CSi A4 or CSiA6

renowilliams
renowilliams Posts: 920
edited March 2009 in Speakers
I have RTi A5s for my fronts and I am wonderring whether The CSi A6 is really worth paying the extra for over the CSi A4. Future Shop sells the A4's here for 374.99 and the A6's for 574.99. That it quite a difference. I am in Canada, so that is in Canadian dollars. Also will I really see much difference right now as I don't have rears yet?
"They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
Amp: Carver TFM-35
Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
Post edited by renowilliams on
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Comments

  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited March 2009
    I have the CSi A4 with my RTi A5's and it sounds great with movies, and games. If you listen to alot of music that's in 5.1 you might want to go with the CSi A6 although I don't know of a whole lot of 5.1 music. Any blue ray music I have listened to in dolby true hd could have used the A6. Don't get me wrong, the A4 sounds really good, but I imagine that the A6 would sound better for vocals. It's not really much of an issue though for me, because most of my music listening is 2 channel.

    Anyway, either will be a good choice, it just depends on how much 200$ means to you. If I would have seen the CSi A6 on polk direct I would have gotten it instead, but I didn't so I got the A4. I am happy enough with it that I doubt I will ever upgrade to the A6.
    The A6 is probably huge too. The A4 is pretty big, but I bet the A6 would really stand out wherever you put it.
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited March 2009
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited March 2009
    So, do you think I will notice a big change watching movies, with just the fronts and a sub?? and adding the A4
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
  • williamgauci
    williamgauci Posts: 88
    edited March 2009
    Yes, you will notice a difference if you go with the A6. I struggled with the same decision a few weeks ago and finally got the A6. I had a little problem and really strained sometimes to hear the dialogue. It gives you a full rich deep sound stage. There is a real differnce in dialogue and clarity between the two. The A6 simply fills out the front. If it's not going to hurt you too much to spend the extra money then I think you'll be pleased with it.
    _____________________________________________
    Yamaha 6080 Emotiva XPA-5 CSi A6 RTiA-7's RTi A1's Velodyne DLS-4000R
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    I've had both, the A6 is definitely better and worth the extra money.
  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2009
    The A6 is a perfect match for the A5s:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
  • mcs2000si
    mcs2000si Posts: 57
    edited March 2009
    I have RTi A5s for my fronts and I am wonderring whether The CSi A6 is really worth paying the extra for over the CSi A4. Future Shop sells the A4's here for 374.99 and the A6's for 574.99. That it quite a difference. I am in Canada, so that is in Canadian dollars. Also will I really see much difference right now as I don't have rears yet?

    I am in the same boat as you. I have an A4 and really like it but people on here tell me that i will see a nice difference in the A6. I'm thinking about selling my A4 to upgrade. cant wait to see what everyone has to say on this topic.
    Samsung 58" 650 Plasma
    Panamax M5300-PM
    Pioneer Elite VSX94 Receiver
    PS3 Blu-ray
    Comcast DVR
    Polk 2 RTi 10 fronts (Bi-wired)
    Polk CSi 5 Center
    Polk FXi3 rears
    Polk DSW Pro 600
    Harmony one remote
    Monster cable speaker wire and HDMI's
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2009
    CSI A6 go big or go home!!!!!!!!
  • Vagrant Pistol
    Vagrant Pistol Posts: 15
    edited March 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    CSI A6 go big or go home!!!!!!!!

    I agree!! Go big. CSI A6 is awesome!!!! Some places are even back ordered on it!! thats how awesome it is. everyone wants it!
    -Sharp 46" (64U series)
    -Denon AVR988
    -RTi A7, CSI A6, RTi A3
    -SVS SB12 plus
  • guinsdan
    guinsdan Posts: 37
    edited March 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    CSI A6 go big or go home!!!!!!!!

    Exactly!
    f: RTi A5
    c: CSi A6
    r: RTi A3
    s: BIC F12
    r: Integra DTR 6.9
  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited March 2009
    CSI A6 all the way!
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    CSi A6!!!!!!!!
    The forum has spoken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
  • Vagrant Pistol
    Vagrant Pistol Posts: 15
    edited March 2009
    metal83 wrote: »
    CSi A6!!!!!!!!
    The forum has spoken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

    Hey wassup metal83? :D
    -Sharp 46" (64U series)
    -Denon AVR988
    -RTi A7, CSI A6, RTi A3
    -SVS SB12 plus
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Hey wassup metal83? :D

    Hey what's up man, hows the new setup working out for ya? :D


    Welcome to Club Polk by the way!
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited March 2009
    I would go with the A6 if you have the space. In my case I didn't, so I had to get the A4. I upgraded the caps and it makes a HUGE difference. Vocals are so much more open now. I'm VERY happy with the A4 now....: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**
  • BjornB17
    BjornB17 Posts: 752
    edited March 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    If you have the room to place the CSiA6 get it. You won't be disappointed. The CSiA4 is used if you don't have the space in your set up or that $200 becomes an issue. I understand we all have bills to pay and have to make cuts especially in this economy.

    As suggested in this thread, there are black CSi5s available and this is a good option as well.

    I have used the CSi3 and CSi5 with RTi8 speakers. The CSi3 is ok, but the CSi5 is better. Right now I use a CSiA6 along with the LSi series for the rest of my setup in one room. The CSiA6 is a very nice center speaker.

    I second the CSi5.... Awesomly capable center channel.
    KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited March 2009
    Too bad Polk direct wont ship to Canada...I got my 2 A6's for 205 bucks each...tax and shipping included. I also have an A4....its a very nice center channel, but if you have the room go with the A6.

