Match for RTi100

janmike

I have the chance to purchase 2 RTi38's and a a CSi3 centre. Will this be a good fit with the current 2 RTi100's. Thanks to all the experts.
Still confused!

F1nut

Yes, as they all use the same tweeter, so everything is voice matched.

myork

Doesn't the csi3 have a different tweeter? The csi30 would be the ideal match for your setup.

That being said, I upgraded my fronts to rti10s, and I still have the cs245i center with the tri lam tweeter, and the difference is not that great. I would think the difference between the csi3 and the csi30 would be even less since they both use silk dome tweeters, albeit different ones.

F1nut

According to Polk they both use a 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Dynamic Balance silk/polymer composite dome, shielded. They are in different housing, but appear to be of the same build.

sowen010599

According to "my ears", the CSi3 and the CSi5 are a bit brighter than the CSi30's and 40's.

If it were me, I'd look around for a CSi40. It'd match the 100's nicely, and so would the RTi38's.

janmike

Would the CSi5 be a viable solution. Lots of good advice. Thanks
Michael

fort

Use CSi40. It would be seamless. If you can't find find a CSi40, try a pair of RTi38's as center (connected using a speaker selector such as the Monster's, with the Amplifier Protection set to ON, and you need to raise your center level a little higher). The 38's have better bass response than CSi40.

Codey

I'm pretty sure the reason he's asking about the CSi5 is because he can buy one for $374.99 canadian, but the sale ends today.

Airplay355

the tweeter in the csi3 and 5 is not the same as the csi30 and csi40. there is a vifa tweeter in the newer models, not the same vifa that is in the lsi line but still a vifa. they arent voice matched exactly but you probably wouldnt be too upset with how it sounded. if you can return the speaker then why not take it home and try it out, if it sucks then bring it back.

janmike

Thanks for the info, very useful. If I could go buy the speakerm try it out and then take it back, I would do that. The store is a 2 hour plane ride. My big decision is the CSi5 or try to find a CSi40. Hmm!

Michael

F1nut

Ok, one way to know for sure, call Polk on Monday and ask them about the tweeters because they appear to be the same to me.

Airplay355

heres how the tweeter is described on the rti70 page

"1" silk/polymer composite dome tweeters for clear, detailed highs. "

and on the rti8 page
"The new RTi Tweeter
uses a heat sink on the
Neodymium magnet for
superior heat dissipation,
power handling and reliability. "

1" silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnets for clear, detailed highs; heat-sinked for superior heat dissipation, power handling and reliability.


i'm not trying to be an ****, just showing that the tweeters are different, and aren't voice matched.

janmike,
is there a store close by that you can get a csi5 from? buy it, see if you like it and then return it later. even if you do like it, you can still return it and buy whichever one is cheaper.

janmike

Airplay55,

Go get 1 or 2 or try them out. I wish.

The closest store is in Edmonton. That is 900 miles away. Sure drive there someone said. If you look at a map you will see that there is no interstate between the two. This is rugged country, gravel roads and then we cross the MacKenzie River after we get all the buffalo aff the road. Oh, did I mention the temperature was -36C just north of Yellowknife. It's not Toronto or Vancouver or Boston. Airfare is VERY expensive. To fly a CSi5 from Edmonton to Yellowknife, Future Shop wanted $499. The CSi5 costs less than the airfare. I have just purchased a pair of RTi38's and now need to compliment with a centre channel.

Did I make a mistake purchasing the pair of RTi38's to compliment my current RTi100's. God and Polk only know.

I have e-mailed the Polk experts and will post their results when I receive them.

Thanks for all the advise folks.

Michael

F1nut

Airplay, I don't think you're trying to be a **** and neither am I. I only posted what Polk has listed on the spec page for both centers. The only thing that matters is that Michael gets the right center channel and that's why I suggested he contact Polk directly because it doesn't seem to me to be perfectly clear.

Michael, the RTi38 is the bigger brother to the RTi28, you'll be fine.

Sami

I have a single RTi70 that would be a perfect match for the 100's. I was using it as a centre for RTi150's. Have room for a tower centre?

Airplay355

like f1nut said the rti38's are fine...and are voice matched better then the csi5 would be. you're fine.

janmike

I posted this under another Thread by mistake. Thanks for all the help folks.


For what it is worth, I presented the following question to the people at Polk:

Can you tell which of the following centre channel speakers would be the BEST match with my current equipment.

CURRENT EQUIPMENT:
2 - RTi100\'s
2 - RTi38\'s (Brand New as of Nov/22/04)

CHANNEL SPEAKERSLooking to purchase)
CSi30
CSi40
CSi3
CSi5

I am attempting to match (buy) the best channel to fit with my RTi100\'s & RTi38\'s.

THE RESPONSE:

Michael,
I would recommend purchasing the CSi40. This center channel speakers uses the exact same size drivers and tweeter that both the RTi100 and RTi38's use. This would be the best sonic match for these speakers. Option #2 would be to consider the CSi5.

I guess I'm now looking for a CSi40 in excellent condition.
Thanks everyone, it was fun & educational. Once I have all the equipment, then I need to determine how best to connect everything and what type of cable to use. Looking forward to it.

Merry Christmas to ALL
Michael

janmike

I still need 2 additional speakers to complete my 7.1 sound system. Would I be better buying 2 additional RTi38's or should I go with 2 FXi30's or Fxi50's.
Thanks.

janmike

Well, I could have waited for the CSi40 to appear and probably will see one after I post this message. I purchased a CSi5 as a centre for my RTi100's & RTi38's. According to Polk, the CSi5 is the replacement for the CSi40, so I think I will be ok. Thanks for all the help folks. And Jesse, thanks bud-You helped make it happen the way I wanted.

On another NOTE: How bout those Canadian Jr. Hockey Players. Talk about kicking BUTT BIG TIME. GO CANADA GO!

Dannieboiz

I see that you purchased the CSI5 for the RTi100. I just saw one for an irrestible price @ a local ciruit city but I didn't take the bite yet. Was wondering how you like it with your RTi100? Did it match? I currently have the CS245i

HEre's what I have

RTi100
FX500i
CS245i

HK AVR500

janmike

I have not rec'd the speaker yet, but should have it perhaps in a week or so. I'll let you know what I think. There are plenty on eBay with some decent prices. I paid $285 brand new. Are you unhappy with the CS245i?