rt55 vs rt55i

AdamRagland

Hey guys, i have had my mind set on a pair of rt55i's for my first system mains. However, i have come across a pair of rt55's for a pretty sweet deal. What are major diffrences between the two and are they fairly comparable for HT/movie use?

pblanc

RT55is have trilaminated drivers. The tweeter especially sounds a bit brighter. That may be good for HT. I have a pair of RT55is. I don't have a pair of RT55s but I have pairs of both RT25s and RT25is. For listening up close, I think perhaps I prefer the silk dome tweeter in the RT25 or RT55. I think I prefer the bass drivers in the RT25i and RT55i however. The differences really aren't that great, though.
The RT25is have a wood veneer cabinet as opposed to vinyl-coated. I assume the same is true for the RT55i but to be honest, I haven't looked that closely. Unless you are looking really close, the difference is not very obvious. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the RT55s if the deal is good. If you like the RT55is you're pretty sure to like the RT55s I think (again, I haven't owned the RT55s.
If the LSi line of speakers had not come along, I would still be using the RT55s/RT25s as my main home entertainment/music speakers. I think they are great, neutral sounding speakers that are easily powered and have no objectionable characteristics. They are clearly bettered by the LSi line, but then the LSis are more expensive and demanding to power.

beardog03

good answer !