RTiA3’s a significant upgrade from my beloved 5JR+

elclark

I have a pair of 5jr+ monitor speakers that I purchased new in 1986. They have been unused for the past 10 years since my original receiver was replaced with a system unable to drive them properly. I decided to return to my roots and recently purchased a NAD 555c turntable and a Cambridge SR20 Topaz receiver. I mostly want to enjoy my LP collection again and this set up so far has made me happy. Will I notice a significant difference is overall sound quality with a new pair of RTiA3’s ?

F1nut

Doubtful. The RTiA series are designed more for HT than music whereas your Monitors are music speakers. You can improve the sound quality of your speakers by upgrading the crossovers and depending on what tweeter you have, possibly upgrading them as well.

Nightfall

Perhaps keep your eye out for Monitor 7s.

elclark

Thanks for the advice, the more I listen to these gems I am happy with the sound quality.

K_M

http://www.stereophile.com/content/polk-audio-rtiii-a3-loudspeaker#0ge9fxPegF2W7t51.97

This may help you decide.

rooftop59

Can u post a pic? The 5s with peerless tweeters were some of my fav bookies of all time. Smooth, well integrated sound, the bass goes pretty low but stays in control and is finally very nice. The newer rtis r nice speakers, but very different totally and just not as smooth and musical.

K_M

rooftop59 wrote: »

Can u post a pic? The 5s with peerless tweeters were some of my fav bookies of all time. Smooth, well integrated sound, the bass goes pretty low but stays in control and is finally very nice. The newer rtis r nice speakers, but very different totally and just not as smooth and musical.

Tough call for me! I have a pair of both, and each has traits I like, depending on what I am listening to, and how they are placed.
But my 5jr's are from I think the late 80's or early 90's

When the treble is reduced a bit on the Rti's they sound somewhat better to me, than the 5jrs, but compared equally the rti's are very bright.

I like the bass of the Rti better, but that is much room related.

tonyb

I think everyone nailed it. If your preference is towards a more warmer sound, stick with the 5's. If you want a more detailed/forward sound, then the RTI's might work for you.

Personally, I'd stick with the 5's and redo the crossovers. That will help tighten up the bass some and add some extension on those higher notes. Many members here can do that for you if your not handy too and the cost is minimal imho.