Cherry + Black finish
Hi all,
I just wanted to get everyone's opinion about mismatching the finish on speakers for the fronts and center. I'm sure there are many people here that have seen both the cherry finish and the black finish on the mid to high end polks.
I was able to pick up a RTi8 in cherry finish. I was planning on matching that with a cherry CSi3, but upon more research I would like to go with the CSi5. Well, the only CSi5 I can find are black. Do you think it will look bad if I mixed the cherry RTi8 with black CSi5?
I just wanted to get everyone's opinion about mismatching the finish on speakers for the fronts and center. I'm sure there are many people here that have seen both the cherry finish and the black finish on the mid to high end polks.
I was able to pick up a RTi8 in cherry finish. I was planning on matching that with a cherry CSi3, but upon more research I would like to go with the CSi5. Well, the only CSi5 I can find are black. Do you think it will look bad if I mixed the cherry RTi8 with black CSi5?
Post edited by SangYuP on
Comments
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Depends on how much of it you can see. In my case my Center is in the entertainment center on a shelf above the TV, and with the front grill on, you really can't tell what the veneer is unless you really look. For the record I have the same veneer on my center as my fronts.
Actually the Polk LSi Series Right and Left channel speakers have wood trim, but the center does not So there ya go.
Its all about aesthetics.
____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Why don't you just go with the Csi A6 in cherry? They are very similar -- some might say almost identical. I know for sure that people on this forum are using them in place of the Csi5 because they are basically the new model version of the Csi5.MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s -
Depends on how much of it you can see. In my case my Center is in the entertainment center on a shelf above the TV, and with the front grill on, you really can't tell what the veneer is unless you really look. For the record I have the same veneer on my center as my fronts.
Actually the Polk LSi Series Right and Left channel speakers have wood trim, but the center does not So there ya go.
Its all about aesthetics.
The CSi5 will go directly on top of my TV which is exposed. There will be no hiding the center especially due to its huge size. The fronts will be pretty close to the center as well. The fronts are probably 6' apart with the center resting on top of the TV so it will be noticeable. -
Depends on how much of it you can see. In my case my Center is in the entertainment center on a shelf above the TV, and with the front grill on, you really can't tell what the veneer is unless you really look. For the record I have the same veneer on my center as my fronts.
Actually the Polk LSi Series Right and Left channel speakers have wood trim, but the center does not So there ya go.
Its all about aesthetics.
mmadden,
I see that you have the RTi10 with the CSi a6 center. Does that center match with the older RTi10? I remember reading that the new CSia series are different than the older series so I was wondering if they are a perfect match like the RTi and CSi series. -
Why don't you just go with the Csi A6 in cherry? They are very similar -- some might say almost identical. I know for sure that people on this forum are using them in place of the Csi5 because they are basically the new model version of the Csi5.
I would love the newer CSi A6, but that is way over my budget. I was actually planning on getting the CSi3, but my wife let me get the Csi5 for $250 total. The CSi A6 is $400 which I cannot afford. -
mmadden,
I see that you have the RTi10 with the CSi a6 center. Does that center match with the older RTi10? I remember reading that the new CSia series are different than the older series so I was wondering if they are a perfect match like the RTi and CSi series.
Actually I have the RTi12s, but yes I am using the CSiA6 instead of the CSi5 The CSiA6 Cherry is not an exact finish/veneer match as NewHTguy mentioned, however its pretty close, and as I said, at least in my case, its not very noticeable. Even if my center were more or even fully visible, I'd have to say it would be difficult to tell that there is a difference in the finish between the old and new, unless you really looked. I think the new line is a shade darker or less red. The biggest difference I think, would be the fact that old the lineup has silver fronts, while the newer ones have the veneer on the fronts as well. Not an issue if you'll keep the grills on, but would be obvious if you prefer to run with the grills off.
I have not had any issues with the center not properly matching the mains acoustically.____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I would love the newer CSi A6, but that is way over my budget. I was actually planning on getting the CSi3, but my wife let me get the Csi5 for $250 total. The CSi A6 is $400 which I cannot afford.
I originally got the CSi5 on clearance for about the same. It was a floor model. I didn't realize it was so dinged up until I got it home. After all how bad could a center channel on a shelf as a demo, be? Well apparently quite a lot. I had 30 days, so I listened to if for the majority of it, then brought it back. I was about to jump on an internet deal to replace it, when the dealer made an offer on a new CSiA6 that I couldn't refuse. But I know what you mean-for almost the same speaker, another $150 is hard to swallow, even if it has the pretty veneer on the fronts as well.:rolleyes:
Ask your wife-Would she rather have a Black Center or grant you permission to get a matching center. :rolleyes:;)____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Ask your wife-Would she rather have a Black Center or grant you permission to get a matching center. :rolleyes:;)
Haha, for the $150 more in addition to the RTi8s and the cost of the CSi5, I'm thinking my wife will say the black is fine. Plus, the A6 isn't an exact match so I don't know if I can justify the extra money for same performance and "near" match. I'm trying to picture how the cherry and black will mix. My wife actually wasn't too worried. Of course everything in cherry would have been better. -
I guess I need to ask this also. Is the CSi5 that much better than the CSi3 to warrant the mismatch? So is it worth the mismatch for the performance upgrade I'll get with the CSi5? Or am I better off matching the cherry finish with the CSi3?
