Book Shelf and Center Selection for HT

saa115
saa115 Posts: 6
edited August 2011 in Speakers
I've been running my current setup with a Denon AVR 1709, Polk Monitor 5 (f), RM6750 (c) + (surr) + (sub). I am planning on upgrading the fronts and move my monitor 5s back upstairs to go with my old Denon PMA-980R which I just fixed.

I'm looking at the Polk RTi A3s for the fronts in part b/c of how happy i have been with the M5s over the years and b/c I need to stick with a BS due to the layout of the room. I had intended to get the CSi A6 for the center, but neither the A6 or the A4 will fit in my 18" wide built in cabinets. So i'm wondering if I should get a second pair of A3s and use one as the center channel.

Is using the same model BS as a center a reasonable solution?

I would prefer to place it on its side for some aesthetic reasons. Anyone every tried putting an A3 on its side? or use it as a center?

I'm open to other suggestions. I'd consider the TSi 200s as well as (f) and (c).

In addition, anyone know where I can get a single A3?

Any input would be helpful. Cheers.
Post edited by saa115 on
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Comments

  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2011
    Here's a couple open box deals on ebay from authorized polk distributors:

    black: http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Speakers-RTiA3-1-pair-Delivered-OPEN-BOX-/140558876916?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item20b9f640f4

    cherry: http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-RTiA3-Cherry-Pr-Open-Box-Bookshelf-Speaker-/150639198596?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item2312cbc184

    I'm not sure where'd you'd get a single from, but I'd give Polk Customer Service a call; the're among the best in the biz! The number is in the upper right hand corner of this page.

    An rtiA6 will sound the best, so ideally you'd make room for one; however, in my experience a matching bookshelf placed on it's side is still a good option. It will definitely still sound good, just not quite as good.

    Have fun, and welcome to Club Polk!:biggrin:

    Stick around and let us know what you decide. There's a ton of great info here!
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited August 2011
    Welcome to club polk!

    Although there are technical reasons having to do with dispersion not to lay a speaker on its side, I have done this with two different setups and found that it works quite well, just as falconey said not quite as well as a true center. Many high-end systems use five or seven matching monitors for the speakers, so I think that it is ideal but only if the center bs is upright on a stand. But, I have a hard time telling the difference with it on its side.

    You will love this new setup. It will be light years ahead of what you have. Good Luck!
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2011
    Side note:

    If you got (2) pairs, you could use the leftover A3 as a rear center, if your room allows. That'd be pretty cool.:cool:
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • saa115
    saa115 Posts: 6
    edited August 2011
    Thanks for the advice. I feel better about going with the A3s across the front. I'll let you know how it works out.
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  • saa115
    saa115 Posts: 6
    edited August 2011
    I just received an email from Polk Audio's customer service group. They tell me that I can purchase a single RTi A3 direct from Polk for 1/2 the price of the pair--free shipping and no tax. Seems like a winner to me.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2011
    saa115 wrote: »
    I just received an email from Polk Audio's customer service group. They tell me that I can purchase a single RTi A3 direct from Polk for 1/2 the price of the pair--free shipping and no tax. Seems like a winner to me.

    Nice, dude.

    Polk CS rules.:cool:
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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