Polk Monitor Series vs Polk TSi Series

[Kabigon]

Which of these would make a better 5.1 setup?

The TSi's bookshelves and center speaker do cost considerably more, though. However, I don't mind if it is worth it.

I can get both of these setups for basically the same price.

(I will not be using a Sub because I live in an apartment and the neighbors apparently aren't fans of them. lol)


Monitor:

2x Monitor 70's Front

2x Monitor 50's Rear

CS20 Center Speaker


TSi:

2x TSi 400's Front

2x TSi 300's Rear

(I'm not sure which Center Speaker matches these?)


My other question is if I go for a 5.1 and eventually 7.1 System, is it better to use Floor Standing Speakers or Bookshelves for the Surrounds?

For example with the Monitors:

2x M70's for the Front
4x M50's for the Surrounds

2x M70's Front
2x M50's Rear
2x M40's Surround

2x M70's Front
4x M40's Surround

Will the M50's suffice in their role or should I go for the M60's? There's only a $20 Difference in the two so it's not a big deal either way.

Should I mix in some M30's or are the M40's decisively better?

I could also go 4x M30's Surround which would increase the budget I have for the Floorstanding and Center Speakers, but it would sound off if I used a different series of speakers in conjunction with another, right?

[Nunu]

Hello, world!

[djperez81]

I would go with the 70's for fronts and the cs2 for a center because the cs20 is timbre matched to the tsi line of speakers. As far as surrounds and rears the 30's or 40's should do you just fine unless you want floorstanders but then you dont have the option of wall mounting them. The only difference between the tsi line and the monitors are the price because they are pretty much the same speakers with same specs. So save some money and stick with the monitors you should be happy with them.

[Geoff4rfc]

I would go with the 70's for fronts and the cs2 for a center because the cs20 is timbre matched to the tsi line of speakers. As far as surrounds and rears the 30's or 40's should do you just fine unless you want floorstanders but then you dont have the option of wall mounting them. The only difference between the tsi line and the monitors are the price because they are pretty much the same speakers with same specs. So save some money and stick with the monitors you should be happy with them.

+ 1

[cnh]

I only run a 5.1 system. Two M70s, CS2, M30s (don't have the space for larger surrounds--and, frankly--there's very little info on those tracks that a good bookshelf couldn't handle? So, yes, M40s or M30s in the back are fine).

NO Sub? Though the M70s can put out some bass. There is NO substitute for a decent sub...neighbors or no neighbors. I suggest the Polk PSW505--if you're on a budget!

cnh

[ROHfan]

I would go with the 70's for fronts and the cs2 for a center because the cs20 is timbre matched to the tsi line of speakers. As far as surrounds and rears the 30's or 40's should do you just fine unless you want floorstanders but then you dont have the option of wall mounting them. The only difference between the tsi line and the monitors are the price because they are pretty much the same speakers with same specs. So save some money and stick with the monitors you should be happy with them.

If the only difference between the TSi and the Monitors is price, why would it matter that the CS2 or CS20 is matched to the TSi or not? Not trying to be a richard, but I'm trying to understand your logic.

[On3s&Z3r0s]

If the only difference between the TSi and the Monitors is price, why would it matter that the CS2 or CS20 is matched to the TSi or not? Not trying to be a richard, but I'm trying to understand your logic.

I think to say the only difference is in price is an exaggeration, the drivers used are different so timbre matching will matter (a little), and you'd have to assume in the TSi line they're of a slightly higher quality, but the design and specs of the speakers are practically identical, so I'm betting you'd be hard pressed to say the TSi's sound significantly better in all cases. I have Monitor 70 / CS 2 fronts and OWM 3 surrounds (for cosmetic reasons, damn WAF). They are ridiculously inexpensive for the quality, so while Newegg is still selling them I'd vote for the Monitors too.

[Kabigon]

Thanks so much guys! I am definitely going with the Monitors. I have read tons of comparison reviews and most seem to like the Monitors over the TSi's, anyways. On top of that, there is a huge difference in price when you compare a full Monitor Setup to a full TSi Setup.

The reason I said no sub is because I honestly could not even use my sub in my weak Klipsch Promedia 2.1's. If I turned it up at all, it resonated through the walls and the people above me came and bitched at me several times about it when it was extremely low. One day my roommate and I were sitting in my room playing call of duty and I barely had the music turned up a bit on my computer to where he and I were talking at normal level above it and dude came down and yelled at us. It's just a lot of trouble. If it's going to sound like s@#t without it, I'll go ahead and snag one. I hate to leave it out because I love Bass, but I just don't want to deal with constant worrying about the neighbors.

My last few questions are which looks better between the Cherry and Black and how high do I need to mount the surrounds? (I will be putting the M40's on shelves most likely.)

[On3s&Z3r0s]

I think cherry vs. black is just a matter of personal preference. I don't think either one is a real wood veneer, I have cherry speakers and a black PSW505 (they don't come in cherry). Both finishes have held up well for over a year anyway, so I'd say whatever your preference and matches your TV console or whatever other furniture is in the room.

As for the height of the surrounds, mine are on OmniMounts on the ceiling, which I think is too high even though they are angled downward, but again it was done for cosmetic reasons. I think Dolby recommends 2 to 3 feet above the listener's ear level as being optimal.