Polk Audio RTi A9 vs Pioneer SP-FS52

crzycuyler

I know these are very different prices, but I am hoping to find out if there is any reason to dish out the extra cash for the RTi A9s. These Pioneers are getting fantastic reviews and are being compared to much better speakers. The A9s are not receiving as much praise. Any advice?

F1nut

I took a look around and did not find much in the way of reviews for the Pioneer speakers. However, I did find a lot of positive reviews for the Polk's, so not sure where you're looking.

I have heard the A9's properly powered and they are quite the performer. However, if you plan on driving them with the average AVR, you will be disappointed as they need an amp.

As I haven't heard the Pioneer's I can only offer a comparision based on specs.

The Pioneer speakers:
Weight - listed as between 21 lbs. and 29 lbs. each (not sure why different sites list different weights) Hell, I have CDP's that weigh considerably more than that!!!
Frequency Response - 40Hz-20kHz (no one states if that is the -3dB spec or what. IMO, never a good sign)
Efficiency - 87dB (kind of low meaning it takes more power for them to sound as loud as the Polk's)
Warranty - 1 year
List Price - $130.00 each

I thought this comment summed them up nicely, for the shoestring-budgeted enthusiast.

The Polk speakers:
Weight - 75 lbs. each
Frequency Response - the -3dB is 30Hz-26kHz
Efficiency - 90dB (still need an amp to drive them properly)
Warranty - 5 years
List Price - $750.00 each (can be had for much less)


It's been my experience in this hobby that generally speaking, you get what you pay for and more importantly, there are NO giant killers, only wishful (possibly delusional) dreamers and those without experience.

tonyb

Not even close to an apples to apples comparison there champ. I would suggest you get the Pioneers, that way you'll appreciate better sound when you decide to move up the food chain.

Tankman

Reason?Heres a link,and 13 reasons why the RTI-A9 are better then any Pioneer speaker that I can think of.http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Floorstanding-Speaker-Single/dp/B000V2SEX2/ref=sr_1_8?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1351848444&sr=1-8.But too each his own I say.

crzycuyler

Thanks for looking in to it for me, F1nut! tonyb, I know these are very different speakers. I am actually coming from B&W 685 and ASW610 and am looking for a better value (and floor standing speakers). I will be powering whatever speakers I get with my current AVR3312. I may or may not upgrade my amplifier down the road, but I do have pre outs. The Pioneers are new, and I never wanted to like them, but they were designed by Andrew Jones. This is not enough to impress me, but people are saying he put some genius to work on these budget speakers.

If I went with the RTi A9s, I would have to use only them with my AVR and maybe even bi-amp. There would be no room for my amp to have additional channels, correct?

With the Pioneer, I can save money and know that my AVR3312 will power the whole set.

Tankman, those are pretty good reviews, and they certainly hold some weight. I found many threads that don't give as much praise. It was said to have a harsh lower treble, I believe.

Main use will be HT(65%) and Music(35%).

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

I've heard that series of Pioneer powered by AVRs and a comparable set of TSI-400s (the Polk series below the Rti-A9s) and, frankly, the Polks wiped the floor with them, it wasn't even close. It doesn't matter who designs something. There are "cost" constraints. And you just can't put quality parts, crossovers, etc., in a speaker that's that cheap, especially a "tower". So Pio is probably giving us some simple "market" hype here! Because they (Pioneer) has produced far more expensive speakers!

Polk Rti-A9s, if you're doing HT and you have a good amp to go with that Denon, you'll be "happy"!


cnh

crzycuyler

cnh, it's not just that Andrew Jones built the speaker. I am hearing from some that they feel the Pioneers have a more balanced tonality. People are comparing the Pioneers to options twice their price and still giving them the upper hand. I am afraid of the harsh lower treble I've heard of. I still have a little while to decide.

