Need a new center and new bookshelf...
Center: CS20 here vs CSI A4 here
Bookshelf: TSI 200 here vs RTI A1 here
Ok, straight and simple, I'd like to hear from you guys what would be best. I need some bookshelves and I also need to get rid of this Klipsch center, it sounds so muffled, not enough highs and way too much mids.
This is what I'm going to use them for: The center is only going to play during HT and TV viewing. All music listening is always 2 channel. The Bookshelves are either going to run as my zone 2 computer speakers (ie. when I'm playing video games etc) or as rears for the HT setup.
Size isn't an issue either. I know the CS20 is a larger center... but larger isn't always better (but sometimes I guess it is :rolleyes:).
I'm not overly concerned with matching cabinets with my TSI 500s, I've seen the cherry RTI line and I think they'll look quite nice together even though they have different finishes.
Also, I've read quite a bit about sonic matching for seamless audio... though I can't help but wonder how big a difference it will make if I buy the CSI center and RTI books with TSI fronts.
Basically, I just want to get the best sounding speakers, whether they're the TSI's or the RTI's. I don't have the ability to listen to any of the 4 speakers prior to purchase (I've only heard the CS10 and the TSI 100s), so I'll rely on your inputs during my final decision. Thanks guys
Bookshelf: TSI 200 here vs RTI A1 here
Ok, straight and simple, I'd like to hear from you guys what would be best. I need some bookshelves and I also need to get rid of this Klipsch center, it sounds so muffled, not enough highs and way too much mids.
This is what I'm going to use them for: The center is only going to play during HT and TV viewing. All music listening is always 2 channel. The Bookshelves are either going to run as my zone 2 computer speakers (ie. when I'm playing video games etc) or as rears for the HT setup.
Size isn't an issue either. I know the CS20 is a larger center... but larger isn't always better (but sometimes I guess it is :rolleyes:).
I'm not overly concerned with matching cabinets with my TSI 500s, I've seen the cherry RTI line and I think they'll look quite nice together even though they have different finishes.
Also, I've read quite a bit about sonic matching for seamless audio... though I can't help but wonder how big a difference it will make if I buy the CSI center and RTI books with TSI fronts.
Basically, I just want to get the best sounding speakers, whether they're the TSI's or the RTI's. I don't have the ability to listen to any of the 4 speakers prior to purchase (I've only heard the CS10 and the TSI 100s), so I'll rely on your inputs during my final decision. Thanks guys
Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600
Post edited by hagmanm2 on
Comments
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My vote would be CSiA4 and RTiA1s.
That would be a sweet combo for both movies and music.
Look for both on Polk Ebay - be patient and then swoop for a deal!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
I think most will say that the RTIa are better sounding than the TSIs they are considered. the RTIa are considered a step up from the TSIsMain 2ch -
BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.
TV 3.1 system -
Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22 -
Word. I guess I'm getting bogged down by how similar the technical specifications are between the centers and the bookshelves. I suppose a data sheet can only tell me so much though..Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
Word. I guess I'm getting bogged down by how similar the technical specifications are between the centers and the bookshelves. I suppose a data sheet can only tell me so much though..
I started with the CSi3 center (previous version of the CSiA4) and the RTi4 (previous version of the RTiA1) - and I was VERY pleased with how that sounded for both music and movies.
For a budget system in a smaller room - fantastic value....just beware of the 'upgrade bug' - cuz once it bites....forever bitten!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Also, I've read quite a bit about sonic matching for seamless audio... though I can't help but wonder how big a difference it will make if I buy the CSI center and RTI books with TSI fronts.
A big difference, I ran my TSi 500's with my CS2 center and I didn't care for the sound at all. I put the 500's back as surrounds and have my 70's back up front. Timbre matching is very important with the front three, but sometimes you can get lucky and run a mismatched set, didn't work for me. I would go with the RT series myself, they are considered an upgrade over the TSI's.
