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Polk Audio RTi A9 Floor-standing speaker (Black)

Item # 107RTIA9B

Our customers love the A9 — the flagship floor-standing speaker in Polk's popular RTi series.

Our customers love the A9 — the flagship floor-standing speaker in Polk's popular RTi series.

16 questions - 49 answers

Item # 107RTIA9B

Shop all Polk Audio Floor-standing Speakers

About the Polk Audio RTi A9

Loren Barstow

Audiophile-quality sound from a great-looking tower 

Our customers love the A9 — the flagship floor-standing speaker in Polk's popular RTi series. It combines a handsome, real wood veneer finish with the kind of performance that pleases even critical listeners.

Audiophile-quality sound from a great-looking tower 

Polk Audio RTi A9 Tower Speaker

Enjoy exceptional performance with Polk's RTi A9 tower speakers (shown in black)

Our customers love the A9 — the flagship floor-standing speaker in Polk's popular RTi series. It combines a handsome, real wood veneer finish with the kind of performance that pleases even critical listeners.

This speaker's carefully designed drivers undergo laser testing to help identify and eliminate resonance points, ensuring smooth, accurate response. Its asymmetric cabinet helps it deliver rich, clear sound by combating vibration and increasing rigidity.

The A9 also includes Polk's exclusive PowerPort® technology that reduces noisy air turbulence and increases low-frequency output. You'll enjoy clear highs, rich bass, and open, natural-sounding midrange.

Additional high-end features

Two sets of gold-plated five-way binding posts let you biamp or biwire the RTi A9 for the best possible sound. An anti-diffraction grille helps it deliver a large, three-dimensional soundstage with pinpoint-accurate stereo imaging. Adjustable spikes provide stability on both carpeted and hardwood floors.

Complete your surround system

For best performance, pair the RTi A9 towers with our recommended center channel speaker: Polk CSi A6  and surround speakers: Polk RTi A3 or FXi A6.

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Product highlights:

  • video-shielded
  • bass-reflex (ported) design
  • frequency response 30-26,000 Hz (-3dB)
  • handles 50-500 watts
  • 1" Dynamic Balance® silk/polymer tweeter
  • two 5-1/4" Dynamic Balance polymer composite midrange drivers
  • three 7" Dynamic Balance polymer composite woofers
  • PowerPort Plus technology improves bass response without introducing distortion
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • sensitivity 90 dB
  • dual 5-way binding post terminals
  • real wood veneer finish
  • 10-11/16"W x 48-1/16"H x 21-1/2"D
  • warranty: 5 years
Priced individually
  • MFR # AM9975-A

What's in the box:

  • Black floor-standing speaker
  • Detachable black cloth grille
  • 4 Screw-on spike feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online registration sheet
  • Polk Audio product brochure

Customer reviews for Polk Audio RTi A9

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5.0 out of 5 stars
283 reviews

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More details on the Polk Audio RTi A9

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Enclosure Bass Reflex
Finish Real wood veneer
Color Black
Tweeter Soft-Dome
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange Size (inches) 5.25
Woofer Size (inches) 7
Woofer Composition Polymer composite
Woofer Surround Butyl Rubber
Built-in Powered Sub No
Dolby Atmos Drivers No
Connector Type 5-way post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Specifications
Power Range 50-500
Frequency Response 30-26k Hz
Sensitivity 90 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Subwoofer Amp Power ---
Height (inches) 48-1/16
Width (inches) 10-11/16
Depth (inches) 21-1/2
Weight 75 lbs
The Polk Audio RTi A9 replaces these items:

Product Research

Driver Technology
Enclosure Design
Connections
Mounting Options
Dimensions

Driver Technology

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 three 7" polymer composite woofers. Three 7" woofers have the surface area of a single large woofer with the low mass and acceleration of small woofers, resulting in tighter, more accurate bass response. Each woofer uses a butyl rubber surround.

Polymer Composite Midranges: The speaker has two 5-1/4" polymer composite midranges for smooth wide-range response with low distortion. For high performance durability, each midrange uses a butyl rubber surround.

