sound, how a voice sounds. I know how an acoustic guitar sounds, as I use to play it (kinda). I know how an electric sounds. I know all this. It is nothing new.

That is what I go by, nothing more, nothing less...