a few simple questions,

[mrbofus]

Hello All and happy turkey day,
I have a few simple (hopefully) questions that will help build my 5.1 HT and $$ alows. I currently have a set of RTi8's ( fronts) powered by a new Onkyo sr-507. My room is 14x20 with 13ft vaulted ceiling. I'm not lloking for BIG THUMPER sound, but hope fully will end up with a nice clean clear system.
Here's the questions,
1) which model replaced the RTi8?
2) Layman terms, what the difference in th CSi3/5 and CSiA4/6 line-center?
3) I've read in other posts the CSi5 would be the best center match for8's- agreed???
4) which should come next--center or sub and why
5) sub recommendations for this project?
Sorry, I guess that title should read "5 simple questions"
Thanks for the input and save room for pie!

[thsmith]

1) which model replaced the RTi8?
8s are fine for HT
2) Layman terms, what the difference in th CSi3/5 and CSiA4/6 line-center?
The CSi5 and CSiA6 are pretty much the same. Go with either one,
3) I've read in other posts the CSi5 would be the best center match for8's- agreed???
CSi5 is a match appearence wise but the 6 will work too. I like the 6 personally
4) which should come next--center or sub and why
If you do not have a center and a sub that is a tough question because you need both for HT.
5) sub recommendations for this project?
For a room that size you need a a big ported sub. Ideally an SVS PB13, at least a HSU VTF3-MK3 or big outlaw.

[olilugo]

1. the RTi A5 replaced the rti8.
2. the CSiA4/6 replaced the CSi3/5 . as far as diffs, I think the shape of the cabinet and a slight better sound, cross over.
3. because the csi5 was the center channel that was created at the same time as the rti8 then yes it is a better match, however I would challage anyone to really hear a difference between matching capabilities between the csi5 and the csiA6 which will be the equivalent in the lineup today for polk.
4.Next should be the center IMO, the sub can be handled by your rti8 until you are able to add the sub, obviously it will never replace the sub but you can live without it.
5. you can go crazy with subs looking for the best bang for the buck, but I would suggest velodyne, you can never go wrong with them, find one withing your price range and be done with it.

[mrbofus]

Thanks for the input, I've almost enough secret money for a csi5 center. Hopefully by Christmas. Then the sub search begins.
Cheers

[thsmith]

I posted in the audio deals of the day a couple of days ago from onecall that had black CSi5 onsale.

[Sherardp]

In that room Rti8s or the A5s will do you well. As for center or sub, I would say sub, you can always run "phantom center" until you can purchase. 8s or 5s will give you good bass but not like a dedicated sub will. As for which sub you should go with, I think you get more bang for buck with SVS, Epik, HSU. Your room is of pretty good size, so you will probably want to go as big as the budget allows there.

[cnh]

14 X 20 is not a very big room it is the vaulted ceiling that causes you a problem in needing a better sub....that adds the volume of a much larger room.....good and bad at the same time. So I would go with the subs mentioned above....

cnh

[mrbofus]

14 X 20 is not a very big room it is the vaulted ceiling that causes you a problem in needing a better sub....that adds the volume of a much larger room.....good and bad at the same time. So I would go with the subs mentioned above....

cnh

I figured the high ceiling would make a difference, the room is fairley open on one end with a high entry and stairs to the second floor. Of the above mentioned subs is there something in the $4-$500 budget?
Once again, I'm not looking to shake the neighborhood.

[Sherardp]

I don't know if Doro will ship the sub he has listed in the flea market, but really worth a look.

[mrbofus]

I don't know if Doro will ship the sub he has listed in the flea market, but really worth a look.

Thanks, I dont have the dollars yet, I'm just trying to see what I could get for the $500 mark.

[Sherardp]

$500 should get you plenty sub from Epik as well.

[mrbofus]

not to go against all given advise,,,,,
never having a sub before, can I achieve my goal with a $200 sub vs $500 sub?
and whats the diff in the polk line DSW-PSW subs? are they built to match certain speakers better?

[xcapri79]

not to go against all given advise,,,,,
never having a sub before, can I achieve my goal with a $200 sub vs $500 sub?
and whats the diff in the polk line DSW-PSW subs? are they built to match certain speakers better?

If you don't want to spend a lot to get a decent sub, the Polk PSW505 is a good choice for your system.
Personally I used two of them stacked off the LFE for my master bedroom system and they work well together. I've used them with Polk Audio Monitors, RTi's, and LSi series speakers.
Newegg has it for $229 with free shipping for the next couple of days.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...130&Tpk=psw505
This is a link to the PSW505 specs.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

If you can spend more for better performance, you can get a Polk DSW600 from Polk Direct on ebay for around the $400 mark including shipping. I use two of them for my main room system. They have a remote contol which makes it convenient to adjust for music and home theater.
The DSW use a Class D amp with is much lighter and still provides excellent performance.
They work well with all Polk Audio speakers.
This is a link to the DSW series specs.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/dsw/specs.php#dswpro

[mrbofus]

Thanks Dude,
This can all be overwelming, I'm tring to budget for the future without the wife knowing how much I'm spending to build this system. I guess I'll just keep saving and see what happens when I get close to the $500 mark if I can wait that long. Secret money is REAL tight right now.