RT35(i?) upgrade path suggestion

[jesyjames]

Disclaimer: I apologize that all my posts require multi-part essays in response.

I recently came in contact with a pair of RT35i's(victim of a family member's home theater upgrade). I also recently bought a Denon AVR-1803 to use with my Polk RM-6600/PSW 350 system. My room is pretty small(about 13x12)

Having said that, I'm considering using the 35's up front, moving the RM Satellites to the back for EX/ES encoded movies, and then purchasing either the CSI30/CSI40 for the main center.

1. Would this be a significant upgrade? Let me define "significant." Is it worth shelling out the cash it would cost to do this? Upwards of $300 U.S. I can afford it, but $300+ is $300+.

2. Would it be better to just leave my RM system as it is and then in a few years when I get a bigger living space just do a major home theater overhaul?

3. When comparing the CSI30 vs the CSI40 what are the differences-- and is the price difference justified?

4. This is a strange question... but... the box for these polks and the manual clearly are labeled RT35i. Yet, the little Polk sticker on the back off them simply says RT35. They were purchased at a local authorized dealer with a very good reputation, so I don't think anything intentionally shady happened, but is there a way I can tell for sure which brand of 35 I have?

Thanks for any and all help, as always!

-Eric

[Ron-P]

but is there a way I can tell for sure which brand of 35 I have?
What color are the driver's?

Black=RT35
Dark Blue=RT35i.


Peace Out~:D

[jesyjames]

black... well that's odd then :/

And does owning the 35s vs 35is change much?

[izafar]

You will notice much improvment with RT35 over RM6600. -3DB point on RM6600 sattallites is around 120 HZ, whereas for RT35 it is around 55Hz. This is significant improvment in lower midrange and provides proper weight in mail vocals.

[RuSsMaN]

Mail vocals? Like from the postman?

I think your upgrade path as mentioned above is a stellar idea.

35 to 35i to i38, not a WHOLE lot of difference tonally.

[izafar]

Mail vocals? Like from the postman?

Mail vocals like Chris Rea/Neil Dimond singing (this is after considering that jesyjames might also use them for music beside HT).

[VR3]

I believe its Male, as in a Guy's voice. Mail is what you send to a relative to read.

[izafar]

Ok, so I may have created a new record for spelling mistakes. I need to install a utility on my PC that does spell check in HTML forms. :)

[pjdami]

The CSi30 would do for now in the current room that you are in but if you're looking to only buy a center channel once (when you move to a larger room) I'd go with the CSi40. Larger drivers and better sound. The center channel speaker is the most important in a home theater setup (with the sub coming in a close second IMO).

Yes, the RT35's as mains will be a bigtime improvement in sound over the satellites due to the better midrange / midbass sound. You will see the most improvement when you listen to music.

Paul

[gacole2000]

I also agree it would be a great upgrade since you already have them. Further, I would spend the extra $ on a good center. I will make a great difference in HT and if you do upgrade you can still use it. Have fun!

Greg

[jesyjames]

Well, for better or worse, I've gone and done it. I ordered from Crutchfield as they currently had free shipping and they will even pay for the return shipping should I decide the upgrade isn't worth the $400.

I ended up going with the csi40 based on the suggestions in this thread. My tv is a sony kvs-32". I hope that will provide adequate support for it since the TV isn't enclosed with a shelving unit.

I'm slightly concerned that because of the smaller room dimensions I might be overpowering the room with this step-up to the 35's and the csi40.

I'm also slightly concerned that the 35's won't be as matched to the csi40 since, as it turns out, the speakers aren't in the "i" series.

But the prospect of a beautiful sound stage makes all of that negligible. And, I really have nothing to lose with Crutchfield's generous return policy.

Having said that, the only problem I anticipate(aside from my wife saying "it's so big"-- no jokes please) is that my receiver only has one variable cross-over setting. I'm thinking I should probably set it to 100hz as that will be the best compromise between the rear sats(which I'm currently filtering at 120hz) and the more capable fronts. The other path I was considering is running the fronts as large, through the sub, and using it's filter and setting it around 80hz, and then running the center and rears at 120hz. Any suggestions? Unfortunately I'm going to have to make a compromise somewhere as switching amps is out of the question.

And do you think my Denon AVR-1803 will be a good match?

Thanks for the help, hopefully by Friday I can audition... anyone know where Crutchfield ships from?

-eric

[joe logston]

hi jesyjames, good going i love the rt-35, get some more for all around and a good sub, your system would be awsome with every thing matching. dts here i come