Rti38 vs. Fxi30
Anyone have an opinion about the Rti38 vs. Fxi30 when used as rear speakers in a 5.1 set-up. I currently have the Rti38's as surrounds. They sound great to me, however, I was considering upgrading receivers to a 6.1 or 7.1 set-up and using thr 38's as rear centers. That idea is out the window and I am sticking with the 5.1. Will there be a noticeable difference in the rear sound stage with the Fxi30's? I don't want the hassle of buying the Fxi30's to demo in my house and having to return them. Also, I can return the 38's to CC because I've only had them @2 weeks. Thanks for any input you guys can give!
Receiver = Denon AVR-3803
DVD = Denon DV-2900
Fronts = SDA SRS 2.3TL's
(Carver m1.5t)
Center = CSi40
Side surrounds = Fxi30's
Sony 12" sub
TV = Hitachi 57F500
Bedroom rig:
Pioneer SX-1050 receiver
Rti38's
DVD = Denon DV-2900
Fronts = SDA SRS 2.3TL's
(Carver m1.5t)
Center = CSi40
Side surrounds = Fxi30's
Sony 12" sub
TV = Hitachi 57F500
Bedroom rig:
Pioneer SX-1050 receiver
Rti38's
Post edited by acdds on
Comments
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y not return the rti38's and get fxi30's, try them out for 2 weeks, if you notice an improvement then keep them, if not, return them and buy another pair of rti38's
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I think that, generally speaking, the FX's aren't used as rears, either for musical or theatrical purposes; the FX's are most often employed as side surrounds, where they're used in the dipole setting.
Personally, I would advise sticking with the 38i's if you're going to stay with a 5.1 setup, with surrounds serving as rears. Just a take, and I'm sure you'll get others.
Two Channel Setup:
Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
DAC: Arcam irDac
Source: iMac
Remote Control: iPad Mini
3.2 Home Theater Setup:
Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
Center: Klipsch RP-160M
Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
TV Source: DirecTV Genie -
i have heard the fxi's used for surrounds in a 5.1 and i like the way they sound alot, infact im going to get a pair. but i've heard that the i38s are better for a more musical setup, more music the HT and the fxi's are better for a HT setup. the people at CC are generally idiots, atleast in my expirence, so im sure they wouldnt even know or care that you were just taking speakers home to demo them. and u wouldnt have to tell them, just exchange the i38s for fxi30s and if u like them keep them if u dont then exchange the fxi30s for rti38s
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i have heard the fxi's used for surrounds in a 5.1 and i like the way they sound alot, infact im going to get a pair.
Were these utilized as side or rear surrounds? If to the rear, how were they positioned, and in what mode -- bi/di -- had been selected?
I like the idea of a diffuse side-surround field, while having a more lacalized rear, hence the often used dipole side-surround and direct radiating rear center/surround model. At the same time, the notion of experimenting with a rear diffuse dipole interests me. I wonder....
Two Channel Setup:
Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
DAC: Arcam irDac
Source: iMac
Remote Control: iPad Mini
3.2 Home Theater Setup:
Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
Center: Klipsch RP-160M
Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
TV Source: DirecTV Genie -
The Rti38's are behind my seating position. I would put the Fxi30 at the sides of the seating position if I bought them. I use my system for 90% HT and 10% music. I purchased the Rti38's open box for $210/pair so I don't want to return them until I am sure which speakers I am keeping.Receiver = Denon AVR-3803
DVD = Denon DV-2900
Fronts = SDA SRS 2.3TL's
(Carver m1.5t)
Center = CSi40
Side surrounds = Fxi30's
Sony 12" sub
TV = Hitachi 57F500
Bedroom rig:
Pioneer SX-1050 receiver
Rti38's -
Tough choice! Some people (myself included) prefer Bipole/dipole speakers for surround duties in a 5.1 channel system, others swear by Direct Radiating speakers. This is another one of those issues that you will have to experiment with to see if you prefer one over the other. I would suggest getting the Fx's and setting them up ( 6' stepladders work great as temporary stands) and doa direct comparison with the rear mounted 38's. Use your favorite demo material and try to see if you, your family members, guests, the mailman, etc., can pick out which sounds the best to you!
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i actually dont know if they were bi or di.
they were on the back wall about 3 feet apart, and about 6 feet up, the regular surround position. it was in a CC so if theres on near you drop by and take a listen, im surprised you havent heard them as rears before, it seems to be CC's favorite way to setup the RTi speakers, atleast in the soundroom. but then again i dont know your shopping habits so maybe u stick to higher end places then CC. -
I prefer the Bipole/Dipole speaker for surround placement on the side. The FXi30 is an excellent choice for this duty. RTi38's are directional and do not "fill" an area like a surround specific speaker. This is especially important if you are only 5.1, as I am for now, and want complete surround effects to exist.
That is a great price for thos espeakers, if at all possible keep them. Buy some FXi30's or 50's later and set them up as you mentioned, it will work just fine.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
