Polk Audio RTi4

Polk Audio RTi4 *new* soundcard choice, see post 6

Does anyone have any experience with these speakers?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10034465&catid=


I'd be primarily using them to listen to music and wiring them through my Kenwood VR-6070 and onboard sound until I can get a nice deal on an audio card (which will be fairly high end). How would these speakers perform once I get everything set up (eventually get a subwoofer, but I don't need some right now for my musical taste.)? I would also be moving to movies eventually, but likely keep a 2.1 setup, how would they perform there?

I'm only looking at these or other products from future shop because I have a $50 gift card and they are in my budget. If I would see a large quality improvement (After I got the sound card), I may be willing to spend a bit more. Is my money being well spent on the RTi4's? I'm having a tough time finding good reviews.

Oh, and for clarification, my music taste is mostly indie, rock, and the like. Nothing very bassy, however my friends like to pump the R&B/rap/hip hop when they are over.

Thanks for any insight!

I've only ever used Polk's car speakers but I was always very pleased with the quality of their products. With the size of those drivers I would definitely add a subwoofer though.

Thanks for the quick reply. What would you recommend for a decent priced subwoofer from futureshop? Would something like this be good?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049583&catid=

The subwoofer will likely have to wait a while. I only have about $1500 right now, and I don't feel like spending it all on a speaker system (As nice as it would be heh).

I have a pair of very old (mid 90's) polk audio monitor series 2. They have a 2 drivers around that size (5.25" ish) and a tweeter. Very nice speakers with good bass response, especially for their size (though I think one is a dedicated low end driver and one is a mid range driver). I trust polk's quality, but before you buy something that costs that much I would listen to them first. Then again, at $250 it's hard to pass up.

As for the subwoofer, I can only suggest SVSound subwoofers. I have this one http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm and it's extremely well built and as good or better than anything at it's price. Then again, that's pretty huge overkill for a computer system.
Dan

I'm heading to the store now to check them out. I'll be back with either impressions or a new set of speakers shortly

I now have a shiney new set of RTi4's sitting on my desk. I might not get to set them up tonight though

They sounded good, but the bass is quite lacking. I'll have to keep my eye open for a nice sub now.

Thanks for the help, I'll post a review in this thread once I get them set up!

Alright, I won't be hooking them up until I get a soundcard actually... Here are my choices:

AuzenTech HDA X-MERIDIAN - $199
AuzenTech HDA X-PLOSION - $109
BlueGears B-ENSPIRER - $134
Razer Barracuda AC-1 - $199
Turtle Beach Montego DDL - $88

Price isn't a huge issue, however the if I can get away with a cheaper card and still maintain great quality, that would be great. Primary usage will be music, followed by games and movies. Digital output is also important.

Thanks for any input!

[Edit: After reading some Newegg reviews, I'm quite interested in the Razer. Does anyone have any experience with this? I haven't seen much info on it.]

That sub you linked to looks pretty nice. Most of the speakers in your price range should be more than decent. As far as a sound card I always stay away from the latest/greatest cards. I have a soundblaster audigy that has served me quite well for several years. (Of course I still have an awe32 as well) I know alot of people have gripes with creative's cards, but I have owned a long string of them and have never had any real complaints.

I bought an X-Fi (I'm a gamer), so I'm useless to you. Though I have heard good things about the bluegears...

I should probably mention, I'm definitely not buying a Creative card. I already had a Fatal1ty Xtreme gamer and was disappointed to say the least. I returned that and tried a platinum and remained disappointed, returning to onboard sound for the time being.

After reading some reviews, I'm leaning towards the Razer... Any more opinions, maybe I should look into the X-Meridian or another one of the cards I listed?

Mine kicks the crap out of my onboard sound, but then again this computer is geared towards gaming, I have a much nicer home stereo for movies and what not.

I hooked the speakers up to my amp and ran the radio through it, and it sounds great. With a good sound card and a sub, these things will rip! I'm going to bite the bullet and order the Razer Barracuda with two hours unless anyone can provide me some better advice. The reviews I have found all say it is superb.

Hmm, I'm still a little unsure... Many other forums I have found say the X-meridian is better, but I've also heard the drivers aren't that good.

Somebody please sway me towards a decision between the Razer Barracuda or the X-Meridian.

I would be willing to bet you would get better long term driver support from razer. But thats just an opinion.

Hmm, it seems that the X-Meridian is out of stock anyways... I'm ordering the Razer Barracuda right now with a nice 114cfm panaflo fan for a little extra fun. Review of my setup with photos to come in a few days!

Atleast, once I figure out how to remount my heatsink and get everything installed and tweaked