Advice about moving from R series to RTI series

djc9

I currently have a Yamaha HTR-6090 powering a R series 7.1 setup (R50 fronts, R300 side surrounds, R15 back surrounds, CSi25 center, and BIC H-100 subwoofer) in a very large room with vaulted ceilings that connects to every room of the house (approx. 1800 sqft). I purchased every component besides the BIC from frys.com

I've been meaning to jump on any deals to upgrade to RTi's for awhile for my 100% HT setup and my local Fry's is running a deal with $199 RTi8 per speaker, $249 RTi6 per pair, and $149 RTi4 per pair. These are below online listed prices (JR, onsale) and while I pay tax, I save on shipping and uncertainty of damage.

Anyone have any input on my priorities if I cannot upgrade every speaker right now due to financial restraints? I will upgrade my center to a CSi5 at some point. I'm figuring that the fronts should be my priorities, so if I can afford one single upgrade, I should get the RTi8's and piecemeal the rest of the setup as I can afford it. I am also thinking with my room, that the 6's would not be sufficient as fronts as much as that would save me money. I can also bi-amp the front's because I'm leaning towards a 5.1 versus a 7.1 setup if this matters.

There won't be a local Fry's with these deals all the time, in fact, it's the first time in two years I've seen the RTi series on sale at my Fry's and this particular sale ends tomorrow.

I'm pretty happy with the way my HT setup sounds, but with the lossless sound coming from HD-DVD and Blu-ray...well you know.

Thanks in advance.

Ron Temple

If possible, I'd recommend getting the LCR now...the reason...once the RTis are gone, they'll be gone and the RTiAs, at full price, will be your only available option. Frys stays within Polk's pricing guidelines for all lines other than the Rs. The current discounted RTi pricing is being offered by all authorized Polk dealers. You're going to like the upgrade, just don't wait too long to complete it.

daboyz

I probably am not much different from you on my great room except I've got about 600 more square feet. I'd get the Rti8's and the Csi5 if possible. What you're missing now you won't be then. Then, try to get the 4's and 6's used here. Stick around and join in the fun around here. You'll learn alot and patience will reward you when the other speaks you need pop up in the FM.

I've bought all my speakers but my 8's here(THANKS DOUG) at great prices. Great people with great gear at great prices.

Dave

daboyz

Oh, one more thing, GREAT is the word of the day:D

engtaz

RTi front and CSi5 center get my vote.

engtaz

djc9

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be getting the 8's tomorrow. If I can convince the wife.

I have more time for the 4's and 6's since I see those locally on craigslist and the prices at JR and onecall aren't that much more.

Plus all cherry will be nice.

djc9

Regarding 4 vs. 6 for surround:

I read on AVS and the Polk website that with an RTi8/CSi5 combo, the recommended surrounds are FXi3. How much stock should I put into that?

If I'm keeping a 7.1 system, then my best bet would be 6 as SS and 4 as RS?

If I'm doing a 5.1 system, then my best bet would be 6 as SS?

I'm clearly looking at the lower price of the 4's, right now I'm using the R300's as SS's on 18" Dayton stands. Filled with sand, those suckers do not move easily, despite all the traffic from large canines, the cleaning crew, and impaired guests. I imagine with either the 4/6's I'd have to get new stands and risk damage due to the smaller size. The room is not designed well for wallmounts.

This is mostly for future planning, since I cannot do the current Fry's sale on these speakers but hopefully I will be able to pick them up later.

Thanks in advance. You guys are incredibly helpful, I don't know what I'd do without CP and AVS.

daboyz

Right now I'm using 6's as the surrounds and they are sweeeeeet. I'm hopefully getting the Fxi5's tomorrow so I'll let you know how that goes. If you're getting or have the 8's and Csi5 then I'd get the Fxi5's and stick to a 5channel. All your speaks would have the same size drivers and tweets. You will not be disappointed and have that urge to upgrade.

If more DVD's come out that support 7 channel come out, then worry about adding the extra speaks.

Ron Temple

Whether it's the FXi5s or the 6s...there's something about having all your speakers closely timbre matched that will elevate the experience. I've had mismatched and matched systems with the goal being matched. It keeps getting better until you get to the point of matching drivers and tweeters...then...wow.