Center Vs. Sub Vs. Surround - what should I replace?

[gqmagic]

I understand that but "2" channel and "3" speakers.......

3 centers for left, right and center so they timbre match.

There's another thread somewhere where the guy is wondering whats wrong with the sound because he's using a mis-matched center.

 

[fredk]

3 towers or bookshelves would be more apropriate. Centers are always a compromise (unless they are an identical tower or bookshelf).

 

[gqmagic]

3 towers or bookshelves would be more apropriate. Centers are always a compromise (unless they are an identical tower or bookshelf).

Well I guess it would depend on the centers now would it not

 

[pzaur]

Well I guess it would depend on the centers now would it not

Many centers don't have the range to be run without a sub. What centers are you suggesting? They may also have specific design differences than a L/R speaker which can affect how they are supposed to mounted/displayed (i.e. vertical vs. horizontal setup - Ascend Acoustics does this).

-pat

 

[adwilk]

3 centers for left, right and center so they timbre match.

There's another thread somewhere where the guy is wondering whats wrong with the sound because he's using a mis-matched center.

I get all that... you're telling the guy to get a setup so he can listen to 2 channel stuff.. 2 channels.. you then tell him to get 3 speakers.

OP, get A center channel. 1

 

[gqmagic]

I get all that... you're telling the guy to get a setup so he can listen to 2 channel stuff.. 2 channels.. you then tell him to get 3 speakers.

OP, get A center channel. 1

I'll go slower for you

Matching Left Speaker + Right Speaker + Center Speaker = 3 speakers

 

[adwilk]

I'll go slower for you

Matching Left Speaker + Right Speaker + Center Speaker = 3 speakers

Don't slow down on my account.

But why the heck does he need three speakers to listen to two channels?

I like movies in 5.1... I'll look into buying 13 speakers? Got it?

 

[ChunkyDark]

Don't buy the cs10, you want to get the csi a4 or a6 because those are tuned to match your set (or another rti a1 if you can find a single). The surrounds don't matter as much but I'd stay within the same series if you can help it.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/rtia/

There are a couple on ebay for ~150. Polk also has a great ebay store for their refrubs.

I also have a dayton sub 120. Personally it's plenty of sub for me and I don't plan on upgrading until it breaks (hopefully not soon). I'm not saying the others are wrong, it's just important to note that for some of us 150$ sub is enough and not just a stepping stone.

 

[mapexvenus]

Update: I got my Polk center channel delivered yesterday and I can tell the really impressive difference it is making to the HT experience. I am now going to keep this setup for a while and then upgrade to a much better sub in a few months (or earlier depending on how long I can hold out..). I haven't replaced the old Onkyo surrounds that I have yet, but that is probably a $100 buy at best buy if I want to replace them with entry-level polks.

 

[jostenmeat]

Yes on the sub upgrade, but I would consider just keeping the rears if the only other option is entry Polks. I honestly think that Onkyo HTIB speakers are superior to Polk's bottom-of-the-line, which are some of the worst speakers I've ever heard. Save the $100. If you are stepping up from the bottom-of-the-line to Rti, that is a different story.

 

[Davemcc]

I don't think the Sony sub is near as bad as everybody is making it out to be. It's not an earth shaking ground pounder like some of the subs talked about in here but you sure get your money's worth for $99. Be patient, decide what sub you would really, really like to have as your final sub and save until you can have that ultimate sub.

For the record, I went from a Sony SA-WM250 to an SVS PB12-Plus. Sure, it was a night and day difference but that little Sony is still performing admirably at my buddy's house.

 

[allargon]

I don't think the Sony sub is near as bad as everybody is making it out to be. It's not an earth shaking ground pounder like some of the subs talked about in here but you sure get your money's worth for $99. Be patient, decide what sub you would really, really like to have as your final sub and save until you can have that ultimate sub.

For the record, I went from a Sony SA-WM250 to an SVS PB12-Plus. Sure, it was a night and day difference but that little Sony is still performing admirably at my buddy's house.

I do agree that the OP should take his/her time w/ the sub replacement. But no way will I defend a Sony sub or any other Sony audio equipment.

I've got Sony audio equipment in my bedroom that screams, "Replace me!"

The OP should check out WiMax's Kappa build thread!

 

[lsiberian]

Don't buy the cs10, you want to get the csi a4 or a6 because those are tuned to match your set (or another rti a1 if you can find a single). The surrounds don't matter as much but I'd stay within the same series if you can help it.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/rtia/

There are a couple on ebay for ~150. Polk also has a great ebay store for their refrubs.

I also have a dayton sub 120. Personally it's plenty of sub for me and I don't plan on upgrading until it breaks (hopefully not soon). I'm not saying the others are wrong, it's just important to note that for some of us 150$ sub is enough and not just a stepping stone.

We still got some work to do on you. We'll get the upgrade bug to bite.

 

[ChunkyDark]

We still got some work to do on you. We'll get the upgrade bug to bite.

Heck I still have to finish it!
Blu-ray player (htpc blu-ray is dead to me!)
logitech remote
build av cabinet
weave more wall treatments (ok kidding i don't have a loom...yet)

BTW, congrats on getting married! Hope youe'r enjoying/enjoyed your honeymoon.

 

[mapexvenus]

Don't buy the cs10, you want to get the csi a4 or a6 because those are tuned to match your set (or another rti a1 if you can find a single). The surrounds don't matter as much but I'd stay within the same series if you can help it.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/rtia/

There are a couple on ebay for ~150. Polk also has a great ebay store for their refrubs.

I also have a dayton sub 120. Personally it's plenty of sub for me and I don't plan on upgrading until it breaks (hopefully not soon). I'm not saying the others are wrong, it's just important to note that for some of us 150$ sub is enough and not just a stepping stone.

Too late, I already bought the CS10. I didn't think about staying with the series at the time that I made the purchase, but it did strike mind later. I like the CS10, and am tempted to exchange it and pay the roughly $150 (add another $20 for shipping to send the CS10 back) difference to get the CSI A4, but am I really losing a lot by not matching?

 

[ChunkyDark]

I haven't heard them side by side only a4 and a6 so couldn't say how different they are.
Here are the tech specs:

CSI a4
Midrange 2 - 5-1/4" Diameter (13.34cm)
Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance with rubber surround
Tweeter 1 - 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Silk Polymer Dome Tweeter
Overall Frequency Response 55Hz-27kHz

cs10
Midrange 2 - 5-1/4" Diameter (13.34cm)
Bi-Laminate Organic Fiber cone
Tweeter 1 - 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Silk Dome Dynamic Balance
Overall Frequency Response 53-25KHz