Newbie building 1st system - help?

[sojrner]

I picked up a couple of RTi10s a few months ago, which although I've been dying to get hooked up, some unexpected expenses prevented me from buying a new receiver, etc and testing them out. Now, I'm actually glad there was a delay as I've been able to find the great resource that is this forum.

As I said, I already have a couple of RTi10s to use as fronts. From reading some of the other threads, I saw that Denon receivers are pretty popular, with a model supporting at least 130 wpc. Is this right, or are there any other recommended brands/models?

I'm also just starting to look at center and surrounds in order to put together a 5.1 system. This weekend I saw that I can get a really good deal on a couple more RTi10s. I saw at least a couple of posts that mentioned using these as surrounds. Would RTi10s all around be a good combination, or just overkill (or simply a bad idea)?

I also saw an amazing deal (closeout i guess) on an LSiC for about $100. Not sure if it was refurbed or customer return or what not. I've seen the posts about mixing the frount soundstage. The store rep even mentioned it'd be better to stick to the same model lines, but since he then enthusiastically recommended a Bose center channel, I figured it was just one of his sales tactics. So, should I jump on this LSiC deal or is it still not worth it?

If it helps at all, I'm planning on using this setup about 50/50 for movies and music.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your suggestions!

[MillerLiteScott]

The LSiC is not a good match for the RTi10's. Go with CSi5.

[McLoki]

Hello and welcome to Club Polk.

As far as RTi10's all around - of course it can be done and it can sound really good as well. (many member have towers for rear speakers)

As far as the AVR goes - Don't get hung up on watts. A reciever with 80watts will be really close in power to a reciver with 150 watts. Purchase a reciever with pre-outs for all channels. Other than that, just make sure it has the features you are interested in. (HDMI switching, surround modes, etc.)

Once you purchase it, you may decide you want more power. The way to increase power (mainly for a little more clarity and bass control - not so much volume) is to add an external amp - not a bigger reciver. There are exceptions to this, of course, but for the most part - if you want power, and external amp is where its at.

As far as the center channel goes - you really want the CSi5. The deal on the LSiC is a great one though, and you may want to purchase it and see if anyone would like to trade for a mint CSi5 or just turn it around and sell it for about $300-$350 (the going used rate). If you don't mind the hassle - it may be a quick way to make a few bucks twords the center you really need.

With 4 RTi10's and a CSi5, you may not need to add a sub for music, but you will really want to add one for movies so that should really be your next big adventure. (before an external amp in my opinion)

Anyway - I think thats about it. Once again, welcome aboard,

Michael

[Phasearray]

LsiC for $100??!?!
I'd be all over it.

[cfrizz]

Any receiver he gets will not be able to comfortably or safely handle the LSIC. Stick with the CSI5.

[danger boy]

using the RTi10s for surrounds will work fine. but it's overkill IMHO.

[sojrner]

McLoki, thanks for the detailed response. And to everyone else as well.

So, it definitely sounds like I should stick to the CSi5 for the center, which is what I expected. Although, purchasing the LSiC for the purpose of reselling sounds like a great idea.

With regard to the RTi10s as surrounds, I'll do a few searches for people who are using towers as surrounds. I guess I was most concerned with the fact that they'd be the same [size] all around, whereas it seems most people have [smaller] surrounds. Danger boy, could you expound on why you think it'd be overkill? I know Fry's had RTi8s on sale over the weekend for 150 ea. (Not sure if still true.) Would those be better, or would you stick to the FXi5s for instance? Just trying to understand all of the viewpoints.

As for the AVR, I was planning on buying it and a sub before even looking into any amps. That's why I wanted to ask about minimum specs or recommended models for the AVR, such that I can listen to my new speakers at a decent volume without having to worry about distortion from the AVR causing any damage to the speakers.