Choosing the right front and center speacker

gacilu · July 2005

Hi,

I am using as front speakers two Polk rti 38 and as a subwoofer a Polk PSW-404. I don't have surround or center speakers.

I would like to use the rti 38 as surround speakers and buy good fronts and center.

I have a receiver Marantz with a power of 200 Watts. What Polk models could I use to have an balanced sound?

Thanks for your answers,

Guillermo

Early B. · July 2005

Consider the Polk RTi series floorstanders (8 or 10) and a Csi5.

gacilu · July 2005

Thanks for your answer.

I would like to buy the rti 10, but I've seen in polk's web site that they go with the subwoofer 505 not the 404. If I buy the 10, would the bass sound be very weak?

Thanks,

Guillermo

Meeks32 · July 2005

This isnt a response you are looking for im sure, but if I were in you're shoes I would buy some nice sized bookshelfs like some used Rt55i's along with a used cs400i center, or from the newer models some RTI6's with the csi5 as stated above. Then I would sell you're polk sub & buy one of the smaller SVS or HSU subs(unless you can spend more), I know it sounds like a broken record recomending those subs but there's a reason why people do. I think you would be much more pleased with one of those setups & it would be easier to drive with you're marantz.

gacilu · July 2005

Thanks for your answer,

Why do you think that a Bookshelf will be a better choice than a Floorstanding?

I am happy with my actual Bookshelf and the sub, but I have some problems with the low male voices. It is like there is an small gap between the highest frequency in the subwoofer and the lowest in the bookshelf. I've always thought that the problem is that my bookshelfs are either a very good surround or a good enought front speaker.
I think that adding floorstanding speakers would solve my issue in a better way than another bookshelf. What do you think?

Regarding the subwoofer. I am happy with the 404. Is there any strong reason why you think I should change it?

Once again thank you for your answers,

Guillermo

BrentMcGhee · July 2005

the problem with the male voices is not a problem with the speakers but a problem with your crossover.... Try lowering your sub crossover to about 60hz. The 38's can easily go down that low and it will give you a much better blend with your bookshelves and your sub.

As for the recomendation of getting a set of bookshelves as your fronts i agree with. I am a bigger fan of bookshelves than i am of floorstanders for ht. The 55i's would be a great match for your 38i's in the back. 400i for the center as well with this setup.

Meeks32 · July 2005

I just recomended the bookshelfs because I dont know your budget. If you have the money then by all means get some tower speakers if you want them, even though most people will crossover their mains at 80hz so it might be a waste of money. Unless you are in a apartment, I think spending money on a better sub will impress you alot more with movies than what you have now. Here is a review of the big brother of the 404 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/polk-psw-505-subwoofer-4-2005.html and it didnt get a very good review for movies since it really starts to loose output below 35hz & thats just where the fun starts with movie soundtracks. You may think that you're sub belts out lots of sound but you will be amazed by how bad it sounds and what you were missing when you get a good sub. You could pickup a B-stock SVS pb10 for around $389 or get a used HSU STF-2 for probably $250. Couple those with some nice mains & a good center & you will love it.

Choosing the right front and center speacker

Comments