Towers............?

polkyphil38

Hello people I have a q: I for the most have not cared for tower speakers very much BUT the ones I do like are made by Polk. That being said, my question is concerned specifically with the Monitor 60, Monitor 70, and the Rti8. The Rti10 is just out of my budget range and as such is NOT a consideration. I fully understand that generally speaking the Rti line is better than the Monitor line BUT of the three (towers listed above) which is better??? If nothing else please give me some general guide-lines or some kind of feed back. I have read on a few posts that the Monitor 60 is the "jewel" of the Monitor line--if so how is it better than the Monitor 70??? Furthermore, how does the Rti8 compare to both the Monitor 60 and Monitor 70. If I go with either the Monitor 60/70 I plan to use the CS2 as my center and either the Csi3/Csi5 if I go the Rti8. Is the Csi5 that much better than the csi3? For rears, I plan on using the
Fxi3's no matter what. Will this work even if I use the Monitor 60/70's as opposed to the Rti8???? Keep in mind that my focus is mainly on 2-channel music (60%) listening. I do NOT listen to multi-channel music but do like good home theater effect (40% of the time). I will be powering everything for now at least with a Pioneer 1015. I also will be using a Mirage S12 12" powered sub in a room that is 13.5' X21' with flat ceilings. This is less than 2000 cubic feet. Please help me if you can and please be as specific as possible. Thank you for your time.

marcpam

I would consider the RTI8, CSI3 and FXI3. RTI's are a step above the monitors. The RTI's should handle your music also. Sorry to be so brief, but out of your choices, this is the clear cut winner. Since you are not big on home theatre, I would consider the CSI3 over the CSI5 for the center channel.

michael_w

Is there any way you can give all three a listen side by side? It would be the best way for you to decide on what sounds best. I would also think that you might be able to get the rti's at a cheaper price since they're older models than the monitor series but I could be wrong about that one.

marcpam

The monitor series were never meant to replace the rti's. They are just an entry level speaker.

michael_w

Okay ignore me then I haven't really strayed far from the lsi's in terms of polks... Now that I compare the two lines it looks like the monitor series is more of a combo of the R and RTi series. Sorry for any bad info

sucks2beme

The te90 is still at some Tweeter stores. This is a Euro speaker for polk. It's a
moitor style tower with an RTI tweeter.

zombie boy 2000

I cannot speak from experience with the Rti8's, but can with the Monitors. Point blank -- they're two different beasts, and the decision between the two should come down to a matter of preference. Many prefer the 60's, esp in a HT set-up. They provide a little more impact than their larger counterparts in regards to sound effects, and their brighter SQ lends itself better to this application. In contrast, the 70's are a tad more laid back -- and some might perceive this as a more "sloppy" presentation. Bloated bass, muddier midrange, etc. To my ears, though, the 70's are simply a better balanced speaker for music listening. I find the 60's favor the top end a tad too much, and simply do not gel over the entire frequency range. Again, in a HT setup with proper center channel, the crispness and deftness generally associated with the 60's will come off as a pleasant surprise.
Where they fall short IMO is in two-channel music listening (maybe they require a little more bass management?) Too bright and two-dimensional.
One last thing to consider, is that the 70's will require a little more power than the 60's to really get going. I believe that where you'll find the 60's plateau at a certain point, the 70's will continue to improve with increased amplification.
Just my 2 cents, and you should probably just swing the Rti8's if you can afford it anyway:D

p.s just noticed you hail from KY (or do you claim Cincinnati):)

polkyphil38

marcpam wrote:

I would consider the RTI8, CSI3 and FXI3. RTI's are a step above the monitors. The RTI's should handle your music also. Sorry to be so brief, but out of your choices, this is the clear cut winner. Since you are not big on home theatre, I would consider the CSI3 over the CSI5 for the center channel.

