Polk Audio RTi A9

The RTi A9 is the flagship model in Polk’s RTi line. These speakers are not for the squeamish. Beneath the real wood veneer finish are 6 active speaker drivers. The speakers stand over 50 inches tall, 21 inches deep, and 7.8 inches wide. The speakers are available in either a black or a cherry finish.

Standout Features

• All MDF construction with real wood veneers
• 6 active drivers
• PowerPort Plus+
• ARC Port

Features

The all MDF construction of the RTi A9 makes them strong and also heavy. These speakers weigh roughly 80 pounds a piece. Instead of using plastic veneers that look like wood, Polk uses real wood veneers. This gives the speakers just a little extra class and won’t cheapen a room like some of the plastic veneered speakers can.

Beneath the removable cloth grille are 6 active speakers: three 7 inch bass drivers, two 5.25 inch mid drivers, and one 1 inch silk dome tweeter. There is also a bass port below the drivers on the front side of the cabinet. Each set of drivers is isolated within the cabinet so there is virtually no interference from within the cabinet to distort what you actually hear.

The PowerPort Plus+ features two ports: one on the front and one on the back. In addition to these ports the A9 also has internal plates to further help reduce turbulent air and improve the overall efficiency of the bass frequencies.

The ARC (Acoustic Resonance Control) port suppresses internal cabinet resonance to ensure clear, non-muddy midrange which results in a more natural sound.

Summary of Reviews

Experts were impressed by the overall sound quality of the A9s. The bass sounded clean and not sloppy or boomy. The midrange frequencies showed no obvious coloration. The higher frequencies, from brushed cymbals to synthesized sibilants sounded silky smooth, thanks to the silk dome tweeter. The speakers were also a perfect match for Polk”s CSi A6 center channel speaker and FXi A6 speakers.

Users found the sound to be spectacular. One reviewer, Daniel E. Larson, said these speakers “are freaking awesome.” All of the user reviewers would recommend this speaker set to a friend.

Summary

The Polk RTi A9s are Polk’s flagship model in the RTi series. These speakers are meant for those who are serious about their audio. These speakers would be best paired with Polk’s CSi A6 center channel speaker and the FXi A6 rear speakers for a complete surround sound system.