Rti A5s - Holy Mackerel!

Norm Apter

I just received my Rti A5s yesterday afternoon. I had never heard them (only the Rti A3s) before -- ordered them blindly. So, I set them up in our living room, and even though they are brand new (not broken in yet) I was AMAZED at how nice they sound right out of the box. And, I'm talking running them as 2 channel with a makeshift receiver until I can afford a big time ht receiver/amp combo)

My wife, after listening to a few tracks, made a very bold (heretical?) statement that made me feel a little uneasy. She declared them to have an edge even over the Lsi9s in my bedroom. So, I had to get to the bottom of this.

I pulled out my entire 2 channel system from the bedroom and placed it in the living room for a little showdown. Its probably unfair to compare bookshelves to floorstanders, but I wanted to see how they stacked up face to face.

So here are the two systems that I compared which should definately give the edge to Lsi9s:

1) Rti A5s
Yamaha RX-797 (2 channel receiver, rated 100 wpc at 8 ohms)
(cheap) Sony DVD/CD player ($70)
Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
Generic 14 AWG speaker wire

vs.

2) Lsi9s
Parasound A23 amp (rated 205 wpc at 4 ohms)
Parasound P3 pre-amp
Marantz CD-5001 CDP
Audioquest Diamondbacks and Signal Analog II balanced interconnects
Signal Cable Ultra Speaker cables

We played a number of tunes -- 1 minute clip in one rig and then the same portion in the other --for comparison. These included "Nutty" (performed live by Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall), "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (Michael Jackson), "Living for the City" (Stevie Wonder) and several tunes from the Beatles album "Love." On the whole, my wife liked the "sound" of the RtiA5s more. She found that they created a more live or alive sound. She did admit that the sound of instruments (particularly on the jazz tune) on the Lsi9s was tighter and more focused (or less disparate). But brightness was not an issue at all with the A5s, despite the fact that some others feel that the RTi line coupled with Yamaha is not a good idea.

Again, I suppose its unfair to compare floorstanders to bookshelves, but given that the RtiA5s were brand new (i.e. not broken in) and hooked into a clearly inferior system (from receiver, to DVD/CDP, to speaker wire), I was amazed at how they were clearly able to hold their own with the Lsi9s. Its not that I'm disappointed with the Lsi9s at all -- just so impressed with Rti A5s for music.

I have a Csi A6 (Center) that I ordered from Polk Direct yesterday arriving today and am going to order the Rti A1s soon. After that, the next big step will be to decide upon an HT receiver....but for now I'm enjoying the A5s in 2 channel mode aplenty!

Norm

leroyjr1

A5's rock. Another satisfied polkie.

Did you try to put the A5's on the parasound gear?

specd_out

I just got my A5's last week and I absolutly love them. I have them paired to a psw10 sub and connected to a 7 yr old sony AVR that was once part of a HTIB. I have a yamaha RX-V463 coming in th email and it should be here on Mon. I can wait to hear how they sound on that amp. I know its not the greatest amp but I am sure it will smoke the one i got

danz1906

The A5s are going to get better the more they break-in.

maximillian

Many people have said that the RTi line sound better for Rock and LSi's for Jazz, classical, vocal. However, it's a subjective thing. The LSi's should have better imaging though. Depth is something I never heard with my RTi6's but there was a lot more with my LSi 9's.

trinidesignz

I was thinking of buying the rti a5 / a7. I mainly use system for HT, which one you guys would recommend. Oh I got the CS2 centers not sure if they would pair good together.

Norm Apter

leroyjr1 wrote: »

A5's rock. Another satisfied polkie.

Did you try to put the A5's on the parasound gear?

No, I didn't think of that at the time and I'm kicking myself now for not doing so. Since I've already reassembled the 2 channel rig in the bedroom and it was quite a bit of trouble to disassemble and reassemble twice, it might be a little while before I try that. But, yeah, I'll definately give it a shot. Thanks for the recommendation.

Monster Jam

maximillian wrote: »

Many people have said that the RTi line sound better for Rock and LSi's for Jazz, classical, vocal. However, it's a subjective thing. The LSi's should have better imaging though. Depth is something I never heard with my RTi6's but there was a lot more with my LSi 9's.