tommyt21

Crzyculyer could you please name the speakers that they compared at "twice there price range" that may help. Also your comparing speakers that are more than "twice the price range & specs). It seems a fair comparison would be polks monitor series not the freaking flagship on the RTI A series. Sorry but this speaker comparison just boggles the mind. Its like comparing a 8inch yamaha sub to a SVS PB Ultra or a entry level AVR to separates. Just plan confused:redface: Also if your coming from the B&W 600 series I seriously doubt you will be happy with those Pio's

PS: Apples vs Oranges which is better? How about a Pioneer Kuro and a Sayno, or what about a Lexus and a Kia, or Polk Lsim's vs some RCA bookies? In essence this is just a ridiculous comparison.

crzycuyler

Well, tommyt21, I've been told recently by an experienced listener that they would choose the Pioneers over the RTi A9s. This is why I am trying to compare them. Obviously its more than twice the price. I just wasn't sure if the consensus was that they are worth what they are priced at. If they weren't considered so, and the Pioneers were considered more than there price, then we come closer to being able to compare.

tommyt21

crzycuyler wrote: »

Well, tommyt21, I've been told recently by an experienced listener that they would choose the Pioneers over the RTi A9s. This is why I am trying to compare them. Obviously its more than twice the price. I just wasn't sure if the consensus was that they are worth what they are priced at. If they weren't considered so, and the Pioneers were considered more than there price, then we come closer to being able to compare.

No offense to you, and by the way welcome to Club Polk, but that is complete BS from your experniced listener in my humble listening experince. As I said for some one that is comming from the B&W 600 series go give those Pios a listen and tell us what you think...I would definetly like to hear your feedback on that comparison

F1nut

crzycuyler, I saw the Pioneer's available for $99.00 each. I suggest you buy a pair and judge them for yourself. If you don't like them, you're not out much at all. Personally, I fail to see how a tower speaker that weighs so little can be worth the bother.

snake1

I'll throw in my 0.02 since my 12s are basically the same speaker. I have personally not gotten any harsh treble out of them and my listening goes from HT, Christian rap, Rock, Classical, and Blues. Buy with confidence my friend!

As stated above, you will need external amplification to push these. While I'm impressed at what my Onkyo has been able to do with them, I can tell they have more potential, plus the Onk has nothing else attached so as speakers are added it will only go down w/out an amp. Polk's ebay site has a few A9s for sale if I'm not mistaken and also some RTi12s in cherry as well. Food for thought. Good luck with your decision!

Irrenhaus

Hi I did have a pair for a short period of time, the SP-FS51-LR and I think they are the same but older model. They sounded okay but now they reside in the garage connected to a basic Sony stereo receiver so I can listen to some music when I am working on my truck. I think they cost me less than 200.00 for the pair and that was at Best Buy of all places.....

ken brydson

F1nut wrote: »

crzycuyler, I saw the Pioneer's available for $99.00 each. I suggest you buy a pair and judge them for yourself. If you don't like them, you're not out much at all. Personally, I fail to see how a tower speaker that weighs so little can be worth the bother.

This...

roost28

Originally Posted by F1nut

crzycuyler, I saw the Pioneer's available for $99.00 each. I suggest you buy a pair and judge them for yourself. If you don't like them, you're not out much at all. Personally, I fail to see how a tower speaker that weighs so little can be worth the bother.

ken brydson wrote: »

This...

+1.. then you will realize that they are crap and wish you had bought the A9's

crzycuyler

I appreciate the advice. I wanted to grab the RTi A9s instead of the Pioneers. I just wanted to convince myself by jumping on a forum. The only two problems with the RTi A9 is the size and the need for an amp. I've got the AVR3312 and a rather small apartment. Why the A9s then? Because I can get a steal of a deal on them and don't feel like getting anything but the best of this Polk Audio series.