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Haha, for the $150 more in addition to the RTi8s and the cost of the CSi5, I'm thinking my wife will say the black is fine. Plus, the A6 isn't an exact match so I don't know if I can justify the extra money for same performance and "near" match. I'm trying to picture how the cherry and black will mix. My wife actually wasn't too worried. Of course everything in cherry would have been better.
Get the Black and have her put a doily on it and decorate it.
I couldn't tell ya, I never had the CSi3, but I am pretty sure I have read others have gone up and had noticed an improvement.I guess I need to ask this also. Is the CSi5 that much better than the CSi3 to warrant the mismatch? So is it worth the mismatch for the performance upgrade I'll get with the CSi5? Or am I better off matching the cherry finish with the CSi3?
It will work though as its in the same lineup and is in the chart at the bottom here. I can't say that I noticed much, if any, difference between the CSi5 and the CSiA6-not that I did nay critical listening though. Me personally though? I'd opt for the better of the two-you might end up with that nagging feeling in the back of you're audio mind-always wondering "if...."____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Oh and welcome to Club Polk!
____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Me personally though? I'd opt for the better of the two-you might end up with that nagging feeling in the back of you're audio mind-always wondering "if...."
Knowing me that's EXACTLY how I'm going to feel...what if..and it will bug me and I will either end up upgrading to the CSi5 (which means I just wasted money with the CSi3) or by the time I decide to just order the CSi5, they will be sold out. -
Oh and welcome to Club Polk!
Thanks! Club Polk is such a friendly place. It's refreshing to come to a place where so many people are both friendly and knowledgeable. -
If you don't mind being patient and keeping your eyes open, you might be able to find a CSi A6 in cherry on the polk ebay site, or an open box deal off Amazon. That might get the price down below $300. I have learned from personal experience that you can save a lot of $$$ if you take your time.
By the way, I have inquired about the improvement going from the Cs2/Csi3 to a Csi5 and most people suggested that the two are in a different league. I can't say that I ahve any personal experience, but that is what they told me.
I agree with MMadden though about not wanting to look back with regrets. I should have stretched my budget a little more in the beginning and that would have made my life easier.
One last thing, make sure you have the room for the Csi5. it is a monster!MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s -
Thanks! Club Polk is such a friendly place. It's refreshing to come to a place where so many people are both friendly and knowledgeable.
Just so long as you don't come off as an a$$hol off the bat, and as long as you don't try to sell something when you don't have 25 posts yet, well actually I should say as long as you don't delberately break or slyly circumvent the Forum's rules (many take the action as a personal insult), you'll be fine. Otherwise, Hell hath no fury for a forum member scorned. :eek:
Otherwise It's a great place and a wealth of knowledge.
I don't mean to be so forthright with the warning, but recent events/posts merit it. Just read some of the recent posts and you'll see what I mean.
Enjoy and learn....
One last thing, make sure you have the room for the Csi5. it is a monster!
It is indeed. I think the CSiA6 is actually a hair bigger, keep in mind the height will actually incrase change if you decide to angle it. the exact size specs are in the specs on the Polk main site.
Peace
____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
If you don't mind being patient and keeping your eyes open, you might be able to find a CSi A6 in cherry on the polk ebay site, or an open box deal off Amazon. That might get the price down below $300. I have learned from personal experience that you can save a lot of $$$ if you take your time.
I'm really impatient and I think I'll just go ahead and order the Black CSi5. Maybe later if I find a Cherry CSi5, I might just sell the black one.By the way, I have inquired about the improvement going from the Cs2/Csi3 to a Csi5 and most people suggested that the two are in a different league. I can't say that I ahve any personal experience, but that is what they told me.
Yeah, from the research that I've done so far, it seems that the CSi5 is way better than the CS2/CSi3. That is why I'm willing to get mismatched speakers for the better performance.I agree with MMadden though about not wanting to look back with regrets. I should have stretched my budget a little more in the beginning and that would have made my life easier.
Yeah, I know for sure that I will have regrets if I don't buy the best I can get now. The CSi3 seems nice, but the CSi5 is just so much better. I have a CS2 that I'm using right now, but I bought that for such a cheap price that I don't regret buying it. I might even sell it to my friend.One last thing, make sure you have the room for the Csi5. it is a monster!
Yeah, the CS2 was really big when I first saw it. The CSi5 is a little bigger. -
OK NewHTGuy, you're showing as having RTi10s with a CS2. When are you going to upgrade? ____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I think the black will look fine.
enjoy.
