RTi A1 or RTI A3

1zingo

I would appreciate ome input on whether I would be better off purchasing a set of RTi A1 or RTi A3 speakers to use in my setup. I currently own the following:

Fronts: RTi A5
Center: CSi A4
Surrounds: None Yet
Subwoofer: PSW 125
Receiver: Sony STR-DE835 (I know, it's old)

RTi A1's look somewhat small, but then I don't know enough about surround sound to make an informed decision. One advantage in getting the RTi A3's would appear to be that they would better serve as stand alone speakers. That's partly why I would not be interested in the FXi series.

I currently use my set up primarily for watching satellite television and movies on DVD. My setup is located in a 12' x 24' room.

Thanks in advance for your input.

apphd

zingo Welcome to CP. Is cost any concern? If not I would opt for the A3 no question it is a better speaker and should give you a little more bass and fuller sound. But the A1 will do surround/side duties very effectively. Both will match up with your front stage nicely.

I would be asking myself:
is the physical size difference any consideration for where you intend to place them?

do I think I may listen to multi ch music? Then I would go with the A3.

do I plan to move up to a 7.1 setup in the not too distant future? If so I would maybe go with the A1, if I liked the job it did, then get two more for rears. If I felt it was a little lacking, I would move the A1 to rear duty and get two A3's for the sides.

That's the way I would approach this, then try and go listen to them. I think you would be served well with either one.

renowilliams

I have a simalar set up as you, fronts RTIA5's and the same sub. I have no center yet or rears. I am leaning towards the FXI's for my rears as I think you get more bang surround wise for your buck. I ruled out the A1's,knowing I would just want to relace them later.

Anyway, good luck

I think when you get a new reciever, you will not believe how much better your set up will sound.

williamgauci

Both are good speakers, The A3's are a little bigger, but as Apphd pointed out, the A3's going to give you better bass and mid than the A1. There is a real difference in sound, the A3's going to give you a richer fuller sound. If you're not interested in going for the FX's then i'd vote for the A3.

ChrisD

I've heard both. They both sound fantastic but the A3 has more oomph.

leroyjr1

Both are great for surrounds. Look into the fxi a series they're great for surrounds as well

Vagrant Pistol

1zingo wrote: »

I would appreciate ome input on whether I would be better off purchasing a set of RTi A1 or RTi A3 speakers to use in my setup. I currently own the following:

Fronts: RTi A5
Center: CSi A4
Surrounds: None Yet
Subwoofer: PSW 125
Receiver: Sony STR-DE835 (I know, it's old)

RTi A1's look somewhat small, but then I don't know enough about surround sound to make an informed decision. One advantage in getting the RTi A3's would appear to be that they would better serve as stand alone speakers. That's partly why I would not be interested in the FXi series.

I currently use my set up primarily for watching satellite television and movies on DVD. My setup is located in a 12' x 24' room.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I would match your A5's with RTi A1s. They are not as small as you think. I have heard both and have noticed that they are comparable In sound. I included some piks of a old Monitor 30's next to my RTi A3. Huge difference in size. I have A7's and almost wish I would have bought A1's. Reason i bought the A3 was because I thought A7's and A9's would macth up better with them since they are huge speakers. If you can get them cheap than I would say get the A3. I know they sell refurbs for cheap directly from polk. Its just the size of the speaker is HUGE!!!:D

comfortablycurt

I'd go with the A3's myself. It's a bigger speaker, has better low end extension, and would probably match up with the A5's a little better. Either one will work fine though.

vijayl

Go with A3 - sounds much cleaner

metal83

I've owned both, the A3's are much better in my opinion.

1zingo

Gentlemen,

I am extremely appreciative of the advice I received from all of you. In light of your comments, I felt reassured enough to snag a set of RTI 1A's off of Polk Direct this morning. Moreover, your positive comments about the RTi A3's were also valuable especially in light of Apphd's comments about eventually teaming these up with a set of RTi A1's as part of a 7.1 set up. This is something I can afford to consider because the savings I achieved through Polk Direct. To date, my complete speaker set has cost about $1,100 versus the $1,950 Crutchfield would have charged me. Although I allegedly received refurbs, they look and sound pristine. So, thanks again to all for helping me out.

Norm Apter

I think you'll be very happy with the A1s. I have the same combination -- RtiA5s as fronts, Rtia1s as rears/surrounds and a CsiA6 as center.

While the others are probably right about the A3s having more oomph and a fuller low end, I saw that you will be using these primarily for TV and DVDs and mine have served me well in this regard. If you had planned to use them mostly for music, then maybe stepping up to the A3s would be worth it.

The (small) size of the A1s was a big plus for me, as I have a relatively small living room. I also got mine from Polk Direct's Ebay store and I seriously doubt that you can do better -- anywhere -- at this price point. And yes, mine arrive looking and sounding exactly like new loudspeakers. Going on 3 months with these now, I couldn't be happier.

Vagrant Pistol

1zingo wrote: »

Gentlemen,

I am extremely appreciative of the advice I received from all of you. In light of your comments, I felt reassured enough to snag a set of RTI 1A's off of Polk Direct this morning. Moreover, your positive comments about the RTi A3's were also valuable especially in light of Apphd's comments about eventually teaming these up with a set of RTi A1's as part of a 7.1 set up. This is something I can afford to consider because the savings I achieved through Polk Direct. To date, my complete speaker set has cost about $1,100 versus the $1,950 Crutchfield would have charged me. Although I allegedly received refurbs, they look and sound pristine. So, thanks again to all for helping me out.

So how you liking the A1's?

renowilliams

I Just went through this same decision making process. I found a pair of RTI6's for 199.95 so I ordered those. I am looking forward to getting them.

I'm sure you'll be happy with the RTIA1's

danz1906

Go for the RtiA3s:D

FernandoTorres

RTiA3 vs RTiA1... RTiA3 wins
Later on the RTiA3 can be used as stereo bookshelf setup, so they are easier to be sell again if needed.
RTiA1 are too small for stereo bookshelf setup, and not easy to place behind sofa either.

FXiA6 vs FXiA4... FXiA6 wins
Both have similar size and both are easy to place behind sofa.
None can be used as stereo bookshelf setup.

then... final round...
RTiA6 vs FXiA6... I cant see a winner here
RTiA6 can be used as stereo bookshelf setup (versatile for future, easy to resell)
FXiA6 are much easier to place behind sofa, and specially design for surround sound.

nguyendot

Kind of late to the party on that answer?