RTi and CSi Impression - Boring

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  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited April 2004
    Originally posted by slink
    While the CSi3 is supposedly timbre matched, could I use the CSi5? This may provide the clarity I'm looking for and just not getting with the CSI3 although with the smaller speaker setting it seems to be much better than it was. Thoughts?

    ABSOLUTELY!

    HBomb
    ***WAREMTAE***
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited April 2004
    Glad to hear you made the right choice for yourself. Both are great speakers. I own the RF-35 which is the tower version of the one you listen to with two 8" woofs. I prefer their sound over my RT5, 800i and LSi9. Took a while before I finally found 'my sound' which is a combo of horns and tubes. If you decide to start a serious 2ch rig with high end gear, the RB or RF could be something for you to consider.

    Enjoy your new toys.

    Maurice
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited April 2004
    Originally posted by slink
    While the CSi3 is supposedly timbre matched, could I use the CSi5? This may provide the clarity I'm looking for and just not getting with the CSI3 although with the smaller speaker setting it seems to be much better than it was. Thoughts?
    I would agree with the description of adequate for the CSi3. The CSi5 imho is significantly better and will also be timbre matched. It should make improvements up front and its inclusion along with eventually a better sub should give you better than "adequate" HT.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • shiu
    shiu Posts: 169
    edited April 2004
    My CSi30, presumably has the same driver as the CSi3, sounds crisp and clear with my Sony DA4ES. I did find the CSi3 sound not as good when I listened to one powered by a HKAVR630. In that case, I A/B the CSi3 and the CSi5 many times and found the CSi3 way too bright, for whatever reason. In addition to setting it to small, why not play with your EQ setting as well.
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  • slink
    slink Posts: 10
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by shiu
    My CSi30, presumably has the same driver as the CSi3, sounds crisp and clear with my Sony DA4ES. I did find the CSi3 sound not as good when I listened to one powered by a HKAVR630. In that case, I A/B the CSi3 and the CSi5 many times and found the CSi3 way too bright, for whatever reason. In addition to setting it to small, why not play with your EQ setting as well.
    I decided to go with Polk all through, RTI4 fronts, RTi6 for surrounds, free PSW202 for subwoofer (fine for small room but I think the bass is muddy) and CSi3 center. After a while the CSi3 opens up. It might be a little bright but it is clearer. I'm not sure if it's the setup, my ears, etc., but I'd swear it does sound clearer after using it for about 40 hours or so, maybe a bit more. Your suggestions are well founded... but I don't have an EQ! I think I've got it OK now though... :)
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited May 2004
    I'd consider using the 6's in the front ... and if you haven't bought the 4's yet I'd consider using FXi3's or 5's for surrounds.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • shiu
    shiu Posts: 169
    edited May 2004
    Good to hear that you are now happier with your CSI3. It is an excellent choice. I mentioned that I found the speaker sounded bright when paired with an AVR630 (supposed to be warm sounding) in a store, and yet it does well with my supposedly "bright" sounding Sony 4ES in my home because that indicates to me that one may have to adjust their receiver's EQ settings, in order to match up with their speakers and room response characteristics.

    I did not need to adjust the EQ neither, but I calibrated the speaker level settings with a sound pressure meter. When I was shopping for a center speaker, I listened to quite a few. I found the CSi30 (again I assume the CSi3 will be the same, or better) among the best at its price point. It is a much better speaker than the tiny one that came with my RM6700 satellite system. I am not sure if I would ever feel the need to upgrade to that gigantic CSI5.
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  • slink
    slink Posts: 10
    edited May 2004
    I think a lot of this has to do with the Denon AVR-2801 that I own. With the Klipsch speakers they sound good but not so heavy. Great clarity and vocal presence. Amazing. But they don't hold a candle in terms of overall spectrum and clarity to the Polk, which just provides this great, thick, ooomphy sound. Some people may think it's bass heavy but the highs are pretty clear. WHile I miss the lead vocals standing out of the mix I don't miss the feeling that the band is just in the background and my having to constantly readjust volume to compensate.

    Klipsh is excellent but paired with the Denon system I've got to say that the Polk RTi series is just humming and great for house parties.
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by shiu
    I am not sure if I would ever feel the need to upgrade to that gigantic CSI5.
    LOL ... gigantic is a relative term ... I had the CSi5 set up with RTi12's for front sound stage in a family room which I've since moved to our bedroom. I thought it was large enough when I had it in the family room but it's nothing compared to the SRT center I have in the fam room now ...

    CSi5 - 7-1/2" H x 24" W x 14-1/2" D ... shipping weight 29 lbs

    SRT - 6" H x 26 1/2" W x 17 1/2" D ... Net weight 40 lbs.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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