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Polk Audio RTi A3

Bookshelf speakers

Get a free pair of Polk outdoor speakers with a $499+* Polk speaker purchase with a $499+* Polk speaker purchase
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Item# 107RTIA3B offer details

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Polk Audio

Our take on the Polk Audio RTi A3

Enjoy rich, dynamic sound from compact bookshelf speakers

The Polk RTi A3s prove that you don't need big speakers to get good sound. These bookshelf speakers feature Polk's exclusive Dynamic Balance® drivers for smooth accurate response. The woofers and tweeters undergo careful laser testing to help identify and eliminate unwanted resonances that can hinder a speaker's performance.

Lifestyle shot

Thoughtful cabinet design

Cabinet cross-section

The asymmetric cabinet helps fight vibration for clearer sound.

The RTi A3 sports a newly designed asymmetric cabinet that helps deliver rich, clear sound by combating vibration and increasing rigidity. You'll enjoy remarkably clean mids and highs for a well-defined soundstage, along with tight bass. Plus, the cabinet's curved edges give the speaker a polished look, enhanced by a real wood veneer finish.


Great for home theater or stereo music setups

The RTi A3s do a great job with stereo music on their own, but you can team them with a powered subwoofer for even better bass. Or use two pairs as your home theater's front and surround speakers for dynamic, detailed movie sound. For larger rooms, the RTi A3s work perfectly as surrounds in combination with RTi tower front speakers.

Recommended center channel speaker: Polk CSi A6.
Recommended surround speakers: Polk RTi A3.


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Most speakers don't include any. Learn about choosing and installing speaker wire at the Crutchfield Learning Center.
Shop our selection of speaker wire.

Highlights:

  • video-shielded
  • bass-reflex (ported) design
  • frequency response 50-26,000 Hz (-3dB)
  • handles 20-125 watts
  • 1" Dynamic Balance® silk/polymer tweeter
  • 6-1/2" Dynamic Balance polymer composite woofer
  • PowerPort® technology improves bass response without introducing distortion
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • sensitivity 89 dB
  • dual 5-way binding post terminals
  • real wood veneer finish
  • 8-3/8"W x 14-13/16"H x 14-3/16"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Priced per pair
     

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

    Features and Specs

    Features and Specs
    Enclosure
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    Bass Reflex
    Video Shielded
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    Yes
    Tweeter Type
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    Dome
    Tweeter Size (inches)
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    1
    Midrange Size (inches)
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    ---
    Woofer Size (inches)
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    6.5
    Woofer Composition
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    Polymer composite
    Woofer Surround
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    Butyl rubber
    Power Range
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    20-125
    Sensitivity
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    89 dB
    Impedance (Ohms)
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    8
    Frequency Response
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    50-26k Hz
    Connector Type
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    5-way post
    Bi-amp Inputs
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    Yes
    Height (inches)
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    14-13/16
    Width (inches)
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    8-3/8
    Depth (inches)
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    14-3/16
    Weight (pounds)
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    16
    Mounting Bracket Included
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    Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height (inches)
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    24-31
    Parts Warranty
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    5 Years
    Labor Warranty
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    5 Years

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • 2 Black bookshelf speakers
    • 2 Self-tapping screws
    • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
    • Owner's Manual
    • Template
    • Online registration sheet
    • Polk Audio product brochure

    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.

    Driver Technology
    Enclosure Design
    Connections
    Mounting Options

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

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

    Frequency Response: The overall frequency response is 40Hz-27kHz and the -3dB frequency response is 50-26kHz.

    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: Each 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, each speaker has a front-firing port that is tuned to suppress the internal cabinet resonance, resulting in smooth, natural midrange reproduction.

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

    Connections

    Dual 5-Way Binding Posts: Each 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

    Wall Mounting: The Power Port back plate on each speaker has a keyhole slot, allowing the speaker to be mounted on the wall using the supplied 2-1/2" wood screws.