Couldn't agree more with Max's take on speakers. I bought the LSi line, knowing full well that I preferred the RTi line sound better. Where sound is concerned, it just comes down to preference in tone.

kolky

trinidesignz wrote: »

I was thinking of buying the rti a5 / a7. I mainly use system for HT, which one you guys would recommend. Oh I got the CS2 centers not sure if they would pair good together.

I have the RTi A5s in my HT and love them.

If you have a seprate sub I would highly recommend going with the A5s particularly becuase of the two mid-range drivers (versus the A7s 1). If you do not have a seperate sub and do not plan on getting one I would probably recemmend the A7s or A9s jut becuase the A5s do lack a little low end punch.

I believe the CS2 is from the Monitor line rather than the RTi line so it would not be timber matched. I would try and pick up a CSi A4 or CSi A6 off ebay. The CSi A4 can be had for around $100 shipped.

curved

Norm Apter wrote: »

No, I didn't think of that at the time and I'm kicking myself now for not doing so. Since I've already reassembled the 2 channel rig in the bedroom and it was quite a bit of trouble to disassemble and reassemble twice, it might be a little while before I try that. But, yeah, I'll definately give it a shot. Thanks for the recommendation.

Just take the A5's into the bedroom.....they REALLY come alive with some good quality power!!

Leon S.

trinidesignz wrote: »

I was thinking of buying the rti a5 / a7. I mainly use system for HT, which one you guys would recommend. Oh I got the CS2 centers not sure if they would pair good together.

OK, I'm a new guy here, but, I thought I might give you some insight to your question. I also asked this question, and was advised against it. I just got a pair of Polk RTi A5's, I've just been playing with them so far, but to tell you the truth, I think they sound great for both, music and movies ! ! ! . I bought two of the CS2 center channel speakers for use as my surround speakers, because of their size, two 6.5" mid-ranges and a 1" tweeter. I connected one to the center channel today ( my CSi A4 center was shipped today , can't wait) just for the fun of it. It actually sounded pretty good, BUT, it was noticably brighter than the RTi A5's, therefore I don't think you would really care fot it as a center. I know that I noticed it enough that I would not continue to use it myself. By the way, I just bought the Polk Audio CSi A4 in cherry, yesterday, on Polk Audio Direct at EBay for $99.00, great deal for a $300.00 center speaker. They still have some left today . Anyway, my point being, though it is a good center channel, it just doesn't match well with the A5's. My advice, don't do it, go for the CSi A4 as soon as possible for that price. I also strongly suggest a sub-woofer, I bought the Polk DSW PRO 500. Good luck.

TouchOfEvil

I bought my A5's a little while back now got a insanly good deal on em.
Hooked em up and loved em for the most part but they were a bit bright/metalic to me.
About 2-3 weeks later i got a amp for em and they had broken in some of course.
The brightness was still there but not as much but the metallic sound remained.
Hooked up the amp and boy did they come alive.
Bass jumped thru the roof on em, the metallic sound went away and while they were bright it wasn't TOO bright anymore seemed to blend in better.
If you put a amp on em they will come to life like you woudn't believe.

ZOOPDOOP22

I wish I knew the difference in sound between RTi8 and A5 however I can say with full confidence that I LOVE my 8s and have had the same sort of result as you folks have.

Cheers!

Kex

curved wrote: »

Just take the A5's into the bedroom.....they REALLY come alive with some good quality power!!

This is a really nice thread ... I have some RT800 and some RT55 (which are an older, large bookshelf form of the RT800, which itself is the predecessor to the RTi8, predecessor in turn to the RTi A5). I thought they were a good solid Home Theater speaker with my excellent (IMO) harman/kardon 147 (rated at just 40w/ch, all channels driven simultaneously). I did not think there was any discernable improvement (surprisingly enough) with external amplification from an Emotiva LPA-1 (rated at 125w/ch). But ... when I added a NAD T754, rated modestly at 70w/ch (all channels driven), they exploded into life: there is a surprising amount of extra bass and detail, as well as improved surround sound rendition. The bass is also much more precise, and layered, even with the subwoofer turned off. So, I am not surprised at what curved suggests. Get some real dynamic power behind those RTi A5 and see what they can really do.