Silk/Polymer Tweeter: The speaker has a single 1" silk/polymer dome tweeter that provides clear, detailed highs. The tweeter features mylar bypass capacitors in the crossovers to extend high frequency response and improve detail and transparency. The tweeter also features low viscosity ferro-fluid cooling with a heat sink on the Neodymium magnet for superior heat dissipation, power handling and reliability.

Magnetically Shielded: The speakers are magnetically shielded, allowing you to place them near your television without distorting the picture.

Enclosure Design

Damped Asymmetric Hex Laminate (DAHLI) Cabinet Design: All-MDF construction with massive asymmetric cabinet bracing ensures a resonance-free enclosure for accurate sound. The asymmetric design is made from a 6-layer laminate with 5 viscous layers to create the optimal shear damping (OSD) system. The elegant styling aside, curved cabinets not only result in a stronger, more rigid and acoustically inert enclosure, but the curved walls also produce less audible coloration from panel resonances.

Power Port Venting System: The speaker has a rear-firing Power Port venting system built into its back plate for precise deep bass response from the floor-standing speaker's three 7" polymer composite woofers. This venting system allows air velocity to slow gradually, vastly reducing air turbulence, and delivering greater bass efficiency than conventional ports.

Note: The two 5-1/4" midrange drivers feature a sealed cabinet.

Anti-Diffraction Grilles: The floating anti-diffraction grilles minimize grille diffraction for spacious, 3-dimensional imaging.

Connections

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 speakers.

Mounting Options

Adjustable Leveling Spike Feet: The adjustable leveling spike feet that can be screwed onto the bottom of the speaker's attached base provide stability on any type of flooring. The spike feet adds approximately 0.875" to the speaker's overall height when screwed all the way in.

Specifications & Dimensions

Frequency Response: The overall frequency response is 18Hz-27kHz and the -3dB frequency response is 30-26kHz.

Width: The main body of the speaker is 8.6875" wide but the speakers attached feet extend beyond each side of the speaker, giving the speaker and overall width of 10.6875".

