Just purchased some RTI4's...question

Soules75

Hey guys, I just picked up some RTI4's from Crutchfield for $160/pair. I am on a tight budget and will be using them to replace the front left and right stock yamaha speakers that came with my yamaha htr-5930 HTIB.

I am wondering how important it is to get the matching CSI3 center channel? It is a little more expensive than I would like, at $120-130, however the CS1 is only like $69 on newegg. Would the CS1 be a good match with the RTI4's? I am sure the CSI3's are nicer, but how big of a difference would it make?

Thanks.

mrbofus

Howdy and Welcome to the club.
From what I have been told when asking similar questions is spend the money and get the center that matches your mains.
I'm sure others with more knowledge can explain the differences. Get the CSi3

anton.chigurh

If you can't get a csi5 get csi3. The center is a workhorse so try to get all you can get. However. if you've got budget or space limitations....the csi3 will match and blend nicely with your fronts. Either way....if you ever decide to expand your home theater....upgrade your fronts;) bump your 4s to surround duty.. a very nice timbre matched rti setup.

wutadumsn23

Don't get the CS1, it is not timbre matched to your RTi's, it is for the Monitor series. Timbre matching your front soundstage is very important, and the centers mentioned above will match very well. Also, I agree with getting the biggest, baddest center you can afford, as upgradeitis hits hard here, lol. Welcome to Club Polk.


-Jeff

Erik Tracy

The CSi3 would be the better match - that is rig I first started with - RTi4s and a CSi3.

For the small difference in money - you would always be wondering what if you got the CSi3....dig into your couch cushions and find the coin to get the CSi3!

john E

The CS1 is a good sounding center speaker ,but the CSI3 is going to sound a little better with your RTI4's because the CSI3 uses a different tweeter then the CS1 so the CSI3 is going to match up better.It also has better midrange then the CS1 IMO.either one will sound good ,but remember most of your dialouge comes out of your center speaker and it is best to have your front three with the same quality speakers.or as they say the Timbre will match up better useing a CSI3.

Soules75

Thanks for the input guys, i appreciate it. This may be a stupid question but here goes:

Do I have any other options for a center channel that is timber matched with the RTI4's? Although I think $129 is a good price for the CSI3, I am just wondering if there are any other speakers (maybe diff. brand?) that would be timber matched also and cheaper?

Otherwise I will just have to wait and save. (and by then they might be even cheaper)

Erik Tracy

Soules75 wrote: »

Thanks for the input guys, i appreciate it. This may be a stupid question but here goes:

Do I have any other options for a center channel that is timber matched with the RTI4's? Although I think $129 is a good price for the CSI3, I am just wondering if there are any other speakers (maybe diff. brand?) that would be timber matched also and cheaper?

Otherwise I will just have to wait and save. (and by then they might be even cheaper)

Do what you have to do given your financial means and patience.

You could run a 'phantom center' until you have enough for the CSi3.

Or get the CS1 - you may find that it will work for you - the HT "gods" will not descend upon you in wrath for violating the timbre matching mandate....actually they're more like guidelines...arrrrrrr

Soules75

I found an extremely good deal on amazon for the CSI3. There is a used one that was only used for 3 movies, and then the person got a new entertainment center and it did not fit, so it is for sale. Amazon has it listed at $110. On top of this, I signed up for a free amazon prime trial which allows for free 2 day shipping on all orders.

To make the deal even sweeter, you can sign up for an amazon credit card and receive $30 cash back on your first order with it.

So for a like-new CSI3 in mint condition, my total would be $81.00

I think I am going to pull the trigger if I can get my wife to agree to let me buy it tonight. What do you guys think?

Erik Tracy

Soules75 wrote: »

I found an extremely good deal on amazon for the CSI3. There is a used one that was only used for 3 movies, and then the person got a new entertainment center and it did not fit, so it is for sale. Amazon has it listed at $110. On top of this, I signed up for a free amazon prime trial which allows for free 2 day shipping on all orders.

To make the deal even sweeter, you can sign up for an amazon credit card and receive $30 cash back on your first order with it.

So for a like-new CSI3 in mint condition, my total would be $81.00

I think I am going to pull the trigger if I can get my wife to agree to let me buy it tonight. What do you guys think?

"It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

Soules75

Not with my wife!!! lol jk

Another question - Should i bother getting new speaker wire or use the wire that came with my yamaha htr-5930. I am not sure what gauge it is...and cant seem to find what gauge it is from the specs. What do you guys think?