Upgrade from RTIA1?

rider70

A year ago, I started putting together my first HT system in a long time. I ended up with a Denon 1912 driving two RTIA1's, a CSI A4, and a HSU VTF-1. It has been a great 3.1 system that worked with my budget for last year. But, sometimes when watching movies I want a little more out of my center and often when listening to music I want a little more out of my fronts.

For the for foreseeable future, I will be sticking with a 3.1 system and I am happy with my sub. so, for the next upgrade, I am considering moving up to the RTIA3 and CSIA6.

Will I see a meaningful bump up in sound quality for movies (center channel) and music (fronts) with this upgrade or should I be looking at an amp with preouts that will allow me to get an amp next year and then upgrade speakers the next?

KiTsuNe

Id get the A6 first, you might decide later that you want a 5.1 system and can rotate the A1's to surround and something larger for mains. I currently want to get A1's for front high's but i'm not sure if my room is large enough for it to matter

tonyb

The reason your center seems to perform poorly is it's probably getting drowned out by the front left and right which are playing more of the surround sound. Have you tried bumping up the level in the center channel ? Throw out a budget and we can guide you better on what upgrades will matter most to fit your wallet.

Erik Tracy

I started with something similar: RTi4s/CSi3, RTi4s for surrounds and a PSW303 sub.

Fantastic start for HT and it got me involved again with music.

I went up to RTiA3s and an Epik Valor sub.

The 'meaningful bump' for HT and music is, imo, really dependent on the deal you would find on RTiA3s and the CSiA6.

For me, the RTiA3s were a step up, but not a huge one. Compared to the RTI4s, the RTiA3s dug a bit deeper, had a tad more faster dynamics and threw a bigger soundstage.

However, at full retail price, I don't think that it would be a good value - more lateral move than a quantum leap up.

If you can find a killer deal on the RTIA3s and move the RTiA1s to surrounds, get the CSIA6, sell the CSiA4 and then get a good sub - now you are talking.

Just stirring the pot....simmer well.... :cheesygrin:

gp4jesus

Erik Tracy wrote: »

If you can find a killer deal on the RTIA3s* and move the RTiA1s to surrounds, get the CSIA6*, sell the CSiA4 and then get a good sub - now you are talking.

Just stirring the pot....simmer well.... :cheesygrin:

I kinda go along w/Erik's thinking. Look on ebay, PolkDirect*. I bought all myPolks[as refurbs] there at $.50-$.60 on the $. My [pair of] RTi A7s shipped, $630!

Another option should you buy the CSi A6: if your AVR can handle it and your room has some length, use the CSi A4 as a center rear - a nice complement to using the RTi A1s as sides.

Remember to get some stout wire to connect your sides/rear. If you haven't done yet for your LCR then buy some extra for those too.

After you get your system working the way you want it, if your sub's not up to task, continue shopping!

...another stir w/a little more heat!

Tony

rider70

Thanks for everyone's input. Here are some answers to some of your questions/suggestions.

I am leaning towards getting the A6 first.

I have tried bumping up the output to the center channel, but voices on the A4 sometimes sound a little nasily or boxy. I am hoping the larger driver on A6 will provide fuller and more natural dialogue.

As far as budget is concerned, I am thinking that I could sell my current speakers and then make the upgrade to the RTIA3 and CSIA6 for about $350 out of pocket. Seeing as I just get a new TV yesterday, that's about as much as I want to spend right now.

The RTIA1's are great for HT, but when listening to music, I feel that there is something missing, especially in the lower mid range - this is most noticeable listening to louder rock music. I am hoping that the 6.5" driver will help out here, too.

I thought my Hsu VTF-1 was a good subwoofer?

My room is only 12 x 14, so size and layout mean that I will stick with 3.1 for the foreseeable future. And, I am sure this is heresy around here, I am actually pretty happy having the entire sound stage in front of me.

Thanks again for everyone's input. Let me know if you have any more thoughts.

rpf65

I'm running a CSIa4 with RTIa5 on my 5.1 system. To my ears, the dialog seems to be full and vibrant, weather it be HT or music. I would try movind the a1's a little further away from your center channel,if possible. It may be a positioning issue. When I first positioned the mains, I had the same problem, but moving them just 6 or 7 inches made a huge difference.

tonyb

Is the center set to large instead of small ? On small, it can sound somewhat thin.

pdxfj

What is your center channel sitting on? Perhaps try a pair of these to help "decouple" it from where ever it is placed.

http://www.foambymail.com/MIW/monitor-isolation-wedge.html

rider70

tonyb wrote: »

Is the center set to large instead of small ? On small, it can sound somewhat thin.

I probably have it set to small. I'll try changing it to Large tonight to see if that helps.

rider70

pdxfj wrote: »

What is your center channel sitting on? Perhaps try a pair of these to help "decouple" it from where ever it is placed.

http://www.foambymail.com/MIW/monitor-isolation-wedge.html

I know that part of my issue with the center could be placement. Another reason that I am thinking about the A6 is the hope that it would fill up the space a bit more and reduce the effect of the cabinet.

tonyb

Might also help a tad if you put something under that center to point it up more, seems like it's aiming at your knees.

KiTsuNe

I agree with tony~ I think its sitting/directed too low.

devani

flip it on the angled side so that points up

ambiophonics

+1 on flipping the center

devani wrote: »

flip it on the angled side so that points up