Polk RTi8 vs Athena F2

[speakerman39]

Good to hear that everything is okay with you. Yeah, I will patiently wait for UPS to drop off my new speakers. I am having second thoughts on my center though. I really really want the CSi5 but they are priced a lot more than the CSi3 and also I want the CSi5 to be cherry finish. I'm not too crazy about having cherry finish Mains with black Center. Also, my wife is telling me that I can't buy the more expensive CSi5. Other than that, I really really want the CSi5.

Yeah, most claim the CSi5 is much better than the CSi3. However, it works fine for me. Keep in mind,though, that I am using RTi6's for my fronts. I still believe you will be fine even with your RTi8's as fronts. Hopefully, you will agree. Good luck my friend.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[PENG]

Mazer,

That would be nice if I could find something like that here. Unfortunately, the only big box store in my town is circuitcity. Their best speaker from Polk is the TSi300. Other than that, the next best speaker they have open box or clearance is the Monitor 70, 50, 40, and 30. Even if I were to find them for $500/pair, I would still need to upgrade my receiver or get an amp to power those bad boys. Maybe my next speaker upgrade will be the LSi speakers or equivalent at the time.

That sounds like a plan, you can always add a pair of LSi7 or 9 for more serious music listening down the road. I used to have the RTi38 and I found them very good for home theater purposes. The RTi8 obviously sounds much better in mid bass so it can also do a decent job for music listening in pure direct mode without a subwoofer. In my opinion there isn't really that many speakers in this price group that can compete with the RTi8. I do prefer (better overall tonal balance) them to the Athena speakers.

That being said, the Athena did receive some good reviews such as this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/awardImages/ASF2 Stereophile final.pdf

 

[SangYuP]

Yeah, most claim the CSi5 is much better than the CSi3. However, it works fine for me. Keep in mind,though, that I am using RTi6's for my fronts. I still believe you will be fine even with your RTi8's as fronts. Hopefully, you will agree. Good luck my friend.

Cheers,

Phil

I finally convinced my wife to let me get the CSi5. Like I said before, I can only find it in black and not cherry. Do you think that having the RTi8 in cherry and the CSi5 in black will bad? I'm sure it will look odd but I figure that black matches everything so it shouldn't look too bad with the cherry RTI8. What do you think since you've seen how it looks in person and also I just want to hear your personal opinion. My wife isn't too concerned about the colors not being the same. I figure that I would give up aesthetics for performance.

 

[SangYuP]

That sounds like a plan, you can always add a pair of LSi7 or 9 for more serious music listening down the road. I used to have the RTi38 and I found them very good for home theater purposes. The RTi8 obviously sounds much better in mid bass so it can also do a decent job for music listening in pure direct mode without a subwoofer. In my opinion there isn't really that many speakers in this price group that can compete with the RTi8. I do prefer (better overall tonal balance) them to the Athena speakers.

That being said, the Athena did receive some good reviews such as this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/awardImages/ASF2 Stereophile final.pdf

Peng,

Yeah, I live in an apartment right now and my wife gave me permission to upgrade my speakers whenever we buy a house. I guess I'll be looking at the LSi series then with separate amps. Until then, the RTi8 will have to suffice.

 

[speakerman39]

I finally convinced my wife to let me get the CSi5. Like I said before, I can only find it in black and not cherry. Do you think that having the RTi8 in cherry and the CSi5 in black will bad? I'm sure it will look odd but I figure that black matches everything so it shouldn't look too bad with the cherry RTI8. What do you think since you've seen how it looks in person and also I just want to hear your personal opinion. My wife isn't too concerned about the colors not being the same. I figure that I would give up aesthetics for performance.

Well, to be candid here, I personally prefer my speakers to have the same or nearly the same finish. However, at times we all run into situations like this. As for me, I live alone and as such this scenario would post little problem. Since you are dealing with a WAF things are a bit more complicated. If she does not have a problem with the Csi5 being in black, then my vote would be to go for it! Once again, it is how YOU and the WIFE feel about this situation. She has already given you the green-light so to speak. That to me, would be a "no brainer" at this conjecture. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[SangYuP]

Well, to be candid here, I personally prefer my speakers to have the same or nearly the same finish. However, at times we all run into situations like this. As for me, I live alone and as such this scenario would post little problem. Since you are dealing with a WAF things are a bit more complicated. If she does not have a problem with the Csi5 being in black, then my vote would be to go for it! Once again, it is how YOU and the WIFE feel about this situation. She has already given you the green-light so to speak. That to me, would be a "no brainer" at this conjecture. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5. Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub. I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will. It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

 

[billy p]

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5. Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub. I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will. It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

Please don't come here looking for answers for what ails you!! We all have that problem.