Points well taken. BTW, you sure have a very nice set-up listed. Bet your system slams. Anyways, I am leaning towards the Rti8 for fronts. Just not sure about the center. I do really enjoy excellent home theater effect and as such maybe the Csi5 would work better than the Csi3. Hope to down the road buy a mono block amp from Outlaw Audio to use for my center.

polkyphil38

michael_w wrote:

Is there any way you can give all three a listen side by side? It would be the best way for you to decide on what sounds best. I would also think that you might be able to get the rti's at a cheaper price since they're older models than the monitor series but I could be wrong about that one.

Actually I may be able to somewhat. I have heard the Monitor 50's at my local CC and to be honest they sounded decent. Have not really listened critically to the likes of the Rti8, Monitor 60, or the Monitor 70. I may go back and do some critical listening next chance I get.

polkyphil38

sucks2beme wrote:

The te90 is still at some Tweeter stores. This is a Euro speaker for polk. It's a
moitor style tower with an RTI tweeter.

Very interesting indeed. I will look in to it.

jdhdiggs

I would go with the higher (RTi) line. and use the budget for the front 2 speakers and maybe the center. (Unless there is NO plan and NO possibility of future updating).

You won't regret getting the better line and you won't be left with buyers remorse.

AndyGwis

Phil,

The Tweeter stores in my area carry the two upper lines currently (RTi, Lsi) but had some clearance NIB Monitors as well (t-90ebs and t-20ebs). I liked the sound of both the Rti8 and Rti10 better than the Monitors, but with the sale on the Monitor 60s and 30s; it was just too good of a deal to pass up.

If you live near a tweeter, go listen to the RTi's, then head to Circuit City and try out the monitor series (tweeter won't have a showroom for monitors).

If you like monitors, go to tweeter and get them for 50% off, and if you feel you still want the RTis down the road, tweeter has an upgrade policy within 1-year, so it's risk free.

One last note, if you get the monitors onsale at Tweeter, make sure to get the right center channel (CS2) from another store, Tweeter only carries the Csi's and will sell you on one if you are a noob (read my sig

polkyphil38

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

I cannot speak from experience with the Rti8's, but can with the Monitors. Point blank -- they're two different beasts, and the decision between the two should come down to a matter of preference. Many prefer the 60's, esp in a HT set-up. They provide a little more impact than their larger counterparts in regards to sound effects, and their brighter SQ lends itself better to this application. In contrast, the 70's are a tad more laid back -- and some might perceive this as a more "sloppy" presentation. Bloated bass, muddier midrange, etc. To my ears, though, the 70's are simply a better balanced speaker for music listening. I find the 60's favor the top end a tad too much, and simply do not gel over the entire frequency range. Again, in a HT setup with proper center channel, the crispness and deftness generally associated with the 60's will come off as a pleasant surprise.
Where they fall short IMO is in two-channel music listening (maybe they require a little more bass management?) Too bright and two-dimensional.
One last thing to consider, is that the 70's will require a little more power than the 60's to really get going. I believe that where you'll find the 60's plateau at a certain point, the 70's will continue to improve with increased amplification.
Just my 2 cents, and you should probably just swing the Rti8's if you can afford it anyway:D

p.s just noticed you hail from KY (or do you claim Cincinnati):)

Thanks for the info. If I go with either the Monitor 60 or the 70 I plan on using the CS2 as my center. Would it not be a good idea to use the Fxi3 for my rears? I mean mixing up the Monitor and the Rti series could cause a lot of problems with respect to timbre matching? I really like the diffused sound with respect to ht applications. Do you think this will work?

zombie boy 2000

polkyphil38 wrote:

Thanks for the info. If I go with either the Monitor 60 or the 70 I plan on using the CS2 as my center. Would it not be a good idea to use the Fxi3 for my rears? I mean mixing up the Monitor and the Rti series could cause a lot of problems with respect to timbre matching? I really like the diffused sound with respect to ht applications. Do you think this will work?

