RTi A5 or RTi8 for less on Polk Direct?

christo4

Okay, I'm thinking about splurging a little dough on some floor-standers. I've asked for opinions already about other Polk comparisons, but now I'm trying to decide between the RTi A5 and the older version, the RTi8. Both have been showing up on the Polk direct site, with about a $179 premium for the newer model. Has anyone listened to both? Can you tell a difference? Does the "Powerport plus" really make a difference? That seems to be the only specification difference I can discern, other than the teardrop cabinet shape.

dane_peterson

They're VERY similar. I'd say save the dough and go with the 8s, unless you have your heart set on the cabinet design.

packetjones

I just picked up a pair of A5's and i love them. I can not really comment on the 8's as i have not heard them in person. I really like the look of the A5's and the are the match to the CSiA4 and A3's that i already had. Everyone around here always says that the older rti and the newer rtia's are about the same. I would say if money is a concern go for the older model.

Do you have a center already? It may be harder to find a matching center for the older rti's. I have not looked but the csia centers are on polk direct as well.

Ron Temple

5s......

danz1906

Go for the A5s

Ricardo

I see only a $20 difference (BIN) between the RTi8's and RTiA5's on Polkdirect.

cnh

I have to agree with Ricardo above and was wondering what all of your were talking about!

That said..the A5s look nicer and have the curved back for less cabinet reflective distortion...so why not A5s!

cnh

campisfortis

I just purchased a pair of refurbished RTiA5's from Polk Directs eBay Store. I paid $379 plus shipping for the pair. When they arrived, I could not tell they were not new. They look and sound great, with none of the cosmetic imperfections they might have had. My wife even likes them (particularly since they are replacing old Monitor 10s). I find them a good match for my CS400i center (not perfect, but very close to my ear).

christo4

Well, I kinda let this thread go cold--sorry about that. After dane's post I started bidding on some cherry RTi8s. I finally won a bid on 11/01 for $200 plus shipping. The $20 difference that Ricardo was talking about was only if you look at the buy-it-now price. Anyway, they arrived a couple days later, and I've been thoroughly enjoying them since. They're much richer even than the RTi4s I had, which these have replaced. Not only is there more bass, but I hear more detail in the mid. And, I honestly don't think they're over bright as some have claimed about the RTi lines. If the A5s were only $50 more I would have sprung for them, but for me $179 is a lot when I'm not convinced there would be much sonic difference. I am listening to a Decca recording of Bach right now, and they're as sweet as the silk used in the tweeters.

leroyjr1

Congrats on your new speakers!!

danz1906

christo4 wrote: »

Well, I kinda let this thread go cold--sorry about that. After dane's post I started bidding on some cherry RTi8s. I finally won a bid on 11/01 for $200 plus shipping. The $20 difference that Ricardo was talking about was only if you look at the buy-it-now price. Anyway, they arrived a couple days later, and I've been thoroughly enjoying them since. They're much richer even than the RTi4s I had, which these have replaced. Not only is there more bass, but I hear more detail in the mid. And, I honestly don't think they're over bright as some have claimed about the RTi lines. If the A5s were only $50 more I would have sprung for them, but for me $179 is a lot when I'm not convinced there would be much sonic difference. I am listening to a Decca recording of Bach right now, and they're as sweet as the silk used in the tweeters.

Congrats-Enjoy!

cnh

Either way you're fine and it sounds like you got a better deal.

Kudos..

cnh