3.1 -> 5.1, Tsi400 or Monitor 70t

johara4

I purchased a CS10, Tsi100 and sub a month ago and have been happy with the 3.1 setup but want to go for surround sound and upgrade the L/R fronts. So I've searched through these forums and the internet and have decided on Tsi400s or Monitor 70t to complete the following 5.1 setup:

center: CS10
L/R: Tsi 400s or Monitor 70t
surround: Tsi100
sub: psw10

My question is about adding the Monitor 70t to an exclusively Tsi system. I know that the Tsi line replaced the Monitor line but I can't find a definitive answer regarding timber matching. Basically will the 70t blend with the CS10? I also know the Tsi400 is not an equivalent speaker but I can get either for the same price. So if the 70t will blend well with the CS10, then it makes sense to go with the better speaker (70t).

Please let me know what you guys think, thank you!

tonyb

The cs20 is the better center and match for the 70's. Also, the 505 subwoofer is the better match too as the psw 10 is on the light side. Using the tsi 100's as surrounds is ok for now but I'd go better in the future when funds permit.

johara4

thanks for the advice tonyb, the only thing is, I already own and cannot return the cs10, tsi100, and psw10. I am looking to add either the monitor 70t or the Tsi400 and am wondering which to choose. Do you have any thoughts?

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk.

I'd say your decision rests with HOW much POWER you have on hand. If you don't have BIG POWER, just buy the TSI400s because the M-70s really like a lot of juice to sound their best!

The drivers in BOTH series are very similar if not the same (although of different hues). The main difference between the TSis and the Ms is the crossover point. The TSI is universally crossed over at 2.5 Khz. The M series varies this point some according to what model in the series we're talking about.

Then there are the cosmetic differences. The TSis just look better!

cnh

johara4

interesting thoughts. I'm using a Denon E300 which i supppose is in the medium power range. if that is the case then perhaps the tsi400 is a better choice. I guess I was enticed by the idea the 70ts would make up for the psw10s shortcomings.

drummer86

How big is your room johara? Is this setup mostly for movie watching/tv? Depending on room size you may be better off going with tsi200s and upgrading your subwoofer. I used a psw10 for 7 years and still have it in a closet. It's a pretty terrible sub no matter how you slice it. Upgrading the sub is going to get you a MUCH more noticeable improvement than switching to towers IMHO.

That being said, welcome to CP! Ask lots of questions - folks around here are happy to help if you're willing to listen!

johara4

The room is on the smaller size and is used mostly for movies/gaming/tv... I wonder what I can do with this one month old sub?

johara4

So I purchased the tsi400s.

Current system:

Center: cs10
L/R: tsi400
Rear: tsi 100
Sub: psw10

Denon e300

Does anyone have any suggestions if I were to upgrade the sub? At this point my budget is limited but maybe there is a good "bang for your buck" sub, especially considering that my living room isn't that big.

drummer86

Depending on what you mean by "isn't that big" and "budget is limited" this would do nicely:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1mk2.html

You may even be able to sell off the psw10 to offset the upgrade cost a bit unless you can still return it.

johara4

That looks like a nice sub, drummer86. It's a bit pricey though. I was thinking something like the BiC F12. I'm also trying to flip the psw10 on craigslist.

drummer86

A good sub is worth waiting for IMO. Hang on to the PSW10 for a while (won't affect it's resale value) and save your pennies. From someone who had the PSW for years trust me... it's worth the wait. The BIC will certainly be an improvement but I doubt it can touch anything from HSU or SVS. Depending on where you live you may be able to getting a little more out of your money on the used market.

Here's one a little less "pricey."
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html