Center speaker upgrade question?

ckpiv

I currentyly have a RM7200 system with two additional RM3300 speakers for the rear for a 7.1 system. I was thinking of upgrading the center speaker and was wondering what would be the best choice for the RM7200's. Would the CSI5 be an overkill?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

EricH

You center channel is the heart and soul of your HT system. You can never have too nice of a center speaker. I think a CSi5 would be a great addition, and maybe down the line you can upgrade your other speakers to match it. Check out this post by Mark Seaton from HTF and notice where the center channel rates:

My own method of ground-up planning of system components is as follows:

1) Consider the requirements of the space and who will use it.
2) Find a way to use the best center channel I can given space and budget restraints while meeting or hopefully exceeding performance desires. -adding a second subwoofer may be a logical upgrade down the road if the budget doesn't allow for the performance really justified, but be sure to get an idea of what you would like to end up with down the road and plan to get there!
3) Select a subwoofer solution which makes sense relative to the performance capabilities of the center channel for the given room/space.
4) Select L & R speakers to match the center.
5) Select Processor and Amplification (receiver or othewise) appropriate for the speakers and setup within the budget. -Realistic power requirements need to be considered in #1, where an upgrade in power can be factored in for the future.
6) Determine what you would ideally like to have as surrounds, and then figure out what you can do with the budget for now.

To sum up, first determine what might slightly exceed your current goals, and set yourself on a path to get there, making intelligent compromises initially to fit the budget. It is much cheaper to assemble something in stages with minor upgrades than it is to start all over again.

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Mark Seaton
Sound Physics Labs / ServoDrive

jarros

Originally posted by EricH
You center channel is the heart and soul of your HT system. You can never have too nice of a center speaker. I think a CSi5 would be a great addition, and maybe down the line you can upgrade your other speakers to match it. Check out this post by Mark Seaton from HTF and notice where the center channel rates:

My own method of ground-up planning of system components is as follows:

1) Consider the requirements of the space and who will use it.
2) Find a way to use the best center channel I can given space and budget restraints while meeting or hopefully exceeding performance desires. -adding a second subwoofer may be a logical upgrade down the road if the budget doesn't allow for the performance really justified, but be sure to get an idea of what you would like to end up with down the road and plan to get there!
3) Select a subwoofer solution which makes sense relative to the performance capabilities of the center channel for the given room/space.
4) Select L & R speakers to match the center.
5) Select Processor and Amplification (receiver or othewise) appropriate for the speakers and setup within the budget. -Realistic power requirements need to be considered in #1, where an upgrade in power can be factored in for the future.
6) Determine what you would ideally like to have as surrounds, and then figure out what you can do with the budget for now.

To sum up, first determine what might slightly exceed your current goals, and set yourself on a path to get there, making intelligent compromises initially to fit the budget. It is much cheaper to assemble something in stages with minor upgrades than it is to start all over again.

---

Mark Seaton
Sound Physics Labs / ServoDrive

This sounds like an excellent plan. And welcome to the Polk forums, ckpiv!

I might be able to help make the upgrade a little easier. I'm looking for a rear center channel to add to my system to give me 6.1 surround sound on a budget. If you're interested in selling the center channel when you replace it, I'd love to take it off your hands!

Jared