Is This "Better" Than the RTi8?

Mike LoManaco

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000TU7IQ/sr=8-6/qid=1267078489/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1267078489&sr=8-6&seller=

I found these and the price is pretty great from J&R; would this work with my CSi30 just as good as the RTi8's would?

leroyjr1

With a good sub I'd go with the RTI 8's

Mike LoManaco

leroyjr1 wrote: »

With a good sub I'd go with the RTI 8's

Leroy,

Why not the '10s? Will they actually sound "worse" than the RTi8's?

What interests me about the 10's from J&R is that they're in black, and that would match our decor better; do you know any online retailer selling the RTi8's in black?

leroyjr1

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Leroy,

Why not the '10s? Will they actually sound "worse" than the RTi8's?

What interests me about the 10's from J&R is that they're in black, and that would match our decor better; do you know any online retailer selling the RTi8's in black?

Try contacting Polk eBay store.

Mike LoManaco

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Try contacting Polk eBay store.

But why not the RTi10? Just curious why you'd advise against this; aren't the 10's a step up from the 8's?

leroyjr1

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

But why not the RTi10? Just curious why you'd advise against this; aren't the 10's a step up from the 8's?

If you're looking for better bass then get the 10's. The 8's vocals are alot better with the two mid drivers. What it lacks in the bass department can be made up with a sub.

Mike LoManaco

leroyjr1 wrote: »

If you're looking for better bass then get the 10's. The 8's vocals are alot better with the two mid drivers. What it lacks in the bass department can be made up with a sub.

Thanks; it's what I figured.

I just purchased two RTi8's for $299 a piece in black -- was this a good deal do you think?

Should these perform as good as the RTiA's?

EDIT: I realize there is no RTiA8; only 5, 7 and 9...

Which of the new RTiA's would be comparable to the RTi8?

leroyjr1

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Thanks; it's what I figured.

I just purchased two RTi8's for $299 a piece in black -- was this a good deal do you think?

Should these perform as good as the RTiA's?

EDIT: I realize there is no RTiA8; only 5, 7 and 9...

Which of the new RTiA's would be comparable to the RTi8?

Rti8 = Rti a5

for $600 you could've bought the new A5's

cnh

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Thanks; it's what I figured.

I just purchased two RTi8's for $299 a piece in black -- was this a good deal do you think?

Should these perform as good as the RTiA's?

EDIT: I realize there is no RTiA8; only 5, 7 and 9...

Which of the new RTiA's would be comparable to the RTi8?

Rti-A5s are the new 8s! So you're good!

Personally I don't much like the 10s or the 7s....my favorite is the Rti-12 or the A9s...because they are the most 'muscial' and also good for HT.

The 8s and the A5s will be a nice upgrade for you for HT. But they're not the greatest for 2 channel sound IMO.

Since, however, you are mainly a HT guy! You've chosen well!

Now UPGRADE THAT SUB!!

cnh

Mike LoManaco

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Rti8 = Rti a5

for $600 you could've bought the new A5's

...but I'm being told that the newer RTiA's wouldn't be as good a sonic match to the older CSi30 center I have, and the RTi8 may be...

I also couldn't find, anywhere I really looked, the A5's for $600 a pair...

Mike LoManaco

cnh wrote: »

Rti-A5s are the new 8s! So you're good!

Thanks cnh...

So, the RTi8's were really the "entry" model in the RTi line previously? I'm only assuming that because you said they're equivalent to the RTi-A5, which are the entry in the new lineup...

Personally I don't much like the 10s or the 7s....my favorite is the Rti-12 or the A9s...because they are the most 'muscial' and also good for HT.

The 8s and the A5s will be a nice upgrade for you for HT. But they're not the greatest for 2 channel sound IMO.

Since, however, you are mainly a HT guy! You've chosen well!

Now UPGRADE THAT SUB!!

cnh

The sub is DEFINITELY being upgraded, don't worry! I plan on getting a nice SVS or something along those lines when the time is right...

Yes, these towers will be in the HT room, but I'm just curious, why do you feel they're not the greatest for two channel stereo?

One more question...are you sure the RTi8's I just ordered will work well with the CSi30 center? There shouldn't be any issues, should there? I didn't have to go with a new RTiA, did I?

I'm only questioning this because I couldn't get Polk's support area to get back to me about it, and I was being told that because my center is a bit older in vintage, the RTi8's would probably be a better match than the brand-new RTiA's...do you think this is so?

maximillian

While the 12's are definitely better than the 8's, they are a good size speakers. Make sure they pass the WAF test and make sure they will "work" in your room before you buy. If size isn't an issue, then for $200 the 12's would be better.

cnh

Mike,

The Rti-8s to me have always been too bright and too forward in true stereo. I prefer a warm musical sounding tower..and the 8s don't have those qualities...but are great for HT because that sound is more of an in your face sound...they also, IMO do not image as well as my M70s which I actually prefer for music.

