Need advice

pv18

Hi polksters. Im new to forum--have been lurking for a little while as I have been a polk fan for a while.

Just had basement refinished and am in the process of setting up an HT system for the first time. Had wires run for a 5.1 system before drywall. The room is small (14 wide by 11 deep, 9 ft ceiling) with a built-in unit across the front. TV will be mounted on wall between two bookshelf units. Surround is in/on wall on side walls ~1 ft from rear wall which, is mostly open to another room

Looking for some advice on speakers...bookshelves would work best in front given the buitins. A friend has Tsi series towers and owm as rear and likes it alot. If we did Tsi 200 in front and CS20 (or cs10) center, would you use the owm on wall or perhaps use an in wall for the surrounds? (the other half likes the idea of in wall and out of the way) If in-wall for surrounds, which would make the best timbre match for tsi200?

Thanks

kawizx9r

Welcome to Club Polk!

Can only offer one point of advice for this one, the RCi series on Polk website emphasize that they're timbre matched with the TSi series. I don't doubt that others would work, since timbre matching with rears/surrounds really isn't required but some people prefer it that way.

As for the CS20 or 10, go with the 20 you'll thank yourself later for it.

-Freddy

pv18

what about the rtia series bookshelves? I was kinda vacilating between the two. Have read some find that series a little "bright" compared to tsi.

What would be a good height for the fronts if bookshelf? keep at ear level?? the installers put the wires up higher so that the fronts are even with the rears and about 6 ft off the ground, but I can lower the fronts easily

danz1906

Welcome to the Club!

comfortablycurt

pv18 wrote: »

what about the rtia series bookshelves? I was kinda vacilating between the two. Have read some find that series a little "bright" compared to tsi.

What would be a good height for the fronts if bookshelf? keep at ear level?? the installers put the wires up higher so that the fronts are even with the rears and about 6 ft off the ground, but I can lower the fronts easily

Keep the fronts as close to ear level as possible. The surrounds ideally should be a few feet above ear level.

The RTi series is nice, that's what I have in my HT setup. They definitely are quite bright sounding, but that's not really a bad thing for an HT setup. Some people prefer the TSi series for music though, due to the slightly mellower tweeter. There are plenty that enjoy their RTi's for music though as well.

wutadumsn23

If you are considering the TSi series, I would also think about the Monitor series too. The TSi's and Monitors aren't that much different on paper, and most of the difference is in appearance with the TSi's having a piano black sinish and the Monitors having a more subdued wood grain finish. I like the look of the new TSi's, but actually prefer the laid back look of the Monitor series. The Monitors can also be had for cheap these days, about %50 of the cost of the TSi's and IMHO are hard to beat for the prices they can be had for. Monitor 40's are the equivilant of the TSi's 200's and can be had for $150 with free shipping from Newegg. I have the 40's as surrounds in my setup and they work great. There are guys on here that have used them for their fronts and I have heard nothing but good things about them used in that application for smaller rooms. Also the CS2 is the equivilant to the CS20 and can also be had for $150 from Newegg with free shipping. Just a thought, since they are IMHO about the same speaker and for about half the price. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk. I have enclosed a few links for your viewing pleasure for the Monitors and the CS2.

-Jeff

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290010 Monitor 40's

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290010 CS2

pv18

Thanks for your input...Ill definitely have a look. Now I have to decide on an AVR! considering Denon2809 or yamaha

AudioGenics

welcome to CLUB POLK

share some pictures of your HT system and space !

renowilliams

I would lean towards the denon over the yamaha. I found he yamaha a bit on the bright side for my tastes. I would definatly recommend any pioneer elite reciever,though they will be more expensive than the models you mentioned unless you pick up a good used deal. Whatever you choose for an avr,if you ensure it has pre outs,it will allow you the option in the future to add a power amp,if you decide too.

Anyway good luck and welcome to the forum.