RTi A9 with CSi A4? How bad?

Carburetor

I've been a lurker until know, and could use some opinions/feedback.

I've just started getting components for a 'system', primarily for music, but for TV/movie watching as well:

Room size of 20w x 20l x 10 h (family room), open to adjoining room (kitchen) of the same size
Onkyo 707
RTi A9
CSi A6
No sub or amp yet

I am afraid the A6 may (is) too large for the location I have for the center. Will I suffer significantly by downsizing to the A4 from the A6? Will the A4 be inadequately matched with the A9's?

All help would be appreciated!

wutadumsn23

The CSiA4 will work, but it may have trouble keeping up with those beastly 9's. The CSiA6 would be your best bet, but if it won't work try the 4 and maybe you will be able to boost the signal enough in your AVR's settings to compensate. The center is IMHO, the most important speaker in a HT set up and something like 50-75% of all audio is formatted to be played by your center, esp. dialogue. Normally I would recommend the biggest, baddest center you can afford or fit in the space allowed. Welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

leroyjr1

The csi a4 will work fine just make sure you calibrate everything.

anton.chigurh

I agree with both responses above.

It's not hard to imagine someone running into space issues with some of the beastly centers. Love my csi5, but my set up is strictly HT.

domflane

The A4 will work fine with your A9's. You might have to adjust its level up with your AVR to make it balance though. I'm doing that right now with my CS10, as its no match for my RTiA5's. However, the A9's midrange drivers are 5 1/4" and so are the drivers in the A4, so they might work together suprisingly well. Give it a shot and let us know what you find out.

mystik610

Actually the A4's will work quite well with the A9's....The A4's and A9's share the same (smaller)mid-bass drivers. The CSiA6 and RTiA5 share the same (larger) mid-bass drivers.

Carburetor

Thank you very much for the responses. You've put me at ease with the switch. You guys are da'bom.

I don't think I'll even un-box the A6 today, and will just go down and pick up an A4. I was able to get the A6 for almost half off, so it will be pretty much an even trade for the A4.

kevhed72

My room size is similiar and I went with the A6 center - very happy with it.
I would recommend the larger center if you can swing the extra cost and have room to place it. If you got a deal on the A6, I would keep it...

madnod

excellent feedbacks, just want to comment on the title, they aren't "BAD" together, the A6 is simply better. i have the A9s and the A6, great combination.


the center channel is a key component in the HT as it handles alot of work, if u can get the A6 by let's say waitting an another month then wait, otherwise go with the A4, keeping in mind that ur setup can get better with an A6 upgrade.

the A9s needs power so start planning for AMPs.

Retro152

Carburetor wrote: »

Thank you very much for the responses. You've put me at ease with the switch. You guys are da'bom.

I don't think I'll even un-box the A6 today, and will just go down and pick up an A4. I was able to get the A6 for almost half off, so it will be pretty much an even trade for the A4.

Un-box the A-6 and dont look back! Despite its beast-like dimensions, the A-6 is an incredible center you should try to accommodate at all costs. Paired up with the A-9's, its a match made in heaven. (Or trio,LOL) As others above have noted,the center is really your most important speak. Its in your hands, dont let it slip through. You wont be disappointed. Welcome to the Forum!:D





Pat.

Sherardp

I'm gonna have to say go with the A6 as well. The center is definitely going to be noticeable with HT. Plenty of guys made the switch from the smaller center to the larger due to that very reason. If you can make it work, definitely keep it. It sounds like you got a good deal on it.

mystik610

madnod wrote: »

excellent feedbacks, just want to comment on the title, they aren't "BAD" together, the A6 is simply better. i have the A9s and the A6, great combination.


the center channel is a key component in the HT as it handles alot of work, if u can get the A6 by let's say waitting an another month then wait, otherwise go with the A4, keeping in mind that ur setup can get better with an A6 upgrade.

the A9s needs power so start planning for AMPs.

