which to choose

shortstack31489

hi i am new to the forum and i was wondering what are some of the pros and cons of a couple of systems....this is 100% home theater....i was curious what are the main differences in the tsi-500(or 400) and cs20 vs. the rti-a7 and csi-a6 setup? thanks

[Deleted User]

Hello,

Welcome to Club Polk. I have not personally listened to all of the above items, however I recommend that you use the search feature. You will find plenty about the speakers you mentioned.

Halen

Mike21

Hi shortstack. Welcome to the Forum.

Based purely on the specs, the more expensive RTi system should, in my opinion, provide a more dynamic sound if driven with the proper amplification (at least 130 watts per channel). The A7s have a sensitivity of 89dB and recommended max amplification is 300 watts. The matching A6 center is also 89dB and rec. max amp. is 200w.

On the other hand, the TSi-500s have 91dB (means they are more efficient than the A7s and therfore need less wattage to dirive them) and rec. max power of 275w. The matching center CS20 has 91dB and max rec. power of 150w. Therefore, this system could be driven well by a 100 watt per channel receiver.

The A7s have a -3dB frequency response of 35Hz to 26kHz, while the 500s have a narrower response of 38Hz to 24kHz. If the A7s are driven at 130w and the 500s at 100w, the A7s, on paper, should be the clear winner.

Same goes for the center speakers: the CS20 's -3dB FR is 58Hz to 24kHz; the A6 has 55Hz to 26kHz.

The 500 has 6.5" woofers, while the A7 has 7" woofers. This is what allows the A7 to achieve a 3dB lower FR than the 500.

The tweeters in the 500 are of a different construction than the tweeters in the A7. I do not know what the difference is, but this is probably why the A7 reaches up 2dB higher than the 500 (24khz v. 26kHz).

I have never heard either of these systems. But based on the specs alone, I would pay the extra $400 for the RTi system.

However, there are other considerations, the most important being how do these systems sound to you? If possible, you should try to audition them using the same receiver and the same CD payed on the same CD player.

Also, the RTi system is larger- do you have any space constaints?

Lastly, you can get by with a less powerful and less costly receiver with the TSi system.

Bottom line, try to audition. Have fun shopping.

Mike