Should I replace my CSI40 with CSI5?

enoga

HI. Just bought a pair of LXi3 surrounds to complement my recently purchased RTi8 mains. I have had a CSi40 as a center for a few years and have been quite happy with it. (That was my first Polk and I bought it after trying a few others because it best matched my Sound Dynamics I had at the time). I know that the CSi40 is not timber matched to the RTi series but honestly I can only tell a difference when I run the receiver’s test tones, otherwise it all sound good to me. A better match would be a CSi5 but as it is in about the same price category as the CSi40 I wonder if there would be any benefit in buying it. Has anybody compared the two? I suppose the best would be to get one and try it but I thought I might get some advice from some real Polk conesours

dkg999

I would suggest matching the tweeters in your front soundstage, so yes my opinion is you should get the CSi5. I have both the CSi5 and CSi40 in two different HT system. The CSi5 is more open sounding, and does a better job at dispersing the center channel. With that said, I still find the CSi40 (and that series of Polk speakers) to have a better overall sound quality, but that is my personal opinion. The CSi5/RTi4-6-8-10-12 series just seem to get a little bright for my taste.

Mike Reeter

dkg999 wrote: »

I would suggest matching the tweeters in your front soundstage, so yes my opinion is you should get the CSi5. I have both the CSi5 and CSi40 in two different HT system. The CSi5 is more open sounding, and does a better job at dispersing the center channel. With that said, I still find the CSi40 (and that series of Polk speakers) to have a better overall sound quality, but that is my personal opinion. The CSi5/RTi4-6-8-10-12 series just seem to get a little bright for my taste.

I could'nt have said it any better,I used to have RTi70's as mains and a CSi40.

I got a very deal on a pair of RTi12's and also picked up a CSi5 to go with them.

A good combination,but a little too bright at times.

I've been tempted more than once to go back to my previous set up.

dkg999

I have RTi70's as mains, and dual CSi40's as the center channel. Very nice sounding. I'll be experimenting with an LSi front sound stage shortly.

Mike Reeter

dkg999 wrote: »

I have RTi70's as mains, and dual CSi40's as the center channel. Very nice sounding. I'll be experimenting with an LSi front sound stage shortly.

LSi's would be also be my choice on an HT set-up...but I just can't stand the tariff:D

enoga

I see, it almost sounds like I should be looking for a pair of RTi70's and keep my CSi40! Well I think I might wait for a sale on the CSi5 and pick one up. The content is almost 95% movies BTW. Thanks for your suggestions guys.

Mike Reeter

I'm not knocking the CSi5,it does a great job as the "center" of your soundtrack...I just wish the tweeters in the current RTi line were a tad bit more laid back.

"Very detailed" has been discribed as their sound...bright is my word.

cfrizz

Since you can only tell the difference with test tones, save your money & keep what you've got.

Welcome to CP Enoga.

droid56

Is there any chance the RTi A speakers, when they arrive, might feature a less bright sound? And will they timber match the older RTi's?

Mike Reeter

From the pictures I've seen,the drivers all look indentical to the current RTi's.

Difference "appears" to be in the cabinets only.

brian29

enoga wrote: »

HI. Just bought a pair of LXi3 surrounds to complement my recently purchased RTi8 mains. I have had a CSi40 as a center for a few years and have been quite happy with it. (That was my first Polk and I bought it after trying a few others because it best matched my Sound Dynamics I had at the time). I know that the CSi40 is not timber matched to the RTi series but honestly I can only tell a difference when I run the receiver’s test tones, otherwise it all sound good to me. A better match would be a CSi5 but as it is in about the same price category as the CSi40 I wonder if there would be any benefit in buying it. Has anybody compared the two? I suppose the best would be to get one and try it but I thought I might get some advice from some real Polk conesours

If you want to sell the csi40 let me know...I have the Rti38's from a few years back and the Csi40 is the match for them...I have been using the Csi5 and it also seems to match them even though the tweeter is different...Also, I had emailed Polk and they said that the Csi5 would be a match for the older Rti's. If I cant find a CSi40 to buy then I may just sell my RTi38's, CSi30, and 4 FXi30's and get the newer RTI 12's and FXi5's.

***ENOGA, PM me if you are interested***

Take care,
Brian