I believe "timbre-matching" is more of an issue with the front soundstage (though some may disagree). So springing for the Fxi3's, if you're planning on having them for the long haul, might be the way to go. As for myself, I've never been overly concerned with matching my fronts and rears, but I'm not an HT guy either;)

polkyphil38

Ok people I wanted to add some more info for you. First of all, I prefer a tight punchy well articulated sound. Nothing too bright and certainly not anything bloated or boomy. Not a big fan of laid back speakers BUT do not want a speaker that is too forward or sibilant. I prefer a more open and airy type of sound that engages you thus making the performers/actors feel like they are right there in your own living room. I also prefer 2-channel music listening. I do NOT listen to SACD/DVD-A at all nor am I a video gamer. I do, however, listen to a lot of radio, cd's, and such as well as watch a lot of dvds. When I do watch dvds it is imperative that I get excellent home theater effect. I do NOT blast my system but do like the sound to be full. Furthermore, it is paramount that the center channel speaker be very crisp and clear w/o sounding too harsh. Intelligibility is EXTREMELY important. I do have a 32" Sony crt hdtv. Keep in mind that a Pioneer 1015 will be used for amplification for now at least. I plan to add an Outlaw Audio mono block for center channel speaker purposes in the near future. Please help if you can and be as specific as you can. The more I know the btter I will be able to make the right decision. Thank you for your time. Have a great day people.

zombie boy 2000

Are you willing to go used?

polkyphil38

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

I believe "timbre-matching" is more of an issue with the front soundstage (though some may disagree). So springing for the Fxi3's, if you're planning on having them for the long haul, might be the way to go. As for myself, I've never been overly concerned with matching my fronts and rears, but I'm not an HT guy either;)

Yeah I agree the front stage- FL,Ctr,FR should be timbre matched. When you say the Monitor 60's are too bright at how loud of a volume do you notice this more? I mean does it occur mainly at higher volume settings or is it that way even at lower volumes? What I need is a front speaker that works equally well for BOTH home theater applications as well as 2-channel music listening. Most of the time I will not use my powered sub for 2-channel music listening. Therefore, I need a front speaker that sounds very good for music w/o a powered sub. I do not listen to music overly loud BUT do tend to turn up my volume more when watching dvds.

polkyphil38

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

Are you willing to go used?

No dont plan to go used. Have not had much luck with that. I have on occasion gotten lucky with a floor "demo" model here and there. Wished I could afford the Rti10's are move up to the LSI series. I have owned a lot of Paradigm speakers and like them BUT the Monitor 7's and the 9's did not impress me at all. I own a set of the Paradigm Studio Reference 20 v.3's which are awesome BUT I want a fuller sound. The Studio 60's or 100's are way out of my budget range. I am also considering the Axiom m60's or m50's. The m60's really have my attention but is a little out of my budget range. So this is why I am trying to get the best speaker for what little money I have. Sucks when you are poor.

Nelson57

polkyphil38 wrote:

Ok people I wanted to add some more info for you. First of all, I prefer a tight punchy well articulated sound. Nothing too bright and certainly not anything bloated or boomy. Not a big fan of laid back speakers BUT do not want a speaker that is too forward or sibilant. I prefer a more open and airy type of sound that engages you thus making the performers/actors feel like they are right there in your own living room. I also prefer 2-channel music listening. I do NOT listen to SACD/DVD-A at all nor am I a video gamer. I do, however, listen to a lot of radio, cd's, and such as well as watch a lot of dvds. When I do watch dvds it is imperative that I get excellent home theater effect. I do NOT blast my system but do like the sound to be full. Furthermore, it is paramount that the center channel speaker be very crisp and clear w/o sounding too harsh. Intelligibility is EXTREMELY important. I do have a 32" Sony crt hdtv. Keep in mind that a Pioneer 1015 will be used for amplification for now at least. I plan to add an Outlaw Audio mono block for center channel speaker purposes in the near future. Please help if you can and be as specific as you can. The more I know the btter I will be able to make the right decision. Thank you for your time. Have a great day people.

