Polk Audio RTi10 vs Boston Acoustics VR3

MKZ

Which ones do you guys suggest?
I have RTi4, R300, R150, PSW10, CSi3 with Denon 1906 AVR. I am thinking to replace R300. If I go with VR3 I will upgrade/replace sub-woofer later on. want to keep RTi4, CSi3. The Sales person told me Boston Acoustics is better than Polk Audio. Is it? When I compared VR2 with monitor 50, 70, VR2 sounds better. They did not have RTi10 in hand to compare. Thanks in advance for any comments.

VXR8

Hi MKZ,

Unfortunately I cannot comment on the Boston's, but I am very happy with my RTi10s. When I first discovered Polk (car speakers Ex602a), I had the option to also buy Boston Acoustics at the time. The sales person told me that the Polk's were probably better.

Taking into consideration your other speakers - specifically RTi4 and CSi3, they would be timbre matched to the RTi10s (something I don't have with my current set up).

At the end of the day, "better" is as you hear it on your set up with your CD / DVDs. Try and get a listen also to the RTi10s with as close a set up as yours. Hope this helps.

MKZ

Yeah, I definitely would if I have a chance. Thanks for reply.

MSALLA

I have an old set of bostons that I love but I am not crazy about the new stuff. Boston has a warmer, deeper sound than the Rti's imo, but the new ones seem to lack the sound quality. Just what my ears say, yours may be different.

MKZ

Right, everybody has different taste. This is my 1st home theater and can't afford to take the risk with those prices. I have to enjoy with them for some years so I have to trust people's suggestion than my own. I'm not an expert. Do I need an Amp if I buy either of those? My receiver is 85W/channel Denon 1906. Thank you.

Refefer

MKZ wrote: »

Right, everybody has different taste. This is my 1st home theater and can't afford to take the risk with those prices. I have to enjoy with them for some years so I have to trust people's suggestion than my own. I'm not an expert. Do I need an Amp if I buy either of those? My receiver is 85W/channel Denon 1906. Thank you.

I like Boston Acoustics, they have some very decent stuff. That said, in a toss up I'd have to take the Polks, if just because I have had the privilege of dealing with Polk's custom service, which everyone on the board pretty much agreed is about as top notch as they come.

That the rest of your system is comprised of Polk speakers mean that the timber match would be about spot on if you used the Rti10's.

As for the amp deal, RTi's will perform fine off of 85 watts. That said, if/when you get an external amp for your system, the RTis will be much, much happier. Presumably the Boston Acoustics will be about the same; it will sound fine, but sound better when the watt quality and amount go up.

Think of it as giving room for improvement

aaharvel

Boston's won't timbre close to your center csi3 which for hometheater, is a must. Go out and buy some rti8's and call it a day.

As for the "salesperson" claiming Boston is the better brand - if he works at Circuit City than given the low-fi gear they now sell that claim to fame isn't saying much, for either brand.

engtaz

RTi10 get my vote. Bostons not bad at all but the 10's are better.

mantis

Boston VR series are very nice speakers for the money. There right on pace with Polks and sound close. Boston does have there own sound. If you like them better then get em. I perfer some of there speakers over Polks. But the LSI series smokes them dead and twice on Sunday. All of there speakers in my opnion.
The Rti series I'd say pick em.

Dan

MSALLA

Others people's opinions are not going to dictate what you hear. If you like the bostons more, get them. They make a quality product that will last for years. My VR-30's are 10 or 12 years old and still sound great.

MKZ

Thanks all of you for helpful opinions. I will go listen this weekend and come back to you. Do you guys know where can I have a chance to listen both of them in NYC or Boston Area. Local CC doesn't carry both models. I am also worried about the amp too. If they need an amp I would go for RTi8 or similar.

Parachoute

I can’t say much about Boston but my vote goes to rti10 because it will match your center.
I have a pair of Rti10 with a small amp and I love them. I guess they would sound even better with a bigger amp… but for now, I'm in heaven.

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk Parachoute.