Excellent "Hifi" Speakers.
Written: Aug 31 '03
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Pros: Price, built in subwoofer
Cons: Slightly unstable. Not a good speaker for babies,toddlers.
The Bottom Line: Great home theater main speakers. Best compromise for trying to build a HTS and for hifi listening.
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| obregoru's Full Review: Polk Audio RTi100 Main / Stereo Speaker |
Excellent "Hifi" speakers.
These aren't Audiophile quality speakers but they come close. The soundstage on these speakers could use some widening.
Also the subwoofers are great but do show distortion at higher volumes. You can turn the subs off though. I keep them on because I like the 3-way action of these speakers. As long as I don't blast the system there is no noticable low end distortion. I'd say they start distorting when I drive my amp at like 55 watts.
I can't say if it's my receiver or the sub amp which causes the distortion. The power amp for the sub only puts out 30 watts. Believe it or not it's enough for typical listening levels. Like I said, it's when you crank it you can tell. That shouldn't be a problem as I don't think most people listen to their music at 75watts.
That being said, the distortion isn't bad. It doesn't sound horrible or anything, but if you listen to a stand alone sub, you can tell the difference. You'd probably never notice it if I didn't post about it. LOL
Contrary to what some think, subwoofer placement is important. These speakers keep a balanced bass since you have stereo subwoofers!
Typically I don't like midrange drivers. I tried out a pair of R30's and R20 Polks and well, they are great for the price but they show the weaknesses of using dynamic drivers -- lacking in Bass. The RTI100 changed my mind about dynamic drivers. They are great when implemented with a good driver and a good crossover.
Now these speakers are not bright like Klipsch, and the high frequencies can't hang with Thiels. But that's all a matter of taste. Some like bright, some don't. I like both.
So while I may sound negative about this set, it's just that I'm picky.
Overall, these speakers are an excellent buy at the new lower prices. The previous price of $1.1k was ridiculous considering that for a few hundred more one could pick up a pair of Thiel CS.5 speakers. However, the newer lower prices of around $700 a pair is an excellent value.
If you seek a solid 3 way speaker (ok, so it's a virtual 3 way) to use in a home theater, don't look any further if you are seeking to spend less than $800.
If you want a true 3 way to listen to classical music and jazz, well, the speakers are good but I've heard better. But if you are looking for a compromise between home theater and hifi, this is the speaker to get.
One more note, the speakers are slim and therefore have a tendancy to move more than a wider speaker. You may not be comfortable if you have a baby or toddler (especially with older kids who could accidentally tip them over). While casual touching or slight pushing wont' tip them, they do make me worry.
I bought mine for $400 at Circuit City (open box buy). For $400, they are an excellent set of speakers!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
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Epinions.com ID:
obregoru
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Reviews written: 1
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