Polk Audio RTi A5 vs A3

Luan Do
Luan Do Posts: 5
edited January 2013 in Speakers
Hi folks, I'm new to the club. I'm about to upgrade my front speakers, but I don't know which one to choose: The A5 or A3. My system is 40% HT and 60 % Music. As far as I know, the A5 does a better job in HT. However, I'm not sure if the A5 is better for music or not. My question is: which one is better for music listening? The A5 or A3?

Please give me some advices.
Thank you!
Post edited by Luan Do on
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Comments

  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited January 2013
    I would go 5's over 3's. Think of the 5's as a book shelf on roids with the stands built on.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • rpf65
    rpf65 Posts: 2,127
    edited January 2013
    If you have the floor space, the a5's would be a better. Either way, you'll want to add a sub. I have the a5's, and the bass is pretty good until around 50 hz or so. Then it starts degrading
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    edited January 2013
    I have both and have used both in a 2 channel setup as well as HT. I felt that the A5's were a better all around speaker.
    Although the detail and imaging was pretty much the same, the bass response and overall feel of the music was better than the 3's.

    I find that i don't need a sub with the 5's at all. Maybe i'm not a bass head but i do enjoy listening to RAtM, Tool, etc... and do not find it lacking in the least bit but YMMV.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited January 2013
    Having owned the 3s, I can't complain about them an ounce, so long as you have a sub to match with them. As the others have said, the 5s are better if you have the floor space.
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • Luan Do
    Luan Do Posts: 5
    edited January 2013
    Thanks for all the replies. This is my lucky day on craigslist. I just picked up a pair of RTi A7 for $400 :D
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited January 2013
    DUUUUUDE. win.
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • pdxfj
    pdxfj Posts: 376
    edited January 2013
    That's a steal! If you're handy with a soldering iron, do the XO upgrades. Speaking from experience I can say the upgrade is 100% worth the effort, time and $.
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  • Luan Do
    Luan Do Posts: 5
    edited January 2013
    Can you tell me the benefit from XO upgrades? And do you how much for doing it?
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited January 2013
    It improves the sound quality a good bit. There's quite a few threads about it in the DIY, Mods & Tweaks section of the forum. I did it to my LSi25s and LSiC and it opened them up greatly, not to mention took the veil off their tweeters. I've heard that it smooths out the tweeter on the RTiA series, and gets rid of some of the harshness. Dig around, you'll find what you're looking for.

    Take a peek: http://vr3mods.com/FortressRTiA7.php
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited January 2013
    Luan Do wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies. This is my lucky day on craigslist. I just picked up a pair of RTi A7 for $400 :D

    Better yet.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • monepolk
    monepolk Posts: 1,146
    edited January 2013
    Congrats on your new find, and welcome to Club Polk!
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