RTi12's and CSi3 a good matchup?

BWilberg266
BWilberg266 Posts: 191
edited August 2010 in Speakers
Right now I am running Monitor 70's and a CS20 center with a Denon 1910, but I have an opportunity to pick up a pari of RTi12's with a CSi3 center for a good price used.

My question is if the Denon will drive these well enough and if the CSi3 matches well with the RTi12's. Since they are in the same line I would assume so but wasn't sure if having a CSi6 instead would make a big difference. (not that I even have the option of a CSi6 but curious none the less.

Thanks in advance for any and all help here.
Main Setup
Fronts - Energy RC-50's
Center - Energy RC-LCR
Rear - Energy RC-R's
Subs - Gone...
AVR - Pioneer SC-37
Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
TV - Vizio E550I-B2
Media Server - Mac Mini
Post edited by BWilberg266 on
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2010
    BWilberg266 wrote: »
    Right now I am running Monitor 70's and a CS20 center with a Denon 1910, but I have an opportunity to pick up a pari of RTi12's with a CSi3 center for a good price used.

    My question is if the Denon will drive these well enough and if the CSi3 matches well with the RTi12's. Since they are in the same line I would assume so but wasn't sure if having a CSi6 instead would make a big difference. (not that I even have the option of a CSi6 but curious none the less.

    Thanks in advance for any and all help here.

    You'd be better off looking for a used or refurbished CSi5 to match with the RTi12s.

    Or getting a CSiA6.

    The CSi3 is a good center, but better suited for the smaller RTi series.

    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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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    So my question then would be wether I would be better off keeping my CS20 with the RTi12's until I get a CSi5 since it has the 6.5" cones or would the CSi3 be a better stand in?
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2010
    BWilberg266 wrote: »
    So my question then would be wether I would be better off keeping my CS20 with the RTi12's until I get a CSi5 since it has the 6.5" cones or would the CSi3 be a better stand in?

    If it were me, I'd keep the CS20 and see how well it works with the RTi12s.

    If you don't like the matchup, then you could always run a 'phantom center' until you can get the CSi5 (or CSiA6).

    If budget is the issue - then, to me, it wouldn't make sense to buy a CSi3, and then have to buy again for the CSi5.

    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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  • polktiger
    polktiger Posts: 556
    edited July 2010
    I think the tone is the biggest consideration, and I think tonally the RTi and CSi match regardless of release year. I was thinking the CS line was the tonal match for the Monitor line.
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    Tonal match was my concern. I would be getting the RTi12's and CSi3 as a package deal, not sold separate. So maybe I'll just sell the CSi3 and CS20 and pick up the CSi5. The price of those two sold would give me enough cash to get the new center and have money left over.

    Maybe if I give the wife the left over cash to go shopping everyone would be happy :D
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2010
    BWilberg266 wrote: »
    Tonal match was my concern. I would be getting the RTi12's and CSi3 as a package deal, not sold separate. So maybe I'll just sell the CSi3 and CS20 and pick up the CSi5. The price of those two sold would give me enough cash to get the new center and have money left over.

    Maybe if I give the wife the left over cash to go shopping everyone would be happy :D

    That would work.

    Have you been watching Polk's ebay outlet? Sometimes a CSiA6 or CSi5 pop up now and then for a good 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.
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  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited July 2010
    The RTi12 and CSi3 have identical drivers, so I wouldn't say its a terrible match at all! The CSi5 is a better center channel, but the CSi3 will work great too.
    My System Showcase!

    Media Room
    Paradigm Studio 60 - Paradigm CC-690 - Paradigm ADP-390 - Epik Empire - Anthem MRX300 - Emotiva XPA-5

    Living-room
    Paradigm MilleniaOne - Rythmik F12GSE - Onkyo TX-SR805 - Adcom 5400

    Headphones
    Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear - Shure SE215 - Fiio E18 Kunlun
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    Polk direct is probably the direction I would go. Can't beat the prices.
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    mystik610 wrote: »
    The RTi12 and CSi3 have identical drivers, so I wouldn't say its a terrible match at all! The CSi5 is a better center channel, but the CSi3 will work great too.