That said, I'm a little surprised at your assessment when compared to the LSi9, which, as a large bookshelf with two 5.25" Mid/Woofers is not at a disadvantage compared to the RTi A5. I would love to try a pair of LSi9 for myself, since I'm convinced I would really like them when paired with the NAD.

(Since we're neighbors, maybe we'll get a comparison listening test going some day!)

ZOOPDOOP22

Kex wrote: »

harman/kardon 147 (rated at just 40w/ch, all channels driven simultaneously). I did not think there was any discernable improvement (surprisingly enough) with external amplification from an Emotiva LPA-1 (rated at 125w/ch). But ... when I added a NAD T754, rated modestly at 70w/ch (all channels driven), they exploded into life: there is a surprising amount of extra bass and detail, as well as improved surround sound rendition.

NOOOOO!!!!!!! Why do you tell me such things! This post just 'amplifies' my confusion when thinking about audio. ugh. (Thanks for the heads up)

RutgersFTW

Kex wrote: »

I thought they were a good solid Home Theater speaker with my excellent (IMO) harman/kardon 147 (rated at just 40w/ch, all channels driven simultaneously). I did not think there was any discernable improvement (surprisingly enough) with external amplification from an Emotiva LPA-1 (rated at 125w/ch). But ... when I added a NAD T754, rated modestly at 70w/ch (all channels driven), they exploded into life: there is a surprising amount of extra bass and detail, as well as improved surround sound rendition. The bass is also much more precise, and layered, even with the subwoofer turned off. So, I am not surprised at what curved suggests. Get some real dynamic power behind those RTi A5 and see what they can really do.

That's because NAD amps are an incredible value. Love mine and second the impressions... I ran a HK 247 with RTi8 and thought they sounded nice and warm, but found a NAD C270 power amp for sale at a price my curiousity couldn't resist. I plugged it in and the bass tightened up and seemed to extend lower while the mids and highs all cleaned up. When we moved to a smaller place, I knew the NAD/RTi combo made sweet music and built my cheap system accordingly.

danz1906

The RTiA5 with a Sub makes for a nice Combo:D

Norm Apter

Kex wrote: »

This is a really nice thread ... I have some RT800 and some RT55 (which are an older, large bookshelf form of the RT800, which itself is the predecessor to the RTi8, predecessor in turn to the RTi A5). I thought they were a good solid Home Theater speaker with my excellent (IMO) harman/kardon 147 (rated at just 40w/ch, all channels driven simultaneously). I did not think there was any discernable improvement (surprisingly enough) with external amplification from an Emotiva LPA-1 (rated at 125w/ch). But ... when I added a NAD T754, rated modestly at 70w/ch (all channels driven), they exploded into life: there is a surprising amount of extra bass and detail, as well as improved surround sound rendition. The bass is also much more precise, and layered, even with the subwoofer turned off. So, I am not surprised at what curved suggests. Get some real dynamic power behind those RTi A5 and see what they can really do.

That said, I'm a little surprised at your assessment when compared to the LSi9, which, as a large bookshelf with two 5.25" Mid/Woofers is not at a disadvantage compared to the RTi A5. I would love to try a pair of LSi9 for myself, since I'm convinced I would really like them when paired with the NAD.

(Since we're neighbors, maybe we'll get a comparison listening test going some day!)

Thanks for the H/K rec.

Yes, I'm now in the long process of beginning my search for an AVR (one that will enable me to add an amp in the future) for these speaks (as well as pair of Rti A1 and Csi A6) -- I have another thread in the Electronics section in which I've asked more specifically about receivers and folks are offering some great responses. I'll be testing out a bunch of these brands/models -- Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon, H/K etc. -- and asking more specific questions about what I need to look for in a HT AVR in about two weeks when I head to back to Virginia for the holidays and visit the Crutchfield retail stores, there.