Polkyphil, based on your desired criteria, the RTi8, CSi5, and FXi3, would be the way to go. The Monitor series is a better than average entry level set to get started with, they are what I got started with, but the RTis, have a greater presence, and in my view, provides that fuller sound you seek.

If you are in position to get to Rti series, you should go for it and not look back. You won't suffer later with "I wonder what upgraditis". The Pioneer should drive them sufficiently for now, and you already have a nice sub. Go with the Rti's, you'll be glad you did.

zombie boy 2000

polkyphil38 wrote:

Yeah I agree the front stage- FL,Ctr,FR should be timbre matched. When you say the Monitor 60's are too bright at how loud of a volume do you notice this more? I mean does it occur mainly at higher volume settings or is it that way even at lower volumes? What I need is a front speaker that works equally well for BOTH home theater applications as well as 2-channel music listening. Most of the time I will not use my powered sub for 2-channel music listening. Therefore, I need a front speaker that sounds very good for music w/o a powered sub. I do not listen to music overly loud BUT do tend to turn up my volume more when watching dvds.

This very much depends on what type of music you favor. If your genres of taste favor bass, than neither the Rti8 or the Monitor 60 will suit your needs. As such, I wouldn't completely rule out using a sub for two-channel listening.
As for the Monitor 60's being "too bright", I mean this only in reference to my preference. I'm actually probably in the minority on this issue. You may find they provide the "crispness" you seek and conversely, find it lacking in the
70's.

polkyphil38

Nelson57 wrote:

Polkyphil, based on your desired criteria, the RTi8, CSi5, and FXi3, would be the way to go. The Monitor series is a better than average entry level set to get started with, they are what I got started with, but the RTis, have a greater presence, and in my view, provides that fuller sound you seek.

If you are in position to get to Rti series, you should go for it and not look back. You won't suffer later with "I wonder what upgraditis". The Pioneer should drive them sufficiently for now, and you already have a nice sub. Go with the Rti's, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for your advice. The Rti8, Csi5, and the Fxi3 is the way I have been leaning. But, this will really strain my budget not leaving me much. This is why I was hoping the Monitor 60 would do the trick as well as save me some money. A buddy of mine over at my local CC has the Monitor 60's and the CS2 center. He swears up and down it is awesome sounding for both music and ht applications. He claims to be using a HK635 receiver and a Velodyne sub.

polkyphil38

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

This very much depends on what type of music you favor. If your genres of taste favor bass, than neither the Rti8 or the Monitor 60 will suit your needs. As such, I wouldn't completely rule out using a sub for two-channel listening.
As for the Monitor 60's being "too bright", I mean this only in reference to my preference. I'm actually probably in the minority on this issue. You may find they provide the "crispness" you seek and conversely, find it lacking in the
70's.

Well I listen to a variety of music BUT tend to favor the guitar rock of the 70's, 80's as well as some of the newer stuff from Staind, Mudvayne, Puddle of Mudd, Cether, Godsmack, and etc. Nothing like listening to the "Wall" or Led Zepplin's "Stairway To Heaven".

cfrizz

Polkyphil, you already know what you want: RTi 8, Csi5 & Fxi 3's! You simply have to excercise some patience & start saving like crazy.

It's better to do it right the first time around & get what you truly want rather than spending even more money getting something that you settled for. And then have to find a way to get rid of it once you finally get what you wanted in the first place!

Just buy it a pair at a time. No one said you have to get it all at once. And you should also keep an eye here on the board. People are always getting rid of gear & they don't put up junked up stuff!