    I guess my best bet will be to simply try out each center and see what I like best. I didn't notice that the RTi12 and CSi3 had the same drivers...so now I'm really curious to find out what sounds best.

    I think I'd have an easier time selling my CS20 since it is only 5 months old and I have all the packaging. So if the CSi3 fits the bill that would be great.
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • inson71
    inson71 Posts: 90
    edited July 2010
    The CSi3 will match perfectly with the RTi12s as far as timbre. I think what most people are saying is that the CSi5 will be able to keep up with the RTi12s a little better at higher volumes due to the larger drivers and increased power handling. That being said, I have the RTi8s and the CSi3 and have never noticed the CSi3 not keeping up. If home theater is your thing, I would not hesitate to get the RTI 12s with the CSi3.
    Onkyo Pr-sc 5509
    Parasound 2250/Parasound 5125
    SVS PB 12 Plus
    Denon DBP-2012 Bluray
    Polk RTI 8, CSI 3, 4 FXI 3
    Sony 55" LCD
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  • squeeb
    squeeb Posts: 426
    edited July 2010
    If you decide to sell the CSi3, please let me know. Especially if you can ship to Colorado.
    7.3 HT: Sunfire TGR-3, Sunfire Series II, Mirage OMD-28, OMD-5 (x4), REL T1 (2), T2, Oppo 103D, Optoma HD8200PRO, 106" screen, SB Touch
    Family Room: Yamaha RX-V2700, RT25i, 42" Samsung, SB Duet
    Pool: Yamaha V2700, SQ Duet, Atrium 60 (2), Atrium 45 (3), Atrium 65sdi
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    squeeb wrote: »
    If you decide to sell the CSi3, please let me know. Especially if you can ship to Colorado.

    You will be first on my list Squeeb. I have no problem shipping. I ship a ton of items via FedEx with my business so I get good rates and everything is insured.
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    Are you getting rid of your CSi5 or something?
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • squeeb
    squeeb Posts: 426
    edited July 2010
    BWilberg266 wrote: »
    Are you getting rid of your CSi5 or something?

    Nope, but I did pick up a couple FXi A6s. Plan to put them as surrounds and move the RTi6s and 4s to my secondary system - hence the need for the center.

    I will probably be selling the JBL Northridge speakers, though - if you are interested. :p
    7.3 HT: Sunfire TGR-3, Sunfire Series II, Mirage OMD-28, OMD-5 (x4), REL T1 (2), T2, Oppo 103D, Optoma HD8200PRO, 106" screen, SB Touch
    Family Room: Yamaha RX-V2700, RT25i, 42" Samsung, SB Duet
    Pool: Yamaha V2700, SQ Duet, Atrium 60 (2), Atrium 45 (3), Atrium 65sdi
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  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited July 2010
    squeeb wrote: »
    Nope, but I did pick up a couple FXi A6s. Plan to put them as surrounds and move the RTi6s and 4s to my secondary system - hence the need for the center.

    I will probably be selling the JBL Northridge speakers, though - if you are interested. :p

    No need for the JBL's if I get the RTi12's, but I will keep you posted on the status of the CSi3
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
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  • Zeros
    Zeros Posts: 940
    edited July 2010
    Bwil, here is a CSi5 for sale if you are looking for one. I know they are hard to come by:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103864
    My Basement / Home Theater Room
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  • ecdawn
    ecdawn Posts: 1
    edited August 2010
    Hello,I'm a newbie.Which speakers are better Lsi15 or the Rti12s.Thanks for any help.
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  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2010
    To the original poster, the CSi3 should sound good, even with the larger RTi12's. I used the CSi3 with the RTi10's and never felt like it was being overpowered. As mentioned though, the CSi5 is the better center and will have a much easier time keeping up with the 12's.
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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