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Polk Audio RTi8

Single tower speaker

Zoom Polk Audio RTi8
Black oak finish
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Polk Audio RTi8 Polk Audio RTi8
 
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Item# 107RTI8B offer details

Item# 107RTI8B

Review Sumary

 
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Polk Audio

Our take on the Polk Audio RTi8

When it comes to high-impact home theater and music, Polk's tower speakers deliver. The RTi8, sold individually, sports Polk's latest-generation Dynamic Balance® drivers for smooth, wide-open response with extremely low distortion — a redesigned 1" silk/polymer dome tweeter provides stellar treble extension, and dual 6-1/2" woofers dish out full, satisfying mids and lows. Add the handsome real wood veneer, and you've got yourself a great-sounding tower speaker that looks great, too.

The RTi8 bolsters the bass with Polk's unique Power Port technology; it delivers lifelike bass that you can feel as well as hear. Plus, Polk's ARC (Acoustic Resonance Control) port technology ensures rich, natural mids. Other details include two sets of gold-plated 5-way binding posts for biamping or biwiring and anti-diffraction grilles for a large, open, three-dimensional soundstage with pinpoint-accurate stereo imaging. Adjustable spikes provide stability on both carpeted and hardwood floors.

Pick up a pair of RTi8s for stereo music or for front left and right speakers in a home theater setup. Plus, you can add the RTi8 as surround speakers in a 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 surround sound system.

Recommended center channel speaker: Polk CSi5.
Recommended surround speakers: Polk RTi6 or Polk FXi5.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • sold individually
  • video-shielded
  • bass-reflex design
  • frequency response 40-26,000 Hz (-3dB)
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • sensitivity 90 dB
  • handles up to 250 watts
  • dual 5-way binding post terminals
  • real wood veneer
  • 11"W x 41-5/8"H x 15-9/16"D (with stabilizing base)
  • warranty: 5 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Priced each

 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Enclosure
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Bass Reflex
Finish
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Wood veneer
Color
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Black oak
Tweeter
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Dome
Midrange Size
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N/A
Woofer Size
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6.5
Woofer Composition
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Polymer composite
Woofer Surround
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Butyl rubber
Built-in Powered Sub
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No
Video-Shielded
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Yes
Connector Type
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Dual 5-way post
Bi-amp Inputs
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Yes
Parts Warranty
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5 Years
Labor Warranty
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5 Years
Specifications
Power Range
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20-250
Frequency Response
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40-26k Hz
Sensitivity
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90 dB
Impedance (Ohms)
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8
Amplifier Power
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Height (inches)
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Width (inches)
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Depth (inches)
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Weight
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Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • 1 Black oak floor-standing speaker
  • 2 Stabilizer bars
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Machine screws
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online registration sheet

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Notes

Features

Dynamic Balance: Dynamic Balance is a proprietary Polk Audio technology using laser imaging to determine what combination of speaker materials create the least amount of resonance. Eliminating resonance in speakers results in a wide, smooth response and low distortion.

Polymer Composite Woofers: The speaker features two 6-1/2" polymer composite woofers for smooth wide-range response with low distortion. For high performance durability, each woofer uses a butyl rubber surround.

Silk/Polymer Tweeter: The speaker has a 1" silk/polymer dome tweeter that provides clear, detailed highs. The tweeter uses a heat sink on the Neodymium magnet for superior heat dissipation, power handling and reliability.

Acoustically Inert Cabinet: The speaker cabinet features all-MDF construction with extensive internal bracings that virtually eliminate sound-muddying resonance.

Power Port Venting System: The speaker has a rear-firing Power Port venting system built into its back plate for precise deep bass response. This venting system allows air velocity to slow gradually, vastly reducing air turbulence, and delivering greater bass efficiency than conventional ports.

Acoustic Resonance Control (ARC): Internal cabinet resonance can impart a "thick" character to voices. Polk's patented Acoustic Resonance Control port system overcomes this problem. In addition to the Power Port venting system, the speaker has a front-firing port that is tuned to suppress the internal cabinet resonance, resulting in smooth, natural midrange reproduction.

Anti-Diffraction Grille: The floating anti-diffraction grille minimizes grille diffraction for spacious, 3-dimensional imaging.

Dual 5-Way Binding Posts: The speaker has two sets of gold-plated 5-way binding posts connected by gold-plated jumpers. Using the dual 5-way binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speaker.

