RTi12's and CSi3 a good matchup?

BWilberg266

Right now I am running Monitor 70's and a CS20 center with a Denon 1910, but I have an opportunity to pick up a pari of RTi12's with a CSi3 center for a good price used.

My question is if the Denon will drive these well enough and if the CSi3 matches well with the RTi12's. Since they are in the same line I would assume so but wasn't sure if having a CSi6 instead would make a big difference. (not that I even have the option of a CSi6 but curious none the less.

Thanks in advance for any and all help here.

Erik Tracy

BWilberg266 wrote: »

Right now I am running Monitor 70's and a CS20 center with a Denon 1910, but I have an opportunity to pick up a pari of RTi12's with a CSi3 center for a good price used.

My question is if the Denon will drive these well enough and if the CSi3 matches well with the RTi12's. Since they are in the same line I would assume so but wasn't sure if having a CSi6 instead would make a big difference. (not that I even have the option of a CSi6 but curious none the less.

Thanks in advance for any and all help here.

You'd be better off looking for a used or refurbished CSi5 to match with the RTi12s.

Or getting a CSiA6.

The CSi3 is a good center, but better suited for the smaller RTi series.

BWilberg266

So my question then would be wether I would be better off keeping my CS20 with the RTi12's until I get a CSi5 since it has the 6.5" cones or would the CSi3 be a better stand in?

Erik Tracy

BWilberg266 wrote: »

So my question then would be wether I would be better off keeping my CS20 with the RTi12's until I get a CSi5 since it has the 6.5" cones or would the CSi3 be a better stand in?

If it were me, I'd keep the CS20 and see how well it works with the RTi12s.

If you don't like the matchup, then you could always run a 'phantom center' until you can get the CSi5 (or CSiA6).

If budget is the issue - then, to me, it wouldn't make sense to buy a CSi3, and then have to buy again for the CSi5.

polktiger

I think the tone is the biggest consideration, and I think tonally the RTi and CSi match regardless of release year. I was thinking the CS line was the tonal match for the Monitor line.

BWilberg266

Tonal match was my concern. I would be getting the RTi12's and CSi3 as a package deal, not sold separate. So maybe I'll just sell the CSi3 and CS20 and pick up the CSi5. The price of those two sold would give me enough cash to get the new center and have money left over.

Maybe if I give the wife the left over cash to go shopping everyone would be happy

Erik Tracy

BWilberg266 wrote: »

Tonal match was my concern. I would be getting the RTi12's and CSi3 as a package deal, not sold separate. So maybe I'll just sell the CSi3 and CS20 and pick up the CSi5. The price of those two sold would give me enough cash to get the new center and have money left over.

Maybe if I give the wife the left over cash to go shopping everyone would be happy

That would work.

Have you been watching Polk's ebay outlet? Sometimes a CSiA6 or CSi5 pop up now and then for a good deal.

mystik610

The RTi12 and CSi3 have identical drivers, so I wouldn't say its a terrible match at all! The CSi5 is a better center channel, but the CSi3 will work great too.

BWilberg266

Polk direct is probably the direction I would go. Can't beat the prices.

BWilberg266

mystik610 wrote: »

The RTi12 and CSi3 have identical drivers, so I wouldn't say its a terrible match at all! The CSi5 is a better center channel, but the CSi3 will work great too.

I guess my best bet will be to simply try out each center and see what I like best. I didn't notice that the RTi12 and CSi3 had the same drivers...so now I'm really curious to find out what sounds best.

I think I'd have an easier time selling my CS20 since it is only 5 months old and I have all the packaging. So if the CSi3 fits the bill that would be great.

inson71

The CSi3 will match perfectly with the RTi12s as far as timbre. I think what most people are saying is that the CSi5 will be able to keep up with the RTi12s a little better at higher volumes due to the larger drivers and increased power handling. That being said, I have the RTi8s and the CSi3 and have never noticed the CSi3 not keeping up. If home theater is your thing, I would not hesitate to get the RTI 12s with the CSi3.

squeeb

If you decide to sell the CSi3, please let me know. Especially if you can ship to Colorado.

BWilberg266

squeeb wrote: »

If you decide to sell the CSi3, please let me know. Especially if you can ship to Colorado.

You will be first on my list Squeeb. I have no problem shipping. I ship a ton of items via FedEx with my business so I get good rates and everything is insured.

BWilberg266

Are you getting rid of your CSi5 or something?

squeeb

BWilberg266 wrote: »

Are you getting rid of your CSi5 or something?

Nope, but I did pick up a couple FXi A6s. Plan to put them as surrounds and move the RTi6s and 4s to my secondary system - hence the need for the center.

I will probably be selling the JBL Northridge speakers, though - if you are interested.

BWilberg266

squeeb wrote: »

Nope, but I did pick up a couple FXi A6s. Plan to put them as surrounds and move the RTi6s and 4s to my secondary system - hence the need for the center.

I will probably be selling the JBL Northridge speakers, though - if you are interested.

No need for the JBL's if I get the RTi12's, but I will keep you posted on the status of the CSi3

Zeros

Bwil, here is a CSi5 for sale if you are looking for one. I know they are hard to come by:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103864

ecdawn

Hello,I'm a newbie.Which speakers are better Lsi15 or the Rti12s.Thanks for any help.

HTguru1982

To the original poster, the CSi3 should sound good, even with the larger RTi12's. I used the CSi3 with the RTi10's and never felt like it was being overpowered. As mentioned though, the CSi5 is the better center and will have a much easier time keeping up with the 12's.