Newbie trying to timbre match a CS350

Highway_26

Can anyone help me with suggestions on what would be the best front l+r match for a CS350 center. I've read so much about voice matching the last few days my head is ready to explode. I would like to avoid floor standing models, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

shaddai

Highway,

I'm going to throw some options at you but it may take a little digging. Since you named a "vintage" center channel, I'll first give you the "vintage" option:

There was a bookshelf made by Polk called the RT7 which has the same exact tweeter as in your CS350. As of today, I didn't find any listings on EBAY for it so try the forum marketplace.

I know you didn't care for floorstanders but RT16 would also do the job.

Concerning newer bookshelves, you can probably go with RT55i, RT35i, and RT25i. These might be your best option since they are more modern and will be easier to find either in stores (as clearance items) or on EBAY. As a matter of fact, the RT55i is on EBAY and the auction ends in about 3 days!

Your center channel is quite powerful. Just make sure you are happy with the performance of the potential output of the bookshelves before you commit. Good luck!

amulford

You want speakers that have the Trilaminate tweeter. Thaey will be silver like the one on the center you have. These would be speakers in the RTxx(x) and RTxx(x)i series. The RTixx's are not a match. Try to find the non "i" series if possible, for they are the perfect match, as they have the same constuction of mid drivers. Try RT7, RT25, RT38, RT55.

Nice center you have, I have two of them. My HT is built around the Trilam. But alas, if anything happens, you will not be able to replace it, for they no longer have them:(

okiepolkie

Here are some RT7's on audioigon. They seem a little high, but the stands should add a little value to them.RT7's

I would probably go with the RT55's there instead.
RT55's

Highway_26

Thanks a bunch for the help/suggestions, I think I'll try and get the RT55's either from audiogon or ebay.

Here's another question. I've heard that it's good to use the exact brand and model of speaker in a HT setup to keep uniformity. So, would it be ideal to continue the RT55's throughout and use them for the l+r surrounds and the l+r surround backs in a 7.1 setup?

scornful

RT55's are kick butt big little speakers. I'd look over the LS line as well.

okiepolkie

If you can get pairs of RT55's, then go for it. I'm actually looking for a pair myselft to help setup a friend's home theater. We started looking at all new stuff, but the RT55's are a much better speaker for price than some of the current offerings. Good luck with your hunt.

Zach

shaddai

Highway,

In an ideal world, you would want every speaker in a surround system to be the same for seamless 360 deg sound. The reason why most setups are not like this is because of how soundtracks have been recorded up until now. In movies, most dialogue comes from the center channel and the entire front soundstage (including the 2 mains) makes up approximately 60-75% of all the sound you will hear. The rears only output the occasional effect. Knowing this, now you know why most people put more money into the center and mains whereas the rears are usually a little cheaper. In terms of music, unless you will be playing SACD or DVD-Audio, the same rules apply as above except now the mains are even more important, especially for pure stereo sound (and the reason why some prefer floor-standing mains).

If you will be playing hi-def audio like SACD, DVD-Audio, or even up-mixed Dolby Prologic, then get the same high quality speakers all around as suggested by others. If you only care for stereo music and the occasional movie watching, then it's ok for your mains to be higher quality than the rears (normally the mains will have a larger mid-range and/or woofer but same size and material tweeter as the surrounds). What it boils down to is: What amount of time will be spent on DVD movies and/or music and what type of music? Hope this helps in your decision making.

Highway_26

Thanks again to everyone who gave advice /opinions, I really appreciate it. I definitely have a better idea about what I need to make all this work. Thanks again.