Desicions, desicions - TSi400, TSi500 or RTiA5
Hey all, I Just purchased a pair of Polk Audio TSi400's and really like them. However, I keep thinking maybe I should have gone with TSi500's or RTiA5's. Guess my question is how much difference is there tonally between these speakers? Are we looking primarily at a fuller bottom end, thicker midrange and/or brighter top end? Keeping in mind that I primarily listen to music with a movie on occasion and I've always steered away from systems that are really bright. For reference I also have the Polk CS10 center channel and I'm driving them with a Denon AVR-1913. No surrounds as of yet. The room is large and open with 11' ceilings and hardwood floors.
I know the best thing would be to go listen for myself, but that's easier said than done in this case.
Glad to entertain any and all opinions.
I know the best thing would be to go listen for myself, but that's easier said than done in this case.
Glad to entertain any and all opinions.
Post edited by Dave918 on
Comments
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Dave, I would recommend shoot for the RTi A7s (look at the reviews on the web). I had a pair of them and those speakers are amazing. I upgraded to the A9's few weeks ago and they are superb. But, I guess you are trying to keep your budget under control and don't want to go crazy here on new speakers.
Anyway, you can visit the Polk Audio store at eBay they have A7s in black and cherry color. They are refurbished, but covered by a 2 year warranty, free delivery and check the price.
I hope this helps. -
Dave, I would recommend shoot for the RTi A7s (look at the reviews on the web). I had a pair of them and those speakers are amazing. I upgraded to the A9's few weeks ago and they are superb. But, I guess you are trying to keep your budget under control and don't want to go crazy here on new speakers.
Anyway, you can visit the Polk Audio store at eBay they have A7s in black and cherry color. They are refurbished, but covered by a 2 year warranty, free delivery and check the price.
I hope this helps.
Skip the TSi's go straight to the RTI's BIG Difference I went from the Monitors(TSi's) to the RTI series and couldnt be happierLiving Room
Fronts: RTi A7's
Center: Csi A6 VR3 "Fortress Plus"
Front Heights: Rti A1
Surrounds: Rti A3
Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK4 Damn this is a good SUB
Pioneer Pioneer Elite: SC-35-> Emotiva XPA-3
TV: Lg LW6500 55" Passive 3D
Blu-Ray Panasonic BD 210
XboX 360 Slim/Kinect
Acoustimac red suede panels -
Skip the TSi's go straight to the RTI's BIG Difference I went from the Monitors(TSi's) to the RTI series and couldnt be happier
This man speaks the true.......listen to him!
But of course the big question is, are you going to be able to return the TSi 400s that you recently purchased? If yes, and you have a bit of extra cash to by the RTi As, then I wouldn't think much on that.
Good luck! -
Well, maybe. You really do have to step up to Rti A7s or, better yet, A9s to get a "significant" upgrade from the TSI-500s. What you'll notice between the TSI-500s and the A5s will be mostly in your highs. The A5s share the RTi-A tweeter which has more detail and is a tad brighter, bass might be a little tighter as well, but the extra drivers in the TSI-500s can push a lot more air if "properly" powered.
So I'd say bide your time and go A7s. If it were me, I'd go straight up to the A9s and not mess around but that's more money--so even I haven't done it yet. lol
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
Well, just to give you and idea about the size difference between the A7s and A9s take a look at this pic.
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Yeah, I'm afraid I'm almost capped on budget. I bought the 400's from Crutchfield and they have the TSi500 and RTiA5 for the same price right now. Will cost me $200.00 more for either one. Already checked with them and they said a swap would not be a problem.
The other question I guess is how would the CS10 sound with the RTiA5's? -
Dave, I would recommend shoot for the RTi A7s (look at the reviews on the web). I had a pair of them and those speakers are amazing. I upgraded to the A9's few weeks ago and they are superb. But, I guess you are trying to keep your budget under control and don't want to go crazy here on new speakers.
Anyway, you can visit the Polk Audio store at eBay they have A7s in black and cherry color. They are refurbished, but covered by a 2 year warranty, free delivery and check the price.
I hope this helps.
Didn't know about the e-bay store, I'll check it out -
Yeah, I'm afraid I'm almost capped on budget. I bought the 400's from Crutchfield and they have the TSi500 and RTiA5 for the same price right now. Will cost me $200.00 more for either one. Already checked with them and they said a swap would not be a problem.
The other question I guess is how would the CS10 sound with the RTiA5's?
You will have to do you numbers here. I'm if you return your current speakers back to Crutchfield, I guess you will have to pay shipping and probably a re-stocking fee (I have no idea, I'm just guessing here). So, you will have to evaluate if that extra cost make sense for your budget.
If indeed returning is a deal breaker, I will strongly recommend you to buy the A7s. I know, they are at $499.99 each. But, that extra cash will give you peace of mind and savings on the long run. I bet if you buy the A5s now, in few months you will be upgrading them to the A7s anyway. So, save you the trouble and buy the A7s. If your budget allows you.
If you are going to buy the A7s (any speaker of that series) the best match is the CSi A6 central speaker. However, if budget is an issue, check the Polk Store at eBay. I think they have few CSi A4 at $ 175.00 and these speaker is listed as a match for your A7s.
