Old Polk RTi Series Vs. New TSi Series

installer99

Hi, Right now I have (1) Polk CS245, (2) Polk RTi38, and (2) Polk RT35i Speakers That i puchased for my home theater in 2001 and I just got offered a Great deal on some of the new TSi series Speakers. I was just wondering, if I get the new TSi's, am I upgrading or downgrading? The speakers I am Looking at are the TSi 500's for the front, TSi 200's for the rear and the CS20 Center channel. I know currently the RTi series is higher, but my RTi speakers are almost 8yrs old now. What do you think?

BjornB17

The new TSi series are equivalent in quality to the Monitor series Polk is currently offering. I'm not sure how your older RTi speakers stack up since i haven't heard them. Best buy sells the New TSi and Circuit City sells the Monitor series. You should go to those stores and have a listen to see what you think.

Shmenan101

Old RTis would sound better in my opinion. I work at CC and we sell the TSis now and they sound just like the monitor series. I remember when we sold those RTis and they blew away the old monitor series which the TSis are based on. I would stick with what ya got unless you want to go to the enw RTis.

installer99

Old RTis would sound better in my opinion. I work at CC and we sell the TSis now and they sound just like the monitor series. I remember when we sold those RTis and they blew away the old monitor series which the TSis are based on. I would stick with what ya got unless you want to go to the enw RTis./QUOTE]


Thanks for the input. I used to work at CC also, that is where I got this setup. I love the speakers I got, I just figured that since they were 8 yrs old, that their technology might have been outdated by now. I Think what I might do is look for some old RT55's and a CS400.

BjornB17

hey i used to work for circuit city too this is around 2002 though before they got the RTis (i was only 17 then!)

dorokusai

installer99 wrote: »

Hi, Right now I have (1) Polk CS245, (2) Polk RTi38, and (2) Polk RT35i Speakers That i puchased for my home theater in 2001 and I just got offered a Great deal on some of the new TSi series Speakers. I was just wondering, if I get the new TSi's, am I upgrading or downgrading? The speakers I am Looking at are the TSi 500's for the front, TSi 200's for the rear and the CS20 Center channel. I know currently the RTi series is higher, but my RTi speakers are almost 8yrs old now. What do you think?

You're not downgrading and contrary to a later statement, the TSi series was not based on the Monitor series. It's placed between the Monitor and the current RTiA series.

I previously had a HT based on the older RTi series and just loved it. It did everything it was supposed to do and more. It isn't called Reference Theater(RT) for nothing. Your speakers aren't out of date, just an older design.

I like the new TSi but moreso the RTiA. There are a couple reviews of the new TSi in the speakers section....but you'll probably have to do a search. I've haven't heard any great demos in a Circuit City. YMMV.

BjornB17

dorokusai wrote: »

You're not downgrading and contrary to a later statement, the TSi series was not based on the Monitor series. It's placed between the Monitor and the current RTiA series.

I previously had a HT based on the older RTi series and just loved it. It did everything it was supposed to do and more. It isn't called Reference Theater(RT) for nothing.

I like the new TSi but moreso the RTiA. There are a couple reviews of the new TSi in the speakers section....but you'll probably have to do a search. I've haven't heard any great demos in a Circuit City. YMMV.

Isn't the TSi series just the monitor series with new cabinets? The driver arrangements and drivers used are a direct reflection of the monitor series to my eyes.

dorokusai

No.

I agree that the design is a bit confusing between those two models but that's where they officially stand in the product lineup. You could say the speakers share characteristics with hundreds of speakers historically....specifically the MTM design array.

The drivers change composition and overall response, xover point and port design.

BjornB17

Keiko wrote: »

+1....I have the older RTi's (6 and 4 bookshelves) and couldn't be happier. They look and sound great. If anyone is interested, you still might be able to find some good closeout deals if you look around. onecall.com had some RTi4's and CSi5's available at closeout prices recently.

Here's a link for a nice review that Grimster wrote up regarding the TSi series.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67973

I just upgraded to the old RTi series (the speakers listed in my signature) from the Monitor and I must say.... they are so much better! The Monitors are very good but the RTi's are awesome!! Someone pull me away from my speakers because I can't stop listening!

dorokusai

BjornB17 wrote: »

I just upgraded to the old RTi series (the speakers listed in my signature) from the Monitor and I must say.... they are so much better! The Monitors are very good but the RTi's are awesome!! Someone pull me away from my speakers because I can't stop listening!

Stick with it....that's a great setup!

Great link Keiko.

ckhirnigs113

I am also looking for old Rti speakers. I just love my Rti70's and Csi40 that I lucked into. I am looking to complete the set with some Fxi50/30 or Rti38-28.