7.1 vs 5.1? Advice on speaker set up?

cruiser

Need advice for my speaker setup and if the 7.1 is worth the extra pair of speakers.

Theater Room size is 16 x 23.
Front = Rti10's
Surround = ?
Surround Rear = Rti4's
Center = cs245i
Sub = psw350
Recvr = Yamaha htr 5790 110wpc
dvd = Kenwood 5900m's
tv = Mitsubishi 62725

From what I have been reading here, my Sub and Center spkrs may be a little thin with the Rti10's. Not sure if spending the dollars on new ones will net me any noticable sound. I can't say that the sky is the limit or I'd be living next door to George Lucus, but I can squeeze some average income dollars into them. Any suggestions?

ohskigod

just my .02, but i would definitly consider a beefier center channel before getting more surrounds. I think that center is probably getting a little swallowed up as is much less with 2 more surrounds.

i'd timbre match it with the csi5, but supposedly the older series match up with the new RTi series pretty well too.

cruiser

Sounds logical. What about the Lsi? Looks like it is about $190. more than the csi5. Would that be overkill or would I be set for life with the lsi? I do not want to have to upgrade again later.

If I do upgrade the center, have you heard any 7.1 systems?

McLoki

I would not get the LSi center unless you plan on upgrading your front speakers as well. Don't get me wrong, I really like my LSiC, but your center really needs to timber match your front speakers.

I would Purchase the CSi5 and move your current center to the rear center and run a 6.1 system. (then upgrade your sub, there is alot of movie sound you are missing out on)

Michael

gregure

I agree with everything that's been said, especially about getting the CSi5, it's Polk's best center speaker currently avail. I think your room could handle 7.1, but running 6.1 is a good makeshift idea. Use the current center as rear, put the 4's on the sides. Later on, you could upgrade to bipole surrounds on the side, and put the 4's in the rear. That would be optimum.
You may find you're perfectly happy with 6.1.
Agree a sub upgrade would be best.
Csi5: $480
SVS PB 10-ISD: $470 shipped.
Total: $950.
That would be a great start and do you for a good long while.

cruiser

Great idea (it'd be nice not to waste a speaker) but I am not sure how to hook up. I have the 4's wall mounted in the left rear and right rear of the room. I wired the 7.1 with the 2 additional wall mounted speakers placed between the rear and front speakers. In order to run a 6.1 should I try to get one of the LorR wires (room is finished & won't be easy) to the center rear of the room? Or can I place the old cs245i where one of the 7.1's would be?

Still thinking about the Sub. I have read alot about the Velodyne cht10 or its replacement, the dps10. How do they stack up with the SVS10's? Will the 10's be enough or is the 12's too much sound.

Went ahead and purchased the csi5 this morning.

I see that you are using the fxi3's. Buying these now might be easier than trying to run more speaker wires. Are you happy with them matching up with the Rti's?

update: Went to SVS's website, thanks for the link, learned alot.
Looking into one of their subs. I like their idea of using an old receiver to power the sub or subs. I didn't know you can use 2 Subs. Good thing I used lots of nails when I built the house and have lots of available credit on my visa.

Thanks

gregure

I've been very happy with the FXi3's. They fill my room just fine. Many on the forum would recommend the FXi 5's just for the added bass and sound projection, but I feel the 3's are plenty. If you're running into the end of your budget, going for the 3's would be a good way to save a few bucks. If you've already wired for 7.1, get the FXi's, it will be so much easier than running another cable run. Ideally, the rear center is between the two surrounds in the back of the listening position. That is the proper 6.1 setup. Putting the center on one side would not sound right at all, as the receiver will be sending it a signal that is meant to be heard from behind you.
As for the PB 10 vs. the Velodynes, I can't honestly speak to the Velodyne sound as I've never had one. However, I would hazard a guess that SVS's 10" woofer blows away Velodyne's 12". I've never heard so much power and depth from a 10" woofer until I got the PB 10. It's amazing, truly, and more than enough for movies. Shakes my whole house if turned up loud enough, and my living room is about the same size as yours with two large openings to other rooms. I don't think SVS would disappoint you at all. If you're at all concerned about that, look at a larger sub from SVS. The new PB 12 Ultra looks like a monster. It's $1200 bucks though.
For another sub that does a lot with only a 10" woofer, look at the Grotto from Martin Logan. High excursion aluminum woofer in a smallish triangular box, fits perfectly in a corner. It really shakes a room good. Doesn't quite go as low as the SVS (PB 10 rated to 18 Hz, Grotto rated to 22 Hz at -3db). What you gain with the Grotto is tight, accurate bass for movies and music, so accurate you can make out every bass note in a rock recording if you're listening for it. Plus, it's a sealed box, so the roll off isn't as steep or immediate as a ported sub. It's $1000. Check it out a local dealer if you can. My understanding is that many Best Buys around the country have opened a Magnolia Home Theater section, which should have a Grotto on display. If not, you can still order one from them. Great sub.

cruiser

Took your advice on the fxi3's. Crutchfields rep agreed that the 3's will do a great job and I may not notice much of a difference between the two when using them for the middle 7.1 speakers.

Still working on a sub. Impressed with the SVS product reviews. SVS rep is suggesting the pb12 Plus for about $900.. I wonder if that will be over kill. I may have to wait awhile if I go the extra dollars. Not sure about the Grotto. Sounds interesting.

I have a feeling I am going to spring for the sub soon. I sense I will be disappointed with the new center and i3's if I do not replace the sub.

Thanks for the advice.