Which SVS/Polk configuration ?

ajstaplegun

Hey all....this is my first post here...been reading thru over the weekend...lots of great info....

Anyways, so I have been thinking about upgrading my setup for a very long time now and after about a year of trying out every speaker I could get an ear to, I have finally settled on the Polks....I've never heard any SVS...dont even know how many there are in the country (I live in NZ) if any ...but the press and specs are just way too good to resist.

I have definitely decided on the CSi5 and I'm perty sure I'll take the RTi6 over the RTi4s (mainly as I'd prefer to have the same size drivers wherever possible) as my surrounds/backs...Ive listened to both the RTi8 and RTi10s and I like both of them ....I have also contacted SVS (what awesome customer service...and I havent even bought anything yet!), who suggest the PB2-ISD or PB2+ or even the PC+ Ultra.

My budget is limited and I want to make sure I use my dollar as effectively as possible.

So, my question is, if it were your decision would you get the RTi10s + an SVS PB2-ISD or get the RTi8s + SVS PB2+ ?....I realise I'm splitting hairs here, and when all is said and done would probably be happy with any combo and I think I'm leaning towards the RTi8/PB2+ combo....but I just thought some of you people here may have experience with these combos and a little insight for me...

I listen to 50/50 music HT..music is 50% rock 50% everything else, movies 70% balls to the walls action 30% indie..I listen at medium to very loud levels.....the room is aprox 16 X 12 but I'll most likely be moving to a bigger place in the not too distant future....

anyones $ 0.02 is welcome and appreciated.

Dr. Spec

RTi8 x 2
CSi5 x 1
FXi5 x 2
RTi4 x 2
PB2+ x 1

ajstaplegun

Thanks Dr. Spec .....any reasoning behind the FXi5 / RTi4 combo versus all RTi6s ? I've not heard the FXi5 as the local Polk dealer didnt have them last time I was there..actually never heard any bipole/dipole speakers.

Dr. Spec

The FXi3 and FXi5 are specifically designed to perform the best as surrounds in a HT application.

The dipole switch (which places the two tweets out of phase) really makes them perfect for direct side surround application in a 7.1 system. For more info on the bipole/dipole design, check the Polk website.

The RTi4 is a convenient size to manage as a rear surround, no other reason than that. If you were interested in a strictly high res music application, maybe the RTi6 all round would get the nod, but not for HT. You'll be running all the speaks on small with a PB2+ in the loop anyway.

For electronics, look at the Outlaw 950/770 combo.

Sami

Originally posted by Dr. Spec
The FXi3 and FXi5 are specifically designed to perform the best as surrounds in a HT application.

How will they work for music? I was thinking of getting a pair of LSiFX for my setup but since I will be using this for DVD-A as well I think LSi7's all around will be a better setup. Especially looking at the pricetag on LSiFX.

Dr. Spec

I think in bipole mode they will work just fine, as do my 1000's for high res applications.

In dipole mode they will on occasion sound funny on music (as do my 1000's), since the two tweets would be out of phase.

The switch for the 1000's is on the face, so it's easy to change for high res. The switch on the FXi3 (for example) is on the back, in the input cup - not so easy or convenient. I don't know where the switch is for the LSiFX (hopefully on the face).

For me, the choice to use the LSiFX vice the LSi7 is easy - LSiFX hands down since it is the more versatile speaker and can do both applications very well.