Originally posted by rdperry:
I have polk Rti100, with 50 watt powered subs built in. I think that they are 90db sensitivity but I can't remember for sure.
I have those very same speakers in the living room. they used to be my mains in the "papa's room" but they have migrated up a floor with the LSi15's replacing them. I guess my issue with your quest is that no matter what you do you will not likely overcome their biggest weakness: midrange. I think the amp powering the sub inside is like 80 watts, but that's not the problem. It's the midrange woofer. Also, the tweeter is not very good compare to their later variations. The RTi100's were a nice speaker in its time being one of the few affordable speakers with a built-in sub. IMHO, the RTi70's were probably the better choice, but I never got those two because at the time I never thought I could give them enough power.
But, the RTi100's will likely stay in this family forever as it is MORE than enough for the wife and kids. Meanwhile, the LSi series is the minimum for me when playing the Red Hot Chili Pepper and Rush!!!!!