RT1 -
OK NewHTGuy, you're showing as having RTi10s with a CS2. When are you going to upgrade?
I'm working on it. But first I have to sell the CS2....MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s -
What color is your TV? I find that a black center looks better on a black TV. For me, if the speaker is going on top of the TV, I want it to blend in as much as possible.
My speakers don't really match. I have oak mains, cherry center, black surrounds and black back surrounds. I think people are just impressed by the size and number of speakers so no one has commented on them not matching. Driver carries only 20 dollars in ammunition
Pedestrians have the right of way, unless they are in the way -
What color is your TV? I find that a black center looks better on a black TV. For me, if the speaker is going on top of the TV, I want it to blend in as much as possible.
My speakers don't really match. I have oak mains, cherry center, black surrounds and black back surrounds. I think people are just impressed by the size and number of speakers so no one has commented on them not matching.
Come to think of it, my surrounds are white. :rolleyes:____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Come to think of it, my surrounds are white. :rolleyes:
Mine were almost white. They had a 2 week back order for the blacks and I almost didn't wait. I'm glad I did. Back then I had white walls and they would have looked okay. Now I have brown walls and they would have stood out like a guy at a Sarah Mclachlan concert.Driver carries only 20 dollars in ammunition
Pedestrians have the right of way, unless they are in the way -
What color is your TV? I find that a black center looks better on a black TV. For me, if the speaker is going on top of the TV, I want it to blend in as much as possible.
My speakers don't really match. I have oak mains, cherry center, black surrounds and black back surrounds. I think people are just impressed by the size and number of speakers so no one has commented on them not matching.
My TV is mostly black. The front around the screen is silver/pewter color and the back is all black. My stand is all black as well. I currently have a black center with silver front (Polk CS2) and it looks good and blends well.
Luckily my speakers are mostly black except for my new fronts. Fronts - RTi8 (cherry), Center - CSi5 (black), Surrounds - R15 (black), and Subwoofer - AV123 MFW-15 (satin black). -
My TV is mostly black. The front around the screen is silver/pewter color and the back is all black. My stand is all black as well. I currently have a black center with silver front (Polk CS2) and it looks good and blends well.
Luckily my speakers are mostly black except for my new fronts. Fronts - RTi8 (cherry), Center - CSi5 (black), Surrounds - R15 (black), and Subwoofer - AV123 MFW-15 (satin black).
My sub has that mirror finish black gloss and I had to hide it in an enclosure as it stuck out so much. You looked into the room and your eyes were drawn to it. Now everyone wonders where all the bass is coming from.
Hopefully the future will give us the ability to change colors anytime we want, or the ability to blend into the colors around it (like a cameleon).Driver carries only 20 dollars in ammunition
Pedestrians have the right of way, unless they are in the way -
My sub has that mirror finish black gloss and I had to hide it in an enclosure as it stuck out so much. You looked into the room and your eyes were drawn to it. Now everyone wonders where all the bass is coming from.
Hopefully the future will give us the ability to change colors anytime we want, or the ability to blend into the colors around it (like a cameleon).
That would be cool if that were possible. Or at least give us a way to change the colors easily. -
I also have the RTi8s Cherry and CSi5 black and never had a comment by anyone. Neither I nor my wife notice the different finishes!
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I don't know if used is ok but Amazon has one for $250 ans $339 new.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000V2UBUG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_olp_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221547526&sr=8-2 -
If you don't mind being patient and keeping your eyes open, you might be able to find a CSi A6 in cherry on the polk ebay site, or an open box deal off Amazon. That might get the price down below $300. I have learned from personal experience that you can save a lot of $$$ if you take your time.
By the way, I have inquired about the improvement going from the Cs2/Csi3 to a Csi5 and most people suggested that the two are in a different league. I can't say that I ahve any personal experience, but that is what they told me.
I agree with MMadden though about not wanting to look back with regrets. I should have stretched my budget a little more in the beginning and that would have made my life easier.
One last thing, make sure you have the room for the Csi5. it is a monster!OK NewHTGuy, you're showing as having RTi10s with a CS2. When are you going to upgrade?I also have the RTi8s Cherry and CSi5 black and never had a comment by anyone. Neither I nor my wife notice the different finishes!
I replied in the other thread, but thanks for your answer. That makes me feel better about the mismatch. I can't wait to get my new speakers. -
I don't know if used is ok but Amazon has one for $250 ans $339 new.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000V2UBUG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_olp_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221547526&sr=8-2
Thanks for the links. I wanted the CSi5 more than the CSiA6 since the CSi5 was cheaper new. Anyway, I pulled the trigger last night for the CSi5. I can't wait until it comes in. -
Cherry vs. Black.
I had everything (well, just the RTi12s at that point but that's a crap load of wood already!) in black as some wood grained finishes look really horrible. When I ordered my CSi5, I ordered it in black but they sent my the cherry.... And the mistake was all mine. The 12's would have been gorgeous in cherry... for the same price. If I could do it over again...
