I am putting together a home theatre piece by piece and want some advice. I am starting off with RTi8s as my fronts and Recently picked up a pair of M20s for $99 (Canadian) that I am using for the rears. I found a sale on CSi5 centres this week for $100 off the regular price of $499 (Canadian). Is it really worth the extra money over the $279 CSi3? I also noticed that the RTi6's were $100 off this week. Would there be much difference between those and my M20s?
Advice on Polk centre channel
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The CSi5 is the best all round center Polk currently makes...drawback is size. The 3 is nice, but you'll really notice the difference. The 6s as surrounds will get you a timbre matched setup and much better detail. The M20s aren't nearly as bright as the RTis which you should be able to tell immediately though sometimes that's not bad for surrounds especially in a bright room. Only your ears and budget can tell you if it's worth it.
Any opinion how much of a difference I could expect to notice?
From the polk site for the RTi6s:
Driver Complement
Mid/Woofer 1 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance Cone with Rubber Surrounds
Tweeter 1 - 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Silk/Polymer composite dome
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 40Hz-27kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 50Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 26kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20-125 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB
Crossover 2.8kHz, 12dB/octave high and low pass
Inputs Dual (bi-amp) gold plated 5-way binding posts
From the Polk site for the M20s:
Driver Complement
Mid/Woofer 1 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Dynamic Balance Polymer composite cone, shielded
Tweeter 1 - 3/4" Diameter (1.91cm)
Dynamic Balance silk/polymer composite dome, shielded
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 45Hz - 24kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 55Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 20kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20 - 150 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB
Inputs 5-way binding posts
so there seems to be a wider frequency response for the RTi6s over the M20s and the binding posts are better for the RTi6s. For a surround speaker, how noticable will it be, really? I'm just trying to determine if it'd be worth the extra $400 to get the RTi6's now that they're on sale.
From the polk site for the RTi6s:
Driver Complement
Mid/Woofer 1 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance Cone with Rubber Surrounds
Tweeter 1 - 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Silk/Polymer composite dome
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 40Hz-27kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 50Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 26kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20-125 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB
Crossover 2.8kHz, 12dB/octave high and low pass
Inputs Dual (bi-amp) gold plated 5-way binding posts
From the Polk site for the M20s:
Driver Complement
Mid/Woofer 1 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Dynamic Balance Polymer composite cone, shielded
Tweeter 1 - 3/4" Diameter (1.91cm)
Dynamic Balance silk/polymer composite dome, shielded
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 45Hz - 24kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 55Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 20kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20 - 150 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB
Inputs 5-way binding posts
so there seems to be a wider frequency response for the RTi6s over the M20s and the binding posts are better for the RTi6s. For a surround speaker, how noticable will it be, really? I'm just trying to determine if it'd be worth the extra $400 to get the RTi6's now that they're on sale.
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Worth it? ... too me probably, but that's a totally subjective decision. Have you gotten the Rti8s yet? That will tell you. The RTis are a far better speaker the the R30/M20 which are nice entry level speakers. While all Polks share some similarity, the level of detail, soundstage and imaging from the RTis is very noticeably better. I recently upgraded surrounds and there was a noticeable improvement in music, not so noticeable for HT unless there's a real agressive mix. Since you already have the M20s, I'd try them. They sound like Polks and will work.
I agree with Ron's comments.
There's a third option for surrounds - RTi4s. That's what I use - less expensive than the RTi6s but much better quality that R series. I spent around $180 for a pair from an eBay store front. One reason I went with the RTi4s because I wanted to wall mount and I felt much better about mounting the smaller 4s than the 6s that weigh quite a bit more and would have cost me quite a bit more money on bigger/higher end wall mounts. While RTi6s would best match, RTi4s sound more like RTi8s than do M20s.
I concur that the CSi5 is the best way to go if you have the space. It's big.
I have two HT setups - my main one is RTi8, CSi5 and RTi4. I also have a R Series HT setup for my treadmill (R30, CSi20, R20). The quality of sound is not really close. There really is quite a difference. But you are correct in your assumption that surrounds don't have the impact on sound that the front has. Starting with M20s for surrounds is fine... I used R30s as surrounds and R20s as rears for over a year with no complaints. But I have to admit - the upgraded surrounds to RTi4s was significant. For the record, the biggest impact upgrade I ever made was replacing a nice little hundred dollar cheapo acoustic research subwoffer with a SVS. That was a jaw dropping upgrade for both music and HT. Good luck.
