Help choosing center channel & setup..

iluvmusic

You guys have been so helpful in the past, that I thought I’d try to get some of your educated opinions about a surround sound setup, and the purchase of a center channel speaker.

Right now I have the following three sets of speakers to use as a part of a surround sound setup in my master bedroom which is 16 X 12 with 8 foot ceilings. Here are the speakers that I currently own; a pair of Rti8s, a pair of Lsi7s, and a pair of Rt800is. I’m running them off of a Harman Kardon DPR 1001 7.1 channel, 50 wpc digital path A/V receiver. I’d like to get some opinions on which two pairs of speakers that you guys would configure for a 5.1 surround setup. Also, would like opinions on the purchase of a Polk center channel speaker. My problem with getting a center channel speaker, is that I don’t really have a lot of room on top or beneath (none beneath) my TV to place a center channel speaker. So since it’s not real big, I was thinking of getting a Csi3. Any opinions?

I was thinking of using the Rti8s as mains, the Lsi7s as rears, and of course purchasing something like the Csi3 as center. As some of you may already know, I tried to sell the Lsi7s, but finally decided that those little jewels just sounded too good to let go. Anyway, what do you guys think about this setup? And, what do you guys think about the sound quality of the CSI3, and how to mount it on top of a TV that has a pretty narrow top edge. Thanks in advance.

cmy330go

Wow that's an interesting blend of speakers.

What you have mentioned so far sounds like a good idea. The Csi3 is a great center for the money. I do have to say though that the csi5 runs circles around it in over all sound quality, but as you probably already know it is pretty stinkin' big.

Now here is another thought. I am assuming you are doing a sub in this room since you said it is going to be a 5.1 system. I would consider putting the lsi7's in the front and then purchase the LSiC for the center since it is just slightly bigger than the Csi3 and it can be easily wall mounted (since you are cramped for space) from the power port. And then possibly use a set of your towers in the back corners of the room.Of course I don't fully know your room layout so this may not work, but it was just a thought. I know it may seem odd to put the bookshelves in the front instead of the towers, but I just really prefer the added detail, and more mellow sound of the Lsi's over the Rti's.

That's my $0.02 worth

Happy listening
Dave

iluvmusic

Thanks for your input. My problem with mounting the center channel is that I have a double window right behind the TV, so can't mount it. The Csi3 would be great - but it's huge! Can't use it, though I'd love to. Is there anything that you can buy, that can be mounted on the TV to hold a center speaker. Seems like I saw one on Best Buy's website, but it would only hold 15 pounds or something.

The LSIC is an interesting idea - I wonder if they'll be selling them cheap like the LSI7's are being sold - if so, I'd be very interested. It just depends on listening tastes though, as I like the crisper sound of the Rti8's, just a little bit better than the mellower sound of the LSi7's - that's why I prefer them as fronts. Don't get me wrong, the LSi7's sound great - especially for bookshelf speakers - just incredible. Yes, I forgot to mention that I have an HK 12 inch sub. Thanks.

cmy330go

The only tv top stand I can think of is the one made by Sanus systems that is rated at 15 lbs. I am assuming it is the same one that you saw. I can tell you from experience that that stand can easily handle the weight of the csi3. we have used that same stand at the place I work to hold much larger centers without any trouble at all.

I'm sure you know this already, but thought I would mention it. The Csi3 can be placed on the floor upside down so that it angles up at the listening area. I know that doesn't work for most people, but I thought I should bring it up just in case you overlooked it.

I can understand why you would want the Rti8s up front. we often have customers that pick the rti series over the lsis. It all just comes down to listening preference.

Best of luck on the new system
Dave

iluvmusic

By the way, does speaker wire size and brand really make a difference? Right now I'm using 16 gauge Monster THX wire, but I have to get some more wire. My runs are around 15 to 25 feet. Would 14 gauge wire really be better than 16 gauge? Just wondering as I'm in the market to get some more wire to finish this surround set up.

Yes, if I were going to use the LSi7s as fronts, I would probably use them with my RT800is as rears as I feel their tweeters are better matched, and more mellow than the Rti8's. The Rti8's are very bright and open sounding, which is why I like them.

LuSh

You might want to consider not using a center at all. Most cetner channel speakers are terrible. If you select "none" on your HT receiver you might be surprised at the results you get from two front speakers that image properly. I know of several people that run 20k rigs and have never used a center channel and you would have a hard time convincing them they need one.

TroyD

Personally, I think that either way is win-win. Pick the speakers that you like best for mains, find a center that matches your needs. Since space is your primary consideration, look at the polk homepage and I think it gives all the dimensions and press on. The wire, IMO, is just fine.

Sell the LSi7's or hang on to them and use them for a separate 2ch rig. That's what I would do.

BDT

jdhdiggs

You could also try running a phantom center... The 7's offer great imaging and the 8/800's can when properly amped, this would solve the speaker drama.

The down sides are off axis listening undergoes comb filtering but if you don't routinely watch with a lot of people, it shouldn't be an issue.

Look out for 245i or 175i on E-bay or the flea market, these are smaller than the CSi3 and would match your 800's