The 12s and A9s have a cascade crossover and a D'apolito array and this REALLY helps tone down that RTI tweeter--which I find a bit much. So I like those fine.

If I were upgrading from my M70s to the RTI series the A9s would be the logical choice.

But it's all a bit subjective...as you know.

cnh

Sherardp

Get the 12s and call it a day. I would also tell you to go with a CSi5 center as well. The 12s are kicka$$ for HT and do very well with music. Once you add the sub, stand the heck by and enjoy a nice quality sound at reference level.

Here's a short video if you really want to see how tall the 12s are. Here they are in my HT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf22VRjfcLE

Mike LoManaco

Thanks for all the replies, fellas...

I actually pulled the trigger on a pair of RTi8's; I heard back from Polk's support and they informed me that these should be a "reasonable" match for the CSi30...

I appreciate all the votes for the A12's; the thing is, I don't even think I have enough amp power to drive those to reasonable limits -- remember, I'm still going to be using an Onkyo 605 here. The RTi8's should work with 90 watts per channel, no?

Huck344

The RTi8's will work with the Onkyo. I was using the 105wpc Onkyo 804 with my RTi8's and it worked fine, though too bright for my taste. I bought a separate amp (Sunfire Cinema Grand) and it really lowered some of the brightness of the RTi8's. I still feel they are a bit bright for music, but they sound kick **** in HT.

Menasor

Can you fit another RTi8 as your center? That would really be the ideal front stage over a horizontal center

leroyjr1

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, fellas...

I actually pulled the trigger on a pair of RTi8's; I heard back from Polk's support and they informed me that these should be a "reasonable" match for the CSi30...

I appreciate all the votes for the A12's; the thing is, I don't even think I have enough amp power to drive those to reasonable limits -- remember, I'm still going to be using an Onkyo 605 here. The RTi8's should work with 90 watts per channel, no?

I'm using my RTi A9's ( newer rti 12's) with just a receiver with great results.

Sherardp

leroyjr1 wrote: »

I'm using my RTi A9's ( newer rti 12's) with just a receiver with great results.

Your using a Pio Elite SC-series correct? If so that's one kick a$$ AVR. Of course the results are in your favor they sound awesome.

leroyjr1

Sherardp wrote: »

Your using a Pio Elite SC-series correct? If so that's one kick a$$ AVR. Of course the results are in your favor they sound awesome.

Yes, I'm using a Pioneer Elite SC receiver. While the OP doesn't have a big avr like the elite i think it'll do until he gets a better avr.

cnh

I like xcapri's suggestion above....but it sounds like Mike is on a budget here. And he should be fine with that Onkyo and the 8s. The 8s are as easy to drive as the M70s and I've used an Onkyo 605 to run my 70s in the past...the power handling is similar and the 605 can run them to decent levels.

Now can M70s and Rti-8s sound better? YES! Get that Pioneer Elite and you'll here the difference or a much higher end Onkyo. Or better yet add a good power amp and you have a 'new' speaker!

But, honestly Mike...just upgrade the sub next...that will be your best choice on a budget. One thing at a time...

cnh

mdaudioguy

Menasor wrote: »

Can you fit another RTi8 as your center? That would really be the ideal front stage over a horizontal center

+1! I'm doing something similar and I love the way having three towers across the front sounds. I started with a traditional center and wasn't happy with it above or below my screen. It just sounded "off." One day it hit me that a third tower would fit perfectly... Once in, there was no comparison. I realize, however, that it's not gonna work for everyone.

mdaudioguy

Also, when my rig was in its initial stages, I flirted with the idea of dropping the RTi10s in favor of RTiA5s, however, as I've continued to upgrade and tweak, I'm glad I didn't. RTi10 can sound surprisingly nice in 2-channel, pure direct mode. My 2 cents...

P.S. Which is not to say I think you made a mistake at all. I agree with cnh - find yourself a decent sub and I think you'll be golden!

Mike LoManaco

Thanks Again for all the Input and Suggestions, Everyone...

Indeed, I am on a bit of a budget here, after all, we just bought a new two-story, four-bedroom house...so I have to keep my Onkyo 605 for at least awhile. It has indeed served me well so far.

While I understand it's been suggested to cancel the order and go with the RTi12's, I think the RTi8's will be sufficient for my needs right now; the room they're going to be in is not that dramatically huge, and they can always move with us to a new system.

Ironically, I received this e-mail from Polk today:

Reasonable match means it will match (the CS30 is an older generation speaker, but still within the same product series)- but would not be a perfect match compared to the CSi5.

I’d say go for it, I think you’ll be very happy.

...so they're pretty confident with my RTi8 pick to mate with the CSi30; realizing, of course, it's not an absolute exact match compared to the CSi5.