F1nut

a rather small apartment

Then you don't want big speakers as they need room to breath. Get yourself some monitors and a sub, they'll sound a lot better.

crzycuyler

I just came from B&W 685 and ASW610. I want to grab some floorstanders. I need the stability. I am comfortable placing towers off of my wall, but the bookshelves don't feel like they can command the space. RTi a5?

tommyt21

crzycuyler wrote: »

I just came from B&W 685 and ASW610. I want to grab some floorstanders. I need the stability. I am comfortable placing towers off of my wall, but the bookshelves don't feel like they can command the space. RTi a5?

whats your listening preference music or HT
HT get A5 or A3 if Music M60 or M50 your Avr should be fine with any of thos choices. I had the m60 it was great for the price point would work well for a apartment.

roost28

seen as you are in an apartment then i would consider something smaller, a5's or someting in the tsi series.

rpf65

When I started auditioning speakers in my price range, I stumbled onto the RTI series at Frys. I can't remember the AVR that I used, but the best sound actually came from the A7's. I had a entry level Yamaha (RX-V571), and decided to go with the A5's. Just fit my budget better, and can repurpose them when I step up the food chain. WIth a low power level, the A5's sound pretty good.

All that said, if your in an apartment, and want really good speakers for an AVR, I suggest you put an ear on the A5's, with a fairly good sub. I think your AVR will like them a little better.

crzycuyler

Would I be able to pull off the RTi A9s if I go crazy with bass traps and different methods to deal with reflections? I ask all this because I have special accommodations with Polk Audio and want to go all out if I can.

tonyb

crzycuyler wrote: »

Would I be able to pull off the RTi A9s if I go crazy with bass traps and different methods to deal with reflections? I ask all this because I have special accommodations with Polk Audio and want to go all out if I can.

What makes you think you even need bass traps or will have problems with reflections ? Look, if the A9's are calling you in your sleep, get an amp for them to make them shine, otherwise your not going to realize their full potential. Living in an apartment, I don't see why you want big floorstanders anyway. If music is your #1 goal, some LSI 9's with a sub and an amp would be the ticket. Don't lust after the harder to drive speakers then cut short the power to drive them. That recipe will result in poor performance and an unhappy owner.

deronb1

I would get these:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/FOCAL814V/FOCAL-Chorus-814V-716v-Dual-6-Floorstanding-Speakers-Gloss-Black-Pair/1.html

crzycuyler

I just considering this sick accommodation. I can upgrade my amp in the future and take advantage of a great price right now.

tommyt21

crzycuyler wrote: »

I just considering this sick accommodation. I can upgrade my amp in the future and take advantage of a great price right now.

dont take this the wrong way but you do know how large those A9s are right? They dwarf alot of other floorstanders, they are very,very large

deronb1

crzycuyler wrote: »

Would I be able to pull off the RTi A9s if I go crazy with bass traps and different methods to deal with reflections? I ask all this because I have special accommodations with Polk Audio and want to go all out if I can.

crzycuyler wrote: »

I just considering this sick accommodation. I can upgrade my amp in the future and take advantage of a great price right now.

Whats the deal with accomodation(s). Not sure I understand the use of the word in your posts.

crzycuyler

tommyt21, you're right. I knew they were big, but I can't fit these speakers. Now I am looking at the RTi A5s and still comparing them to the Pioneer SP-FS52. The best subwoofer I can get through accommodations with Polk Audio is the PSW125. Should I be considering this subwoofer, or is it garbage?

deronb1, it's a very enticing discount directly from vendor to employee instead of the store discount which exists, but still doesn't compare.

tommyt21

crzycuyler wrote: »

tommyt21, you're right. I knew they were big, but I can't fit these speakers. Now I am looking at the RTi A5s and still comparing them to the Pioneer SP-FS52. The best subwoofer I can get through accommodations with Polk Audio is the PSW125. Should I be considering this subwoofer, or is it garbage?

deronb1, it's a very enticing discount directly from vendor to employee instead of the store discount which exists, but still doesn't compare.

Depends on the price and what your looking for. The A5's may be a great choice with a good sub. For an apartment setup it sounds like a good idea. Is there any way you can hear these speakers for yourself before purchase? What people on this forum like and what you are wanting or like maybe two different things,lol.

xftman

How about A9 Vs. Energy RC70? Does anyone have experience both?
Thanks in advance!

crzycuyler

tommyt21, it is possible that I purchase the speakers knowing that I would return them to a store because the official purchase I would make is directly from the vendor.