RTi Line....

Demiurge
Demiurge Posts: 10,874
edited December 2004 in Speakers
So, did Polk **** the bed with this line or something? It seems as if a lot of folks here are getting rid of them and I have been saving for a long time to get a solid RTi surround system for my HT. Should I be looking at the LSis instead? I'm a little confused...and I haven't been talking Polk speakers a whole lot lately because I just haven't had the money to upgrade lately...which I need to do badly.

So...I guess what I'm asking is does the RTi line kind of suck? I love my CSi40, but I don't want to make the investment in the rest of the speakers unless they're worth it. I'd rather not waste my money if I decide to sell someday and it seems these have little to no resale value.... :confused:
Post edited by Demiurge on
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Comments

  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited December 2004
    RTi's are a great entry line. They cost less than the LSi's and cost less than the LSi's to drive. Sound is very good, just not TOTL for polk. I was very pleased with my RTi setup, but the Fry's deal came along and was just too good to pass up.

    By no means are the RTi (Or LSi) lines the stopping point on this journey, just another step....
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited December 2004
    I own the Rti line and don't think they suck what so ever, I quite enjoy them very much
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2004
    Personally, I'm turned off by the silver baffle/cone stuff. It just looks cheap to me. I know they are good speakers, but asthetics are important.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited December 2004
    can't see with the grills on ;)
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited December 2004
    I think the RTi's are great. I really liked the Csi40 center when I owned it, I only switched it with a Csi5 for cosmetic reasons.
    Never Forget
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited December 2004
    I love mine, i don't think they are entry level sound wise.. maybe price wise, considering what you could pay. I like the RTI like i have, previous to the silver line they currently have.. i to don't care for the silver and plastic look. I like the wood exterior.. and mine are all cherry... and they dont suck by no means... Nice line
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2004
    I don't mind the silver baffle so much, but the silver cones gotta go. The BLUE cones were almost a Polk trademark for me.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited December 2004
    I love the blue cones :)
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited December 2004
    I like the RTi speakers that I own. They look a lot better with the grills on instead of off. Of course, this is my first set of Polk Audio speakers, but definetly not my last. Any news on the Monitor series that Circuit City currently stocks? I have been thinking about getting a new TV or starting a new set-up for music only. Would the new Monitor series do the job with a decent sub?
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited December 2004
    DISCLAIMER -
    This post is concerning the RT line as a whole, EX: Every version - I personally feel it is time for Polk to cut the life support from the RT line, its had its run..err..runs, time to move on - now you may read the post.
    Also, keep in mind, this is a post that asked for opinions on the RT line, and this is an opinion.

    Ok, the current RT line...
    IS A GREAT LINE...
    Ok? Yeah, when you compare it to the LAST line it 'upgraded' from. Yeah when you compare it to THAT it is awesome.

    So then, when you go back to the RT35i, RT800i line, the current line is on a level ground...
    And the group becomes a mountain when you keep going back... The RT5, etc

    I know for a fact I am going to get flamed like a marshmellow in hell for posting that... but..who cares? lol

    I won't be checking this post for replies... So if you have some rant or w/e - PM me...

    Have a nice day folks...

    PS: Yes, the current line is a good line, they are not bad speakers... (just to clarify)

    ;)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Polkapops
    Polkapops Posts: 267
    edited December 2004
    I'm just getting used to mine - At first it sounded like they lacked a little in the high's but after I bumped up the EQ in the AVR they've improved substantially. Bass & mids always sounded good - Am going to pick up my SVS 20/29pc+ after work at UPS and can hardly wait to see how they sound with the new sub incorporated into the system. So far I'm lovin' the RTi's though......
    Haven't heard the LSi's but would highly recommend the RTi's!
    HT & Music System:
    Receiver - Denon AVR-3805
    DVD/SACD Player - Denon DVD-2900
    Outlaw 770 amp
    Polk LSi 15's up front
    Polk LSiC center
    Polk LSi F/X surrounds
    SVS 16-46 PC+ Subwoofer
    Sony Wega KDF-50WE655
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited December 2004
    See....I've heard them all and liked them, but I haven't heard much else. I didn't mean to say these speakers are bad at all because I almost bought more awhile ago on the flea market, but the deal fell through. It's just seemed like people here were unloading them fast and that they didn't have much resale value at all....which isn't a concern to me because I don't think I'd ever sell any speakers unless I was going for a serious upgrade....

    I guess maybe I was wrong about what I was hearing here. Sorry I don't have any specifics.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited December 2004
    I would DEFINETELY listen around man...

    AXIOM, ATHENA, ASCEND, DEFINITIVE TECH, EPOS, MIRAGE, PDIGM, etc etc etc

    Ascend seems to make insanely nice built speakers for the money. The crossovers alone are about the size of the speakers...amazing looking/built speakers. Would love to hear a pair...

    www.ascendacoustics.com
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited December 2004
    Ascend Crossover... like 280 dollar a pair speaker...