Time to do your numbers and evaluate your options. -
Didn't know about the e-bay store, I'll check it out
Let's see if this link works for you.
http://stores.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct -
Yup .... RTi A7 in cherry wood veneer
$400 each with free shipping (2 available)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EACH-RTi-A7-RTiA7-CHERRY-Tower-Loudspeaker-Polk-Audio-/230794957826?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35bc739402
Factory Refurbished Products ... 2-Year Limited Warranty on Home Audio Speakers2-Channel Audio
Onkyo ... A-9050 . . .Integrated Amp. (Power Amp Section not Used)
Onkyo ... M-282 . ... Power Amps .(Pair)
Onkyo ... C-7030 . _.CD Player
Polk . . *. RTi A7 - ....Front Speakers
Polk . . *. RTi A3 - ....Rear Speakers -
Yup .... RTi A7 in cherry wood veneer
$400 each with free shipping (2 available)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EACH-RTi-A7-RTiA7-CHERRY-Tower-Loudspeaker-Polk-Audio-/230794957826?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35bc739402
Factory Refurbished Products ... 2-Year Limited Warranty on Home Audio Speakers
Dave these have your name written all over them.............what are you waiting for?!?!?!?
LOL -
Hey all, read your responses last night but didn't have a chance to reply. After looking at the RTi A7's on ebay I decided that they were indeed for me - just didn't have time to pull the trigger. However, this morning I remember the pair of Atrium4's I just installed in my garage. They where free under a special promotion that Crutchfield is running. If I returned the TSi400's for a refund, I would have to return the Atrium4's as well. Don't really want to do that. I also realized that I would not be able to keep the CS10 because of the difference in styling, if for no other reason. So that would be an additional expense. Long story short is that as much as I hate to pass up the RTi A7's, staying with Crutchfield and swapping for the TSi500's would be the better deal for me at this point in time.
Then I get ready to leave for work this morning....why will the garage door not open? Crap. Repeated power cycling, resetting, button pushing and the door stays closed. The indicator light blinks but the motor will not turn. So, if I have to replace my garage door opener, the TSi400's will be just fine. If I can somehow get the thing to start working when I get home, then I'll pursue the TSi500 swap.
Don't you just love it when life gets in your face? -
Hey all, read your responses last night but didn't have a chance to reply. After looking at the RTi A7's on ebay I decided that they were indeed for me - just didn't have time to pull the trigger. However, this morning I remember the pair of Atrium4's I just installed in my garage. They where free under a special promotion that Crutchfield is running. If I returned the TSi400's for a refund, I would have to return the Atrium4's as well. Don't really want to do that. I also realized that I would not be able to keep the CS10 because of the difference in styling, if for no other reason. So that would be an additional expense. Long story short is that as much as I hate to pass up the RTi A7's, staying with Crutchfield and swapping for the TSi500's would be the better deal for me at this point in time.
Then I get ready to leave for work this morning....why will the garage door not open? Crap. Repeated power cycling, resetting, button pushing and the door stays closed. The indicator light blinks but the motor will not turn. So, if I have to replace my garage door opener, the TSi400's will be just fine. If I can somehow get the thing to start working when I get home, then I'll pursue the TSi500 swap.
Don't you just love it when life gets in your face?
Dave, look at it this way, it was better this happened "before" you go ahead an upgrade your speakers (put some extra cash in the process) rather than later and then having a cash problem.
Anyway, now you know about the eBay store and you can keep and eye on that. Moreover, eventually you can try to sell your TSi400 in the future and grab the RTiA7s.
BTW - something must be happening in the universe, my garage door is having issues and one of the rollers got out of the track. So, calling a tech to repair it for me. Hopefully is just that, but I have the feeling the whole track is uneven and they will have to readjust the whole frame..........arrggghhhh! -
Yeah, I'm at work still looking at those A7's. I know that if I'm lucky and don't have to replace the garage door opener I'll be agonizing over the same decision later this evening. Give up the Atrium4's and bite the bullet on the A7's and a new center, or be happy with what I have. Maybe the A7's will be gone by then
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For music I'd look at the LSI series on Polk direct eBay store. They're much more musical than the TSI & RTI series, but you'll have to get your electronics in order. Just another option for the future.
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Well after replacing the grage door opener and weighing all my options I decided to - do something completly different. The TSi400's and CS10 have been sent back and taking their place is a pair of RTiA3 bookshelves and a CSiA4 center. I'm a happy camper :cheesygrin:
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Congrats and enjoy your new speakers. Something tells me those A3's will be going to the rear in the future.
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If you're more into music, stay with TSI series (or upgrade to LSi). If more HT, then go for RTi. RTi is pretty bright, will likely give you headache if you listen to it (with music) for hrs.
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If you're more into music, stay with TSI series (or upgrade to LSi). If more HT, then go for RTi. RTi is pretty bright, will likely give you headache if you listen to it (with music) for hrs.
I respectfully disagree with you on this. I do have a pair of RTi A9s and they do a fine job for music. -
After having Rti8s and 12s set. yep, what you said kinda true because the A9/12s is the most musical of the series, but it's still more for HT purpose...did you know that RT stands for Reference Theater? My Rti8s sound so bright with music, even when powering them with HK amp.I respectfully disagree with you on this. I do have a pair of RTi A9s and they do a fine job for music.
