Rti8s vs Lsi7s

iluvmusic

A couple of weeks ago I was able to purchase a pair of new Lsi7s for under half price, so I jumped at the chance to get them, even without hearing them – I figured they had to sound as good as the Rti8s I had purchased new a couple of months ago. I didn’t know about this forum at that time, where I could have checked out what other people have to say about them.

Anyway, now that I’ve gotten the chance to listen to them for a while, I’m again wondering if maybe I should have shopped for another pair of Rti8’s or Rti70s, because I really love the crisp, clean, open sound that comes from the Rti8’s, and I’m not a bass hog, so I can easily augment the bass that I need with even a small sub like the 202 or 303. Currently I have the Lsi7s in my master bedroom, on 24 inch stands that put the tweeters at ear level when I listen to them. I’ve been told by other users on this forum that the LSI7s need a considerable time to break in, but I’m wondering if I’ll ever get the crisp, clean, open sound from them that I get from my Rti8s, even after breaking in. The Lsi7s seem to have a “warmer”, mellower sound, and put out plenty of bass for such small speakers – but I think I like the crisp, clean sound of the Rti8s better. I was just wondering what other people out there think about the Lsi7s vs the Rti8s. I’m considering selling these Lsi7s and getting some more Rti8s, if the LSI7s don’t sound differently after I’ve broken them in for awhile. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that the Lsi7s sound bad, it’s just that I like the Rti8 sound better, at this point.

Also, one other question to those in the know, how do the Rti70s compare with the Rti8s? I’m assuming they’re very similar. I might look for a pair of those on closeouts or Ebay or something, if their sound is similar to the Rti8s.

Thanks in advance for any input.

PolkWannabie

The differences between the RTi and LSi line are substantial. Whether one is better than the other is purely academic. What counts is which one you like better.

If you played them 100+ hours I'd say they are pretty much as broken is as they're going to get. If not then play them that long at least before you decide ... You don't have to be in the room necessarily for breakin, turn 'em on and leave 'em on.

As far as the 70's .vs. the 8's goes ...

A pair of 70's can probably be found used for less than a pair of 8's but if the difference in price is not an issue then imho the 70's are brighter and the 8's are better choice.

jcaut

Part of the difference you're hearing could be attributable to placement or room acoustics. Another possibility is the power issue that was discussed earlier. I really don't think that's it, but it could be.

If it's not a big deal, move your Rti8's into the bedroom, in place of the 7's and have a listen. If you like them better, you shouldn't have any trouble selling the LSi's.

More than any other part of a speaker, the tweeters seem to have a characteristic sound that comes through regardless of the design of the rest of the speaker. That may be an obvious statement. That's why speakers that are considered "timbre-matched" amost always share tweeters. The ring radiator may be a little more "laid-back" than the RTi8's dome, and it may not be to your liking.

I own RT800i's and like them, but I was never a fan of the 70's. I don't know how much different the Rti8's are, sound-wise. Fit and finish are much better on the new RTi's. But remember that there's no substitute for listening (preferably in your own, acutal setup).

Jason

Early B.

Apples and oranges. You're comparing a floorstanding speaker to a bookshelf speaker. A better comparison would be the Rti6's with the Lsi7. I'd go for the 8's or the 70's any day. You may be able to still find the 70's for nearly half the price of the 8's.

iluvmusic

I think that's what I'm going to do - that is, move the Rti8's into my room where the LSi7s are, and see what it sounds like. Then make a decision after that to see if I want to make the change. I don't know why, but I was expecting the tweeter on the LSi7 to have even more "crispness" than the Rti8. So, we'll check out the acoustics by sampling both speakers side by side in the same environment. It could be that I'll just switch them, as I do more music listening in my room, and am more into HT downstairs - so the ones that sound best to me would best be where I'm listening to music. HT seems to be more about clarity of dialogue, and big sound effects and I have a 150 watt Velodyne sub downstairs that will help take care of the "booms". Anyway, will let you guys know what I decide after testing it all out. But, in the meantime will keep my eye out for some good deals on the Rti8s, or possibly the 70s. Or then again, I may just decide to keep the LSi7s and learn to enjoy the difference in sound!!

iluvmusic

Well, I moved the Rti8s into my room, and I did still like their sound better than the LSi7s. Don't get me wrong, they both sound great, and the Lsi7s are great speakers, just not quite the sound I'm looking for - at least with the quality of equipment that I'm willing to use with them. More expensive equipment would probably really bring out the best in them, but at this point I don't really want to invest much more in equipment.

So, I've decided to sell the Lsi7's. They're two weeks old, and of course in mint condition. Does anyone know another good outlet to sell these on, other than Ebay. For instance, does this forum have an outlet like that, where other Polk fans would get first chance at them?

I'd like to get about $375 to $400 out of them. By the way, they're the Ebony model. I also have Sanus NF24 black stands to sell, but would have to ship them separately.

Thanks.

punk-roc

if you havent found it yet already. there is indeed a place to sell product on here. its in the Flea Market section. just post your speakers there with an asking price and pictures of them preferably =P

good luck, i'm waiting till i can afford some RTI8's personally, so i'm with ya.

Jason

iluvmusic

Thank you very much, I will most likely give the flea market a try. The Lsi's are great little speakers, I just like the Rti8 tower sound better - it's just a matter of personal preference.

Plus, I think I was just getting in over my head, as far as equipment goes - having to get a high current receiver etc. I'm just not willing to put that much loot into it!

Thanks again.