    Plenty of options...

    The Polk Monitor line looks to be a real treat...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • chenj16
    chenj16 Posts: 148
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by faster100
    I love the blue cones :)

    me too ;)
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited December 2004
    Well, I'm going to stick with Polk. They've been good to me. I'm just curious about this line before I drop money on it.
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  • mrmusicman
    mrmusicman Posts: 303
    edited December 2004
    I've had no problems with my RTi's,I think they sound great for h.t.I haven't had the opprotunity to hear the LSI,but from what I read from other polk members they are better sounding musically.
    Outlaw 990 Processor
    Outlaw 755 Amp
    Denon 2900 dvd-sacd
    Dishnetwork HD-Dvr
    55" Sony LCD RPTV
    Lsi 9-fronts
    Lsic-center
    Rt55i- surrounds
    Velodyne cht-10 sub

    2007 Dodge Quad cab
    Kenwood Excelon KDC-X891
    JL Audio 300/V2
    Polk Audio SR 6500 - Fronts
    Polk Audio DB651 - Rear
    2 -10" Treo Subs
    Interfire IB 2600C sub amp
    Sirius Sat radio
    Ipod connection
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  • Mjr7531
    Mjr7531 Posts: 856
    edited December 2004
    If they got rid of the RTi series, what would they replace them with? I'm very happy with my RTi6 and CSi5, I would drop my money on the RTi12s in a heartbeat (If I had that money to drop of course.)
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    Ascend seems to make insanely nice built speakers for the money.
    I've heard that Polk does make insanely nice built speakers for the money. :)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    Personally, I'm turned off by the silver baffle/cone stuff. It just looks cheap to me. I know they are good speakers, but asthetics are important.

    I agree; however, (not stepping on toes...) I think the Athena speakers look cheap.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited December 2004
    i think when a lot of us started in here.. lots of us were introduced to the RTxxi line up. I still have all mine from several years ago. I still enjoy them.. Yes they have limits.. every speaker does. But I have trouble trying to justify replacing them with any other speaker of Polk model or another brand altogether.

    I'd really hate to start all over again and buy 5 (or more) speakers of another brand.. just because i feel like an upgrade. What if i did... and they didn't sound as good as what i currently have? that would hurt.

    So i'll stick with what i have, till i will the lottery. ;)

    When i do get a bug up my arse to try a different speaker.. it's usually within a 2 ch rig. that way, i'm not into it for as much money as if I had purchased a whole HT worth of speakers. make sense?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • nebborjk
    nebborjk Posts: 425
    edited December 2004
    I have a home theater setup of RTi speakers (RTi6/CSi5/FXi3) and couldn’t be happier for home theater. I’ve also been looking at the Lsi speakers. I use my system for music a lot more than for movies, probably 90%-10% in favor of music. They say that the LSi are better for music. I’ve never heard them, but plan to audition a pair sometime in the new year. Even if I do upgrade I’ll keep the RTi speakers and create a second rig. I feel these speakers are and incredible value. No complaints here.

    Kevin
    Proud SOPA Member since 2005!
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  • dmalino
    dmalino Posts: 36
    edited December 2004
    The LSis are a lot better speaker than the RTis. They also cost twice as much and require better amplification.
    My RTi38s sound OK, sometimes I think about picking up a pair of B&W DM303s just to compare the sound in my room.
    My RTis have blue cones.
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  • dmalino
    dmalino Posts: 36
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by audiobliss
    I agree; however, (not stepping on toes...) I think the Athena speakers look cheap.

    The only place to buy/listen to Athenas around me is Worst Buy. I'll never buy anything from those rude idiots.
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by danger boy
    So i'll stick with what i have, till i will the lottery. ;)

    Hey, would ya will the lottery to me? lol

    Originally posted by dmalino
    My RTis have blue cones

    Could you post some pictures? I've never seen those.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by audiobliss
    Could you post some pictures? I've never seen those.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/home/products.php?recent=1&category=3
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited December 2004
    I use all smaller rtis 4 and csi3. I agree the silver is a tad dormish but looks aside I really enjoy them and can only think of what the bigger rti's sound like.
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited December 2004
    Originally posted by tryrrthg
    http://www.polkaudio.com/home/products.php?recent=1&category=3

    hahaha.....for some reason I thought you meant you had some RTi12s with blue woofers....and I had never seen that....lol

    But yeah, those blue woofers sure do look great.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2004
    I don't like the silver baffles on my Athena's either, thats why I keep the grills on...:D And I hate that they are black. I'm so tired of black speakers. My next speaker is going to be a natural wood color of some type, preferably cherry.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited December 2004
    If I had to set up another HT rig in our house I would go with the Athena's (shame on me) but I find they have a similar sound to the rti and they are less expensive.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited December 2004
    I hear ya on the black thing...

    I am getting custom caps made for my speakers in the next month or so - all of them.

    Going to be 'Deep Ocean' or Royal Mahogany, decisions decisions
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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