RTI70's vs RTI8's performace??????

outerlymitz
outerlymitz Posts: 17
edited January 2004 in Speakers
Hello all. I am looking to upgrade soon. I just keep asking myself if the upgrade to the new 8's is worthwhile. Is there a definitive review of the new speaker or a comparison between the 70's and 8's towers?

Setup:

Hitachi 51uwx20b
Onkyo TX-SR601
Panasonic RP82 DVD DVDA
Sony C222ES SACD
Zenith HDV420 OTA
Motorola Comast HD Receiver
Monster Power Center 2600
RTI70 Front
CSI40 Center
R20 Sides
R20 Rear
PSW450 Sub
Post edited by outerlymitz on
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    Why does everyone ask this?

    The answer is yes. Most definetely, its almost night and day really. The clearness, detail will be there. If you want to get even BETTER sound for ALOT less money.

    RT800i...

    RT16

    :D HAVE A NICE DAY :D

    PS: I was not belittling anyones speakers, just sharing an opinion, please do not ask. Gooday!

    - Sid
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • TrappedUnder Ice
    TrappedUnder Ice Posts: 975
    edited January 2004
    I did an A/B test when the Parents were looking to buy- of an HK reciver..it was night and day. The new tweeter images soooo much better..and the mid bass response seemed tighter....
    thats my 2 cents
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  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited January 2004
    you will need to listen to both speakers. its not always the best idea to buy speakers based on reviews or others opinions.
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  • GuitarheadCA
    GuitarheadCA Posts: 400
    edited January 2004
    I also noticed the 8's were a little brighter....

    Although it makes me wonder where the line is, because my system with my 70's is already plenty bright. I almost feel like the new 8's would be better with an H/K receiver due to their brightness when I've always thought polks sounded better with Onkyo.

    Bascially you're comparing Good and Better, It's a win-win
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    I cant give my review of anything on this forum. Because people feel its belittling of speakers. So if you truly want my opinion, PM me (I expect to get no pms ;))
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • EuroStyle
    EuroStyle Posts: 19
    edited January 2004
    Are you of the thought that the RTi800's are better then the Rti70's? If anything, I thought the Rti70's had an updated tweeter....


    Sean
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    Edit, if you want to know, PM me.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    Let me put it this way. Just because Bose dosnt release the 901, does it mean their cubes are better?

    The Polymer (older, RT3, 5 series), the Tri Lam, and Im sure, EVERY other tweeter Polk has used, has more detail, clarity, smoothness than the silk. Listen, and you will hear.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • EuroStyle
    EuroStyle Posts: 19
    edited January 2004
    Interesting...I am asking because after heariing my brothers system in Cali this summer with Rti800's up front, I came home and now bought a set of Rti70's...:)


    Sean
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    RT800i*

    I want to hear the RT16. Dual 7.5" midbasses, gotta sound awesome! Bring back the 7.5" midbasses I say!

    PS: To solve every problem with the RTi70, I just stacked a speaker on top of it. I usually switch speakers every once in a while when my taste changes. Its a neat thing. I want to purchase a pair of RTi6 to use for centers, and also add to the switch list to take its toll up front. If not the RTi6, the RT7. One of them, but what I REALLY want to buy to put in full place up front with the RTi70, is the RT55i or RT55. OH YEAH! Quad 6.5" midbasses, 2 tweets. Gotta love the sound of that! I know I do!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited January 2004
    Originally posted by EuroStyle
    Interesting...I am asking because after heariing my brothers system in Cali this summer with Rti800's up front, I came home and now bought a set of Rti70's...:)


    Sean

    Euro we need to ask 1 question... do you sense bright from your RT line? after this read I must say that I do not agree with BRIGHT!!!

    If anything and IMO the RT's that I have are very warm and do not stress me out in the least for music or HT. I will say the RT's in comparison with Wilson's do not convey the same image but DO image very well. Will I ever consider buying Wilson's for HT???... NO!!!

    If I can give a perspective without pissing everyone off:eek: I will say that my speakers have remained the same(+~5k and counting) as I upgraded my **** OFF.

    Twin:D Now HBombtwo is around the corner and finance has been redirected.

