First timer, need help picking speakers
jazztalker
Posts: 10
Hi guys,
I really know very little about all the technical aspects of making sure speakers "work well" together, so I could use your help. I'm planning on doing the following in my 5.1 system:
Front - RTi4 ($175/pr) or RTi A1 ($230/pr) - leaning towards the RTi4s, unless the A1s are REALLY that much better
Rear - TSi100 ($129/pr)
Center - CS1 ($80), CS2 ($120), CS10 ($100) CS20 ($128 but scratch & dent) or CSi3 ($120) - here's where I need the most help. I'm leaning towards the CS10, but have heard the CSi3 might be the best of those. That said, it's used and I won't be able to hear it before purchasing it, so I'm hesitant).
Sub - leaning towards a Mordaunt Short Carnival 9 for $150 unless I can find a Polk option of similar quality & price. I'm going with the cherry speakers, so I wouldn't mind being able to find a sub that would match that finish.
I'm running everything with a Denon E300 - will that be able to power everything I have listed above? Are there any major flaws in a set up like that? I don't need something overly amazing or powerful due to room/condo size and budgetary restrictions, but I'd still like the best bang for my buck.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I really know very little about all the technical aspects of making sure speakers "work well" together, so I could use your help. I'm planning on doing the following in my 5.1 system:
Front - RTi4 ($175/pr) or RTi A1 ($230/pr) - leaning towards the RTi4s, unless the A1s are REALLY that much better
Rear - TSi100 ($129/pr)
Center - CS1 ($80), CS2 ($120), CS10 ($100) CS20 ($128 but scratch & dent) or CSi3 ($120) - here's where I need the most help. I'm leaning towards the CS10, but have heard the CSi3 might be the best of those. That said, it's used and I won't be able to hear it before purchasing it, so I'm hesitant).
Sub - leaning towards a Mordaunt Short Carnival 9 for $150 unless I can find a Polk option of similar quality & price. I'm going with the cherry speakers, so I wouldn't mind being able to find a sub that would match that finish.
I'm running everything with a Denon E300 - will that be able to power everything I have listed above? Are there any major flaws in a set up like that? I don't need something overly amazing or powerful due to room/condo size and budgetary restrictions, but I'd still like the best bang for my buck.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Post edited by jazztalker on
Comments
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RTi4's will do nicely, no upgrade advantage with the A1.
A second set for rears would be nice over the TSi's.
Definitely go with the CSi3, a MUCH better timbre match for the RTi's.
Can't say anything about the sub. Yes, your AVR should do just fine for that set up.
Welcome to Club Polk!!Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2
Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
Perfect, thank you! The CSi3 I can find has a few dings/scratches on it. What would be your second choice?
I actually could do a second set of them, found a pair locally on CL for $130. Any hesitation doing that over the TSi100s which are on Polk's ebay site (refurb)?
I see Polk has the PSW110 for $165 on ebay... is that a good performer? -
My second choice would be a different CSi3 :cool: Any reason why you can't demo the used one? There should be some bargaining power there.
No hesitation, get the second set of i4's, maybe some bargaining power there as well.
The lower end Polk subs, not so favorable compared to many others, buy at your own risk.Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2
Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
Ha! Fair enough
The CSi3 is on ebay lol. I've been looking on CL at all the locations within a couple hundred miles, and no dice. There are a few on ebay, but only one cherry and its kind of banged up looking. I might be able to get away with a black one, since I'm probably going to have it semi-enclosed where I put it. That said, I'd really prefer they're the same color, and I can be kind anal about the condition of my stuff -
Yeah, sucks about ebay. I saw a CSiA4 (same as the CSi3) on Polks ebay, black for 169. Those are IMO as good as brand new.
I can relate about color matching and for sure, condition of product.
Check this out http://www.ebay.com/itm/CSiA4-BLACK-Center-Channel-Speaker-Polk-Audio-/390691131236?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item5af7018f64Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2
Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
I just got my CSi3 about a month/half ago & im listening to it right now & very impressive is all i can say. If you havent seen one wait till you do. It will bring the movie to you in a fair size room...
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Sounds good... I think I'll try to pick up the CSi3. Based on where I'm going to put it, you might not even see the cabinet, so I could MAYBE get away with a black one. The dinged up cherry one might be a better option if I can get over my OCD about that stuff. Thanks!
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jazztalker wrote: »Sounds good... I think I'll try to pick up the CSi3. Based on where I'm going to put it, you might not even see the cabinet, so I could MAYBE get away with a black one. The dinged up cherry one might be a better option if I can get over my OCD about that stuff. Thanks!
Did you see the link I provided? Is that too far above budget?
If you go with cherry, and you've got some noticeable dings, you could contact Polk and see if they have some type of color matched touch up paint.Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2
Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)
EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman -
I did see your link, thank you. Going with that one is going to be over my budget, yeah. Unless I can find some better deals on the other speakers, I'm hoping to keep my center around/under $120.
Good call on the touch up paint. If nothing else I might be able to find some paint/stain close enough that you wouldn't notice the difference unless you looked really closely. Thanks. -
I have a very nice CSi3 in black for $60 if you are interested. Shoot me a pm if you want pics. I can't upload here due to file size.HT- Samsung PN50B860/Integra DTR 30.3/Rt55 Fronts
Rt35i Surrounds/Cs1000p Center/SVS BP1000 Sub
2CH - B&K MC-101 pre/B&K EX-442 amp/NAD 2400 amp
Polk SDA1C, Polk Monitor 7, New Large Advents and Polk RTA 8T
BR - Yamaha CR800/Polk monitor 5 -
Thanks, I would be interested!
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Can't send PM until I have 10 posts
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I have a csi5 in excellent condition cherryjazztalker wrote: »Sounds good... I think I'll try to pick up the CSi3. Based on where I'm going to put it, you might not even see the cabinet, so I could MAYBE get away with a black one. The dinged up cherry one might be a better option if I can get over my OCD about that stuff. Thanks! -
Geesh again! All business deals must be posted in the Flea Market, no offers or what have you on the open forum. Easy Runnin, you've been here long enough to know better.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
