Polk Center Channel Recommendation?

[GhOsTGrEgG]

Im torn. I love the CS1 Ive heard it and love it.. Its huge!! and not ideal for my current setup, but would be perfect for my future setup! The price is sweet right now. The CSM is similar but has lesser ( by a tiny bit) speakers but is currently cheaper and smaller (again by a tiny bit) than the CS1. I also really like the size of the RM8 or the RM202. Those would be the perfect size for my current setup but might be a little small for my future setup?

IM TORN!! take a look at my current setup and any suggestions would be helpful! Ohh take into account that I also have two Polk M20 Floor standing speakers that are brand new and are not pictured in my gallery.


Thanks in advance. Oh my receiver is running 6ohms.

[Rob J in WNY]

If it's a toss up between the CS1 and the CSM, take the CS1. The sound will be a bit more robust, and if you should happen to go up to Polk Audio Monitor Series 30 speakers (or higher) or TSi Series speakers, it will be a better "timbre-match" to their lineup of of those lines of speakers (due to matching speaker drivers, especially the 1" silk dome tweeter). If you are not planning on upgrading from your M20 speakers, then you can consider the CSR (not the CSM), which has the matching ¾" silk dome tweeter as your Polk M20s, and would likely make for a more seamless soundstage.

Without a doubt, the CS1 would be larger than you are used to, but if you are looking to steadily upgrade, then a good center channel is something to consider, but you also have to consider whether you can accomodate the size of whatever center channel speaker you choose.

The tiny RM8 seems to be more expensive than the CSR or CS1 (Newegg.com prices on the latter), but if a smaller size is needed due to the inability to fit a CS1 or CSR into your theater setup, then you may have to consider it. Your TV stand shelving would create an awkward fit for a CS1 or CSR, as there is no center space for them (and the spaces may not even be large enough), and they would have trouble fitting if placed on top in front of your TV.

The CS1 and CSR are 8-ohm speakers - most home audio speakers will have an 8-ohm resistance. This will not pose a problem for your Philips receiver. It's when your speaker resistance falls below your receiver's operating minimum that overheating and/or damage can arise. For example, running 4-ohm speakers with a receiver rated to operate at 6- or 8-ohms is not a good idea. There's even more theory to all of this, but suffice it to say the above covers what's most important. The CSM center channel you mentioned is a 4-ohm speaker, and should probably be avoided at this point.

For the record, your Polk Audio M20 speakers are 8-ohms as well.

Good luck!

[Hammie]

I thought I remember reading over at the Polk Audio forums that the CSM was a 4-ohm speaker and people were having issues with the receiver over heating. The suggestion was to return it and get the CS1.

The CSR is actually the current speaker to match your M20's. You can find this for around $100.00 on Amazon (through Crutchfield).

[Rob J in WNY]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

I thought I remember reading over at the Polk Audio forums that the CSM was a 4-ohm speaker and people were having issues with the receiver over heating. The suggestion was to return it and get the CS1.

The CSR is actually the current speaker to match your M20's. You can find this for around $100.00 on Amazon (through Crutchfield).

Yes, I absolutely stand corrected. The CSR is 8-ohms, and the CSM is 4-ohms. I'd avoid the CSM at this point. I edited my original post.

The CSR does have the same ¾" silk dome tweeter as your M20s, if you are interested in getting one.

Thanks out to louhamilton for the correct information.

[GhOsTGrEgG]

Originally Posted by Rob J in WNY

Yes, I absolutely stand corrected. The CSR is 8-ohms, and the CSM is 4-ohms. I'd avoid the CSM at this point. I edited my original post.

The CSR does have the same ¾" silk dome tweeter as your M20s, if you are interested in getting one.

Thanks out to louhamilton for the correct information.

thank you guys so much for the info! I will look into the CSR since it will match the m20's that I currently have! That sounds perfect! Thanks Very much!! Ill update when I have made my purchase!

Ok update--- The CSR is 106.99 shipped. The CS1 is 79.99 shipped. the CS1 seems like a better speaker setup but does not have the matching tweeter? The CSR seems to be the way to go because I do not plan on updating the m20s for some time...

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by GhOsTGrEgG

thank you guys so much for the info! I will look into the CSR since it will match the m20's that I currently have! That sounds perfect! Thanks Very much!! Ill update when I have made my purchase!

Ok update--- The CSR is 106.99 shipped. The CS1 is 79.99 shipped. the CS1 seems like a better speaker setup but does not have the matching tweeter? The CSR seems to be the way to go because I do not plan on updating the m20s for some time...

Welcome to the forum GhOsT. IMO, the 1/4" difference in the size of the tweeter in the CS1 should not make a very noticable difference over the CSR. I think you should look into getting something that the TV can stand a bit higher to allow the CS1 to be placed in front center and under the TV. As you can see, the CS1 is even cheaper. Just my .02.

Good luck on whatever you decide!

[jeffalindsay]

I have a 46" LCD mounted to the wall above my Fire place....I dont have anywhere to put my center below the tv. I would like to mount it to the wall using OmniMount Medium Stainless Steel Universal Speaker Ceiling Mount Kit, Black (Each) 20lb. Has anyone attempted anything like this? The MDF cabinet has me a little worried. The link has a picture.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10652344

Thanks for the help