Polk HT: RTI8, CSIA6 with R50 or RTI4 for rear

gorilla

Help me please --> I have two RTI8s for front, CSiA6 for center. Bought two R50s a few weeks back to use them as surrounds, but I can get a pair of RTI4 for just $30 more at Frys today. Should I return R50s for RTI4s? Which are better to use as surrounds R50s or RTI4s? My main use for the speakers is for movies...

I know that R50s are vinyl Vs RTI series is wood. Which speakers sound better?

TIA..

MSkeezer

I'm using an older pair of RT1000i's and the CS400i center speaker with a pair of Monitor 50's as surrounds. This works and sounds pretty good but can tell that the timbre match isn't perfect. The M50's are immensely brighter than my fronts and while this helps surround effects sound livelier, the tonal mismatch can be distracting at times. I expect that this is something you've noticed with your setup as well.

Another problem with using floorstanders as surrounds is that they'll be at ear level or only slightly above it. To get the most from your surrounds, you'll want them mounted on the wall, well above ear level so the sound washes over you, so to speak. This also helps you from being able to localize surround effects. You don't want to be able to tell where the sound is coming from.

And to top it off, the RTi4's will sound better than the R50's, despite being considerably smaller. I would suggest returning the R50's if you want a completely seamless surround experience.

Just my suggestion .

gorilla

MSkeezer wrote: »

I'm using an older pair of RT1000i's and the CS400i center speaker with a pair of Monitor 50's as surrounds. This works and sounds pretty good but can tell that the timbre match isn't perfect. The M50's are immensely brighter than my fronts and while this helps surround effects sound livelier, the tonal mismatch can be distracting at times. I expect that this is something you've noticed with your setup as well.

Another problem with using floorstanders as surrounds is that they'll be at ear level or only slightly above it. To get the most from your surrounds, you'll want them mounted on the wall, well above ear level so the sound washes over you, so to speak. This also helps you from being able to localize surround effects. You don't want to be able to tell where the sound is coming from.

And to top it off, the RTi4's will sound better than the R50's, despite being considerably smaller. I would suggest returning the R50's if you want a completely seamless surround experience.

Just my suggestion .

Thank you, you brought up another good reason of why you want the surrounds mounted on the wall.. was n't thinking about it myself. Good suggestion..

Rike255

Depending on your setup you could always build a sort of box for your R50 surrounds to get them above ear level a bit more. Granted I doubt you can get it 2 feet above your ear level.

I use RTi A3's (very similar to the RTi4) and they mesh great with my RTi8's/CSi A6. For the time being they're sitting on 35" stands, putting them only a little bit over my ear level.

gorilla

Rike255 wrote: »

Depending on your setup you could always build a sort of box for your R50 surrounds to get them above ear level a bit more. Granted I doubt you can get it 2 feet above your ear level.

I use RTi A3's (very similar to the RTi4) and they mesh great with my RTi8's/CSi A6. For the time being they're sitting on 35" stands, putting them only a little bit over my ear level.

I went ahead and returned R50s for RTi4's. Did you consider FXi series as suggested by Polk combos on their site. Wondering if having an additional tweeter on the side helps any.. Thanks for the suggestion.. Good to know that there is somebody out there with similar set up as mine (RTi8, CSi A6..)

What kind of sub you are running?

tipoytm

The matching FXi surround speakers are currently on sale at frys for $199 for pair (down from $500+). I believe they already have a wall mount kit included. Has anyone tried these out?

Rike255

gorilla wrote: »

I went ahead and returned R50s for RTi4's. Did you consider FXi series as suggested by Polk combos on their site. Wondering if having an additional tweeter on the side helps any.. Thanks for the suggestion.. Good to know that there is somebody out there with similar set up as mine (RTi8, CSi A6..)

What kind of sub you are running?

I have the PSW505 and I love it. Got it for $300 a little while back. I don't care much for the current line of Polk subs though, wouldn't trade my 505 for any of them probably.

Didn't look into any bi/dipole speakers because I don't have much choice for location. My HT room is open on 1 side and I can't hang the surrounds from the wall/ceiling so I'm limited to stands.

gorilla

Rike255 wrote: »

I have the PSW505 and I love it. Got it for $300 a little while back. I don't care much for the current line of Polk subs though, wouldn't trade my 505 for any of them probably.

Didn't look into any bi/dipole speakers because I don't have much choice for location. My HT room is open on 1 side and I can't hang the surrounds from the wall/ceiling so I'm limited to stands.

I have a DSW micropro 4000(looks like Polk's current top of the line model) which I bought as part of a combo deal. Thinking of selling it and using that money to upgrade to a better receiver and a small sub like PSW110..