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Customer Q&A

16 questions already asked

Q
How Efficient are these speakers. I am running 125w per channel, but its probably half that, Im guessing..Denon says its 125 per channel. I do not have an amplifier and wondering how good these would sound without an amp?
james r  May 18, 2020
2 answers
A
I highly recommend that you Bi-amp these or use an external amp. I'm using a 375W/channel amp with these speakers and they will rock you.
david  Oct 30, 2020
A
These speakers can work on that power as they have a 90 dB sensitivity. I recommend contacting an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 to discuss your goals for the sound to get a personal recommendation on the power you should give them
jason  Jun 02, 2020 (Staff)
Q
What is a range of prices for amplifiers to power Polk rti a9? I'm looking for something affordable but don't want to underperform the speakers and break them.
ts926  Apr 08, 2020
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Apr 21, 2020 (Staff)
Q
What 11.2 receiver would I need to purchase to power these?
audrey  Dec 09, 2017
2 answers
A
There are a lot of brands and models that would work. I'm a Denon fan myself. Figure out what you need. You might not need an 11.2. Maybe a 9.2. Save a lot of money. 11.2 is the most expensive. Spend the money on quality cables and connectors. You will be glad you did.thanx!
duncan  Dec 09, 2017
A
I'm using a onkyo tx-rz900
richard  Dec 09, 2017
Q
Do I need a subwoofer with these speakers?
mark  Oct 06, 2015
8 answers
A
I would highly recommend it. Maybe 2. That's what the 2 in 11.2 means. Why spend that kind of money on the receiver if you don't use its features?
duncan  Dec 09, 2017
A
If you're using this speaker for music 75% or more of the time, then no. If you're watching a fair number of movies, then I'd look for a sub with at least a 10 inch subwoofer.
kwang  Oct 28, 2015
A
No but I am not a subwoofer fan
zev  Oct 17, 2015
A
That depends on how mauch bass you want. These speakers are very powerfull and have great Bass without losing the clarity. I feel when I'm watching a movie with surround sound, these speakers need a bass. But when your listening to music the bass these speakers have is enough.
daury  Oct 07, 2015
A
I don't think so. I listen to 70's and 80's rock, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, etc. I also listen to more modern stuff like Saving Able, Theory of a Deadman, Hinder etc. and the bass is plenty for me. The vocals are incredible from these speakers. I'm using an older Yamaha HTR-5890 with the "B" speaker output bi-amping the woofers. I know, it's not a true bi-amp, but it sounds awesome!
paul  Oct 07, 2015
A
Mark, I listen to Jazz and to classic 60-80 Rock. I do have a sealed Velodyne sub from my Magneplanar days but I find I rarely use it with the A9's. I power them with a pair of 250 watt mono blocks and they sound great.
robert  Oct 06, 2015
A
These are full range speakers, so you don't have to have one. I have these, but also use a subwoofer for theater sound. These are awesome speakers tho.
james  Oct 06, 2015
A
No...it had alot of bass already, so i don't think you need one
khanh  Oct 06, 2015
Q
I have 1979 sansui au 6500 would these speakers work on my system. plug ins and wires?
lynne  Nov 24, 2020
3 answers
A
Honestly not familiar with you sansui....so I will give this opinion....depending solely on power ...it possible...these speakers require lots of power to push them & get the best some ...they are stiff and very well made....to drive them require big push power.....on they sound deflated & unresponsive.....mine are about half way to where they needto be @ 150 per channel & can still use more......otherwise ,they sound extremely good ....
gene  Nov 24, 2020
A
Hello, while your vintage Sansui AU 6500 would be able to connect to the Polk RTi A9's, these beasts require a substantial amount of power to function properly (let alone sound their best), and from what I can find for power output for your Sansui, it would be VERY underpowered. I recommend either dramatically scaling back your speaker size expectations, or replacing your Sansui with a new significantly more powerful unit. I'm sure a Crutchfield rep would be happy to assist you with either option.
shaun  Nov 24, 2020
A
I think it would be a great match Lynne. They have 2 sets of posts. I biwire mine. I think that would work great with that amp. I am impressed that Sansui is still doing the job for you.
michael  Nov 24, 2020
Q
How are these in comparison to the polk audio LSim 707s?
billy boy  Aug 04, 2020
2 answers
A
I haven't compared, but I would expect the LSim 707 to be a little better with deeper bass and better high end. Power level and bi-amping is about the same.
michael  Aug 04, 2020
A
I've never heard the LSim 707s, but the RTi A9s are killer. You'll be very happy
mary  Aug 04, 2020
Q
If I bi-amp this speaker, am I correct to assume the top part would consist of the 2 x5.25 and 1", and the bottom would power the 3x7" speakers?
krish  Apr 07, 2020
5 answers
A
not sure/ I HAVE HAD 7 PAIRS OF SPEAKERS IN MY LIFE BY FAR THESE ARE FAR THE BEST
mike  Apr 21, 2020
A
