CSI A6 vs anything else

Poolgod69

I have the A9's and looking for the center channel.

I went to Fry's last night and compared the RTi A6 and A4 center channels. Both sounded great but completely different. The A4 does not have much base, really nice mids/highs. The A6 was louder at the same setting, but lacked the mids since it has 2 51/4" woofers and 1 tweeter, essentially it sounded like a 2 channel speaker. I am concerned the A6 center would provide to much added bass when it is not needed and not enough of the mids. Since the center will provide at least 60% of the sound for movies I am unsure if it will be ok.

If anyone else has the A6 how is it? Would you recommend it? Should I go outside the RTI series and get a different center but stick with Polk? If so, any suggestions?

Brian

Geoff4rfc

You put RTiA6 in your paragraph but I'm sure you meant the CSiA6 as in your title.

I would stick with that center for your A9's. It can be set to small and sounds great.

Poolgod69

Yes I meant the CSi A6

F1nut

Get the CSi A6.

B Run

I've got the older version but my Csi5 matches my Rti12's perfectly, get the A6 you'll be glad you did.

rpf65

I have the A4, matched to the A5's. Works really well with them at +1.5 db.

Given that, I would strongly suggest the A6 over the A4. I think that once the front stage is running, at most you would have to dial the center back a little, and be happy with the sound.

tonyb

F1nut wrote: »

Get the CSi A6.

True dat.....the only other centers that to me don't stray too far from the Polk sound are those from Def Tech, maybe Legacy, even the P-diddy's. It is however optimal to keep the front 3 the same sound signature.

PolkieMan

I have the Csi A6 I got it from Newegg for $250 F/S no tax.

The Polk Audio CSI A6 boasts dual 6.25" polymer composite dynamic balance drivers and a 1" dynamic balance silk/polymer composite dome tweeter

I use it with the SDA 2.3tls I have the CS2 Series 2 but I like this better.

I think the 5 is the same just an older model. See below.

PolkieMan

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-CSi-A6-Cherry-Open-Box-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-/171027147932?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item27d2032c9c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CSi5-Cherry-Center-Channel-Polk-Audio-RTi-Speaker-/230925695410?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35c43e79b2

Thorton

F1nut wrote: »

Get the CSi A6.

+1. I have it matched with the A9's. Sounds great for movies.

Inspector 24

Thorton wrote: »

+1. I have it matched with the A9's. Sounds great for movies.

Ditto.

Poolgod69

Well ok then. I guess I will stick with the A6 :cheesygrin:

zane77

you won't be sorry the 6 is the way to go.

oleon621

CSI5 would work fine too. I have one setup with RTIA7s and they're a perfect match. I got one brand new from Frys for $200 a while back. Good luck

doggie750

I have csiA6 & csi40. Get the csi40 if u still can, mid tone advantage than its successor (A6).

PolkieMan

Why is that?

doggie750 wrote: »

I have csiA6 & csi40. Get the csi40 if u still can, mid tone advantage than its successor (A6).

Poolgod69

PolkieMan wrote: »

Why is that?

I have csiA6 & csi40. Get the csi40 if u still can, mid tone advantage than its successor (A6).

Thank you for asking!

xftman

+1. A9 matches A6.

doggie750

Poolgod69 wrote: »

Thank you for asking!

My experience and the nature of the beast. See the spec for both, link right below.

http://www.shopping.com/xSBS-Polk-Audio-CSi40-Polk-Audio-Polk-Audio-CSI-A6-AM6615-A-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black-Oak~PRDLT-20066048-48807212?sb=1

PolkieMan

the 40 is not as deep or as long could be a plus. they still look fairly close. it's somewhat of a toss up best deal color, style, placement "your own ears" the main thing.

doggie750 wrote: »

My experience and the nature of the beast. See the spec for both, link right below.

http://www.shopping.com/xSBS-Polk-Audio-CSi40-Polk-Audio-Polk-Audio-CSI-A6-AM6615-A-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black-Oak~PRDLT-20066048-48807212?sb=1

David R

How does your system sound without the center?

David R

If you picked up the CSI 6'a how does your system sound now compared to how it sounded before?

specd_out

One more for the a6. I went from an a3 to an a6. The a6 is a marked improvement over the a3. Its a huge speaker make sure you have the space.

mu1166

I have to join the crowd in saying that the A6 was a huge improvement over the A4 when I changed it out in my system. It sounded excellent next to my A9's. I would highly recommend it.

EndersShadow

If there is too much bass you can always adjust the crossover up to cut more out, you cant add more bass to a speaker not capable of producing it.

doggie750

OP, with ur system u can stay within the Polk guidelines. Either A6 or the 40 is ur best option. If want to save some cash and a little better performance, then Csi40 is the winner. If u want to blend with the looks then A6.

Poolgod69

How does your system sound without the center?

I have a crappy LG center from my bedroom 5.1 and that is fitting the want for right now. But without the center in HT is ok but I will just turn the TV volume up to go along with the speakers.

For music I do not use the center at all.

I am definitely going to get the A6 and I am now on the look out for a good deal.

Thank you for the input.

Sherardp

B Run wrote: »

I've got the older version but my Csi5 matches my Rti12's perfectly, get the A6 you'll be glad you did.

Same here. CSiA6 all day, errr' day.

doggie750

OP, just an FYI. Ebay has the csi40 for $130 shipped.