7.1 speaker question. About rear sizes?

Vagrant Pistol

I just got Polk Audio Rti A3's for my surrounds. I would like to do 7.1, but I don't know if I should get another pair of RTi A3's (they would be my sides) or a pair of slightly smaller RTi A1's (for my backs). I'm contemplating on this cause I don't know if it would mess up my soundstage if they were smaller. They are also cheaper in price.

kneedragger37

Vagrant Pistol wrote: »

I just got Polk Audio Rti A3's for my surrounds. I would like to do 7.1, but I don't know if I should get another pair of RTi A3's (they would be my sides) or a pair of slightly smaller RTi A1's (for my backs). I'm contemplating on this cause I don't know if it would mess up my soundstage if they were smaller. They are also cheaper in price.

I've never had a 7.1 system myself, but I can tell you that the ideal situation for any surround system is to have as many of your speakers identical as possible. That being said, most people on the forums (at least the posts I've read) think the A1's and A3's blend together well, so if cost is your number one priority, you'll probably be fine with the A1's.

comfortablycurt

What are you using for your center and front channels?

You'd be fine using both the A3's and A1's as surround channels though. The A3's are the better speaker, and thus would likely be the better choice...but of course you have to work within your budget. The A1's would work just fine.

Make sure you have room to properly place all the speakers though. An improperly placed 7.1 setup is going to sound worse than a properly placed 5.1 setup.

Have you looked into the FXi bipole/dipole speakers? A lot of people prefer those for surround channels. They might be a little bit out of your price range though.

By the way, welcome to Club Polk.

Vagrant Pistol

comfortablycurt wrote: »

What are you using for your center and front channels?

You'd be fine using both the A3's and A1's as surround channels though. The A3's are the better speaker, and thus would likely be the better choice...but of course you have to work within your budget. The A1's would work just fine.

Make sure you have room to properly place all the speakers though. An improperly placed 7.1 setup is going to sound worse than a properly placed 5.1 setup.

Have you looked into the FXi bipole/dipole speakers? A lot of people prefer those for surround channels. They might be a little bit out of your price range though.

By the way, welcome to Club Polk.

Thanks!

I'm using RTi A7 for fronts and CSi A 6 for center. than my RTi A3's for backs. I never really read much about FXi bipole/dipole speakers. I know its a matter of taste for those types of speakers and they should be heard. I'll stick to my bookshelves.

comfortablycurt

Vagrant Pistol wrote: »

Thanks!

I'm using RTi A7 for fronts and CSi A 6 for center. than my RTi A3's for backs. I never really read much about FXi bipole/dipole speakers. I know its a matter of taste for those types of speakers and they should be heard. I'll stick to my bookshelves.

Yeah...I feel the same. I know that I should probably check out the dipoles...but I prefer the looks of the bookshelves, so that's what I'm going with myself. Personally I somewhat prefer the sound of direct firing speakers to the dipole config's. anyway.

That sounds like a nice system you've got going there. What are you driving it all with?

dorokusai

RTiA1 or FXiA4.

Mike21

Currently, there are few Blu Ray Discs produced in 7.1. The ones I have played did not have a lot of information coming out of the rear channels - much more out of the sides. So, IMHO, until 7.1 becomes prolific and the rear channels get more sound, you should be fine with the smaller speakers in the rear. That's what I have.:)

Mike21

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avr: Onkyo 805
Fronts: Polk M50s
Center: Polk CS2
Sides: Polk M40s
Rear: B&W LM1s

Toolfan66

I had bookshelfs for my surrounds,and i can say the Bipole/Dipole is the way to go for your surrounds.but this is just my personal opinon.i say if you already have a set of the A3's then i would just add another set of them.

Vagrant Pistol

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Yeah...I feel the same. I know that I should probably check out the dipoles...but I prefer the looks of the bookshelves, so that's what I'm going with myself. Personally I somewhat prefer the sound of direct firing speakers to the dipole config's. anyway.

That sounds like a nice system you've got going there. What are you driving it all with?

I have a Denon AVR988, but I decided this week to buy an amp for my front stage. I'm looking into the Emotiva XPA-3. Currently they are sold out, but I spoke to them and they said they will have them in about a month and a half. I know my Denon does a decent job, but I know these speakers can sound a lot better than they do with an amp.;)

Vagrant Pistol

Mike21 wrote: »

Currently, there are few Blu Ray Discs produced in 7.1. The ones I have played did not have a lot of information coming out of the rear channels - much more out of the sides. So, IMHO, until 7.1 becomes prolific and the rear channels get more sound, you should be fine with the smaller speakers in the rear. That's what I have.:)

Mike21

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avr: Onkyo 805
Fronts: Polk M50s
Center: Polk CS2
Sides: Polk M40s
Rear: B&W LM1s

Yeah, That's been on my mind. Maybe I should just wait than. I'll just put the money towards my amp and HDMI switch box.