Monitor 30 vs. TSi100 vs. RTi4

jemrey81
jemrey81 Posts: 161
edited April 2010 in Speakers
So these are my options.... I am pretty sure I will be able to fit this size bookshelf in the cabinet. The RTi4 is the tallest but I think it might still work. My center is the CS10 and I am running a PSW505 sub, no surrounds. I know the TSi100 "matches" my center, but I don't know about the others... the RTi4 says that it is timber matched to all of the Polk lines? Any input on which ones deliver the best sound? I listen to a lot of music, and watch a lot of movies. Right now I have a pair of T15's and they are not cutting it anymore on the music level. Do I need to be concerned that the TSi100 isn't shielded? The speakers will be right next to my tv.... pretty much touching the tv actually. So music wise, which one is best? HT wise, which one is best?

thanks!
Post edited by jemrey81 on
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2010
    What kind of TV do you have that you need to be concerned about shielding? A TUBE set? Most newer HDTVs don't have shielding issues.

    And yes...the TSI-100s are the match for that center. It is not quite true that the Rti-4s are timbre matched to a CS10 because they employ a different tweeter and crossover?

    So I'd go with the 100s or else sell the center and buy the Rtis and their matching center.

    Music wise, the Rtis will have a bit more detail and may image a little better. I'd probably give the edge to the Rtis for HT because that is really what that series is for.

    However the 100s are not bad at all musically. In their price range they are difficult to beat. I guess I'm just being confusing so:

    1. Get the 100s and call it a day.

    2. Sell the center get a CSi center and the Rti bookselves.

    cnh
    Currently 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]
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  • jemrey81
    jemrey81 Posts: 161
    edited April 2010
    You're the man cnh.... thanks for your input! I will get the TSi100's. I was leaning more towards those to begin with, but I wasn't sure if the shielding had anything to do with LCD tv's...... I have a Toshiba LCD (hdtv).
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2010
    Toshiba LCD, you're good to go! I'd give the bookshelves a week or so to break in. During that time don't clip your AVR or AMP..or else you'll pop the tweeters! Moderate levels are good and will insure that you'll be able to play them LOUDER after break-in with no problems.

    Enjoy your set up before upgrade-itis sets in! The PSW505 will fill in the low end nicely...but it has to be tweaked a bit for music...it's best in the HT mode and needs to be dialed back for two channel music.

    cnh
    Currently 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]
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  • jemrey81
    jemrey81 Posts: 161
    edited April 2010
    Thanks cnh... I am actually getting the used TSi100's from the for sale section here (so hopefully the break in was done right!). I am really enjoying the PSW505, you're right about tweaking it a lot though. I probably adjust the volume knob a few times a day depending on what I am using it for.

    I don't think the upgrade-itis will set in for a good year or so, that's usually how it works on me :) This is the biggest front channel speaker I can fit in this house, and I don't have any surround options here, so that's out... and I love my center and sub, so those are not going to be upgraded. I just got the blu-ray and the tv, so it looks like I might end up researching receivers next!! Should I warn my wife now? ;)
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited April 2010
    Just an option to murky up the waters a bit: There is a demo of the tsi100s going on right now: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84036&highlight=tsi100+demo

    I am not sure if you have been around long enough to get it on it, but its worth asking.

    Also, I have not heard the tsi100s yet (I am on the demo list) but I owned the monitor 30s and the rti4s and the rt25is and sonically the rt25is are my favorite and would fit your space. However, cosmetically (based on pics alone) I would say that the tsi100s have the edge. Also, you wouldn't have the sell your center. However, the csi3 is MUCH clearer and more detailed than the cs1 (which is comparable to your cs10), so again if you are going for sound quality I would lean towards wither rti4 w/ csi3 or go older and get the rt25i with a cs245i center. But the tsi series is really good looking, so if you are satisfied with your center then like you said, get a pair of tsi100s and call it a day!

    Peace,
    Paul
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • jemrey81
    jemrey81 Posts: 161
    edited April 2010
    Thanks for the input... I don't really want to deal with selling my center and buying a new one / look for older gear. I was originally planning on doing the demo, but decided to just go to best buy and do some testing there since they have the TSi100 and the T15 (which is what I have). I was very happy with the sound of the TSi100, MUCH better than the T15. It's funny you mentioned the 25's, I was looking around at those too.... just wasn't up for the waiting around to find the right pair, and I really don't have a reason to get rid of my center. I know that the TSi100's are the right choice now, and I couldn't get a better deal than what I am getting them for. I was mostly interested in the RTi4, wondered if it was worth the extra money... but if it won't go that great with my center, than it isn't worth the extra money.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited April 2010
    I first started with RTi4s and CSi3 -and the sonic grin factor was BIG! :D

    The RTi4s can be had for a good deal now and then if you are patient and one heck of a gem of a speaker for a modest system for both music and HT.

    Don't be fooled by the size...:p

    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.
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