Unfair Comparison but I'm on a budget...

stangjason

For front speakers and sound staging how well do the RTi4 or RTi6 stand up against the RTi8?

I prefer my system to be for mostly movie use but I do love to listen to music on occasions.

Along with the CSi5 how badly do these rti speaker blow away my current setup as far as movies and music? Current setup as follows: Polk CSR (center), Polk R300 (fronts), Polk R150 (rears), and HSU VTF-1 (which will stay)

I figure it's a slaughter as far music but I'm uncertain as far as movies that it'll be a huge difference.

schwarcw

I've had the Rti6's and I thought they were very good. If I were you, I'd go for the RTi8's. They are a significant improvement over the R300's IMO.

Good luck!

Sherardp

you'll notice a huge improvement over the upgrade. I went from a very good Yamaha center speaker to the CSi5 and was blown away from the improvement. Polks are amazing, the Rti series is a must for HT, unless you want top of the line and go LSi series.

stangjason

Do the RTi8s need a separate amp? My current receiver is a H/K AVR 635 and I have zero plans or budget for adding an amp.

Also if I go with the RTi8's could I get away with a CSi3 instead of a CSi5 with RTi4 rear speakers? My budget is pretty much blown either way. It has gone from spending $550 to around $800 if I do as planned

stangjason

Keiko wrote: »

I run a pair of RTi6's as mains in my system combined with a pair of Yamaha NS10M's. For bookshelves, I've been real happy with them for both music and movies.

I actually read a few posts saying that bookshelf speakers have a more accurate sound and imaging than floorstanding speakers so I'm wondering if this isn't the case with the RTi8 and RTi6.

danger boy

unless you have RTi12's... a receiver will power the RTi8's just fine.. as it will the RTi4's and 6's too.

stangjason

Keiko wrote: »

I think theres alot of variables to consider. Listening area, room acoustics, equipment and the listener just to point out a few. As to the above, I can neither agree or disagree. However, I don't think there's any exact science in this hobby. May I suggest try listening to all the speakers you're interested in if possible? And also consider some of these variables. Since you are trying to work within a budget this might help you to ascertain which speaker fits the bill and will give you the best bang for your buck. Best wishes and welcome to Club Polk.

I wish I could listen to them before buying but we really don't have any RTi dealers around here. We have Circuit City and HHGregg but they only do other lines of Polk.

From what I've found online by google searches is that the RTi8 is one of the most complete RTi speakers as far as low mids and up but needs a good sub which I have.

I'm thinking my system is going to be this which is way over my budget but I have little self control right now: Pair of RTi8 for fronts, CSi5 for center, RTi4 for rears and my current sub.

What I'd love to have though: RTi8, CSi5, and FXi3. What I should get considering my budget: 2 pair RTi4 and CSi3.

nm4710

The RTi4 + CSi3 setup is by no means crappy. I've listened to the RTi4,6,8, and 10...and I have demo'd the CSi3 (which I own) and CSi5 (which I've ordered) pretty extensively.

RTi4 vs RTi8 - I'm not going to lie, there is definitely a difference here...but probably less than you'd expect. Somehow I really like the RTi4's bass - it seemed less boomy than the RTi8 or RTi6. The RTi4's have a really sweet sound to them.

CSi3 vs 5 - I demo'd both pretty extensively..I honestly didn't find much of a difference - esp when crossed over. I have the 3, ordered a 5 just b/c I wanted something that perfectly matched the drivers in my RTi10's and 6's (and I have another use for the CSi3). To be honest, the CSi5 is an enormous speaker...practically speaking it can be very hard to place. Also I suspect it's a bit of a power hog as well. The sound of male vocals did seem to be slightly richer than on a CSi3...but in my experience it's nowhere near as big a difference as the folks here make it out to be. I tried really hard to find a CSi5 on the cheap b/c honestly I don't think it's worth the $150 premium over the CSi3.

Good luck with your setup, and trust me you won't regret going with the RTi4 + CSi3. That is a fantastic setup and a tremendous value for the money. Sure RTi8's + CSi5 will be better...but the returns will be diminishing for your dollar.

cfrizz

In the FS thread

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58943

Most of the people who started out with the csi3 upgraded to the 5. They said it was a significant difference. Since it is the most important speaker when watching a movie, I wouldn't skimp on it.

stangjason wrote: »

What I'd love to have though: RTi8, CSi5, and FXi3. What I should get considering my budget: 2 pair RTi4 and CSi3.

stangjason

nm4710,

Thanks for the info I believe you have told me almost what I wanted to hear about the RTi4 models being as good sounding if not better than the others but I don't mean that in a bad way just in the way I thought it might be.

All,

I have discovered one bad thing now in that the CSi5 is just a half inch too tall to fit where I need it to above the receiver in the entertainment center. Now that I've discovered a somewhat affordable floorstanding rti model I may be convinced to go this route: CSi3, RTi8, and RTi4. Will that work ok or should I work to make room for the CSi5?

MSALLA

Now is a good time to buy the Rti series. The new Rtia line is out and the old line can be had at a good deal. Keep your eye out for sales.