Magnetically Shielded: The speaker is magnetically shielded, allowing you to place it near your television without distorting the picture.

Adjustable Leveling Spike Feet: The adjustable leveling spike feet mounted on the stabilizer bars provide stability on any type of flooring.

Notes

Frequency Response Note: The overall frequency response is 30Hz-27kHz and the -3dB frequency response is 40-26kHz.

Dimension Note: The main body of the speaker is 7.767" wide. The stabilizer bars extend beyond each side of the speaker, giving the speaker an overall width of 10.953".

 

Product Reviews

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1-9 of 9 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Polk Audio RTi8

Written By , Belmont, CA on Wednesday, May 18, 2011
 
The RTi8 is the perfect entry/mid level speaker. The highs/mids it can achieve
are clear, crisp, and clean. I have it connected to my Onkyo SR-309 receiver
and it works beautifully. My only advice with this unit is to insure that you have a
decent subwoofer to help with the low range as the speakers themselves aren't
the best at reaching those frequencies (common knowledge anyway). I
definitely don't consider myself an audiophile (maybe one in training now), but I
was a DJ for several years, so I can at least tell good vs mediocre units. These
RTi8's are definitely *great* quality/value in my opinion.

As for the retailer, Crutchfield rocks! They shipped it on time, provided the ETA
on when it would be at my front door, and on the day of, it arrived in fantastic
shape. I couldn't be happier!

This was just a terrific experience all around. Nice job Crutchfield!
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great Quality and Sound Needs Good Amp

Written By Chris, Houston, Tx on Friday, December 14, 2007
 
Hello I'm a sound engineer for a local home theater store in Houston, Tx. It amazes me to see the number of reviews regarding the speakers bass output and sound. I see a high end speakers everyday, and the puppies certainly deserve to be in the mix. However like most high end speakers, you need a quality amp. Polk audio speakers will please the most demanding critic, but your amp has to have the headroom and power to make them sound good. Two items i recommend for anyone that indicates the speakers need a sub for full range sound. 1st bi-amp/bi-wire the speakers, 2nd get a high end high quality amp....3rd be prepared to be blown away. I currently have a sub and the sub stays off most of the time unless a movie track send bass to the LFE channel (music towers only) otherwise the towers are more than capable of providing room filling and room shaking bass!! The speakers are installed in a 20 X 20 home theater room. What I have found is most buyers are under powering these speakers and then complaining about certain aspects of the sound quality. A speaker that can handle 250watts per channel RMS needs more than your "typical electronics store" receiver.... do your research.
12 out of 12 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Polk Audio RTi8

Written By Jeff, New York on Friday, May 26, 2006
 
I replaced my older Polk speakers with these new ones. I had a pair of RT600's and they are still working great. We just moved into a bigger house with a bigger den and now I need the extra boost these new speakers are able to produce. They are fantastic and I would put them up against any other comparable brand. Keep up the good work Polk and my next purchase will be yours also. Only one problem, I now need a better center speaker!!
16 out of 19 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Polk Audio RTi8

Written By Philip, Wasilla, AK on Friday, March 17, 2006
 
Excellent highs and unbelievable realism. Blow my old speaker JBLs out all together. Movies are awesome. I have the Polk audio set with a SONY receiver. CSi3, RTi8, RTi4, and PSW10, and it sounds better than the movie theater, seriously.

One thing with these speakers is to make sure you have a subwoofer. RTi8 aren't made for booming bass. But you have a sub your perfect!!!
14 out of 15 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Polk Audio RTi8

Written By Justin, Houma, LA on Wednesday, March 15, 2006
 
I purchased these speakers last year and have been enjoying them ever since. The speakers reproduce clear, crisp sound at all volume levels. The cherry finish is beautiful. One thing though. The four legs on the bottom of the speaker looks like a cone with the pointed end contacting the floor so all of the weight of the speaker is on 4 small points. If you have wood flooring it's a good idea to use a piece of felt or cork on the tips as they may damage your floors when sliding the speakers around.
12 out of 12 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

wow !

Written By mike, Cleveland GA. on Tuesday, January 24, 2006
 
Detail it's got. This speaker moves more than air,it moves your soul. You can go into another room and thay still sound great. I had the RT-800. The RTI8 are Much better sounding. GREAT job POLK. You did it again. Thank you for a great speaker that most of us can aford.
13 out of 14 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Love these RTi8s!

