RTi8 - CSi5 or CSiA6?

SangYuP
SangYuP Posts: 35
edited October 2008 in Speakers
Just wondering...but I have the Cherry RTi8 and I bought a Black CSi5 a month ago. Well, I found the Cherry CSiA6 really really cheap (cheaper than the CSi5) and I had to buy it. The A6 is Cherry, so it should match my Rti8s. I figure the A6 is a newer design so it should be better, right? Or am I better off with keeping the CSi5? Here is the catch. My return period is almost over, so I will have to return the CSi5 before I can get the A6 so I will not be able to test them both. Obviously, I can't keep both, so if I decide to keep the Csi5, the A6 is going back even though it sounds better. If I decide to return the Csi5, I will be stuck with the A6. I know the CSi5 is technically a better match for my Rti8 since they are both the "older" design. I just want your opinion on which one is better. Thanks in advance.
Post edited by SangYuP on

Comments

  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited October 2008
    From what I've read you can't go wrong with either; that is, the difference in timbre is not that noticeable. No offense, but you seem like you might be inclined toward upgraditis. If so, you're probably better of with the Csi6. First, you say it was cheaper. Second, in case you later decide to move up to something like the Rti A7 or A9, you won't have to sell your center.
    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
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited October 2008
    Both are good. Now it's just up to which ever one was a better deal IMO.
  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited October 2008
    Anyone got a closeup of the Rti8/10's with the CSi A6's? I'm in the same boat and want to see the difference between the grain in the oak veneer.

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


    Pics of my setup (click me)
  • SangYuP
    SangYuP Posts: 35
    edited October 2008
    NewHTguy wrote: »
    From what I've read you can't go wrong with either; that is, the difference in timbre is not that noticeable. No offense, but you seem like you might be inclined toward upgraditis. If so, you're probably better of with the Csi6. First, you say it was cheaper. Second, in case you later decide to move up to something like the Rti A7 or A9, you won't have to sell your center.

    No offense taken. I guess I have been bitten hard by the upgrade bug. Yeah, the CSiA6 was cheaper so it was hard to pass up. I've heard that Polk made some improvements to the new RTi/CSi A line. Who knows, maybe my wife will let me upgrade to the A7/9 in the future.
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Both are good. Now it's just up to which ever one was a better deal IMO.

    Well, the A6 was actually cheaper than the CSi5 so I couldn't pass up that deal.
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited October 2008
    Keep the A6 and upgrade to the A7 or 9 in the future :D
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11

    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited October 2008
    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=966590&highlight=csia4

    You won't notice the difference between two of them...keep A6 only because it's better deal...
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
  • broncsrule21@
    broncsrule21@ Posts: 113
    edited October 2008
    I have the A6 between RTi10s. Sounds perfect! Keep the 6! Mine are black, so I dont think a pic will help.
    HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15

    Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited October 2008
    Menasor wrote: »
    Anyone got a closeup of the Rti8/10's with the CSi A6's? I'm in the same boat and want to see the difference between the grain in the oak veneer.
    I don't know about these particular speakers, but I have a couple of generations of Polk gear myself and, generally speaking, the grain seems to be a good match, although I've never actually set them side by side to compare any differences. For a center, I certainly wouldn't worry about, but if you're likely to fixate on it, or get obsessed about it, you might want to investigate further nonetheless ...
    Alea jacta est!
  • dpljr
    dpljr Posts: 32
    edited October 2008
    I have a black RTIA6 between RTI10s and notice no difference in the grain. The face, however is different, as the A6 is wood.