TSi500 Speakers?

audionut373

I am still trying to decide on what speakers to buy to replace my BIC speakers. (See Polk Tsx440T or RTi7 post) How about the Polk TSi500 speakers? Anyone here have a pair of these speakers? I see lots of good reviews on these.

audionut373

TSi500?

afterburnt

I have heard that they very similar to the Monitor 70 with mostly cosmetic differences.

afterburnt

Nut I wish that could be more helpful but have only had a CS20 center which I was told belong to Tsi series. I cant say that I really liked the way speaker sounded however if the 500s are similar to the 70s the should perform well with an adequate amp driving them

EndersShadow

The RTi are a better line. The TSx, Monitor series are entry level and while good, are NOWHERE near as good as the RTi line. I'd also suggest you see a few bucks and go with the RTi A5s since you will likely want a good sub. The RTi A7s dig deep but with a sub you cut their legs out from under them whereas the RTi A5s are perfect to mate with a good sub.

I wouldn't run either without a good sub as they are not full range speakers.

So A5's or heck even A3s mounted in the wall paired with a QUALITY (ie 500 -1000 dollar) sub and you will be beyond happy.

audionut373

I think that the speaker manufacturers are taking us all for a ride. Everything (except for the very high end) that they are building now have tiny speakers that need a subwoofer to get decent low end! What happened to the 3-way speakers that had a tweeter, mid-range and woofer that covered the whole audio spectrum?

deronb1

audionut373 wrote: »

I think that the speaker manufacturers are taking us all for a ride. Everything (except for the very high end) that they are building now have tiny speakers that need a subwoofer to get decent low end! What happened to the 3-way speakers that had a tweeter, mid-range and woofer that covered the whole audio spectrum?

They are out there. Check out the Cerwin Vega or BIC America lines.

rooftop59

At the other end of the spectrum, they are there, but probably way out of your budget (well certainly out of mine lol)

The RTi A9s will run true full range, but you need really good power to get the bass out of them. So 1500 for the speakers and at least 500 for a new amp. Also def tech makes full range speakers with powered subs. And polks LSi M line digs deep, but again you pay for it...

EndersShadow

deronb1 wrote: »

audionut373 wrote: »

I think that the speaker manufacturers are taking us all for a ride. Everything (except for the very high end) that they are building now have tiny speakers that need a subwoofer to get decent low end! What happened to the 3-way speakers that had a tweeter, mid-range and woofer that covered the whole audio spectrum?

They are out there. Check out the Cerwin Vega or BIC America lines.

The whole audio spectrum? I know of very few speakers that can dip down to 20hz or below until you get into the "I coulda bought a house with this kinda money" speakers......

A sub is going to be REQUIRED for HT, and depending on your type of music, might even be for that.

Heck even my Polk LSi 15's can dig that low and they were one of Polks TOTL speakers not too long ago.

Additionally the reason for it is that most people are watching movies and at this point the way movies are mixed with the sub (LFE channel) getting most of the lower end stuff, their is no need for full range for mains, center or surrounds.

Upstatemax

I was not a huge fan of the TSi500's. The Monitor 70's are a better all around speaker, and they are cheaper.

I will say that the RTi A5 and sub combo mentioned above is a rock solid suggestion.