surround speakers

[landry_p2000]

Hey. What would be better for my surrounds Rti bookshelf speakers or FXi bipole/dipole and why?:confused:

[thehalo8]

Depends on your tastes and room arrangement. For my setup the FX's work the best.

[PolkThug]

There are awesome deals on FXi's at Circuit City right now, grab a pair while you still can at these prices.

Regards,
PolkThug

["Polk" Paul DiComo]

thehalo8 gave the right answer - it depends. Here's a slightly more detailed response. If your seating position and preferred ssurround speaker location are close to each other so that you'll be sitting within a few feet or less of the surround speakers, go with a diffuse radiator type speaker (FX). If you can place the rear speakers well away from your listeing position, a direct radiator will be fine. Direct radiators (like an RTi4) will be less expensive for a given level of quality. My feeling is that if the price difference isn't a big deal for you go with the FX style speaker just for the flexibility.

[gregure]

Personally, I've been very happy with the FXi 3's. They put out a lot of sound for such small speakers. Very detailed with ambient noise. Two examples (and yes I'm a Lord of the Rings fiend):
In the Extended Edition of Fellowship of the Ring (in DTS mode), the music and background crowd noise at Bilbo's birthday party really comes over well from the surrounds, filling the room like you're in the middle of the party. Also, in Return of the King (sadly on in Dolby for now), the scene in Theoden's Hall at the beginning where he says "Hail the honored dead" and the whole crowd shouts "Hail," the surrounds thrillingly put you there. From scenes where dialogue echoes, to fast surround effects, the FXi's really deliver. Not only that, but they are easily wall mountable. Just find a stud and two screws hold them up fine. Bookshelves would work if the speakers are behind you, but if you can mount on the wall on the sides of the listening position, FXi would be the way to go.

[landry_p2000]

Thanks for the help. I will see about getting a pair of FXi3's from Circuit City or Crutchfield if C.C. is out of them for good.:cool:

[landry_p2000]

Well guys, C.C has one set left, and the manager was not there who could cut me a deal. I will try again Satutday. Wish me luck!

[landry_p2000]

Got them tonight for $289.99 on a trade in for the RTi4s which I paid $259.99. Last pair in the area of two stores. Ijust love the upgrade program!