Actually the rtiA9's share the same driver as the csiA4, and they would probably timbre match better. The mid bass drivers in the csiA6 are larger than the ones in the rtiA9. The csiA6 shares the same larger midbass driver as the RTiA5

anton.chigurh

QUOTE=mystik610;1234476]Actually the rtiA9's share the same driver as the csiA4, and they would probably timbre match better. [/QUOTE]

Same driver in a CsiA4, but there's (6) in a pair of A9s. Wouldn't the bigger drivers and bigger cabinet of the csiA6 go a long way matching in blending the sound with the big A9's...and all those drivers? Maybe I'm looking at wrong.

madnod

mystik610 wrote: »

Actually the rtiA9's share the same driver as the csiA4, and they would probably timbre match better. The mid bass drivers in the csiA6 are larger than the ones in the rtiA9. The csiA6 shares the same larger midbass driver as the RTiA5

for the the center u want it to be capable to go as low as possible for the dialog reproduction fidelity, that's why larger drivers are better in the center speaker. A6 are better match to the A9s, this is not just me, this is the experience and recommendation from the POLK community.

mystik610

anton.chigurh wrote: »

QUOTE=mystik610;1234476]Actually the rtiA9's share the same driver as the csiA4, and they would probably timbre match better.

Same driver in a CsiA4, but there's (6) in a pair of A9s. Wouldn't the bigger drivers and bigger cabinet of the csiA6 go a long way matching in blending the sound with the big A9's...and all those drivers? Maybe I'm looking at wrong.[/QUOTE]

In a pair of RTiA9's you have 2 tweeters, 4 mid-bass drivers, and 6 woofers.

The tweets cover the highs, the mid-bass drivers cover the mid-range, the woofers cover the low frequency material that a dedicated sub would play.

A single RTiA9 has the same driver components as a CSiA4 + the 3 woofers

A single RTiA5 has the same driver components as a CSiA6

mystik610

madnod wrote: »

for the the center u want it to be capable to go as low as possible for the dialog reproduction fidelity, that's why larger drivers are better in the center speaker. A6 are better match to the A9s, this is not just me, this is the experience and recommendation from the POLK community.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about going for the biggest center possible too when it comes to home theater use (using a CSi5 myself). But it isn't the end of the world to use a CSiA4 with an RTiA9 either...and in some ways, it may actually be beneficial to use the A4 with the A9 as they share the same drivers and they will timbre match perfectly.

Many people have mentioned the CSi5/A6 overpowering the Rti12/A9...this is likely in the mid-range where the larger drivers in the CSi5/A6 overpower the smaller drivers in the RTi12/A9.

anton.chigurh

mystik610 wrote: »

In a pair of RTiA9's you have 2 tweeters, 4 mid-bass drivers, and 6 woofers.

You're right about the number of drivers. Brain failure. Still....I guess my point is I would think the bigger drivers and cabinet of the csiA6 would help it match and blend better with the big A9's with all those drivers and woofers.

madnod

mystik610 wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about going for the biggest center possible too when it comes to home theater use (using a CSi5 myself). But it isn't the end of the world to use a CSiA4 with an RTiA9 either...and in some ways, it may actually be beneficial to use the A4 with the A9 as they share the same drivers and they will timbre match perfectly.

Many people have mentioned the CSi5/A6 overpowering the Rti12/A9...this is likely in the mid-range where the larger drivers in the CSi5/A6 overpower the smaller drivers in the RTi12/A9.

Man i highly doubt that anything can overpower the RTI A9 in a balanced configuration (either all amped or direct AVR connection), just look at these speakers, if the A6 are such speakers then they will not fit with any towers in the RTI A line, i was wishing if there was a 4 midrange center channel from polk because if it exists i would've bought it (i saw one from an another brand).

if u read my initial post i started the comments by saying that the A9 and A4 are not considered bad in anyway, the A9 and A6 are simply better solution.

for me i matched the surrounds drivers with the A9s (FXi A4 and RTI A1) but for the center it has to have authority within the front speakers, so big towers = bigger center u can get.

btw in an ideal solution the center channel should be a third tower matching ur front stage, but for obvious space limitations people resort to side oriented center channels.

Willow

It's all about compromise. If you can't fit the A6 don't sweat it. The A4 will do the job. If you return the A6 and have never hooked it up, you'll never know the difference. Not a big deal. I've been running the csi3 with rti8 and rti6 for a while now and I enjoy it very much. I, like you, have space issues and cannot at this time fit the larger center speaker. My system has been calibrated and recalibrated and is also being driven by my Rotel.
With that said, when I get arounf to wall mounting my plasma, I will look into getting the bigger center. Why? cause I could and would like to. If I can't tell them apart, it'll go back.

mystik610

madnod wrote: »

Man i highly doubt that anything can overpower the RTI A9 in a balanced configuration (either all amped or direct AVR connection), just look at these speakers, if the A6 are such speakers then they will not fit with any towers in the RTI A line, i was wishing if there was a 4 midrange center channel from polk because if it exists i would've bought it (i saw one from an another brand).

if u read my initial post i started the comments by saying that the A9 and A4 are not considered bad in anyway, the A9 and A6 are simply better solution.

for me i matched the surrounds drivers with the A9s (FXi A4 and RTI A1) but for the center it has to have authority within the front speakers, so big towers = bigger center u can get.

btw in an ideal solution the center channel should be a third tower matching ur front stage, but for obvious space limitations people resort to side oriented center channels.

