Need quick help with Center Channel selection - please

irup4u
irup4u Posts: 2
edited January 2008 in Speakers
I have the RTi8 and am now looking for a center channel. I was told that I should get the CSi5 but its no longer available anywhere.

Please advise what center channel would be a good match to the the RTi8 s. I am trying to stay under $300

Also, would you recommend in favor or against buying a floor sample for a center channel.

The speakers are for an open room. Please let me know if you need any more information.

I am a newbie and you help is appreciated.
Post edited by irup4u on
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Comments

  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,220
    edited January 2008
    Welcome to Club Polk!

    The CSi5 is going to be the best match for the RTi8. You could always get the new equivalent (CSi A6), and it will work fine, but I would still try to get the CSi5 if at all possible.

    Have you checked all the online outlets such as Crutchfield etc.? Otherwise, you'll find one eventually on craigslist.com or e-Bay or here (in the Flea Market section). In the meantime, you could set up your receiver to use a phantom center effect (set the center to NONE).
    Alea jacta est!
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  • mjwilliams45
    mjwilliams45 Posts: 18
    edited January 2008
    i have the csi5 with my rti8's and it is an excellent combination, and you are right it is an elusive buy now. I heard the csi3 is very compatible also, but I haven't heard it myself. They are available for as low as $149.00, pick it up for now until you can find the csi5. You can always sell it.
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  • irup4u
    irup4u Posts: 2
    edited January 2008
    Thanks Guys.

    I have found a floor model CSi5 for less than $300. Thats the best I can find right now.

    IMPORTANT Q - Any issues buying a floor model and is the price appropriate?
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  • Gizmo99
    Gizmo99 Posts: 169
    edited January 2008
    irup4u wrote: »
    Thanks Guys.

    I have found a floor model CSi5 for less than $300. Thats the best I can find right now.

    IMPORTANT Q - Any issues buying a floor model and is the price appropriate?

    just curious, where did you find the CSI5 for less than 500
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR805
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
    Front: LSI15
    Center: LSIC
    Sourround: FxiA4
    Rear: Fxi3
    Sub: Bic H100
    TV: Sony 52' XBR4


    "The more time you spend researching here, the less money you will have" :D
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    I would just check to make sure the drivers & tweeter are working & make sure it isn't scratched up. Otherwise you are good to go.

    As for the price, I wouldn't worry about it since if you let this one go, it might be a long time before you find another at a lower price.

    Welcome to Club Polk Irup4u!
    irup4u wrote: »
    Thanks Guys.

    I have found a floor model CSi5 for less than $300. Thats the best I can find right now.

    IMPORTANT Q - Any issues buying a floor model and is the price appropriate?
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • jazzisnumberone
    jazzisnumberone Posts: 53
    edited January 2008
    IMHO Polk CS400i is the center of choice. I've had mine( and the accompanying RTA 12C's) for years and the sound quality is superb. Actually scary at times.
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  • mojo_13
    mojo_13 Posts: 22
    edited January 2008
    Ya I think that crutchfield has the csi3 right now for 150 if you wanted to go in that direction.
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  • john22614
    john22614 Posts: 214
    edited January 2008
    Yeah, the CS400i is a great center....but it weighs a tun! Mine was making a bend in my entertainment shelf, so I gave it to my daughter and got the LSIc. Love 'em both. There is no problem getting a floor model if it's in good working condition. The high end Polk centers are built like tanks.
    B&W 804s mains
    B&W HTM4 center
    Polk PSW 1000 sub
    Outlaw 990 Pre Amp
    Anthem MCA 30 Amp
    Monitor Radius 180 surrounds
    Audiosource Stereo Amp for surrounds
    Denon 2910 Universal DVD/SACD Player
    Comcast DVR
    Pioneer Elite 42" Plasma 940 HD
    Harmony Universal Remote
    Blue Jeans interconnects and biwires
    Itunes Air Express
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2008
    Did you grab the CSi5? I was very happy when I owned mine and that price is decent.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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