From the '9's up. HT, 2 Chnl, or Both without going broke

[SKsolutions]

The LSi9's are in the mail, the Plasma came twice last month (1st was smashed), the AVR635 came the day-before-the-day-before-Christmas, and now it appears that I am halfway to an above average HT, but hesitant to spend another grand for what I used to view as ambience speakers (surrounds).
With my absence from the profession of pro-audio/engineering, much has changed at the front end, and quite a bit at the rear from what I've listened to of late.

Those of you that have these systems would be those in the know. I'm sure you've spent more $ than would have liked to get your systems to where you want, and I'd like to avoid that by taking some suggestions from you.

I bought the 9's for stereo mostly, but how can I NOT use them in a HT. Does anyone have a well fucntioning system without matched drivers? The AVR is enough for now, as I do not require refernce levels. Thanks to all and any that reply.

[Tour2ma]

Maybe a little less than halfway...

The 1st obvious gap is a sub, not only an HT requirement, but your 9's could use a little bottom end, 2 ch help for some material, e.g., full symphony. Get your search on as there are plenty of sub advise threads around here.

The 2nd gap is a center channel, if there are two or more joining you for movie viewing, a center will keep the conversations focused for those not sitting directly in front of the screen.

Welcome to the Club..

[SKsolutions]

Thanks 'Tour'. I believe my next step is the center. I've searched a little and can find a LSiC for around 300, and a CS400 for around 175 Both in 9/10 condition. I've not done a home theater system that wasn't an ad hoc before, but understand fairly well the principles of accoustics. Where localization (center) is concerned, timbre matching is less critical than in the pan from surrounds. So, is it necessary to use the LSiC, or will the CS do. I'm sure it would be easier to drive, and I might not need to relegate my new AVR to a preamp/pro quite yet.

[Tour2ma]

I believe that the LSiC will be the better match, but this is not based upon first hand knowledge.

I'm tempted to say bag both of them and listen for yourself. I know the CS400 is worth more than $175 so I'd grab it knowing you can always get your $'s back plus a bit, if you do not like it. Not sure the same can be said about the LSiC at $300 as I do not have ebay data to know what they go for, but very recent used LSiC's seem to indicate you might get that much.