Check the buyer/seller list once someone offers up something that you need to see their record for selling. This is the only place where I would consider buying used from!

polkyphil38

Good afternoon people just wanted to give you all an update. I did some critical listening today in which I compared the likes of the Rti8, Monitor 60, and also the Paradigm Monitor 7. Well, I can say w/o a doubt that the Monitor 60 is just not for me. Dont take me wrong it did not sound bad BUT it did not have the resolution and detail that I prefer. If I did not own a powered sub I would of had no doubt preferred the sound of the Paradigm Monitor 7. This is due to the fact that I prefer music listening and the Monitor 7's had that going for them. However, the Rti8 although lacking in the low end presented a more detailed sound that was very clear. The soundstage seemed to be larger and the imaging was real sweet. The Monitor 7 at higher volumes seemed to be a bit harsh and sounded a tad bit rolled off. Therefore, if I decide to go with "towers" for my fronts it will be the Rti8's OR the Axiom M50's or
M60's. I have heard the M80's a few weeks ago and they are awesome. But are out of my budget and to be honest the M60's kinda are too. In other words, things are looking very good for Polk at this point because have been told the Axiom M50's are kinda on the layed back side which is not my cup of tea so to speak. Can any body here give me more info with respect to the Csi3 and the Csi5??? I mean my room is a little under 2000 cubic feet with flat ceilings and I am using a Pioneer 1015 for amplification. I prefer a center to be very crisp and clear and to really bring out the intelligibility of the voices. Or put another way, which of the two blends better with the Rti8's?????

Holydoc

Both the CSi3 and the CSi5 are timbre matched to the RTi8's. This means you will not have a problem blending in with the RTi series speakers with whichever speaker you select.

I personally own the CSi5. It is a huge speaker for a center channel but it is very clear and precise. My advice to you is to purchase the best center speaker you can afford. For HT use, the center channel is the most used and is dedicated to the dialogue. Skimping on this speaker will cause conversations to be muddied and weak. For HT use, the center channel should be one of your best investments.

Good luck!

polkyphil38

Holydoc wrote:

Both the CSi3 and the CSi5 are timbre matched to the RTi8's. This means you will not have a problem blending in with the RTi series speakers with whichever speaker you select.

I personally own the CSi5. It is a huge speaker for a center channel but it is very clear and precise. My advice to you is to purchase the best center speaker you can afford. For HT use, the center channel is the most used and is dedicated to the dialogue. Skimping on this speaker will cause conversations to be muddied and weak. For HT use, the center channel should be one of your best investments.

Good luck!

Thank you for your advise. Man do you ever have a nice set-up. You are quite lucky---bet it rocks too eh? Anyways, do you think my Pioneer 1015 would power the Csi5 okay or would it be neccessary to buy a mono amp from Outlaw? If my Pioneer would suffice then it is a no brainer. The next problem would be figuring out how to mount it. The Omni mount can hold up to 30 lbs. How heavy is the Csi5? I cant put it in my tv stand because then there would be no room for my receiver, dvd player, digital cable box, and etc.

EricBurg

The pioneer 1015 should be capable enough to drive the Rti8's and the Csi5. Before I got my Rotel amps, I was running 2 Rti10's, Csi5, and 4 Rti6's off the reciever power and it sounded alright.

I wouldn't worry too much about going for the Rti8's over the Rti10's, because I listened to both speakers extensively and had a hard time deciding. I finally chose the Rti10's, but after I got them home and decided to let my SV sub handle most of the lower bass, I think the Rti8's would have given me the same performance and saved me a few dollars.

You shouldn't have any problems putting the Csi5 on top of your TV...however, you could always opt to buy or build a stand for it and then just place it in front and below your TV.

Since 2 channel listening is most important to you, I would spend most of your money on the front soundstage first, get the Rti8's and the Csi5, maybe think about a quality sub as well. As for the surrounds...are you set on the Fxi speakers? I personally am not a big fan of bipolar speakers and prefer the sound from my Rti6's. You could always go with the Rti4's or 6's and maybe save yourself some money that way. I would go for the best speakers and build slowly, that way you have no regrets. I've made too many "upgrade" mistakes that in the long run cost me more then if I had just shown a little patience...haha.

Eric

polkyphil38

EricBurg wrote:

The pioneer 1015 should be capable enough to drive the Rti8's and the Csi5. Before I got my Rotel amps, I was running 2 Rti10's, Csi5, and 4 Rti6's off the reciever power and it sounded alright.

