Matching Center for Polk RTi12s?

[PearlcorderS701]

What's the specific matching center for Polk RTi12 towers? I am referring to the timbre-matched center for these speakers; would it be the CSi5 or CSi40, or another model?

 

[anamorphic96]

It's the CSi5.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/csi5/

 

[PearlcorderS701]

OK...

I will address where to find the match between these two in the other thread, because as of right now, I don't see it...

 

[AVRat]

The CSi 5/3 ARE the centers for that vintage RTi line!!!!

 

[PearlcorderS701]

The CSi 5/3 ARE the centers for that vintage RTi line!!!!

Thanks 'Rat.

I could get away with either the 5 or 3?

Also, I didn't think the RTi12s were that "vintage" in status; aren't these simply the older versions of the RTi-A's? From what I understand, the only difference between the RTis and RTi-As is a curved cabinet design on the As...is this not right?

 

[AVRat]

Vintage - a period of origin or manufacture.

Yes, their performance characteristics didn't change much.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Vintage - a period of origin or manufacture.

Oh, yes, I realize that's the essential definition of the term; I didn't know you were using it in that way -- I thought you meant "vintage" as in its tendency to be used to describe "overtly old"...

Yes, their performance characteristics didn't change much.

Indeed? Thanks for the confirmation here; unfortunately, now I need to get back to my "preamp" thread as there's concern that perhaps my RTi12s aren't a speaker exhibiting any kind of quality...

So, the definite sonic timbre match for the RTi's would be the CSi5?

 

[AVRat]

I posted a response in the other thread. Let's let this one die.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I posted a response in the other thread. Let's let this one die.

The other one was initially created to discuss the possibilities of "ghetto rigging" a preout-less AVR for connection to a good amp but splintered into a tirade about the level of gear I have purchased; this one was supposed to specifically concentrate on a matching center for the RTi12s.

 

[anamorphic96]

The other one was initially created to discuss the possibilities of "ghetto rigging" a preout-less AVR for connection to a good amp but splintered into a tirade about the level of gear I have purchased; this one was supposed to specifically concentrate on a matching center for the RTi12s.

No one has ever knocked the level of your gear.

1. If you are referring to TLS Guy's comments. That's one persons opinion. Polk Audio makes some nice well designed speakers. Period. Like any speaker line they have some not so great models as well. Your 12's are not one of those models by a long shot.

2. If your are referring to my comments about the top of the line not always being the best of the line. Well it's the truth. But it didn't mean your speakers per say. Just some food for thought when making purchases. I will say it again the 12's are really nice speakers, you made a good choice. Period. In the end you will have needed to spend some more money to get the most out of them. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Because there gonna sound friggin sweet when your done.

3. I didn't see any tirade going on in the other thread. Just different views being expressed. As I have said before there are so many variables in play when setting up a HT that you will not always get finite answers on many things and your always gonna get conflicting opinions. In the end you do your best or what feels comfortable and sounds best to your ears.

4. To give some finality to this thread. The CSi5 is the matching center to your 12's per the Polk site. The CSi3 would be more of a lateral move as you have that model. Just an older vintage. I still feel the same about the importance of getting the biggest matched center channel possible. In this case it is the CSi5.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

No one has ever knocked the level of your gear.

See my comments regarding TLS and others; it's their perspective, but that's fine.

1. If you are referring to TLS Guy's comments. That's one persons opinion. Polk Audio makes some nice well designed speakers. Period. Like any speaker line they have some not so great models as well. Your 12's are not one of those models by a long shot.

Why does everything have to be "period"? Or "end of story"? Or "over"? We're discussing all this right now; can't you just take it easy?

Regarding the Polk comment, do you mean my 12s are not one of their "not so great" models?

2. If your are referring to my comments about the top of the line not always being the best of the line. Well it's the truth. But it didn't mean your speakers per say. Just some food for thought when making purchases. I will say it again the 12's are really nice speakers, you made a good choice. Period.

Oh brother...

I don't know what you meant by the first statement above, but I realize the LSi's are their top of the line models -- I couldn't afford them, nor could I drive their loads with my AVR. I realized this.

In the end you will have needed to spend some more money to get the most out of them. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Because there gonna sound friggin sweet when your done.

Fair enough. Do you still believe I could utilize the 605 for these towers?