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

     

    Product Reviews

    Review Summary

    Average Customer Review:

    29 people say:
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    1-10 of 29 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
     
    5 out of 5

    Incredible quality

    Written By Andy, West Lafayette, Indiana on Sunday, January 31, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    Excellent sound quality, looks great too! I have these front speakers matched with Polk's CSiA4 center channel and FXiA4's in the rear. it's just an unbelievable sound field. I've wanted this type of home theater setup for years. It's a music lover and movie lover's dream come true. You won't be disappointed.
    5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Excellent sounding bookshelf monitors

    Written By akielski, Seattle, WA on Tuesday, January 26, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    The RTi A3 bookshelf speakers sound very natural and open - when paired with matching CSi A4 they sound perfect with movies. I purchased the Cherry finish and it is flawless - leading to a great spouse approval score. I like to listen to jazz and classical - as a stereo pair of speakers they provide a clean and open sound-stage - you will need a sub-woofer to provide a fuller sound at lower frequencies.
    5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Awesome Speakers

    Written By , Houston, TX on Friday, November 13, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    These speakers sound great. Have these as my Front L/R and couldn't be more satisfied. The sound is very clear and the mid and low range is great.
    Very happy with my purchase.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Excellent quality and sound

    Written By David, Verona,VA. on Saturday, May 01, 2010
     
    I just recently purchased a pair of the RTIA3, and after hearing other speakers at Crutchfield, I was very pleased with this pair of speakers. It has a very well bass response for a speaker of it's size and has exceptionally crisp and clean highs at all volumes. If you like music but don't want the big speaker this is definetly the way to go. It sounds great playing all genre of the music spectrum.And it is also a great home theatre speaker as well. I must also say the staff worked with me on what I wanted. Thank you Crutchfield. I would definetly recommend this speaker. It is big, crisp, clear sound in a little box.
    10 out of 10 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Polk Audio RTi A3

    Written By Tim, Roanoke,VA on Wednesday, February 27, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    Bought these speakers to use in my den(to replace a pair of Polk floor standing speakers I bought in 1992). The wife wanted smaller speakers this time, but was adamant that they be Polk Audio. These babies were just what the Dr. ordered. Small size, look great, and the sound is, well, spectacular! Ya just can't go wrong with Polk Audio. We couldn't be more satisfied with these speakers.
    16 out of 17 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    exceptional sound, at a fantastic price

    Written By Don, S, North Greenbush,NY on Sunday, February 27, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    I just purchased a pair of polk RTi-A3 speakers and they have performed way beyond my expectations, I love how they fill the room with smoothe sound,even at higher volumes.These are the first speakers my wife considered as quality with style, so I was good to go. I paired these with a CSi-A4 center and a pair of FXi-A4 surrounds
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Exceptional Value, Excellent Performance

    Written By Scott, Virginia Beach, VA on Monday, January 03, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    I purchased these speakers without auditioning them, which is something I never do. I added them as a second set of speakers on a two channel stereo system. (My two mains are sitting on the floor.) My goal was to add some ambience to the room, using the Polks as rear speakers, mounted high in the room, to supplement the mains and fill the room with sound. Having been caught up in the snobby audiophile world over the past 10 years, I was about to shell out over $2000 for some small B&W speakers. But instead I decided to take a chance on the Polk RTiA3s. I can tell you that I was blown away by these babies, every bit as good as speakers costing 4 times as much. Without using a bunch of audiophile jargon, I would say that the sound coming out of these speakers is clean, accurate and without coloration. As such, I would say that the Polk RTiA3s could be the best value in bookshelf speaker out there. Plus, they look great and are built extremely well. I simply do not know how anyone could be unhappy with these speakers, especially considering the price point. I love them!
    3 out of 4 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    RTI-3's

    Written By no, clifton, n.j. on Sunday, October 12, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    the polk monitor 40's which i also have are the bang for the buck kings- no doubt. if you require this trait with some class for more sophisticated music and all around upper scale sound quality with a heap of mega-punch one should shell out a little more for these beauties. no disapoitments!!
    5 out of 7 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Wow!

    Written By Pete, San Diego, CA on Friday, September 19, 2008
     
    I got these to replace my Bose 301 speakers that I thought were good. When I heard these I could not believe the difference! What a warm dynamic range these speakers have. They are really well constructed and look (cherry finsih) fabulous. The first night I got them I didn't want to go to bed. I was having such a great time listening to all my CD's again for the 1st time. They do ok with low end, although with a good sub they are fantastic. They also respond REALLY WELL at lower volumes. I was really surprized to hear the full dynamic range at the lower volume setting that I was listening to. I wasn't familiar with Polk before now, but I am glad that I went with these.
    8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    The Seabiscuit of Speakers

    Written By Larry, Cincinnati, Ohio on Monday, April 28, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
    Crutchfield Customer Review

    The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

     
    Don't try and tell this speaker that it's "Small". This is a tower speaker in a bookshelf body! I am replacing an 18 year old 5.1 system and even though this speaker is 1/3 of the size of them, Wow, what a nice sounding product that is beautiful to look at while the lights are on!