Actually the CSiA6 shares the same larger mid-bass driver as the RTiA5 and RTiA7....and the A6 will timbre match perfectly with those two.

The large woofers in the A9's give them deeper bass, but the RTiA5's, RTiA7's, and CSiA6 have larger mid-bass drivers.

madnod

mystik610 wrote: »

Actually the CSiA6 shares the same larger mid-bass driver as the RTiA5 and RTiA7....and the A6 will timbre match perfectly with those two.

The large woofers in the A9's give them deeper bass, but the RTiA5's, RTiA7's, and CSiA6 have larger mid-bass drivers.

ok this is becoming a debate, and u are throwing claims left and right as we go,


from where u coming the A6 is just an A5 (same tweeter, and drivers) with a different enclosure. did u think why would the power rating, sensitivity and frequency responce differ between the 2, i mean look the drivers are the same?

there are other things to the obvious components, u have to look at the cross over setting/quality, and enclosure design , the A6 has better crossover (from the LSi series), sensitivity and port design.

u like the A4 good for u, but the fact is still the A6 is the best center channel in the RTI A line and it fits better with the best towers in the RTI A, the RTI A9s.

Kchill

mystik610 wrote: »

Actually the CSiA6 shares the same larger mid-bass driver as the RTiA5 and RTiA7....and the A6 will timbre match perfectly with those two.

The large woofers in the A9's give them deeper bass, but the RTiA5's, RTiA7's, and CSiA6 have larger mid-bass drivers.

I would have to agree....if the A9's have the same mid-base driver as the A4 then I would say that it timber match as well.....I have the old version with Rti10's and I don't have a problem....you can't go wrong either way. In fact once you calibrate you will enjoy it much the same.

mystik610

madnod wrote: »

ok this is becoming a debate, and u are throwing claims left and right as we go,


from where u coming the A6 is just an A5 (same tweeter, and drivers) with a different enclosure. did u think why would the power rating, sensitivity and frequency responce differ between the 2, i mean look the drivers are the same?

there are other things to the obvious components, u have to look at the cross over setting/quality, and enclosure design , the A6 has better crossover (from the LSi series), sensitivity and port design.

u like the A4 good for u, but the fact is still the A6 is the best center channel in the RTI A line and it fits better with the best towers in the RTI A, the RTI A9s.

I'm getting this from Polk's tech specs, and my experience having auditioned the RTiA5, A9, and having owned the RTi8, CSi5, Csi3.

RTiA9 Mid: 2 - 5-1/4" Diameter (13.34cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance with rubber surround

CSiA4 Mid: 2 - 5-1/4" Diameter (13.34cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance with rubber surround

RTiA5 Mid: 2 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Polymer/Mica Composite cone with rubber surround

RTiA6 Mid: 2 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance with rubber surround

Again I'm not arguing that the CSiA6 would be the better choice for HT (having upgraded from the Csi3 to the CSi5 myself), only that it wouldn't be as bad as people claim using the A4 instead, as they share the same drivers as the A9 and the mid-range between the two speakers would timbre match more accurately together.

Shamblerock

Will a pair of CSIa4's sound as good or better than just a single CSIa6? I have traditionally always used 2 center speakers in my set ups. They just sound better to me than one single because i position them mid way on each side of the TV standing vertical as opposed to laying horizontally. I used to have a pair of CS2's acting as my centers but recently upgrade the front speakers from monitor 70's to RTIA9's and RT 10's in the back. Somehow the CS2's just don't complement the RTIa9 as well as a thought they would and its probably timbre matching issue. So I am looking to replace both CS2's and either buy a pair of CSIa4's or a pair of CSIA6's. But I sense that 2 CSIa6's may be a bit too much and unnecessary cost because they won't be used to their full potential as they will cruise easily by sharing the load at lower volumes. Today I can pay almost the same money for a pair of CSIa4's as I would for a single CSIa6. Don't get me wrong, but if there were better deals on these centers, I'd buy two CSIA6's and be done forever. Has anybody tried using 2 CSIA4's as opposed to a single CSIA6? If not, what do you think it would sound like? One major matching benefit that I see by going with the 2 X CSIA4's is that the CSIA4's would be coincidentally perfectly positioned to the same height as the mids and tweeters in my RTIA9's and they appear to be the same exact components. I am powering everything with an Emotiva amp 200X5 being that 200 watts is being shared by the 2 center speakers in a 4 ohm configuration and therefore they are supposedly seeing 150 watts each because they make the amp produce 4 ohms. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Geoff4rfc

Holy thread resurrection Batman!!!