    If you could get a friend/polkie near the border to get it for you that would be ideal. They have the A4 for 139 right now...http://cgi.ebay.com/CSi-A4-Cherry-Channel-Speaker-from-Polk-Audio_W0QQitemZ230326543214QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item230326543214&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
  • lectronicjunkie
    lectronicjunkie Posts: 299
    edited March 2009
    Without a doubt, go with the bigger center!!
    It's all in the detail.
    :cool:

    HT Setup:
    Samsung PN50D550
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Samsung BD-D6700
    Fronts: RTi10's
    Center: CSi5
    Side surrounds: RC65i's
    Rear surrounds: FXiA4's
    Sub: Velodyne CT120
    Outdoor: Atrium 45's


    Pictures here
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    I have RTi A5s for my fronts and I am wonderring whether The CSi A6 is really worth paying the extra for over the CSi A4. Future Shop sells the A4's here for 374.99 and the A6's for 574.99. That it quite a difference. I am in Canada, so that is in Canadian dollars. Also will I really see much difference right now as I don't have rears yet?

    I didn't realize those sell for such a high price. I got my A4 for $250, and then returned it for the A6 which was $399, both brand new from Tweeter last May.
  • trinidesignz
    trinidesignz Posts: 97
    edited March 2009
    A6 all the way baby!!!!!!!
    Samsung-55 LED
    Denon 3808ci
    RTi A5 (Fronts)
    CSi A6 (Center)
    FXi 5 (Rears)
    Velodyne DPS-12 (Sub)
    EMOTIVA XPA-5 :D:cool::p;):)
  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2009
    A6!!

    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)
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Is it clear which one you should go with yet? ;):D
  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited March 2009
    Its a toss up as to who gets me to spend money more quickly, you guys or my kids. Well it looks like the A6 (big surprise). Oh well, its fun spending money on audio gear.

    Thanks for the input everyone.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Its a toss up as to who gets me to spend money more quickly, you guys or my kids. Well it looks like the A6 (big surprise). Oh well, its fun spending money on audio gear.

    Thanks for the input everyone.

    LOL....Great choice...:D
  • asd1234
    asd1234 Posts: 30
    edited March 2009
    I have RTi A5s for my fronts and I am wonderring whether The CSi A6 is really worth paying the extra for over the CSi A4. Future Shop sells the A4's here for 374.99 and the A6's for 574.99. That it quite a difference. I am in Canada, so that is in Canadian dollars. Also will I really see much difference right now as I don't have rears yet?

    no question get the csia6. i had the a4 and now have to a6. Believe me there is a huge difference between the 2
  • Vagrant Pistol
    Vagrant Pistol Posts: 15
    edited March 2009
    metal83 wrote: »
    Hey what's up man, hows the new setup working out for ya? :D


    Welcome to Club Polk by the way!

    :) Thanks man!!! My set up is a dream. I'm loving it more and more everyday! I'm re-watching movies and re-playing some games. Wow!! What a difference it is compared to my old Monitor series set up ( just sold them to my friend, gonna miss them :( ). Can't get enough.....
    -Sharp 46" (64U series)
    -Denon AVR988
    -RTi A7, CSI A6, RTi A3
    -SVS SB12 plus
  • Vagrant Pistol
    Vagrant Pistol Posts: 15
    edited March 2009
    Its a toss up as to who gets me to spend money more quickly, you guys or my kids. Well it looks like the A6 (big surprise). Oh well, its fun spending money on audio gear.

    Thanks for the input everyone.
    Doin' Big Things Reno!!! Real big A6 in the house!!....... Don't know what happened there. I must've blackout...LMFAO!:D:p
    -Sharp 46" (64U series)
    -Denon AVR988
    -RTi A7, CSI A6, RTi A3
    -SVS SB12 plus
  • teatouch
    teatouch Posts: 9
    edited March 2009
    I have a csia6 with a pair of lsi15s. Should I try to get the lsic and get rid of the csia6? I think the csia6 sounds good but I think matched speakers may sound better.
    Marantz SR5002
    Polk Lsi15 (left and right)
    Polk Lsic
    Hsu v2.3 sub
    Crappy rears (will upgrade to lsifx eventually)
    Amp? still need one
    Samsung 5064 Plasma
    Panasonic DMP-BD35
    Tivo HD
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited March 2009
    teatouch wrote: »
    I have a csia6 with a pair of lsi15s. Should I try to get the lsic and get rid of the csia6? I think the csia6 sounds good but I think matched speakers may sound better.

    I would replace it with the LSiC.
    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**
  • candjhuntley
    candjhuntley Posts: 125
    edited March 2009
    teatouch wrote: »
    I have a csia6 with a pair of lsi15s. Should I try to get the lsic and get rid of the csia6? I think the csia6 sounds good but I think matched speakers may sound better.

    There's a lot to having matching tweeters - and i could be wrong, but i don't think both lines use the same tweeters - i'd grab an LSI-C if i were you. The LSI-C would be timbre matched (nice buzzword :) ) with the others.
    Not my setup - but what I have put together for a friend (i.e. what mine would be if i had the money to invest :D )
    Front: 2 x LSI-9
    Center: LSI-C
    Rear: 4 x M10
    Sub: Elemental Design A2-300
    AVR: Onkyo TX-SR806
    Amp: Acurus 200x3
    BD: HTPC
    Television Programming: Dish ViP722
    Video: Epson 6500UB Front Projector

    If you're ever in St. Louis on a Sunday morning, come join us at the Hazelwood church of Christ for worship!