    I have a dedicated 2,850 cubic foot theater room and added a complete 7.0 system from Polk (I already had a new 12" 350WRMS Sub). A tower speaker was ruled out due to the WAF (Wife Appreciation Factor) and the built in 15' wide entertainment center. I paired these speakers with the CSiA6 center speaker, FXiA6 surround speakers and RTiA1 back surround speakers. The sound field produced is amazing for clarity and balance and with a proper AVR & HD player; the Wife & I are never going to the Cinema again!

    Whether you are watching a concert HD Disc or Hollywood movie, the sound is so accurate and believable to what you are watching. These speakers produce an experience with sound that I have never heard before. The Sub takes care of the LFE and that allows the rest of system to work the mids and highs to perfection. The sound is warm, inviting and immerses the listener. I can now listen to HD movies at higher SPL without any discomfort (at certain frequencies) that bothered me with the old system. This system will easily support me for another 18 years (Sorry Crutchfield!)

    18 out of 23 people found this helpful
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    1-10 of 29 items >>

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    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.
    Original Monster Cable
    With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
    $39.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Original Monster Cable
    With gold pin connectors (20-foot pair)
    $49.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Monster Cable SuperFlat™ Mini
    Decor-friendly speaker cable with gold pin connectors (50-foot spool)
    $34.95
    In Stock
     
     
    AudioQuest Rocket 33
    Bi-wire speaker cables with pre-attached banana plugs (10-foot pair)
    $299.00
    In Stock
     
     
    AudioQuest CV-4
    Speaker cables with pre-attached banana plugs (10-foot pair)
    $549.99
    Out of Stock
     
     
    Show more items
    Bulk Speaker Wire
    Cut your speaker wire to the exact length you need.
    Original Monster Cable
    Bulk cable, connectors optional (60 feet)
    $59.99
    In Stock
     
     
    AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable
    16-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (50 ft., Gray)
    $64.99
    In Stock
     
     
    AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable
    14-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (50 ft., White)
    $94.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Monster XP® Navajo White Speaker Cable MKII
    $39.95
    In Stock
     
     
    Monster XP®
    Bulk cable with clear jacket, connectors optional (50 ft.)
    $34.95
    In Stock
     
     
    Monster Standard Speaker Cable
    16-gauge, 50 feet (16 gauge, 50 feet)

    Also available in:
    Scratch & Dent: $9.99
    $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.
    Show more items
    Speaker Stands and Mounts
    Get your speakers off the floor and at ear level where they are meant to be.
    Sanus BF16B Speaker Stands
    Basic Foundations® — 16" (Black)
    $39.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Sanus NF24 Speaker Stands
    Natural Foundations Series IV — 24" (Black lacquer)

    Also available in:
    Scratch & Dent: $59.99
    $79.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Bell'O SP-224
    24" speaker stands
    $129.99
    In Stock
     
     
    Sanus UF26 Speaker Stands
    Foundations® Ultimate Series — 26"
    $289.99
    Low Stock
     
     
    Show more items
    Wall-mounts
    Mount your speakers safely on the wall.
    Pinpoint AM40
    Side-clamping speaker wall mounts
    $69.99
    In Stock
     
     
     
    Add selected to cart
     

    For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Polk Audio RTi A3, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_107RTIA3B/Polk-Audio-RTi-A3-Black.html ).

    Recommended Accessories See more accessories

    Your featured item

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    Speaker Wire With Connectors

    Original Monster Cable
    With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
     
    $39.99
    In Stock
     
     

    Bulk Speaker Wire

    Original Monster Cable
    Bulk cable, connectors optional (60 feet)
     
    $59.99
    In Stock
     
     

    Speaker Stands and Mounts

    Sanus BF16B Speaker Stands
    Basic Foundations® — 16" (Black)
    $39.99
    In Stock
     
     

    Wall-mounts

    Pinpoint AM40
    Side-clamping speaker wall mounts
    $69.99
    In Stock
     
     
     
    Add selected to cart
     
    Find the gear that's right for you
     
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    • Add To Cart
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    Polk Audio RTi A3