Shamblerock, welcome to C.P.

You might be able to make a pair of A4's sound better than a single A6, but if it were me, I'd do a pair of A6's.

With that said, have you ever considered using a third A9 for the center?

Also, I had to laugh, reading through the thread, one of the arguments was that the A9 had midbass drivers.....hmmm, maybe in '09, but my A9's of today don't have midbass anything, a pair of midrange drivers and a trio of subwoofers, according to Polks specs as one of the contributors above was lofting around.

Now the CSiA6 does have a pair of midwoofers, but not the A9 as mis-quoted above.

So, bottom line, if you're getting a heck of a deal on a pair of A4's and you prefer the dual centers, get'em and try it out, worse case scenario is that you don't like it, you can probably list them on CL and get your money back and start over.

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk.

I'm not surprised the CS2s don't exactly mesh with the Rti-A series. The Rti-A tweeter can handle more power and is more articulate, though somewhat brighter, as well.

Since you've had good success with two CS2s and M-70s why would you NOT want to use to CSI-A6s with the MONSTER Rti-A9 towers. The A9s are beasts and the more center you have the BETTER! They also DIG DEEPER than the A4s.

cnh

gudnoyez

I have had the CS10, CSIa4, and the CSIa6 paired with my Rtia5's the A6 sounds the best hands down, Welcome to the club.

Geoff4rfc

gudnoyez wrote: »

I have had the CS10, CSIa4, and the CSIa6 paired with my Rtia5's the A6 sounds the best hands down, Welcome to the club.

nbrowser wrote: »

And here I am with the same space concerns...CSiA6 is huge while the CSiA4 would kinda fit in my system...the debate rages on.

Actually fellas, the OP listed this 5 years ago, there's a new dilemma from the OP, new dude is considering running two CSiA4 centers as opposed to two CSiA6's or a single CSiA6. I don't believe space is an issue.

Shamblerock

Hey Y'all... Thanks for the welcome and the feedback. I'd love nothing more than to put 2 CSIa6's as my centers....but $400 X 2 is a bit steep when you consider I picked up the A9's for that price!! I don't have space for a 3rd A9 as a center or than would have been done for sure. The price of apair of CSIA4's is 2 X $200 approx, so its a fairly big expenditure for 2 CSIa6's in comparison and because they are so good, they probably both have to be reduced in power or they will over power at the mid range. So I figured if I doubled with smaller woofers in the 4's, they would compensate for the base that the CSIA6 put our through one speaker. I'd love to try 2 X CSIA4's, but if it doesn't sound right and I try to switch to a CSIA6's, then I'll need to find a way to install a bathroom in my garage because that is where the wife will throw me and all my electronics and speakers out to.... I don't know why she complains...I don't understand all her frustration if she trips over a speaker 2 of 3 times a week...what's the big deal? A Bandaid here and there and she's good as new.......She thinks I should open up a museum with all the crap i have all over the house...2.1 setups in all bathrooms, every bedroom sas a full sound system....the kids love that though. So as you can see, this next move for the center channel set up is my last attempt to get it right. If i don't get it right, I WILL upgrade and I WILL be thrown out to live in the garage as a result. Come to think of it, I think living in the garage would be quite cool! In any event, many of you guys really know your stuff, so if you can share with me your opinion if you think it will sound as prominent and as deep when you have 2 CSIA4's instead of one CSIA6.... and opinions, good or bad, is welcome. I am 50% music, played pretty loud usually, and 50% movies.

rpf65

Go with 1 CSI A6. The RTI A line is designed for primarily HT duty, and with that in mind, one center channel should be all that is necessary. If space is a concern, the CSI A4 will work, the A6 is a better choice. Besides, if you go from 2 centers to one, you can tell the wife you bought it for her. You could probably put a bow on it and say Happy Mothers Day, even if it is a little early. See we men really do care.

Shamblerock

LOL!! "... You could probably put a bow on it and say Happy Mothers Day, even if it is a little early..." Now she'll call me a fool and a bloody liar!!! I hear your suggestion, though and thanks for that. Hopefully I'll get a few other opinions and then decide....