I would certainly think your assumption is correct, but I don't have my RTi A9's bi-amped so I cannot say with 100% certainty. If you already own a pair, it would be very easy to determine - just remove the jumpers and see which drivers are making sound when you hook the speaker wires to the top pair of posts and then the bottom pair.
david  Apr 21, 2020
A
I don't have the exact answer, but since bi-amp splits the two amps between the frequency ranges, I think your assumption is correct. Bass gets one amp (larger speakers) and the mid-range and tweeter get the other amp. It wouldn't make sense to have any other combination. There is no technical information on how the internal bridge is set up, but bass is the real power hog.
michael  Apr 20, 2020
A
Yes, you are right, although, I have my wired the regular way. So, how does it sound? Best speaker I've ever owned! Puts the performers into the room with you.
neil  Apr 20, 2020
A
That is my understanding. I've bi-amped mine with two Adcom GFA-5500s. Worked well.
kevin  Apr 20, 2020
Q
How many of the speakers are powered ? How many are passive radiators in each cabinet?
mr. arlin  Feb 02, 2020
3 answers
A
All of the drivers on the front of the RTi A9 cabinet are powered (active drivers). This is a ported speaker system as opposed to the older designs from Polk that had a sealed cabinet with one or more passive radiators. The RTi A9 has one port on the lower front baffle and another port on the back of the cabinet. Passive radiator drivers would not work correctly in a ported cabinet. I find these to be very good sounding speakers for the money. They have satisfying deep bass extension without sounding muddy or colored. I am well pleased with the two pairs that I own. It's worthwhile to have a powerful amp to drive them.
david  Feb 08, 2020
A
Arlin, this speaker is passive... meaning, you must use an amplifier/receiver to power it. There are no radiators in the cabinet... all woofers are actual woofers and not radiators like you see on some speaker cabinets. I own 4 of these speakers and I've been very pleased.
george hayes  Feb 02, 2020
A
All of the speakers are active. There are no passive radiators. There are two ports. One port is in the front at the very bottom of the cabinet. The second port is at the bottom rear of the cabinet, it is covered by a inverted cone shaped molded basket that is attached to the bottom portion of the speaker.
ron  Feb 02, 2020
Q
hi everyone: i have an old amp, yamaha rx-v995. will this be enough to drive rti a9, without sacrifcing the quality of sounds (music and movies)? thank you and appreciate your inputs. i am about to spend a big sum on this and i want it rightly spent.
caloy  May 16, 2019
5 answers
A
I have an HTR-5790 and I'm happy with the sound quality I get.
andrew  May 30, 2019
A
I don't know if this will help or not because I am not familiar with your amp but I am running mine with a Denon AVR-X2300W which is 95 watts per channel. They work just fine and sound good. My amp has a 0-99 volume level and I run mine around volume level 20 to 30 most of the time so I am not really cranking them but they sound good to me (way better than the TV speakers). I added the Polk CSI-A4 to help with movies and TV sound. Doing this helped a bit. I really like them. Their height puts the mids and tweeters about ear level when seated on my couch which I think helps the sound because its coming directly at you at your ear level. And I have 2 extra channels on my amp so I can bi-amp them if necessary but I have not found a need to do that yet. Only downfall of them is not in sound but in weight. They are heavy and hard to move around in the house or if you ever move to a new place. If you get them I think you will like them. All my friends always comment on them. Besides if you don't think your current amp powers them with enough power that gives you an excuse to upgrade and shop for more new equipment which makes most audiophiles happy. Enjoy.
kevin  May 30, 2019
A
This Yamaha THX RX-V995 Receiver has Amplifier Output Details 240 Watt - 2 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz 200 Watt - 4 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz 160 Watt - 6 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz 130 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz Response Bandwidth 10 - 50000 Hz Signal-To-Noise Ratio 96 dB Total Harmonic Distortion of 0.04 % Its just perfects to Feed Polk Audio RTi A9 High-Performance Home Audio Speakes. HD Digital Recording Just Amazing Sound Quality . Best Regards,
kyohei  May 30, 2019
A
If your amp has at least 100 watts per channel, you will be fine. I am driving my a9s with 200 watts per channel but I've used a 100 watt amp and was fine
george hayes  May 30, 2019
A
Depends on: 1) the size of the room, and 2) how loud you want it. The speakers are middle range efficiency, and your amp is middle range power output. As long as your room is middle sized, and your taste in loudness is middle of the road you should be fine! I own these speakers, and a similar amp, and they sound great. Lots of bass punch (which is why I bought them). Not the most detailed speakers I've ever owned, but they never sound bad. Unless you have a huge room, you'll likely be fine.
