RTI70s to replace rt55s?

sahmen
sahmen Posts: 39
edited November 2011 in Speakers
I have had and enjoyed my RT55s for a little more than 10 yrs and they still perform flawlessly. I use them as
fronts in my HT system, with a CS400 center and psw505... I just found out I can buy a pair of used but good RTi
70s for $180, but I am wondering if the upgrade is worth the hassle at all... I mean will the RTi70 make a difference that is noticeable enough to warrant the time and money...? If they are, then the plan would be to swap them with the RT 55s which will either be moved to the rear or to another room to serve as zone b speakers for listening to
music, but that consideration is not that important... What is important is whether the RTI 70s represents enough of an upgrade to make a remarkable difference in my HT experience over the rt55s.

Any helpful words would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Post edited by sahmen on
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Comments

  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited November 2011
    I own both and the difference is really more of personal choice of asthetics. (Towers, thinner taller) vs (Bookshelfs, thicker topheavy)
    To me, they sound very similar, but the 55s have a slightly more boxy sound than the 70s. I wouldn't call it an upgrade, but both are nice speakers.
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,791
    edited November 2011
    IMO, I like the 55 over the I70 having owned both... :) Good luck
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited November 2011
    I wouldn't do it. I sold my RTI70s and kept my RT55s....
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited November 2011
    RT55 is a good speaker.......One of my favorite Polk speakers!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,337
    edited November 2011
    the 55/i's are a fantastic speaker!!! as stated above one of my favorites!!
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited November 2011
    If you where to move into the RTIa7's then yes but the 70's no way. The RT55's are badass and one of polkas best Rt models ever.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • sahmen
    sahmen Posts: 39
    edited November 2011
    Wow talk about an unanimous vote of confidence! Well, the Rt55s are staying put. Thanks to everyone for all the quick responses,
    too. I am feeling all warm and fuzzy all over again about my RT55s, as if I just purchased them, and you have saved me from getting my wallet needlessly lighter. Thanks again.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited November 2011
    You made the right choice. The RTi70's were kind of a **** step child of Polk. Decent speakers, but they don't hold a candle to the RT55s. That tells you something since its bookshelf vs tower with almost the same driver configuration. I got the RTi70's and thought they'd be awesome. I was mistaken. At least I sold them for a profit :)
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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