Polk RT16 vs RT800i

HTguru1982

I came across a set of Polk RT16's a few months back but was unable to use them because of a damaged woofer. So in the closet they sat. Until now. I found a replacement woofer on Ebay and now have them in my system and all I have to say is wow! I can't believe how much cleaner sounding they are over my RT800i's. The 800's tend to have a somewhat cluttered presentation. They can get pretty dynamic but they aren't the cleanest sounding speaker. And I hate the rolled off highs. A lot of people like a warmer speaker but I know there's detail missing in the top end because I've heard it on other speakers.

The RT16's on the other hand are amazing. They are more forward but I'm hearing things that the 800's just can't get across. The sound stage seems to be very wide and deep, a trait also missing on the 800's. Now the 800's aren't bad speakers. Again, they are warmer sounding. They're good for movies. They just seem to be outclassed by the 16's. Does anyone know why Polk messed around with crossover in the RTxxxi series? They had a good thing going with their first generation RT speakers, I think. Now their most recent RTiA speakers are another story. I can't wait to get my hands on them.

mantis

I felt exactly about these 2 speakers as you do. Back when both models where new , I fell in love with the RT16's. When I was ready to buy them , they where disco. So I looked at the RT800's and didn't think they where as good , cluttered was exactly how I felt. I ended up buying the RT1000p's as they had a lot of the same qualities of the RT16's I really liked.

The Latest version , RITA outclasses everything prior. Polk figured out something with the cabinet design , cross over points and how much each model plays. I was very taken the first time I heard the RTIA7's. I sat down with a few fellow workers at Tweeter(Where I use to work) and everyone was blown away. Amazing sounding speakers for the money and quickly became our best seller.
With all the gear we carried , they shined the best off of Pioneer Elite receivers. We all went around the block and always came back to Pioneer , they just complemented each other very well.

HTguru1982

I had the RT1000i's at one point and I feel that they were also better than the RT800i. I would love to put together a system around the RTiA7's. After having to buy a new car however, any home theater purchases I wanted to make will have to be put on the back burner for a while.

Miketoms

Well,that's very interesting.

Oldfatdogs

I picked up a pair of RT16's on the cheap and promised a friend he could have them before hearing them.When I hooked them up they were great speakers,I now have only visiting privileges.

mantis

Hopefully one day I'll find a pair in pristine condition , I just would love to own a pair. I fell in love with them all those years ago and wasn't able to get a pair. I felt so 2nd choice.

HTguru1982

These speakers continue to amaze. Very balanced sound. I may go for a crossover upgrade soon if I could find the time.