Center Channel for Monitor 40s

nekreg9

I have Monitor 40s for my fronts. I just have a basic setup I use for tv and movies. I'm trying to decide what center to use. It looks like the CS1 and CS2 match the Monitor series. I'd like to know if it's worth getting the CS2. I found the CS1 for $65 and the CS2 for $115. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

I also have a set of RTi4s. Should I try to match these speakers instead? I haven't found a similar cost center for those.

EndersShadow

The match for the RTi4's is the CSi5. Between the CS1 and CS2 I would go with the CS2 hands down.

Oldfatdogs

I have had cs1 and cs2 go with the cs2.

B Run

I'd definitely go cs2 with the 40's, but you should check out the csi3 or csi5 and use your Rti4's as fronts honestly. It's a little more but would be worth it and you can use the 40's as surrounds.

UnKAndroiD

Correct me if I am wrong, because I have a similar question. From what I have found from reading the forums is that you want all your set up to be in line with everything else. You do not want one speaker over powering the rest and you do not want your receiver to be bottle necking your rig. From other posts I have read one person said

"Monitor 50 and below go with CS1, Monitor 60 and 70 get CS2."

Correct me if I am wrong because I to would like to know the answer since newegg has ALL Polk speakers on sale.

Thanks,

Mo

B Run

That can be true, but I personally think the center is one of the most important speakers, especially for HT. I had a CS1 with Monitor 60's and it was ok. I don't think a CS2 will overpower his speakers, especially if properly calibrated, he would just benefit from clearer dialogue and a cleaner sound.

nekreg9

Right now, I have the Monitor 40s in the front and RTi4s in the back. I was thinking this setup because I could find the match for the Monitors for around cheaper.

I haven't found the CSI3 or 5 for a similar cost. Have you found these matches for around the cost of the CS2 on newegg?

Would the RTis be a lot better in the front, considering I'd have to find the center match?

Geoff4rfc

nekreg9 wrote: »

Right now, I have the Monitor 40s in the front and RTi4s in the back. I was thinking this setup because I could find the match for the Monitors for around cheaper.

I haven't found the CSI3 or 5 for a similar cost. Have you found these matches for around the cost of the CS2 on newegg?

Would the RTis be a lot better in the front, considering I'd have to find the center match?

It looks to me like the RTi4 and Monitor40 is close to the same speaker (on paper) with the exception of the 40 having two drivers instead of one.

I've never heard the 4's, but it looks to me if the CS2 is cheaper than the matching RTi center, I'd go with that one.

rebuy

What receiver are you using?

Even though the 40's are a fine speaker, The RTI's are better.

jbooker82

I would run the RTI's up front as well. You could have a better home theater for the extra cost of the center channel.

pdxfj

You'll pay more for the matching center for the RTi's, but it's a worthy expense.

I went from M70's and CS2 to the RTi-A line for my fronts and there was quite a jump in overall sound quality.

If you decide to stick with the M40's get the CS2 as others have stated.

mole'

i have a nice CSi3 and a CSi5 that im not using

both are FS

nekreg9

I am using an Onkyo 608 receiver. I basically just use the receiver to set everything up. I find it strange that it always sets all my speakers to 40Hz. I have a BIC F12 subwoofer set to highest crossover and the volume about 1/3 on the dial.

From what I've read, most people say the RTi4 is better than the Monitor 40s. However, from what I can tell the TSi200 is almost the same as the Monitor 40s and people seem to like the TSi200 better than RTi4s. This is just confusing to me.

Just a side note. Everyone on here is great. Thanks for all the help

rebuy

nekreg9 wrote: »

I am using an Onkyo 608 receiver. I basically just use the receiver to set everything up. I find it strange that it always sets all my speakers to 40Hz. I have a BIC F12 subwoofer set to highest crossover and the volume about 1/3 on the dial.

From what I've read, most people say the RTi4 is better than the Monitor 40s. However, from what I can tell the TSi200 is almost the same as the Monitor 40s and people seem to like the TSi200 better than RTi4s. This is just confusing to me.

Just a side note. Everyone on here is great. Thanks for all the help

One pair is Monitor, One RTI's. They use different drivers and crossovers. The RtI has more built in tech than monitors have. You cannot count the number of drivers in the cabinet to determine the best sound nor will spec numbers tell you how the speakers sound. After all you can buy a HTIB with numbers that match the speakers you have but does that mean they sound just as good?

I have a 608 and RTI4's ( 2 pair ) and they do a great job in my home and I will use monitor for surrounds. I use a pair of RTI4's for the center channel and a pair for the front. I use the RTI4's for a center cause I got them for such a good price from J&R Music World. The center would have cost me a lot more money than I paid for the pair.
Seamless sound with matching speakers across the front and awesome sound.

You need to go in and set the Onkyo up and you won't get the low crossover that you're getting.

If you really cannot hear the difference between the Monitor and the RTI's, go with the cheaper Monitors.

nekreg9

Are any of the new line center speakers a good match for the RTi4? Finding a CSi3 is better difficult and I thought maybe one of the new line might work if I can find at a reasonable cost.

There are CSi A4 which look like the newer model. Would this work if I can't find a CSi3?

I have put the crossover on the Onkyo to 80hz. Should I up it higher than this? It seems to go mucher higher if I need. Thoughts?