looking for some education, new to Polk and HT

olilugo

Hi all,

I just purchased enough speakers for a 5.1 system.
RTi6 for L and R (mains ?)
CSi3 Center
FXi3 surround
Velodyne 3750 Subwoofer
Pioneer 812K receiver - I will change it as soon as pioneer supports 1.3a hdmi
Panasonic dvds53k dvd with 1.3a support
Sony KDSA602020


Question(s)
everywhere I read efficiency is quoted example Rti6 89 db, when I look at my receiver and other receivers I notice volume goes backwards, meaning they start at -X in volumne and they go towards 0 or +X volume.
What is the relationship between the receiver volume and the decibel levels - how do I really read volume?

The next question is more about the speaker components: I am very pleased with the RTi6, and the FXi3, I am even very please with the sub. however I notice the csi3 does not have enough volumne to it, meaning the music seams to overpower people talking Not much but enough for me to notice.

the dvd is connected via digital coax to the receiver, the speakers are set to 0db for Land R and surround, the sub is -2db and the center is +2db, and it seams to work a bit better. the room size is 16x19 (WxL).
Ok finaly the question: do you all think that moving to the CSi5 will make any difference. or can a twik something on my current settup.

Thanks in advance

gvg45

olilugo wrote: »

Question(s)

The next question is more about the speaker components: I am very pleased with the RTi6, and the FXi3, I am even very please with the sub. however I notice the csi3 does not have enough volumne to it, meaning the music seams to overpower people talking Not much but enough for me to notice.

the dvd is connected via digital coax to the receiver, the speakers are set to 0db for Land R and surround, the sub is -2db and the center is +2db, and it seams to work a bit better. the room size is 16x19 (WxL).
Ok finaly the question: do you all think that moving to the CSi5 will make any difference. or can a twik something on my current settup.

Thanks in advance

I would suggest that you invest into a SPL Meter to calibrate all speakers in your set-up. Radio Shack sells good meters (both digital & analog) for a very reasonable price (~$50). I would be willing to bet once you get all channels/speakers calibrated evenly, the CSi3 will sound much better.

danger boy

no one says you can't raise the volume on your center channel speaker.. you'll find that even after proper calibration.. the center channel speaker which carries nearly all of the dialog, needs to be cranked up higher than the left and right fronts.. mine is.. +2 over the left and right..

engtaz

5.1,6.1, and 7.1 HT dialog will make center loudest. Just calibrate with a spl meter and your system will be set. Sit where you are going to sit regularly and cal with the SPL (sound pressure level) meter. The sub is a different story. Adjust per taste. I adjust it differently for movie and music.
Good Luck,

Try Radio Shack for a meter. SPL meters really are a must have for HT.

olilugo

Thanks guys for all the replies.
Well after doing lots of tuning and experimenting with the receiver calibration settings. I finaly went and bought the CSI5, I fugure I can always return it.

Bottom line, the CSI5 is a keep. for all the components, room size, and the kind of speakers I wanted to have (bookshelf size) for a 5.1 setup.
my set up sound excellent.
Mains - RTi6
Center - CSi5
surround - fxi3
sub - Velodyne dls 3750

cfrizz

Congrats! And welcome to Club Polk!

gvg45

The CSi5 is a great center. I have been throwing the idea around myself of getting one.

I still think you should invest in a SPL meter at radio shack to get everything just perfect.:)