Rti8 vs Tsx 440t

jjalbs

New to the forum here and looking at getting a set of tower speakers to replace the fronts of an aging 5.1 system. Been enjoying reading some posts here about the Rti8 speakers but was interested in opinions of rti8's at $400 or the new tsx 440t at $500. Any advantage to the 3 mid-woofers and different shape enclosure. What do you think I should get? Thanks in advance

mr2686

I'm currently in the process of doing demo's on as many Polk speakers as I can find, and I just listened to all 3 of the TSX towers as well as the RTi8, and to my ears there was absolutely no question that the RTi8 was a lot better than the 440t. Actually, I thought the 440T was the worst of the 3 TSX's, with the 330 being a bit better with separation but had some harsh moments up top, but the 550T really impressed me. It's warmer (to me) than the RTi8 but I think the 8 doesn't color the sound quite as much. I like both of them though, but not the 440. You should try and listen to them if you get a chance because everyone's opinion will be different.

drummer86

mr2686, just out of curiosity what sort of setup was this audition on? How did you get your hands on all of those models at the same time? Auditioning speakers is one of my favorite things to do, just curious as to your process/experience

jjalbs

Thanks for the responses. That's exactly what I was trying to find out. Unfortunately there is nowhere near me that has all those models. I was only able to listen to the 330t which I did like. I liked their staging and imaging. I think the 550's might be too big for the space (mostly in $$),but not much more than the rti8. Can you comment on the staging of the rti8?

mr2686

Drummer, our local Fry's has a pretty good listening room with a surprising amount of Polks set up, along with Klipsch (but I never have been a big fan of those). I don't remember off hand what receivers they were running through, but they were all the same so the results should at least be consistent.
jjalbs, I liked the staging and imaging on the rti8's, and with a good sub I think they are the way to go for a good, accurate sound. I really did like those 550's though, but the price and the size are just to hard to accept.

jjalbs

mr2686
Thanks so much for your input. I only now have to decide if I should wait for the rti A5 price to drop or go for the rti8 now. Any idea if there is any sonic difference between the two or if the price is likely to drop? I wish I had a Frys near me. They seem to have good deals this time of year.

mr2686

jjalbs wrote: »

mr2686
Thanks so much for your input. I only now have to decide if I should wait for the rti A5 price to drop or go for the rti8 now. Any idea if there is any sonic difference between the two or if the price is likely to drop? I wish I had a Frys near me. They seem to have good deals this time of year.

That's a good question. As far as looks, I really like the A5 in cherry because it has the face also in cherry, where the i8 is silver on the face. Honestly, I'm waiting to see if the price comes down around Thanksgiving/Christmas to make my decision too. Have you been looking at center channels too? Most people say the CSIA6 (or older model CSI5) are the best for the I8's/a5's, but they are soooooo big, I don't seriously think I have room for it. I might have to go with the CSIA4 instead.

YDR05

I was also considering these two, actually RtiA5 and 440T but almost everybody I talked to recommended RtiA series over TSX instantly. I am planning to go to Fry's this weekend to check it out. CSiA6 and RtiA5 is what I am planning to do, with RTiA1s for surround and wides. I don't see any discounts on any of these currently, man they are expensive!

mr2686

YDR05 wrote: »

I was also considering these two, actually RtiA5 and 440T but almost everybody I talked to recommended RtiA series over TSX instantly. I am planning to go to Fry's this weekend to check it out. CSiA6 and RtiA5 is what I am planning to do, with RTiA1s for surround and wides. I don't see any discounts on any of these currently, man they are expensive!

My Fry's had a CSIA6, so I hope yours does too so you can see just how big it is...man it's big. One thing about the TSX line is that it's definitely a warmer sound and the RTI line seems like a clearer sound. I have heard people say that the TSX is just a Monitor line that's taking over the TSI line, but that's not true, and comparing the TSX330t to the Monitor 50 you can tell that they are not even similar in sound.

jjalbs

mr2686
I too like the A5's looks. Really classic in all wood. The 8's are nice price though on Polk's ebay store. I just bought a cs10 center from the tsi line for $50 which was too low to pass up. Hope it sounds ok with either the A5's or 8's. It is about the same size as the A4 which is already pretty large IMO. Planning on using some def tech promonitor 1000's for surrounds if anyone has any thoughts on that.

jjalbs

Right on with the tsx line. I talked to a guy at polk who said that the tsx is definitely a different line than the monitors and that some of the tech from the rti was trickling down from the rti line. Seems from the specs as well that they are a step up from monitors and are replacing the tsi. Also told me more clarity with the rti's.

quicksilvergts

I concur with Mr2686.
I was in las Vegas for SEMA and stopped by fry's. I have a set of Rti8 on my local craiglist.
Initialy I was debating
Tsi 300,400,500
65T or 75T
And the M60-70's S2
the Rti8 were very impressive compared to the Tsx line(330/440) they had.
The Rti8 seem more clearer and full at times then the Tsx line.
Unfortunately it was my worst customer service experience at Fry's and had to leave.
I would have gone with the Rti8 but the craigslist seller was selling them for $380.
Lowest she would go. I even told her that brand new "From" Polk are $399 shipped.
Needless to say I never got a text back lol

mr2686

jjalbs, I went ahead a got the RTI8's from the Polk Ebay store (a very good experience) and could not be happier with these speakers...they really ROCK!! I've got 100wpc for them and playing them at fairly high volume they have pretty good base for music but not chest thumping (which I don't care about anyway) but they do sound even better with a good subwoofer. I also picked up the CSI5 center (the old version of the CSIA6 and just a little smaller) and it is excellent for movies...very clear a accurate dialog. It is a monster in size though.

YDR05

I am still waiting to get a good deal on RitA5s and CsiA6, no deals yet. It is testing my patience!