Center channel help

Ultiman

Hi guys, after the responses I received from my last post, I think I'll be going with the Rti4s for my fronts with R15s as surrounds. I would like to get the CSi3 for center, but it's too big . Is there another center that would sound good with the Rti4s that is a bit smaller? I have an opening 18" wide (CSi3 is 20" according to specs). Thanks for the help!

chrisrud15

Not sure about a good center that is smaller in size but i would recommend spending a little more on your surrounds. The Rti4's are in a whole "nother" league than the R15's. Look at some dipole/bipole Polk speakers (Fxi 3 or 5). Much better match.

*Seby*-Polk-

Maybe the CS1 is the better central for your system. It's the low end model of Polk..Ok YES...but sounds GREAT. Very clean, loud and detailed. In other words, better than lot of central speaker of other brands (Like JBL or Klipsch)

listen if you can and enjoy it. No dissapointing

chrisrud15

I have the CS1 and it sounds great... but i think is bigger than what he is looking for.

*Seby*-Polk-

Mmmm...maybe. A question...you connect your system with optical or coaxial cable..??? What recommend to me ???

chrisrud15

Optical. I bought the one from CC. Monster is way overpriced and the ones at CC are just as good and half the price. Here is a description of which audio and video cables are supposed to be the best

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?guideID=1043363787291&categoryRep=cat03000&type=page&cmp=&id=cat12077

*Seby*-Polk-

The hell with monster....VERY overpriced...here, is a madness. You're right.

Ultiman

The CS1 seems to be just the right size...it looks like it is 18" wide. I guess the main question would be, is it going to work fine with the Rti4s or should I just stick with getting some R15s for fronts and surrounds and get a CSi25 for the center?

Thanks!

*Seby*-Polk-

For me, works great with RTi4. Also, i tested this center with Monitor 40 and R-15 and sounds great. Obviously sounds better in Mon.40, but if you consider the quality of RTi series of Polk, i think that works perfect with RTi'4.

Bye

okiepolkie

I'd stick with the CSi3. It is timbre matched with the rest of your planned front stage. In most cases, you will not have too much center channel.

You will also be happier in the long run going with the RTi/CSi series over the Monitor and R series. Overall, they are just better speakers.

If it is a matter of money, just get a couple things at a time until you have a system that you will be happy with for quite some time.

BTW, can't remember if it has already been mentioned, but welcome to the forum.

kingsqueak

I agree, match your front 3 and wait to get the rest when you have the cash. I have the CSi3 and I'm very happy with it. Front 3 and the sub is where you should put the cash for sure if you are short to start with.

Ultiman

Thanks for the tips. It's not necessarily a money issue, but a space issue. The CSi3 is 20" wide (this is a big center speaker) and the opening I have in my entertainment unit is only 18" wide (hence the CS1 or CSi25). With this in mind, would I be better off just using R15s since it would be timbre matched with a CSi25 or possibly a CS1?

okiepolkie

Look at getting a single RTi4(12" H x 7") or a single RTi6(14-3/4" H x 7-3/4") for a center channel. Either of these speakers will have a narrower footprint than the center channel, but approximately the same height(CSi3: 6-7/8" H x 20")

If you need one of these singles, there might be someone willing to work something out with you.

GATOR3000

Get 3 pairs of Rti4's and setup 6.1 configuration. Use one Rti4 as a centre and the other Rti4 as surround single back. The Csi3 would be a lot better, but if you are strapped for space the Rti4 should be fine.

Ultiman

3 pairs of the Rti4s would be out of my price range...that and I think using an Rti4 as a center would look a little strange in my rectangular opening ~19" wide X 12" tall. I think it still boils down to, would a CS1, CSi25, (or other?) still sound ok with the Rti4s or should I just scrap that idea completely and match some R15s with a CSi25? (Not to be repetitive, but that is the real crux of my issue). Wish I had 2 more inches to make the CSi3 fit...:(

okiepolkie

Since going all Monitors in the front wasn't mentioned as your one of your most recent options, go with the R15's and CSi25 for your front stage. You won't have the sound quality or build quality of the Rti series, but it will still be good sound.

*Seby*-Polk-

okiepolkie wrote:

Since going all Monitors in the front wasn't mentioned as your one of your most recent options, go with the R15's and CSi25 for your front stage. You won't have the sound quality or build quality of the Rti series, but it will still be good sound.

Agreed. I think the R-15 or Monitor 30 (same performance) is great instead are consider "low-end" of Polk. You save bucks and got a similar quality of RTi bookshelf's series.

Willow

*Seby*-Polk- wrote:

Agreed. I think the R-15 or Monitor 30 (same performance) is great instead are consider "low-end" of Polk. You save bucks and got a similar quality of RTi bookshelf's series.

I wouldn't say the Rs are similar to the rti's at all.

I say if you can, get the rti4s you won't kick yourself in the **** later down the line. Just buy your mains, the ones you actually want, then whne you have more $$ buy your rears.

Ultiman

I am really starting to lean towards the RTi4s as they really seem like a good, quality speaker for the price. I'll just have to brainstorm a bit more about that center channel speaker...

Ultiman

Oh the struggles of space constraints...since the Csi3 won't fit in my center tv stand, maybe I can get a shelf or something to put under the tv that is a little over 20" wide so I could fit a Csi3 under the tv? My wife is a bit hesitant...would I truly regret using a CS1 (or CSi25) instead of a CSi3?

*Seby*-Polk-

Buy a CS1. You won't be dissapointed

EricBurg

My advice is to get the best center channel you can and try and match the same size/type of drivers all the way around. The center channel is responsible for reproducing most of the sounds you hear in a movie track, making it probably the most important speaker in a surround setup. Given all that, I understand that you have space/budget restraints, so I would personally get the best center that meets your needs and then buy the speakers that match. Same driver size, tweeter and enclosure build. Look for something with moderate bass extension, since a good sub will handle most needs below 60 hz anyway. Think about other placements for the speaker like below the tv or on a stand or even building a shelf that extends out from where you are wanting to place the center. And, most importantly, go listen to the speakers you are considering and see which ones have a sound you can live with.

Eric

*Seby*-Polk-

The central channel must be a complement for the rest of your speakers. This is the true. if you have a Monitor 50 system with monitor 30, take a CS1.
If you have a Monitor 70 system with Mon.40, take a CS2. For RTi's 10/12 take a CSi5, if have a LSi's take a LSiC.

Not combine a pair of R-15's with a LSiC or a pair of LSi 15 with CS1 .... Try it