-JeffHT Rig
Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
Center- Polk Audio CS2
Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's
Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3
2 CH rig (in progress)
Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:
It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. -
Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I'm leaning towards the CSI A4 (who woulda guessed). I'll probably wait a little longer to pull the trigger on the rears, but the center is a priority; I'm thoroughly unimpressed with the Klipsch SC1. Once I get the center I'll take a pic and let you guys see how much electronics can be crammed into a 13x13 room!Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
To save yourself some money I would go with the CSi3. From what I ahve heard it is pretty comparable to the A4 just newer and more expensive. One just sold on eBay last week for $100.
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You're running a Denon so the RTI bookselves won't sound so bright! Personally I go with the Rti-6 or the newer RTI-A3 and the matching center. You'll get a bit fuller range from those that are a better match with the TSI-200s. Because let's face it. The 200s are going to out-bass the RTI-4s or A-1s. Those Rtis will have more detail in their highs and may image a bit better--but its not a night and day difference. That's why I'd go with the BIGGER bookshelf.
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
You're running a Denon so the RTI bookselves won't sound so bright! Personally I go with the Rti-6 or the newer RTI-A3 and the matching center. You'll get a bit fuller range from those that are a better match with the TSI-200s. Because let's face it. The 200s are going to out-bass the RTI-4s or A-1s. Those Rtis will have more detail in their highs and may image a bit better--but its not a night and day difference. That's why I'd go with the BIGGER bookshelf.
cnh
Trust me, I'd loove to pick up the A3s and the A6, unfortunately it's just not in the cards. ... And by 'not in the cards' I mean 'not in the wallet.' :eek: The two centers and books I mentioned I can get for practically the same price (which is why I'm debating between the two). The crisper detail seems a plus to me above bass, especially since I have the 500s and psw125 to drive the lows. I'm definitely looking for more clarity and definition so once again the RTs seem the better choice.
On a side note, my roommate just finished putting together a 5.1 system with B&W 602 S2s (and the matching CC6 center) and a Velodyne VRP-1200 sub. Wowee zowee those are some great sounding bookshelves! I was blown away by how big they sound... and I must admit they look very sexy (grills off of course).
I'd love to get the A3s to do a side by side comparison. *sigh* Regardless, I'll definitely put the A1 and A4 in the ring with those suckers and see how they fareTo save yourself some money I would go with the CSi3. From what I ahve heard it is pretty comparable to the A4 just newer and more expensive. One just sold on eBay last week for $100.
Thanks for the advice, I never even looked at that center, though it seems like a heck of a deal. You really can save a crap ton on used or last-year's-model speakers!Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
*POW* Trigger pulled. A4 on it's way. Woohoo and Doh! "Woohoo" for new speakers! And "doh" for this damnable upgrade bug, doesn't anyone know how to shake it? :eek:Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
Enjoy...
I think you might be surprised when you A/B the Polks and the B&W....I'm not a big fan of B&W bookshelves. Have heard quite a few and haven't yet heard a pair I really like but that's because they are NOT a 'warm' speaker.
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
Enjoy...
I think you might be surprised when you A/B the Polks and the B&W....I'm not a big fan of B&W bookshelves. Have heard quite a few and haven't yet heard a pair I really like but that's because they are NOT a 'warm' speaker.
cnh
Sometimes it's hard to make an objective comparison or critique when the only speakers I've heard for an extended period of time are Bose 601 IVs, 301Vs, Cambridge Soundworks T300, and now the B&Ws and my system. That means I've never heard any comparable Polk books and the B&Ws have no problem blowing the 301s (my only other bookshelf reference) out of the water.
I'd say one of my biggest problems is my overall lack of experience with a variety of speakers (we all know the cure for that: "buy sell buy sell!"). Hell, I didn't even know what my own listening preferences were when I bought my current setup. In fact, I'm still learning what it is I like/dislike with my speakers. I will say I've noticed a growing appeal for warmth during my listening (especially with music). And I have to agree with you cnh, the B-Dubs become extremely bright at higher dBs (hooked up to an Onkyo 801).
So I'm excited to compare the CC6 with the A4, and do the same when I finally get the books. I'll be sure to let you guys know what my ears tell me about the two.Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
Sometimes it's hard to make an objective comparison or critique when the only speakers I've heard for an extended period of time are Bose 601 IVs, 301Vs, Cambridge Soundworks T300, and now the B&Ws and my system. That means I've never heard any comparable Polk books and the B&Ws have no problem blowing the 301s (my only other bookshelf reference) out of the water.
