Purchasing New Speakers Tomorrow - Need Help!!!

[math wizard]

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I'm about to purchase a center channel speaker (and possibly surrounds) to replace my Polk RM302 center channel. Currently I have Polk RTi10's as my fronts and RM2000 (older model - similar to the RM101) ans my surrrounds. I'm also running a Polk PSW404 and PSW303 subs (stacked). My AVR is a Yamaha RX-V2500. Because of limited funds, here are my choices:

Buy a Polk Csi5 center channel to replace the RM302

or

Buy a Polk Csi3 and Polk RTi4 (two) to replace the RM302 and the RM2000's

Both senarios can be had for the same price. Would I be better off buying the larger center channel now and getting the new surrounds when funds allow, or buying the smaller center channel and surrounds that are superior to my current surrounds. The room is 18 x 14 with 18 foot ceilings and open on one end.

The new speakers are at clearance prices so I need to act fast. Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

[obieone]

I'm just a newbie, but I'd go w/ the CSi3/ RTi4 combo- more speaker for the $.
IMHO, I'd want to match the 10's with bookshelves over sat.'s, more than, close in the match for the center.
Good luck, merry xmas

[Early B.]

Since the center channel carries 80% of the movie, get the best one you can afford. In this case, the Csi5 would be the best choice. Later on, upgrade the surrounds to Rti6's.

[dkg999]

Go with EarlyB's recommendation. You want the CSi5!

[Sherardp]

Definitely go CSi5, then add a pair of FXi3s as your surrounds later on. Obieone, you little n00b. Just kidding, though the CSi5 is a huge improvement over the 3.

[mrmusicman]

Csi5 and upgrade surrounds later is my vote:D

[mjwilliams45]

I would get the CSi5 and upgrade the surrounds later. I just picked up one and you'll be happy you did.

[vonnie123]

Don't scrimp on the center channel. It is a primary speaker. The surrounds are not as critcal. Buy the best center you can afford, and buy the surrounds later.

[danger boy]

18 ft ceilings? what is this a basketball court? :p

i like your second option.

[GSRBOB]

CSi5 all the way.

[math wizard]

Thanks to all who commented. I just brought home a Polk CSi5. It sound great. I guess my next upgrade would be the surrounds, probably the FXi3 or FXi5.

[cfrizz]

Congrats & welcome to Club Polk.

[Shizelbs]

Since the center channel carries 80% of the movie, get the best one you can afford. In this case, the Csi5 would be the best choice. Later on, upgrade the surrounds to Rti6's.

Agreed.

[Shizelbs]

Thanks to all who commented. I just brought home a Polk CSi5. It sound great. I guess my next upgrade would be the surrounds, probably the FXi3 or FXi5.

Wise move. Enjoy the forum.