There's a third option for surrounds - RTi4s. That's what I use - less expensive than the RTi6s but much better quality that R series. I spent around $180 for a pair from an eBay store front. One reason I went with the RTi4s because I wanted to wall mount and I felt much better about mounting the smaller 4s than the 6s that weigh quite a bit more and would have cost me quite a bit more money on bigger/higher end wall mounts. While RTi6s would best match, RTi4s sound more like RTi8s than do M20s.
I concur that the CSi5 is the best way to go if you have the space. It's big.
I have two HT setups - my main one is RTi8, CSi5 and RTi4. I also have a R Series HT setup for my treadmill (R30, CSi20, R20). The quality of sound is not really close. There really is quite a difference. But you are correct in your assumption that surrounds don't have the impact on sound that the front has. Starting with M20s for surrounds is fine... I used R30s as surrounds and R20s as rears for over a year with no complaints. But I have to admit - the upgraded surrounds to RTi4s was significant. For the record, the biggest impact upgrade I ever made was replacing a nice little hundred dollar cheapo acoustic research subwoffer with a SVS. That was a jaw dropping upgrade for both music and HT. Good luck.
I've had the RTi8s for some time but for $100CDN a pair I couldn't pass on the M20s. I'm sure I'll find a use for them somewhere. I guess the thing to do is set it all up and see how I like the sound. I could always inject the M20s in my basement set up (an older Polk RM6200 satellite system and sub woofer). Possibly keep the M20s for a future 7.1 set up?
Absolutely.
Having all speakers timbre matched is a goal, not a rule. Many of us here upgrade piecemeal. You may decide to use the M20s as surrounds for a while then "demote" them when you upgrade surrounds. At that point if you want to run a 7.1 you may want to use them as rears. Then if you eventually upgrade the rears to match the rest of your setup then you can demote them to some other rig. I never planned on having a HT setup for my treadmill - every component on that setup used to be part of my main HT.
Having all speakers timbre matched is a goal, not a rule. Many of us here upgrade piecemeal. You may decide to use the M20s as surrounds for a while then "demote" them when you upgrade surrounds. At that point if you want to run a 7.1 you may want to use them as rears. Then if you eventually upgrade the rears to match the rest of your setup then you can demote them to some other rig. I never planned on having a HT setup for my treadmill - every component on that setup used to be part of my main HT.
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Great advice...it's easy to say go out and buy the optimal uber system, but many of us up grade piecemeal with great results and an upgrade every few months is more fun anyway
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Great advice...it's easy to say go out and buy the optimal uber system, but many of us up grade piecemeal with great results and an upgrade every few months is more fun anyway
Hi Ron - I remember your posts being very helpful two years ago when you were buying Polks along with everyone else. Didn't you have an R50/30/15 system with an Onkyo receiver - or an HK perhaps? Memory's a little hazy now, but I *think* I remember we had nearly the same setup. I went with two R50s, two R15s, a Dayton, a AV235, and a CSi3 (the last isn't timber-matched with the others, which is disappointing, but it's probably too late to find the right speaker now to replace it.)
Are you still happy with your system or did you move up?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Temple /forum/post/0
Great advice...it's easy to say go out and buy the optimal uber system, but many of us up grade piecemeal with great results and an upgrade every few months is more fun anyway.![]()
Hi Ron - I remember your posts being very helpful two years ago when you were buying Polks along with everyone else. Didn't you have an R50/30/15 system with an Onkyo receiver - or an HK perhaps? Memory's a little hazy now, but I *think* I remember we had nearly the same setup. I went with two R50s, two R15s, a Dayton, a AV235, and a CSi3 (the last isn't timber-matched with the others, which is disappointing, but it's probably too late to find the right speaker now to replace it.)
Are you still happy with your system or did you move up?
Hello, I am putting together a system similar to yours and am perusing posts looking for feedback on center channels for the R50's.
If you don't think the CSi3 is a good timbre match what would you rather pair them with? I'm looking for the best quality that will still (somewhat) timbre match while still allowing room to upgrade.
I have heard some say the CSi25 is the best match for the R50's but (what few I can find of these discontinued models online) don't seem very good quality and it's important for my HT use that my center be able to carry the load.
Any advice, thoughts, or even random comments would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, I am putting together a system similar to yours and am perusing posts looking for feedback on center channels for the R50's.
If you don't think the CSi3 is a good timbre match what would you rather pair them with? I'm looking for the best quality that will still (somewhat) timbre match while still allowing room to upgrade.
