RTi4 or infinity p150

andychen

Hi, I am wondering which of these two speakers are better for music purposes. I actually briefly listened to them using two different systems and I think Rti4 is on the bright side with better highs and p150 is on the warm side with better mids, but I don't remember other things like soundstage, bass quality and such. Can anyone offer some opinions? Thanks

BjornB17

correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the RTis considered to be a bit better than Infinity primus?

RutgersFTW

I prefer the Primus line to the RTi line. I don't have the proper audiophile verbage to explain why, but I will say that the RTis sound is more aggressive and forceful while the Primus speakers remain composed and laid back. After a few listening sessions I initially preferred the RTi6 for this reason - they sound more dynamic and, I think, present a more precise soundstage. Living with them as a daily (6+ hours) listener, however, proved I'd bought the wrong budget speakers. At its peak, I had Polk RTi8 fronts, RTi6 rears, CSi3 center, Monitor 30 rear surrounds, and RTi A1s for comparison's sake. They're all gone now, replaced with Infinity Primus 362 towers which can be had for around $200/pr from Harman, and I'm much happier.


Purchased through the Harman eBay store, it's possible to get a pair of P152s or P162s for $70-$100 or so. They ship fast and have good customer service. Same for Polk Direct should you choose to go the RTi route.

VSchneider

FWIW, Stereophile liked them BOTH, but for different reasons.

Read the comparison at the bottom of the review page (link).

There are always going to be some trade offs. I like RTi's for their rich detail, and with quality amplification they are not harsh, as people sometimes complain. I checked Primus out, too, before and felt they were just not as polished as the Polks, both in sound and built, but at the same time they cost less, too.

BjornB17

A couple years ago when i was buying new speakers, I picked the Polk Monitor over the Infinity Primus, but you are all absoluately right.... it's a matter of personal preference. The Primus are still good speakers especially at the price point.

Erik Tracy

Andy,
On paper both speakers looks to be in the same league for specs.

Both are currently at the same price point.

Both have gotten favorable reviews from "experts".

I can only relate my own experience with the RTi4s I use for fronts and surround rears:
* clean detailed highs
* good sound staging and imaging
* surprisingly good mid-bass for a bookshelf

I listen mostly to jazz and some occasional classic rock - with a clean source the RTi4s are an excellent value with really good sound.

You're going to have a tough time deciding unless you can audition both speakers - tougher as the RTi4s are discontinued and I'd bet few if any distributors still have any set up for demos.

If this is your price point and the two you've narrowed your selection to - I think you'd be happy with either.

andychen

Wow, so many good suggestions. Thank you every one.

I actually have P162 right now and plan to replace them with PSB B25. Nothing wrong with P162, but B25 seems to get much better reviews by many people and Saturdayaudio has excellent price on them. I was told PSB B25 may be sold out soon by Saturdayaudio so I want to grab them now.

I still want either rti4 or P150 to be used mainly in my bedroom and occasionally as rear speakers when I watch DVDs (I will have to move them around a little bit). I don't want to buy PSB B15 because I want to try different brands. I am looking at rti4 and p150 because they can be bought at very good prices (much cheaper than PSB B15). Is this a good idea?

Erik Tracy

RTi4s are a GREAT deal at current prices!

andychen

OK, guys I have decided, buy both of them and see.

BTW, I got my PSB B25 and they are certainly an improvement over the Infinity Primus P162, time to sell the P162.

Erik Tracy

andychen wrote: »

OK, guys I have decided, buy both of them and see.

BTW, I got my PSB B25 and they are certainly an improvement over the Infinity Primus P162, time to sell the P162.

Cool a bookshelf "death match"!!!

Loser is relagated to rear surrounds!

You now have to post up a detailed report!

andychen

I will try to post my opinions here when I have a change to A/B them. I am still learning those terms used to describe the sound.

I don't expect a clear winner though. Maybe one is better for certain music and the other is better for some other music.

shawn474

I have the PSB B25's as my mains with the B15's and the C40 center. It is by far the best sounding system I have had to date and am extremely happy with it. That is until one of the B15's decided to jump out of it's mount and fall 4 feet to a carpeted concrete slab. It is messed up and the place that had them on close-out JUST sold out!!!!:( I guess I will keep looking for another pair.

andychen

shawn474, replied to your PM.

Erik Tracy

Any word on the results of the bookshelf 'deathmatch'??