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Polk Audio RTi A9 Review
Polk Audio RTi A9

Main Features

  • 1" Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Midrange
  • 3 x 7" Polymer composite Woofer
  • 30-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 50-500watts
  • Weight:75.00 lbs / 34.09 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 48-1/16"x10-11/16"x21-1/2" / 1221.0 x 272.0 x 547.0mm
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Polk RTi A9 Review
Polk RTi A9 Polk RTi A9
See at AMAZON

Polk Audio RTi A9 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Tweeter, 2 x 5.25" Midrange and 3 x 7" Polymer composite Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 30-26k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk RTi A9 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAre you nuts?
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomGood

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Polk Audio's RTi Series of Loudspeakers

RTi A9 is a member of Polk Audio's RTi series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Polk Audio RTi Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk RTi A5
Compare
40-26k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk RTi A9
30-26k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 7"
Polk RTi A3
Compare
50-26k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk RTi A1
Compare
60-26k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Polk RTi A9 Speaker

Polk RTi A9 has a Frequency response range of 30-26k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 50-500 watts. With a minimum frequency of 30 Hz, RTi A9 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available subwoofer options.
Here we have a comparison of how RTi A9's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk RTi A9
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk RTi A9
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk RTi A9's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk RTi A9
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio RTi A9 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Polk Audio RTi A9 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk RTi A9:

  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

RTi A9 has 5-way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Polk RTi A9 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk RTi A9 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 48-1/16 x 10-11/16 x 21-1/2inch (1221.0 x 272.0 x 547.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk RTi A9 is approximately 1487.8cm2 / 230.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk RTi A9, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk RTi A9 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk RTi A9 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk RTi A9 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk RTi A9 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk RTi A9 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Polk RTi A9 weighs 34.09kg / 75lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RTi A9's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Polk RTi A9
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk RTi A9 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Real wood veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Polk RTi A9 comes with 4 Screw-on spike feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Polk RTi A9 is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

Polk RTi A9 is available in Cherry.

Does the Polk RTi A9 come with a Grille?

RTi A9 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of Polk RTi A9?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RTi A9:
  • Floor-standing speaker
  • Detachable black cloth grille
  • 4 Screw-on spike feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration sheet
  • Polk Audio product brochure
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio RTi A9.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Polk Audio RTi A9 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    Polk S60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
    Polk RTi A5
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 40-26k Hz
    B&W 603
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Polk RTi A3
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-26k Hz
    Polk R600
    Compare
    2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 43-38k Hz
    Klipsch R-820F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio RTi A9
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio RTi A9
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio RTi A9
    is the Polk Audio RTi A9 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk RTi A9 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio RTi A9
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Range50-500 watts
    Sensitivity90 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response30-26k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size7-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolymer composite
    Woofer SurroundButyl Rubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Midrange Size5.25-inch
    Port Positionfront

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-way post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionfront
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1221.0mm ( 48-1/16-inch)
    Width272.0mm ( 10-11/16-inch)
    Depth547.0mm ( 21-1/2-inch)
    Height1221.0mm ( 48-1/16-inch)
    Weight34.09kg ( 75.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishReal wood veneer
    Available ColorsCherry
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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