Written By elderberry, Charlotte, NC on Sunday, March 27, 2005
 
I am extremely happy with the RTi8 speakers. I had previously purchased the Polk 50 watt subwoofer, but returned it and upgraded to these tower speakers. (By the way, Crutchfield's return process is also excellent ... easy and efficient.) These RTi8s not offer plenty of the bass that I was looking for, but the cherry cabinets and overall design is beautiful. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. Great value, good looks, and fantastic sound.
23 out of 25 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Polk Audio RTi8

Written By Robert, Helena Montana on Thursday, February 24, 2005
 

Using this speaker as the front speakers in a 7.1 polk system. They sound great. Took out my Carver and KEF speakers and listen to the RTi8 as my main speakers with the sub woofer. Great deal for the price.......I can't imagine what it would sound like with the RTi-10
37 out of 42 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Unbelievable Sound

Written By Scott, Laughlin AFB, TX on Friday, February 18, 2005
 
If you're looking to add some depth to your sound system, these speakers get the job done! Plenty of volume with comparable clarity for the price, plus Polk really stands behind their products.
53 out of 59 people found this helpful
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1-9 of 9 items

Learn more about Floor-standing Speakers

Learn more about Floor-standing Speakers

Video: Speaker Placement for Great Sound

Video: Speaker Placement for Great Sound

Tara W., Video Guest
2/2/2009
based on 359 ratings (10 comments)
 

Learn about the basics of good speaker placement, so you can set up your speakers to deliver the best sound for your room.

 
Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening

Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening

Loren Barstow
12/4/2010
based on 135 ratings (4 comments)
 

Paying attention to where your speakers are placed and how they're positioned can dramatically improve the sound of all your music.

 
Speaker Placement for Home Theater

Speaker Placement for Home Theater

Julie Govan
4/11/2011
based on 883 ratings (13 comments)
 

If you're in the process of choosing home theater speakers, knowing the basics of speaker placement can help you make the smartest choice for your room.

 
Home Theater in Real Life Rooms

Home Theater in Real Life Rooms

Amanda P.
12/4/2010
based on 84 ratings (4 comments)
 

Ideal speaker placement guidelines don't always jibe with reality. Learn how to get great sound from your system, even in oddly shaped rooms and open floor plans.

 
Speakers: An Introduction

Speakers: An Introduction

Loren Barstow
4/11/2011
based on 2 ratings
 

Learn how to choose, connect, and set up speakers for great music and home theater performance.

 

Accessories

Things you'll need

Speaker Wire with Connectors
You'll need speaker wire to connect your speakers to your amp or receiver. No wire is included with this speaker.
Monster Cable SuperFlat™ Mini
Decor-friendly speaker cable with gold pin connectors (50-foot spool)
 
$34.95
In Stock
 
 
Bulk Speaker Wire
Cut your speaker wire to the exact length you need.
AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable
14-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (30 ft., White)
 
$58.99
Out of Stock
 
 
Monster XP® Navajo White Speaker Cable MKII
$39.95
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable
14-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (30 ft., Gray)
 
$58.99
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable
16-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (30 ft., White)
 
$38.99
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable
16-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (30 ft., Gray)
 
$38.99
In Stock
 
 
Monster Standard Speaker Cable
$19.95
In Stock
 
 
Show more items

Accessories we recommend

Connectors
Add connectors to your bulk speaker wire for a neater, easier, and more reliable installation.

Extras

Center Speakers
The center channel reproduces most movie dialogue and more than 50% of the soundtrack information. You'll want a speaker that is voice-matched to your main speakers.
Polk Audio CSi A6
$399.99
In Stock
 
After $50.00 Price Break
 
Polk Audio CSi A6
$399.99
In Stock
 
After $50.00 Price Break
 
Polk Audio CSi A4
$249.99
In Stock
 
After $30.00 Price Break
 
Surround Speakers
Complete your home theater speaker system with voice-matched surround speakers.
Polk Audio FXi A6
$499.99
In Stock
 
After $60.00 Price Break
 
Polk Audio FXi A4
$399.99
In Stock
 
After $50.00 Price Break
 
Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers make great surround speakers. Finish off your system with a pair of voice-matched speakers for the rear of your home theater.
Polk Audio RTi A3
$399.99
In Stock
 
 
 
Add selected to cart
 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Polk Audio RTi8, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_107RTI8B/Polk-Audio-RTi8-Black.html ).

Polk Audio RTi8