Advice on timbre matching with RTi8's

[GEBBY44]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the community as I just bought my first set of Polks in some cherry RTi8's and a pair of RTi4's. I've always wanted some RTi8's since I first heard them a few years ago and I screamed with glee when Fry's cut those prices because I felt like I could finally afford some (I'm in college and education isn't cheap). I picked up the RTi4's for $110. The RTi8's and 4's as surrounds sound great together.

I'm still haven't picked up my center channel and know that the Csi5 is where I would like to go, but money is tight. So it's come down to this. Either buy a Csi3 for $150 or I have found an Infinity Interlude IL36c on craigslist for $125.

I love my Polk's and know that I should probably stick with the Csi3, but I have nothing against the sound of Infinity's, especially the Interlude series. The Infinity is more powerful and can reproduce closer to the Csi5, but I am afraid that it may not match well. I do 75% music/25% HT. Any advice or suggestions or any other center channels that are around $150?

Thanks.

-Ryan

Setup:

Polk RTi8's (bi-amped from receiver)
Polk RTi4's surround
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV receiver
Pioneer DV-59avi DVD player
Optoma HD72 DLP Projector
100" Draper screen

[lockmart]

I'm no expert but my personal opinion is to stick with the matching Csi3 and I've also read that by more senior members.

[Kchill]

Csi3 at that price is a steal....all of us new Rti owners are not upset over the 3, we have fell in love with it and I think Lockmart would agree that it completes our systems. Sure we can pay double for the 5 but from all accounts unless you push your 8's with an external amp that the 3 will do. In the future I will amp my 10's but for now I can't belive how well these sound without and it gives me something to look forward to when I put the full system together. I just would like to see if there is a big difference with the surrounds you guys got but I think I will just hold because this buying of speakers is getting on my wifes nerve!

[shimey013]

I have the Csi3 and i cant complain, truth be told, it is better to match your center with your fronts..so CSi3 is the way to go.