I wouldn't worry too much about going for the Rti8's over the Rti10's, because I listened to both speakers extensively and had a hard time deciding. I finally chose the Rti10's, but after I got them home and decided to let my SV sub handle most of the lower bass, I think the Rti8's would have given me the same performance and saved me a few dollars.

You shouldn't have any problems putting the Csi5 on top of your TV...however, you could always opt to buy or build a stand for it and then just place it in front and below your TV.

Since 2 channel listening is most important to you, I would spend most of your money on the front soundstage first, get the Rti8's and the Csi5, maybe think about a quality sub as well. As for the surrounds...are you set on the Fxi speakers? I personally am not a big fan of bipolar speakers and prefer the sound from my Rti6's. You could always go with the Rti4's or 6's and maybe save yourself some money that way. I would go for the best speakers and build slowly, that way you have no regrets. I've made too many "upgrade" mistakes that in the long run cost me more then if I had just shown a little patience...haha.

Eric

Thanks for giving me some pointers there Eric. To be honest with you I have ALWAYS preferred a stand mounted speaker such as the Rti6 as opposed to a tower speaker. However, I recently auditioned the Axiom M80's and I had to admit I loved them. Very impressive to say the least. Then, I remember that with the exception of the Axiom M80's the ONLY other tower speakers that I liked were made by POLK. That said, I decided to take a much closer look or shall I say listen to the Monitor 60, 70, and the Rti8. I should also mention that I did hear the Monitor 50's a couple of times at my local CC and to be honest I thought they sounded decent. Anyways, the other day I went to do some critical listening to the Monitor 60, Rti8, and the Paradigm 7. It did not take me long to realize that the Monitor 60 was just not for me. It sounded a bit too bright to me and did not give me the detail and resolution I prefer. The Paradigm Monitor 7 was better in this regard especially on the low end of the spectrum. However, at higher volume levels the Monitor 7's sounded kinda brash and harsh while the resolution sounded boxy and kinda rolled off if you will. Sure, the Rti8 did not have the low frequency extension of the Monitor 7 BUT it did have that good fine detail and resolution I just love. Very articualte sounding w/o being to harsh. Kinda just right-you know open and airy. Way to go Polk!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, I have a Mirage S12 to handle low end so the lack of bass with respect to the Rti8 is not a concern to me at all. Yes, I prefer a more diffused sound and that is why I want the Fxi3's for my rears. And at this time it looks like the Csi5 is what I have been looking for even if I have to put it on a small stand it should be worth the extra trouble. Thanks for your insights. Have a great holiday weekend.

EricBurg

The mirage s12 is a very capable sub and would sound great with the Rti8's in my opinion. Since you already have good low end bass, buy the 8's and don't look back. Your 1015 should run them fine. Someday you may want to upgrade to a bigger amp, but for now I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Eric

polkyphil38

EricBurg wrote:

The mirage s12 is a very capable sub and would sound great with the Rti8's in my opinion. Since you already have good low end bass, buy the 8's and don't look back. Your 1015 should run them fine. Someday you may want to upgrade to a bigger amp, but for now I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Eric

Okay Eric I will do just that. Oh btw, my Mirage S12 is not here just yet but it will be delivered Tuesday. Hope you are correct in that it is a very capable sub. If I like it I am seriously thinking about getting another one while I still can. If not, then I will send it back to Vanns.

jdannyj

I've just purchassed the polk csi5 to improve the dialogue in my system.
I've been having a problem hearing dialogue since the begging of my home theater experience. I started out with the sony dreamsystem dav-c990, big mistake. now i am slowly but surely buying separate components. i have a str-da2000es for the reciever and the csi5 center, now i'm looking at the rti8's for the fronts. My question is...will the rti8's help improve the dialogue when matched with the csi5. for some reason, I am still having a problem hearing the voices, and i have to turn my system up way to much in order to hear what people are saying...thus making the rest of the movie very loud.
when i switch out all my speakers to polk, i'm hoping this will solve my problems.