RTi mixed with TSi

sphereboy

My current setup is:

Front - Polk Audio RTi A1
Center - Polk Audio CSi A4
SW - Polk Audio DSW Pro 400 8"

I've been testing the f/x wireless surround but have been very unhappy with the results. It works great, but fails to keep a reliable connection. I'm looking to replace that with some wired options.

I've been considering the RTiA surrounds (which is the obvious choice) but looking at the TSi series i like that it comes in Cherry wood which matches my RTi up front. Is it crazy to mix the two? I also like the fact the TSi is a bit smaller.

Once concern i have with the RTiA surrounds is that i can't secure them to a floor stand, and my space is an open area, with the right side being windows, the left being a bit out of the way for wall installation. I could install them on the ceiling but have read that is not recommended.

Anyone have any advice? I can update the post with some room measurements when i get a chance, and some specifics as to what i have to work with.

I'd prefer something small, but have realized that may hamper performance. I like the RM series, but am scared that might be way too small.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Robert

tonyb

The RM would be way too small. The TSI series would do fine in a surround use since timbre matching is more important for the front 3 speakers. I say go for it, let us know how it sounds.

Erik Tracy

sphereboy wrote: »

My current setup is:

Front - Polk Audio RTi A1
Center - Polk Audio CSi A4
SW - Polk Audio DSW Pro 400 8"

I've been testing the f/x wireless surround but have been very unhappy with the results. It works great, but fails to keep a reliable connection. I'm looking to replace that with some wired options.

I've been considering the RTiA surrounds (which is the obvious choice) but looking at the TSi series i like that it comes in Cherry wood which matches my RTi up front. Is it crazy to mix the two? I also like the fact the TSi is a bit smaller.

Once concern i have with the RTiA surrounds is that i can't secure them to a floor stand, and my space is an open area, with the right side being windows, the left being a bit out of the way for wall installation. I could install them on the ceiling but have read that is not recommended.

Anyone have any advice? I can update the post with some room measurements when i get a chance, and some specifics as to what i have to work with.

I'd prefer something small, but have realized that may hamper performance. I like the RM series, but am scared that might be way too small.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Robert

Where did you read that ceiling mounting is not recommended?

I would agree that it is not optimal, but depending on room constraints it is a workable solution - I had to ceiling mount my surrounds - kinda similar to the constraints you described in your room.

I have my RTi4 surrounds ceiling mounted - which is the older model of the RTiA1:
http://erikt.cts.com/Pictures/hometheater/RTI4-Omni-mount.JPG

Not ideal, but it works pretty good, imo! :biggrin:

Just tossing that out as an option.

larry777

The rubber pads that go on the bottom of the Rti Bookshelf speakers have a good grip when placed on stands. Just make sure that your speaker wire is attached to the back of your stand using duct tape. That pretty well anchors your speaker to the stand. If someone bumped into the speaker it really has nowhere to go. I did that with my surrounds, although the stands are enclosed from the floor up to the speaker. That way you can't see the duct tape.

sphereboy

@Eric Tracy - great setup! i've been thinking of that one. but the wife prefers floor stands... which brings me to…

@larry777 what stands would you recommend, if any in particular.

sphereboy

These new Polk Audio TL2 look very nice. http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/blackstonetl/tl2.php

Anyone have any comments on these. Although i was set on the Fxi i have to to a smaller speaker enclosure for my surrounds. Was looking at the RMs but ran into these new TL series small speakers.

Topper

sphereboy wrote: »

These new Polk Audio TL2 look very nice. http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/blackstonetl/tl2.php

Anyone have any comments on these. Although i was set on the Fxi i have to to a smaller speaker enclosure for my surrounds. Was looking at the RMs but ran into these new TL series small speakers.

I just setup my father in law's living room with the TL250 (TL2 5-pack) partnered with a Polk PSW111 all coming together with an entry-level marantz receiver and I was shocked at how well it performed.

The room is pretty huge but they filled it wonderfully !! kept trying movie after movie after and loved it !! These new blackstone's are the real deal .

(I'm personally waiting for the TL3 series for my bedroom )


Having said all that though, if your using RTi series for your fronts and you can fit the FXi surrounds, go with them! I really like those surrounds.

sphereboy

I just setup my new TL2 as my surrounds. They sound great. Just like the box says, little speakers with big speaker sound. Small. Heavy. Well built. Can't go wrong buying a pair of these puppies. They can be your surrounds, rears, even add a few more to go 9.1. It's future proof. Highly recommended so far.

My current setup is:

Front - Polk Audio RTi A1
Center - Polk Audio CSi A4
SW - Polk Audio DSW Pro 400 8"
Surround - Polk Audio TL2

TNHNDYMAN

Glad you like the TL's. I am hoping to demo a pair for a bedroom system. Do they have any mounting options such as a keyhole slot on the back?

sphereboy

Yes it has a keyhole in the back. I'm currently using them on some Sanus home theater stands for the surround.

larry777

Sphereboy,you can make a strong set of speaker stands. I gave instructions in another recent post that refers to surround back speakers.