douglas  May 28, 2019
Q
How would these sound with an outlaw rr 2160?
todd  May 07, 2019
3 answers
A
Very good for me I like it
ergun  May 08, 2019
A
all I know is they sound good with my old McIntosh stereo
william  May 07, 2019
A
do not know what a outlaw rr is....BUT these are very crisp and clear and powerful speakers. A smile comes to my face when I walk by them....
robert  May 07, 2019
Q
what is the recommended room size for the polk rti a9? Or at what point is a room too small for them?
arthur  Apr 18, 2019
4 answers
A
Large spkrs need to be turned up before they come into their own. Mine are in a 16 x 24 room. That 500 watt rating is for peak power, not RMS. Depending on use l would recommnd a medium size sub to augment the deep bass. The 7's sound good too. 12X16 min size room.
jim  Apr 21, 2019
A
Hi Grey J. My living room is 20' x 28' and I also have a Polk Audio powered sub-woofer. The system sounds amazing. It is like being on stage with the band. I highly recommend these speakers. Best regards
william  Apr 19, 2019
A
I have them in a room that's 11' x 15'. Having said that remember this, speakers of this quality are designed not just to be loud but more importantly to sound great at low volume as well. Lesser speakers can blast just as loud but sound awful at high or low volume. So the real answer to your question is no room is to small within reason, since you adjust the volume to match the room size. Hope this helps. And their awesome.
keith d  Apr 18, 2019
A
I wouldn't worry about room size. The manufacturer says they need at least 200 watts to drive them. I use a separate 300 amp. I also would recommend the corresponding sub-woofer for extreme bass, although the bass is pretty good without the sub. If it's a small room, you turn it up as much as you want. They could probably blow out your eardrums if you pushed. They sound awesome!
randolph  Apr 18, 2019
Q
When is crutchfield scheduled to carry the new Polk ht510 powered subwoofer in classic brown walnut? Polk website directs to crutchfield, but search returns no result
cecilia  Sep 30, 2017
2 answers
A
We do have the Polk Audio HTS10 (Brown) powered subwoofer cataloged in our inventory database; meaning we will eventually be carrying it here. However, I'm afraid we're still waiting for Polk to give us an official ETA for when we'll have them in stock. Like Steven alluded to in his response above, Polk's website has a release date posted for "October 2017" so hopefully we'll have more info on that soon. Please feel free to check back with us periodically for any future ETA updates--you can contact an Advisor directly by phone at 888.955.6000 or online chat. Thanks!
david  Oct 04, 2017 (Staff)
A
Polk's website has a tentative release date of late Octorber. My guess would be that it's hard to say what the turn around time is for Crutchfield to get it up and available on their website IF they are even going to offer it. Hope this helps.
steven  Sep 30, 2017
Q
I am using an Onkyo NR1030 9.2 AVR to drive the A9s as my front speakers. The NR1030 only offers 135 watts per channel while these RTi A9s can handle up to 500 watts. Should I drive these speakers with a supplementary power amp to get better sound? I don't necessarily need them to be louder -- I just want to make sure that I'm getting the best sound possible.
roy  May 27, 2016
4 answers
A
More power certainly wouldn't hurt, these speakers can really take it.
ron  Feb 02, 2020
A
To get the best sound from the A9's. They will need more power. They will sound clearer with more power. However, to achieve more power you may need to invest in a preamp and learn how to bridge or biwire amp to achieve the clarity. You can supply far more power than 500 watts to them and not hurt them. But before doing this you need to break the speakers in.
charles  Jun 05, 2018
A
Dont think it's necessary, but these speakers like to be pushed so I would
leonard  May 27, 2016
A
ONLY IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SEPARATE SUB WOFER. THE MORE POWERFUL AMP WILL GIVE YOU MORE BASS. I RUN A DENON 150 WATT PER CHANNEL SYSTEM AND IT PUTS OUT EXCELLENT SOUND.
kenneth  May 27, 2016
Q
Has anyone paired the RTi A9's with a Yamaha A-S2100 Integrated Amp? RTi A7"s? If so, did either work well?
sam  Mar 29, 2016
3 answers
A
You really need about 80-100 watts of power. The thing is the speaker is close to 90 dB efficient. You need somewhat more if you play your music loud. Don't forget you need to control six individual drivers. A lot depends on loudness, room size, recording and quality of recordings. At all frequency's , power should be available. Low as well as high.
neil  Apr 20, 2020
A
I use these speakers with a Yamaha Advantage RX-3080 Receiver (150 watts per channel 2 channels driven). The receiver is a 9 channel receiver and I drive 9 speakers with it. I find the receiver has adequate power even at high listening levels. No doubt more power would be desirable, but I don't have a problem with the power I have.
ron  Feb 02, 2020
A
I will not be able to answer that question because I have them paired with a Marantz.
phillip  Mar 29, 2016
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