I'm relatively new to L.A. and don't know about any "hifi" audioshops here. Let me know if there are any worth visiting.

After the holidays, when my HT set-up is more in order, we should definately get together for some comparison listening. I'd be interested to get your opinion on the different sound of the Lsi9s and the Rti A5s.

spnplgr

Norm Apter wrote: »

Thanks for the H/K rec.

Yes, I'm now in the long process of beginning my search for an AVR (one that will enable me to add an amp in the future) for these speaks (as well as pair of Rti A1 and Csi A6) -- I have another thread in the Electronics section in which I've asked more specifically about receivers and folks are offering some great responses. I'll be testing out a bunch of these brands/models -- Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon, H/K etc. -- and asking more specific questions about what I need to look for in a HT AVR in about two weeks when I head to back to Virginia for the holidays and visit the Crutchfield retail stores, there.

I'm relatively new to L.A. and don't know about any "hifi" audioshops here. Let me know if there are any worth visiting.

After the holidays, when my HT set-up is more in order, we should definately get together for some comparison listening. I'd be interested to get your opinion on the different sound of the Lsi9s and the Rti A5s.

New to the forum. Hope this isn't all messed up. How do you like the RTi A1's with the A5's. I'm thinking of getting the same speaker setup and also with the CSi A6, and either a Integra or NAD A/V rec. Thanks. Great thread here on the A5's.

cnh

Crutchfield is a good place to look. Personally I find the Rti-A5s too forward. And I'm going to get crucified here, I prefer my M70s for that reason. If I were considering a Polk upgrade I'd go directly to the RTI-A9s which have the advantage of a slightly different mid-high array that tames a bit of that forwardness. But, again, with warmer amplification that's less of a problem.

That's why I'd go with a higher model HK above. I think Norm and I share an East Asian Studies background? If I remember correctly. Will be in Beijing, hopefully, for a year starting in that fall.


cnh

renowilliams

I bought a pair of A5's in January and I really have been pleased with them. Recently I bought a pair of RTI6's for rears an am enjoying some multi-channel listening. I definatley recommend a sub with the A5's. The only downside for me is my reciever (yamaha RX-V861), for two channel listening. I find it too bright. I love it when watching movies and multi-channel listening.

Erik Tracy

Gee - I guess I'm not alone in prefering the RTi line to the LSi for music.

I did my own agonizing comparison between the LSi7s and RTiA3s - mostly with clean art rock and smooth jazz.

For me and for my rig and for my preferences - the RTiA3s had better clarity and detail, wider imaging and spaciousness.

The LSi7s did better at louder volumes with consistent coherency to the sound stage and retained their sonic sweetness.

But - in the end for how I listen to music most at mid-volumes - RTiA3s.

That's just me.

flipcap22

spnplgr wrote: »

New to the forum. Hope this isn't all messed up. How do you like the RTi A1's with the A5's. I'm thinking of getting the same speaker setup and also with the CSi A6, and either a Integra or NAD A/V rec. Thanks. Great thread here on the A5's.

I recently picked up a pair of A1's as surrounds to go with my A5 fronts in a 5.1 setup. Would have sprung for the A3's but I felt the cons were the size in my small room (11 x 15). After having them for a couple weeks now, they sound great and hold their own for surround duty. I feel if I ever go to the larger room I'll try to pick up a pair of A3's and let the A1's serve as back surrounds in a 7.1 setup.

renowilliams

flipcap22 wrote: »

I recently picked up a pair of A1's as surrounds to go with my A5 fronts in a 5.1 setup. Would have sprung for the A3's but I felt the cons were the size in my small room (11 x 15). After having them for a couple weeks now, they sound great and hold their own for surround duty. I feel if I ever go to the larger room I'll try to pick up a pair of A3's and let the A1's serve as back surrounds in a 7.1 setup.

If you can find a pair of rti6's, they match up very well with the RTIA5's and they are basically the same speaker as the RTIa3's. I just bought a pair recently (new) for 200.00 CND. The RTIA3's are 550.00 a pair here in Canada.


Just a idea that might save you a few bucks



Tim