I have heard some say the CSi25 is the best match for the R50's but (what few I can find of these discontinued models online) don't seem very good quality and it's important for my HT use that my center be able to carry the load.
Any advice, thoughts, or even random comments would be greatly appreciated.
that csi5 is a monster in size, first time I saw it I was in shock at the sheer look of it in the box. I ran mine off my Sony 7100es for a while and it does a superb job with HT. Last night I added a Outlaw 2200 Monoblock amp to it and wow, much tighter bass and the dynamics are smoother and more open. The speaker does a great job with HT. Im not saying it requires allot of power by any means, but it can handle what you throw at it. Im running rti12s, csi5, fxi3s, rti4s and yes those 4s do look good mounted on the wall. Im using Btech 77 mounts with them. Polks are good speaks.
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Nearly everything is swapped out now. The R50s went to my son, the R15s to a friend. The HK took a dump last weekend, so I've temporarily replaced it with a Denon 2307CI used as a pre/pro...more features, but I'm missing the HK. I'm using a vintage Carver 2 channel amp to drive Polk SDA 1Cs and an Audiosource Amp/One to drive SDA/CRS+'s temporarily...a couple of subs, SVS and SVS/DIY. Yeah, I was really happy with the budget Rs, couldn't find anything I liked well enough to keep when I started upgrading last year. I was very happy with my system until last weekend. Still have the CSi3 which will go eventually.
Thanks for askin'...hope you still like your setup...very hard to beat unless you spend considerably more and then you start second guessing value.
Nearly everything is swapped out now. The R50s went to my son, the R15s to a friend. The HK took a dump last weekend, so I've temporarily replaced it with a Denon 2307CI used as a pre/pro...more features, but I'm missing the HK. I'm using a vintage Carver 2 channel amp to drive Polk SDA 1Cs and an Audiosource Amp/One to drive SDA/CRS+'s temporarily...a couple of subs, SVS and SVS/DIY. Yeah, I was really happy with the budget Rs, couldn't find anything I liked well enough to keep when I started upgrading last year. I was very happy with my system until last weekend. Still have the CSi3 which will go eventually.
Thanks for askin'...hope you still like your setup...very hard to beat unless you spend considerably more and then you start second guessing value.
Well my wife gave me the OK last night and I am about to join the Polk family. I have never had a HT setup but think polk is the way to go. This is the setup I think I am going to go with........Onkyo 604, RTi4's for LR (have to they are the only one's that fit in the designated spot), the Csi5 for a center and I am still shopping for a sub and some surrounds. Don't want to mount RTi4's in the back because of the size because the wife wouldn't dig it!!! Anybody have any suggestions???? (I know this is not the sub forum but you can suggest a sub and surrounds to help a brother out!!) Thanks
Thanks for the response, Ron. I always thought you would upgrade sooner or later - you were always reading up on newer/better things.
I still like my setup. As you say, it's hard to do much better without spending a lot more money. The R15s were especially a bargain at just $100 a pair - despite their size, they seem nearly the equal of the R50, at least to my ears. Little monsters they are. The one part of the system that I've never been quite satisfied with is the Dayton sub. Given that plenty of people were happy with it, I reckon it's just too small for my room (a huge basement) - it has always sounded thumpy rather than smooth. Thinking about going the DIY route when I upgrade. (Need to make a screen for my projector too - an AE700U.)
Thanks for the response, Ron. I always thought you would upgrade sooner or later - you were always reading up on newer/better things.
I still like my setup. As you say, it's hard to do much better without spending a lot more money. The R15s were especially a bargain at just $100 a pair - despite their size, they seem nearly the equal of the R50, at least to my ears. Little monsters they are. The one part of the system that I've never been quite satisfied with is the Dayton sub. Given that plenty of people were happy with it, I reckon it's just too small for my room (a huge basement) - it has always sounded thumpy rather than smooth. Thinking about going the DIY route when I upgrade. (Need to make a screen for my projector too - an AE700U.)
Hmm. The CSi25 *is* the best match for your speakers, and it's what I would buy if I replaced the CSi3. It may not be the most powerful center channel out there but it isn't underpowered compared with the rest of your setup (Let's be honest - the R50s aren't high-end speakers).
Hmm. The CSi25 *is* the best match for your speakers, and it's what I would buy if I replaced the CSi3. It may not be the most powerful center channel out there but it isn't underpowered compared with the rest of your setup (Let's be honest - the R50s aren't high-end speakers).
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