New TSi400, need surround recommendations

[TeeCee]

Just joined up with Club Polk. Snagged some TSi400's from Polk's ebay store and also picked up a CS20 center from the egg. I know that most here seem to think the Monitors, especially the 70's, are a better value. I can't really argue that, but I just didn't like the looks of the Monitor line. Call me shallow. I thought about getting the TSi500's, but I will use these for mostly home theater (95%) and will be used with an SVS sub, so I figured I could get by with the 400's and save a few bucks there. I am currently running a 5.1 setup but am wired for 7.1. I have a pair of Monitor 30's I am using for side surrounds. I was thinking of moving the 30's to rear surround duty and picking up a pair of TSi100 for the sides. The rears need to be wall mounted and even though the 30's are a little hefty, I think I can accomplish this. My other option would be to leave the 30's as the side surrounds and pick up a pair of OWM3's for the rears. This would save a few bucks but I am not sure of the sound quality of the OWM's. Does anyone have any experience with using these as rears? I haven't read much on here concerning them.

Anyhow, let me know your opinions. Looking forward to getting these set up and hear how they sound. Am currently running a set of Onkyo speakers and sub. Hopefully these will be a significant step up from those:D. Thanks. Glad to be here at Club Polk

Tim

[cnh]

Welcome to club Polk!

The TSi400s are fine if you're using a good sub and you are! I'd keep the M30s and go with the owms as back surrounds...they're easier to mount...and match the rest of your system..and since there isn't much in the way of bass info in those channels anyway..the owms would provide better placement and targeting options from behind..plus save you a few bucks as you describe....this is really what these speakers are designed for..

cnh

[TeeCee]

Thanks cnh. That's kind of the way I am leaning right now. I can get a pair of OWM's for around $100 from Polk's ebay store and I do like the different mounting options and the lower profile. Would you happen to know of any good articulating mounts that would work good with these? I like the M30's as the side surrounds. No problem there. Still considering the TSi100's just to have more of a matching look going on.:D

[dorokusai]

I believe your choice on TSi400 was solid, as was the CS20. The OWM's sound great for side/ rear applications and the difference in timbre will not be obvious if even noticed. I'd probably ditch the M30 and get OWM 5 and OWM 3 for surround speakers....IF the budget can be juggled. If not...get OWM 3 for rears.

[TeeCee]

The side surrounds are on stands so I will stick with the M30's or get the TSi100's for there. I like having a larger speaker for the side surrounds since they get much more use than the rears.

I have another question while I am on here. My center speaker will be placed in an enclosed cabinet (hoping it will fit, this thing is huge!!!:)). The CS20 is rear ported. Will this be a problem and create some unpleasant effects? I was told to use some type of sound deadening material inside the cabinet (some poly fill material or insulation). Anyone have any experience with this?

[dorokusai]

Oh ok, didn't know you were using stands for the surrounds. Disregard and I like your TSi100 idea.

As long as the port isn't completely blocked, you should be ok. It may be a little bass heavy but you can tweak that in your settings if it's an issue.

[cnh]

M30s are a good speaker...but I do prefer the TSi-100 improvements there...it delivers a fuller more robust sound...bigger box, better weight and bass ports, etc. Not that the 30s are bad? And I know what you mean about matching...the TSis look nice and with the owms in the back, like Doro says, and he should know, TSis all the way around would look better. But if money is a problem, just get the Owms for now.

cnh

[TeeCee]

Budget isn't a real problem. I think for now I will pick up a pair of OWM3's for the rears and keep the M30's as sides. Then eventually replace the M30's with the TSi100's when I can get a good deal on them. I can use the M30's for duty in another room or possibly pass them along to my nephew who has been benefitting from my recent upgraditis. Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys. I will let you know how everything sounds once it all gets here. Can't wait!!!!:D

[packetjones]

I had a pair of OWM's for rears and i thought that they worked great. I sold them to help finance my purchase of some floor standers. The friend i sold them to really likes them as well. For a surround speaker i think they are a great option, you cant go wrong with them.

[TeeCee]

Just ordered the OWM3's from Polk direct this afternoon. Hoping this will all get here by the end of the week. I hate waiting for this stuff. Does anyone know how quickly Polk's ebay store ships their stuff? The only problem is that it is a long way from California to Pennsylvania. The new sub should be here on Tuesday, so I will have that to play around with at least. :)

[TeeCee]

Just to update this thread. My TSi400's and OWM3's arrived today. Got everything hooked up along with the new SVS PC12-NSD. Everything sounds great. Watched the new Star Trek blu-ray for a test run. It gave the new system a pretty good workout. Great audio and a pretty good movie. I am pleased with the TSi's so far and the OWM3's put out some decent sound for such a compact speaker. I think they will be perfect for rear surround duty. Will have to put them through some more paces over the weekend. I also ended up ordering a pair of TSi100's for the side surrounds. Thanks again for everyone's recommendations.