3. I didn't see any tirade going on in the other thread. Just different views being expressed. As I have said before there are so many variables in play when setting up a HT that you will not always get finite answers on many things and your always gonna get conflicting opinions. In the end you do your best or what feels comfortable and sounds best to your ears.

If you didn't see a "tirade" or a debacle regarding all this, well, I don't know what to say to that; I just wanted to get some opinions on all this before I reached the stage you set with "what's comfortable and what sounds best to my ears." But I understand what you're saying with regard to this.

4. To give some finality to this thread. The CSi5 is the matching center to your 12's per the Polk site. The CSi3 would be more of a lateral move as you have that model. Just an older vintage. I still feel the same about the importance of getting the biggest matched center channel possible. In this case it is the CSi5.

Thank you -- so I will consider the CSi5. Someone had mentioned the CSi40 too; this center wouldn't work?

 

[anamorphic96]

Why does everything have to be "period"? Or "end of story"? Or "over"? We're discussing all this right now; can't you just take it easy?

Regarding the Polk comment, do you mean my 12s are not one of their "not so great" models?

I'm trying to help you understand that you have a great set of speakers. All I mean with the period statement is stop second guessing your purchase and enjoy the speakers. It's meant to add finality to you second guessing your decision. As has been mentioned before things are lost in translation.

Oh brother...

I don't know what you meant by the first statement above, but I realize the LSi's are their top of the line models -- I couldn't afford them, nor could I drive their loads with my AVR. I realized this.

Speaker companies have many different lines of speakers. R, Monitor, RTi, LSi. The 12's are the top of the RTi line. Where they the weak point in that line. Not in my opinion.

Fair enough. Do you still believe I could utilize the 605 for these towers?

Yes. It's been working fine and will continue to do so. However to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the 12's a new amp down the road certainly will not hurt. I just think your money is better spent on a new center and sub. The amp/receiver should then complete the puzzle, if that makes sense.

Thank you -- so I will consider the CSi5. Someone had mentioned the CSi40 too; this center wouldn't work?

I would not consider the CSi40 as it's not the exact timbre match. Keeping a timbre matched front stage is a key factor in creating a cohesive front stage and one of the most important factors in creating a killer HT. Stick with the exact match. Besides it's to cheap to pass up right now.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I'm trying to help you understand that you have a great set of speakers. All I mean with the period statement is stop second guessing your purchase and enjoy the speakers. It's meant to add finality to you second guessing your decision. As has been mentioned before things are lost in translation.

Fair enough.

One thing I neglected to ask you in the last post though was this: You mentioned that once I get some resources and money thrown at the 12s, they will sound friggin' awesome, but if I am continuing to use my 605 to power them and only going to upgrade the sub and center next, how exactly are these elements going to allow the RTi12s to "sound freakin' awesome"?

Speaker companies have many different lines of speakers. R, Monitor, RTi, LSi. The 12's are the top of the RTi line. Where they the weak point in that line. Not in my opinion.

Indeed; I bought them because Frys had the closeout on them and they were cheaper than the RTi-A entry level models they had on display. I figured since the only real difference between them was cosmetic, it was okay to buy a bit of an "outdated" model...

Still, though, you bring up an interesting and yet at the same time disturbing point...why would the top of a model line product be the "weak point" of any manufacturer? Why would that even be possible?

Yes. It's been working fine and will continue to do so. However to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the 12's a new amp down the road certainly will not hurt. I just think your money is better spent on a new center and sub. The amp/receiver should then complete the puzzle, if that makes sense.

That makes sense, but again this goes back to what I was asking above -- why would the center and sub allow the 12's to suddenly "come to life"?

I would not consider the CSi40 as it's not the exact timbre match. Keeping a timbre matched front stage is a key factor in creating a cohesive front stage and one of the most important factors in creating a killer HT. Stick with the exact match. Besides it's to cheap to pass up right now.

Indeed, and thanks. I shall look into buying only the CSi5.

 

[tom67]

"When will you make an end Michaelangelo?"......from the Agony and the Ecstacy

 

[Starmax]

I've had a pair of the RTi12s matched with the CSi5 for 5 years now, powered with an outboard B&K 200 wpc amp. I have another set-up using a pair of LSi15 speakers bi-amped with 170 wpc each upper and lower. They sound different from each other, but I like them both equally. That being said, my Def Tech 7002 towers sound the best.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I've had a pair of the RTi12s matched with the CSi5 for 5 years now, powered with an outboard B&K 200 wpc amp. I have another set-up using a pair of LSi15 speakers bi-amped with 170 wpc each upper and lower. They sound different from each other, but I like them both equally. That being said, my Def Tech 7002 towers sound the best.