I just hope they're -- and everyone that's assisted in this thread -- right regarding the timbre match/front soundstage cohesion using the older CSi30 with the RTi8 towers...:(

So, the concensus is that the 90 watts per channel of the Onkyo 605 -- with relegating LFE duties to my PSW10 sub -- can push the RTi8's well enough, for the most part (reasonably well, that is)?

With regard to cnh and capri's suggestions about upgrading the sub next, believe me...that is my priority; nothing would make me happier than to replace that 10" PSW with an HSU or SVS monster.

Now that I have no neighbor concerns, the LFE can crank and I can really push some bass waves. It will also help me in late-night Blu-ray/DVD reviewing duties, as I don't have to be somewhat restrained with the volume nudging.

GTB

Your Onkyo will be just fine. You'll be rock'n the house with that setup.

Greg

AsSiMiLaTeD

I realize it's after the fact now, but I'm actually a big fan of the RTi10. I used to prefer the RTi70/RTi8/RTa5 series with the two mids over the RTi100/RTi10/RTa7, but that all changed for me when the RTi10 came out.

Up until then that line of speaker still had a powered sub and I was never a fan of it. I never felt they were all the great quality of amps and there's just something about a speaker plugging in to the wall that always bothered me. With the RTi10 they took that amp away and and just let your amp do the job.

The result is a little more load on the amp, but a much better controlled low end in my opinion.

I ditched the RTi series a few years back when I unloaded my RTi70 and grabbed the LSi7. I recently saw posted a deal here from Craigslist where some guy was selling his RTi10 at a ridiculously low price and figured I'd give them a try.

I moved the LSi7 to the office and set those up in the living room, and was immediately impressed. To me, they got it right with the RTi10.

The RT series still isn't a serious music speaker for me, but that's what I have my LSi for. However, they are an adequate speaker for music, and they are fantastic (IMO better than the LSi) for movies.

YMMV of course

Mike LoManaco

GTB wrote: »

Your Onkyo will be just fine. You'll be rock'n the house with that setup.

Greg

Thanks, Greg!

Sherardp

I think the 10s would have been a good choice also. The 8s are good, but to me I prefer the output of the 10s or 12s. As mentioned it also boils down to what your driving them with. In future OP I would consider an AVR with pre outs and perhaps entertain seperates. Excellent choice on your upgrade though, enjoy bro.

Mike LoManaco

Sherardp wrote: »

I think the 10s would have been a good choice also. The 8s are good, but to me I prefer the output of the 10s or 12s. As mentioned it also boils down to what your driving them with. In future OP I would consider an AVR with pre outs and perhaps entertain seperates. Excellent choice on your upgrade though, enjoy bro.

Thanks, Sherar...

Appreciate it. I liked the 10s, but I didn't think they'd really have the power backing to push 'em sufficiently with my 605...plus, with their dual larger woofers, I didn't really need more bass through the mains, being that I'm running a separate sub (which will be upgraded probably next).

Mike LoManaco

xcapri79 wrote: »

Your RTi8's will work well for movies. You should notice a significant improvement. I still think that you should look at replacing the Onkyo 605 with a receiver with preamp outputs. You should be able to get decent resale value on ebay for the 605.

Thanks, as always, Capri. I appreciate your positive input.

Right now, as I discussed with cnh and others, I can't replace the 605...it's simply out of budget due to everything else we needed to get for the new four bedroom house; I'm also building a separate two-channel room dedicated to listening and recording, and I will need a new turntable, speakers and integrated amp for that. I'll check back for a pair of Polk tower suggestions when the time is right for those.

If I go the separates route for the HT, I don't think I'd do a receiver with preamp outs...I'd probably go the multichannel processor and power amp route; the next thing I'd like to replace is the sub though.

The RTi8's will benefit from using a better amp such as a relatively low cost Emotiva UPA-2 amp or from a receiver with a good amp such as the Pio. SC series I mentioned earlier. Check Videogon for a good price on new equipment.

Thanks. I will consider, and have heard good things about, the Emotivas. As for receivers, I think I'd like to stick with Onkyo if I go that route (a higher end high powered new receiver).

For a sub, I would direct you to a Polk DSW600 sub. Check Polk Direct. There are none showing right now, but they come on from time to time.

Thanks for the tip here; would you recommend the DSW600 over, say, an SVS or HSU?

Good luck with the RTi8's and welcome to the RTi club!

Thanks man!

cnh

As for subs that depends on your price range....you may be able to find the Polk DSW600 for a good price on Polk's ebay site if you are patient. If so you won't be able to match that price on an SVS of HSU unless you buy 'used', very used?

The 600 is a really nice sub....how big is your room? That's a factor here as well.

SVS and HSU make the big boom boom HT subs...they're good at it. But Polk subs have improved dramatically with the latest series...in its price range the 600 can hold its own fairly well.

cnh