    The RT line is well worth the investment.
    ***WAREMTAE***
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,624
    edited January 2004
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    I want to hear the RT16. Dual 7.5" midbasses, gotta sound awesome! Bring back the 7.5" midbasses I say
    FINALLY!!!!!!! 3000+ POSTS LATER AND SID SOMETHING THAT MADE SENSE!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    I agree with Hbomb.

    Just go with these speakers if you can...

    RT800i
    RTi8
    RT16
    RT55
    RT55i
    RT35i
    RT5
    RT7
    RTi6

    The only speakers that have not left my system is the RT35i, and they occasionally make their way back up to the front soundstage. The RT5 is a new addition to my system and is getting its fair run at the main stage. It to, is doing a terrific job with the RTi70. Im actually considering disconnecting the Silk tweeter to see what happens. I will let ya know.

    Haha, Eff you too Brett! lmao!

    Also, the RTi70 is a great speaker. I own one, and I enjoy their sound, it just dosnt totally forfill my needs. The thing about the RTi70 seems to be one thing, it LOVES power, it eats power man. I am throwing 100 adcom watts at it and it just drains it. Another thing, it loves placement and room acoustics. I just recently got my futon today, as soon as that huge 8 inch mattress was set in this room, every sonic feature of my system changed. The highs settled and all the hiss that was there dissapeared. There is a little bit left but I am hoping when i get my curtains, doors, etc the highs will grow even calmer. The RTi70 makes a great addition to my system, but like I said it dosnt quite fit my taste.

    However, stacked with the RT5 or RT35i, that speaker set satisfies my needs and likes. Its just right on all accounts. In clarity, detail, impact, bass exstention, everything, especially in soundstage. Two tweeters helps the soundstage out ALOT.

    Either way, RTi70, RT800i, RTi8, they'll be great speakers. Dont let me steer you away from that. I enjoy mine, just not as much as I'd like to. Others like it, I recomend it. The RT800i will be favored by some, the RTi70 will be favored by others, while the RTi8 will be favored by others. Its all opinion, and this is the last time I will share mine.

    Whatever decision you make, I am sure you will be happy with it. They're ALL great speakers.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited January 2004
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    I agree with Hbomb.



    Either way, RTi70, RT800i, RTi8, they'll be great speakers. Dont let me steer you away from that. I enjoy mine, just not as much as I'd like to. Others like it, I recomend it. The RT800i will be favored by some, the RTi70 will be favored by others, while the RTi8 will be favored by others. Its all opinion, and this is the last time I will share mine.


    The last time is funny. I bought the 800 series when new and followed the line through and IMO they are the same.

    New is New but fundamentaly the same in this case. I have found no reason to change or upgrade as years pass but if I do its not to the LSi line. I'll be looking for a change.

    Twin

    ;)
    ***WAREMTAE***
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2004
    Great suggestions guys. I really like my RT800i. Haven't heard the 70's but my CSi40 uses the same tweeter and I find the silk slightly brighter than the tri-lams on the 800i. I could live with both models if I had to.

    I agree with HBomb. I find the RT series to have a very warm sound especially in the lower mids and upper bass.

    I think you should be happy with any speaker from the RT line. If you're going to get into tubes in the future, the RT line is awesome. My RT5 and 800i can really sing with tubes.

    Maurice
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  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited January 2004
    Originally posted by organ
    If you're going to get into tubes in the future, the RT line is awesome. My RT5 and 800i can really sing with tubes.

    Maurice

    Thank God you jumped in here. max and the other tube lovers have equipment much more high end that me but my humble tubes sing imo. 6dj8's are doing good.....

    my big problem is that while listening the image floats and I adjust left and right while drinken a beer. THATS OK but shite... I should have this figured out by NOW.

    No problem with the equipment I have, the RTA8T's are awsome and show all errors in the mix:rolleyes:

    Trashed is the TWIN;)
    ***WAREMTAE***
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2004
    Super cool. Glad to hear you're enjoying the tubes. I'm doing all SS right now until I get the tube problems fixed. I miss the sound:(.

    Getting perfect balance in the soundstage was very hard for me. I just concentrate on one speaker to move around inch by inch.