Thanks for your input here, Starmax; I'm sorry you don't like the sound of your RTi12s as much as the Def Techs...

I'm kind of stuck with these RTi12's for awhile at least, as I just got them, but do you concur with Anamorphic that the CSi5 is the absolute best match for these towers? Could I be comfortable at least in keeping my current CSi30? I was told that the CSi30 is a good match for any RTi line...

 

[Ron Temple]

Could I be comfortable at least in keeping my current CSi30? I was told that the CSi30 is a good match for any RTi line...

and so it is...not perfect and the 5 would be better, but you're the only one that can judge if you like it or not. You've been listening to it for awhile...how's it working? I'll bet it's doing a decent job, but if you want more, then get the CSi5. There's certainly no better match among the Polk lineup past or present.

 

[Starmax]

The RTi12s are awesome speakers, I'm just saying I like the Def Techs a bit more because their bi-polar design creates an incredibly detailed musical sound stage. In other words, they throw out a holographic dimensional sound, where each instrument and voice can be located in space. My Polks give off a beautifully detailed sound, where louder is better. In no way should you consider yourself "stuck" with the RTi12s. Give them enough juice, 200+ watts, and there's nothing in their class that sounds better. Keep your CSi30, it's fine. Either center will get the job done, you wouldn't to be able to tell a difference between the two. I watch TV in my bedroom with l & r speakers only, no center, and I can't detect the absence of a center...they create a very believable middle channel, so no need to obsess over the perfect center.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

and so it is...not perfect and the 5 would be better, but you're the only one that can judge if you like it or not. You've been listening to it for awhile...how's it working? I'll bet it's doing a decent job, but if you want more, then get the CSi5. There's certainly no better match among the Polk lineup past or present.

Thanks for your input, Ron...

I have indeed been listening to the CSi30 for many years actually, as was part of my first HT system consisting of R20 mains and R15 surrounds... So, because I didn't want to necessarily "lose" this center, I decided to build a front soundstage around it -- I was advised that the RTi line would mate with the CSi30 OK.

As for "the way they sound," I cannot really get a handle on whether or not they are making a cohesive soundstage -- dialogue and effects come though effectively enough from it, but as for cohesion with the RTi12s, I can't really say with any kind of definite response...I suppose they are melding nicely.

It's just that members like Anamorphic have been suggesting that a tremendous difference was to be had by upgrading my center to the RTi5, in addition to a subwoofer (the sub I know for sure would make a massive difference), and I am uncertain just how different the system would sound with the CSi5.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

The RTi12s are awesome speakers, I'm just saying I like the Def Techs a bit more because their bi-polar design creates an incredibly detailed musical sound stage. In other words, they throw out a holographic dimensional sound, where each instrument and voice can be located in space. My Polks give off a beautifully detailed sound, where louder is better. In no way should you consider yourself "stuck" with the RTi12s. Give them enough juice, 200+ watts, and there's nothing in their class that sounds better.

Uh-oh, now this concerns me...I have heard this "200 and more watts" theory regarding the RTi12s from people on the ridiculously abrasive Polk forum -- that is, that if you feed these speakers 200 plus watts each, that's the only kind of power that can drive 'em and open 'em up...right now, they're being driven by an Onkyo 605 AVR which produces -- if we're lucky -- 90 watts into the two main channels, but I have been advised by Polk customer support and some others even on this site such as Anamorphic that the 605 should push the RTi12s just fine, and that they're not as "power hungry" as I may think...they just handle a great deal of maximum wattage. So now, with your recommendation of feeding 'em at least 200 watts each, I don't know what to believe -- I don't think I would be even able to afford an amplifier that could produce 200 watts RMS per channel, if there is even one on the retail market.

Keep your CSi30, it's fine. Either center will get the job done, you wouldn't to be able to tell a difference between the two. I watch TV in my bedroom with l & r speakers only, no center, and I can't detect the absence of a center...they create a very believable middle channel, so no need to obsess over the perfect center.

Is this really so? There will be no audible difference between the CSi30, CSi5 or any other center channel?