RTi8 - CSi5 or CSiA6?

[SangYuP]

Just wondering...but I have the Cherry RTi8 and I bought a Black CSi5 a month ago. Well, I found the Cherry CSiA6 really really cheap (cheaper than the CSi5) and I had to buy it. The A6 is Cherry, so it should match my Rti8s. I figure the A6 is a newer design so it should be better, right? Or am I better off with keeping the CSi5? Here is the catch. My return period is almost over, so I will have to return the CSi5 before I can get the A6 so I will not be able to test them both. Obviously, I can't keep both, so if I decide to keep the Csi5, the A6 is going back even though it sounds better. If I decide to return the Csi5, I will be stuck with the A6. I know the CSi5 is technically a better match for my Rti8 since they are both the "older" design. I just want your opinion on which one is better. Thanks in advance.

[NewHTguy]

From what I've read you can't go wrong with either; that is, the difference in timbre is not that noticeable. No offense, but you seem like you might be inclined toward upgraditis. If so, you're probably better of with the Csi6. First, you say it was cheaper. Second, in case you later decide to move up to something like the Rti A7 or A9, you won't have to sell your center.

[leroyjr1]

Both are good. Now it's just up to which ever one was a better deal IMO.

[Menasor]

Anyone got a closeup of the Rti8/10's with the CSi A6's? I'm in the same boat and want to see the difference between the grain in the oak veneer.

[SangYuP]

From what I've read you can't go wrong with either; that is, the difference in timbre is not that noticeable. No offense, but you seem like you might be inclined toward upgraditis. If so, you're probably better of with the Csi6. First, you say it was cheaper. Second, in case you later decide to move up to something like the Rti A7 or A9, you won't have to sell your center.

No offense taken. I guess I have been bitten hard by the upgrade bug. Yeah, the CSiA6 was cheaper so it was hard to pass up. I've heard that Polk made some improvements to the new RTi/CSi A line. Who knows, maybe my wife will let me upgrade to the A7/9 in the future.

Both are good. Now it's just up to which ever one was a better deal IMO.

Well, the A6 was actually cheaper than the CSi5 so I couldn't pass up that deal.

[curved]

Keep the A6 and upgrade to the A7 or 9 in the future :D

[devani]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ighlight=csia4

You won't notice the difference between two of them...keep A6 only because it's better deal...

[broncsrule21@]

I have the A6 between RTi10s. Sounds perfect! Keep the 6! Mine are black, so I dont think a pic will help.

[Kex]

Anyone got a closeup of the Rti8/10's with the CSi A6's? I'm in the same boat and want to see the difference between the grain in the oak veneer.

I don't know about these particular speakers, but I have a couple of generations of Polk gear myself and, generally speaking, the grain seems to be a good match, although I've never actually set them side by side to compare any differences. For a center, I certainly wouldn't worry about, but if you're likely to fixate on it, or get obsessed about it, you might want to investigate further nonetheless ...

[dpljr]

I have a black RTIA6 between RTI10s and notice no difference in the grain. The face, however is different, as the A6 is wood.