 

[SangYuP]

Please don't come here looking for answers for what ails you!! We all have that problem.

True true...

 

[speakerman39]

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5.
I think you are making a good decision here-especially by getting the wife's approval first.

Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub.
Really looking forward to some pics my friend. Just when you find the time as there may be other here that find such pictures helpful.

I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will.
There is no doubt in mind they will. That is until.........you know.....LOL!!!!


It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

Yeah, I know as many of us suffer from the same illness. It is called being an "audiophile" or at the very least an "audiophile-in-training". The sad part is it never ends. Once you are infected, it becomes a permanent part of who you are my friend. Might as well get used to it.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Sang, I have no idea what happened with my post. Just read through it and you get the idea. At least part of it looks right.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[SangYuP]

Yeah, I know as many of us suffer from the same illness. It is called being an "audiophile" or at the very least an "audiophile-in-training". The sad part is it never ends. Once you are infected, it becomes a permanent part of who you are my friend. Might as well get used to it.

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, there is no cure to this illness. It seems to get worse whenever I start reading up on different speakers or receivers or amps. I need to stop...

 

[SangYuP]

Sang, I have no idea what happened with my post. Just read through it and you get the idea. At least part of it looks right.

Cheers,

Phil

Which post?

 

[speakerman39]

Which post?

Ummmmm post # 29. Read it carefully and you will see.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[SangYuP]

Ummmmm post # 29. Read it carefully and you will see.

Cheers,

Phil

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.

 

[billy p]

When I first hooked up my new speakers I was shocked at the difference, they sounded so neutral and flat in my living room I was kind of confused. I guess I was so used to the Athenas I had to allowed myself enough time with them before I passed judgment allowing my ears to break and critically hear the difference. About a week later I hooked up my B2's and man where they bright, needless to say give yourself some time to adjust and later you can discern which one you really like better. In all likelihood you'll still prefer the RTi8's but you've nothing to lose.

Goodluck, Bill

 

[speakerman39]

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.

Very glad to hear this Sang! I am also glad the wife likes the look as well. Nothing like a happy wife. Looking forward to some pics my friend. The RTi8 is one of my favorite speakers period. You made a great decision imho. Kudos to you. Congrats on your new speakers. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[dorokusai]

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.

That's great to hear and the CSi5 is a solid center channel. I've read the bright comment so many times and while I agree, not sure why. If you have any pictures, send them to me.

Mark

 

[SangYuP]

When I first hooked up my new speakers I was shocked at the difference, they sounded so neutral and flat in my living room I was kind of confused. I guess I was so used to the Athenas I had to allowed myself enough time with them before I passed judgment allowing my ears to break and critically hear the difference. About a week later I hooked up my B2's and man where they bright, needless to say give yourself some time to adjust and later you can discern which one you really like better. In all likelihood you'll still prefer the RTi8's but you've nothing to lose.

Goodluck, Bill

I'll be sure to keep listening, but so far I am really pleased with the RTi8s. I was a little worried about the SQ difference between the RTi8 and F2, but now I can stop worrying...

 

[billy p]

I'll be sure to keep listening, but so far I am really pleased with the RTi8s. I was a little worried about the SQ difference between the RTi8 and F2, but now I can stop worrying...

Now you have to change your sig

 

[SangYuP]

Very glad to hear this Sang! I am also glad the wife likes the look as well. Nothing like a happy wife. Looking forward to some pics my friend. The RTi8 is one of my favorite speakers period. You made a great decision imho. Kudos to you. Congrats on your new speakers. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, it's always good when the wife likes them too. They are a little smaller than my F2, but she said that they were sleeker and the finish is top notch. I can see why these are your favorite speakers. They sound great. It was with the help of all the users and especially you that made me make this choice. Without you guys I would have probably cancelled the order (I'm so glad I didn't). The pictures are uploading as I type this...