    Baked Organ:cool:
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  • EuroStyle
    EuroStyle Posts: 19
    edited January 2004
    I am finding that the Rti70's can[/b] be very bright. i hooked them up and listened with the sam settings as my old speakers, and the highs were.....what's a good word...piercing..... After dropping the treble down a good bit, I do find them very bright. Since the Rti800's I heard were are on the other coast, it is very hard to make a good comparison in my eyes since I heard them a few months ago. Overall, I am very satisfied with the RTi70's, although sometimes the nice mid-bass they have seems to drop off. I have them in a smaller room at the moment, so I have not really let them loose too much. but I think they will be a good fit for my needs. I also grabbed up a set of Rti38's for use in the rear and am hoping to find a Cs140 at the local CC in open box form in the next few. As for opinions on speakers, I think all your comments are invaluable...I don't take offence as sound is such a subjective thing. I didnt buy the Rti70's because they were the best, I bought themn because they counded good to me and fit my needs right now. Keep the comments coming...this is how you learn...or I do anyway. :D



    Sean
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited January 2004
    I thought the RTi8's were bright when we first got them, but it was really just a matter of break-in. They've really smoothed out after playing a lot and now they are detailed but not fatiguing.

    Euro, if you think the RTi70's are bright, I would definitely question what you are using for your receiver or speaker cable. I can't imagine the 70's being classified as bright in any way.
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  • kberg
    kberg Posts: 974
    edited January 2004
    I agree with fireshoes. I don't think my RTi70's are bright, either, but here we go with subjective opinions again! ;)
    Mains: polkaudio RTi70's (bi-wired)
    Center: polkaudio CSi40 (bi-wired)
    Surrounds: polkaudio FXi30's
    Rear Center: polkaudio CSi30
    Sub: SVS 20-39 PC+
    Receiver: ONKYO TX-SR600
    Display: JVC HD-56G786
    DVD Player: SONY DVP-CX985V
    DVD Player: OPPO DV-981HD 1080p High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI
    Remote: Logitech Harmony H688
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    The RTi70 is the brightest speaker in my setup. (Yes, I run a Klipsch center too :D)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • glemay
    glemay Posts: 574
    edited January 2004
    This audio hobby can be quite strange at times. When I first got into it and bought my Polk Audio RTi70, I felt that they were an awesome speaker, but don't get me wrong they are great. But at first I didn't know that speakers all sound different, some are laid back some are bright. I just thought that some speakers go louder than others. All I can say is, I know now. After having the RTi70 I can say that they are indeed to my ears a bright speakers with sharp highs. But I only have been noticing this lately. I am guessing that my hearing is developping and I am starting to learn to know what I like to hear when it comes to listening to speakers. But then again that is what this entire hobby is about, right? Everyone has their own opinions, likes and dislikes. It is all about knowing what you like and hear. All you can do is let your ears decide.

    Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to my homework.:rolleyes:

    Gerald
    Main System:
    Denon AVR-2805, Polk Audio RTi70's, Polk Audio CSi40, Polk Audio FXi50, Paradigm PW-2200 v.2, Toshiba 42XV545U HDTV

    Second System:
    Denon AVR-1705, Polk Audio R40, Polk Audio CS245i, Polk Audio R15, Paradigm PS-1200a
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    I still want a Polk speaker with 7.5" midbass..........Polk? Anyone?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited January 2004
    I recently upgraded my Rti70's to Rti8's. They each have their own sound. The 8's are noticeably brighter. The 70's have a great sound too, just a little mellower.

    word!
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2004
    Sid,
    Why do you want 7.5" drivers so bad? You can look for a used pair of RT7.

    Maurice
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,624
    edited January 2004
    I actually have been kickin the idea of selling a paif of my RT16's off, but the shipping to get them out to SC would absolutely kill ya Sid.......that, and I don't have any sort of packaging for them.......
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,767
    edited January 2004
    I like big woooooooooooooofers, but I like the Polk nameplate ;)

    Brett, Nah, not buying any anytime soon, I just want to see a 7.5" wooooooooooofer from Polk. I thought the RT7 was the only one that had one, then I read the RT16 specs and my mouth hit the floor!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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