I'd say one of my biggest problems is my overall lack of experience with a variety of speakers (we all know the cure for that: "buy sell buy sell!"). Hell, I didn't even know what my own listening preferences were when I bought my current setup. In fact, I'm still learning what it is I like/dislike with my speakers. I will say I've noticed a growing appeal for warmth during my listening (especially with music). And I have to agree with you cnh, the B-Dubs become extremely bright at higher dBs (hooked up to an Onkyo 801).
So I'm excited to compare the CC6 with the A4, and do the same when I finally get the books. I'll be sure to let you guys know what my ears tell me about the two.
I have B&W bookshelves - CDM 1NTs - which I personally like alot. I upgraded from RTiA3s and still have my CSi3.
I tried a B&W cc6 against the CSi3 but the CSi3 is *much* better.
But...that's just me.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
How much did you spend on the A4?
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Erik Tracy wrote: »I have B&W bookshelves - CDM 1NTs - which I personally like alot. I upgraded from RTiA3s and still have my CSi3.
I tried a B&W cc6 against the CSi3 but the CSi3 is *much* better.
But...that's just me.
I'd love to hear those B&Ws, they look gorgeous. You said you liked the CSi3 *much* better, care to elaborate? I'm interested in hearing your comparison of the two, if you'd endulge me.
Speaking of which, I just took a look at the CSi3 product page... and it looks like the CSi3 and the CSi A4 are pretty much the exact same speakers or am I missing something? Both have the same mids and same tweeter, while the CSi3 is a little deeper and weighs 5 more lbs (wonder why that is, heavier cabinet?).Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
I'd love to hear those B&Ws, they look gorgeous. You said you liked the CSi3 *much* better, care to elaborate? I'm interested in hearing your comparison of the two, if you'd endulge me.
Speaking of which, I just took a look at the CSi3 product page... and it looks like the CSi3 and the CSi A4 are pretty much the exact same speakers or am I missing something? Both have the same mids and same tweeter, while the CSi3 is a little deeper and weighs 5 more lbs (wonder why that is, heavier cabinet?).
Well, to be brutally honest, the cc6 center sounded like a vintage 1940s console box - and it was not a good match to the CDM 1NTs (In Polk-ese, I'd liken the sound to a harmonious mix of the rich LSi sound and the 'sparkle' of the RTiAs).
The cc6 was dull and boxy sounding - dialogue dispersion and dynamics are much better with my CSi3. What I really want is a CDM CNT, but the thing is *beast* and I'd have some modifications to do on my system layout to make it fit....so, for now, the CSi3 stays and actually is not a bad match.
But again, that's me, my setup, and my preferences....ymmv...
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
I think dull and boxy are perfect ways to describe the Klipsch SC1 I currently own. ooh, I'm excited again! New speaker on it's way!Living Room: Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-25 | Turntable: Technics SL-B200 | CD Player: Rotel RCD-955AX | Fronts: Polk RTiA3 | Center: Polk CSi A4 | Rears: Polk FXi3 | Sub: Velodyne DPS-10 | Cables: AudioQuest Type4 & TypeA
Office: Carver HR-742 | Speakers: RTi6 | Turntable: Numark 1600 -
And "doh" for this damnable upgrade bug, doesn't anyone know how to shake it? :eek:
Pills and booze.... but the effect is only temporary. :eek:Parasound C1, T3, HCA-3500, HCA-2205A, P/DD1550, Pioneer DV-79avi, Oppo BDP-83, WD Media Server W/HDD,
Dynaudio Contour 3.3, Dynaudio Contour T2.1, Polk OWM3, Polk DSW micropro 1000 (x2),
Pioneer Kuro 50" Plasma, Phillips Pronto Control w/Niles HT-MSU. -
I think dull and boxy are perfect ways to describe the Klipsch SC1 I currently own. ooh, I'm excited again! New speaker on it's way!
Remember...pictures...or it never happened!:D
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.