Wondering if the Polk Audio CS20 is good for my setup?
Currently I have an older RCA 5.1 A/V receiver (RT2500) that I got from Radio Shack a few years ago (maybe 7 years or older). It is a 700W receiver with 100W for each channel and a 200W Sub.
Here is a link to PDF's of the Specs and Manual on Radio Shack's site:
http://support.radioshack.com/support_audio/59891.htm
(I know it's an old receiver but eventually I want to upgrade the A/V receiver to a Denon AVR-1611.)
I have added a couple of old Bose speakers I got from a friend to the front L & R channels. They are a set of the Two Direct/Reflecting cube speakers. I have to check the model #. Not sure which ones they are.
I'm trying to slowly upgrade my system, so I figured I start with the center channel. I ordered the Polk Audio CS20 to start out with. I'm just wonder if this center channel will work out with my setup?
Thank for any help in advance.
Here is a link to PDF's of the Specs and Manual on Radio Shack's site:
http://support.radioshack.com/support_audio/59891.htm
(I know it's an old receiver but eventually I want to upgrade the A/V receiver to a Denon AVR-1611.)
I have added a couple of old Bose speakers I got from a friend to the front L & R channels. They are a set of the Two Direct/Reflecting cube speakers. I have to check the model #. Not sure which ones they are.
I'm trying to slowly upgrade my system, so I figured I start with the center channel. I ordered the Polk Audio CS20 to start out with. I'm just wonder if this center channel will work out with my setup?
Thank for any help in advance.
Post edited by HDDoobie on
Comments
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Will it work ? Yeah....will it sound good ? Debatable...I would think not. When you upgrade the receiver,look for one that has pre-outs so you could add an amp down the line if need be. Look into some monitor series speakers to go with the center you bought. Someone has the monitor 40's for 120 bucks in another thread.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I like to buy my stuff new from the store or online store (Amazon); not used or refurbished. And it says here on this site that those speakers are a discontinued model.
Is the TSi100 or TSi200 bookshelf series a good replacement instead of the Monitor 40's to go along with the CS20 center channel I got? -
REAL subtle.
Reported.I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999
Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3
HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000 -
Yup. I reported it too. This person is started to post this garbage in a few threads.concealer404 wrote: »REAL subtle.
Reported. -
Polk Hater wrote: »I'm only posting the truth.
Even to someone who doesn't own any Polk equipment, like myself, you're still posting garbage. Not truth.I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999
Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3
HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000 -
Polk Hater wrote: »Your right, I'm only posting facts!
You're a joke. Go away."I did not slap you. I high-fived your face." -
There is a new Monitor Series II that are for sale in stores.
I have the TSI's. 200's would be better than 100's.
You can get a pair of the new Monitor 40 II's at NewEgg for $180 in black. -
Not to dispute Dan's account - but the series II are only available through Newegg, but yes, they are actually New (not refurbs)
THe $120 M40's sale is over (back up to $199 on sale). Keep your eyes open and more than likely they will be on sale in another week or two.
The TSI's would definately work for you - but from what I've heard, the series II's are kind of a hybrid between the series I and the TSI. Granted, the TSI does appear to be a better speaker from what I remember, but it's a very minor upgrade (couple of db's?) so you have to weight the performance vs cost at that point.65" Sony X900 (XBR-65X900E)
Pioneer Elite SC-37
Polk Monitor 70's (2)
Polk Monitor 40's (4)
Polk Monitor CS2
Polk DSW Pro 660wi
Oppo BDP-93
Squeezebox Duet
Belkin PureAV PF60
Dish Network "The Hoppa" -
I saw that the CS20 was on sale on Black Friday so I couldn't pass it up to upgrade my current RCA center. I picked it up on Amazon new for $150 (it's back up to $199.99 now). It came in the mail yesterday and I tried it out last night when I got home, and it's pretty nice. I'm sure it will sound even better on that Denon receiver I've been looking at.
I'll compare the 2 different model's you guys recommended and see what would be best for my setup. Thanks everyone for your help. Now I just have to save some money for that new A/V receiver. -
I was using my CS20 w/ my current Denon receiver before I switched it out (needed the CSi A6 to match my RTi A7s) - very nice center, pairs nicely w/ Denon sound.ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place
Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch
2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs -
Which Denon do you have by the way?
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I finally ordered myself a new A/V receiver; a Denon AVR-591. Best Buy had them on clearance last week so I picked one up really cheap. I should be getting it in about a week.
I'm trying to get some opinions on upgrading some of my current old RCA speakers. For rear L & R channels I will using a pair of old Bose AM5 speakers a friend gave me; they will be fine until I can upgrade those. Now I have my CS20 center channel (working really great, by the way) and am looking to get a replacement sub and front L & R channels, but have limited fundage; about $250. For a sub I'm looking at the Polk Audio PSW10 (my current RCA sub is not powered), and for the front L & R channels I'm looking at the Polk Audio Monitor40 Series II. Or would the Polk Audio Monitor30 Series II work better, and then try for a different sub?
Let me know what you think.
Thanks. -
Don't know how big your room is but with a 250 budget I'd basically complete the system by getting Monitor 40 series II and the monitor 30 II for rears.
You about blew your wad. :eek: -
Thanks.
I have my HT room in my finished basement (with carpet); the area for the HT is 16' L x 14' W (full width of room is 21') and about a 6' 10" ceiling.
Well the m40 II I'm planning to get already. I need to get a "powered" subwoofer since I don't have one. For the time being I think those Bose M5's will be ok for the rear for at least a couple of months.
Even if I pushed my budget up another $100 (making it $350) I'm just wondering if the PSW10 sub would be good for my receiver? How good is the PSW10? -
I finally ordered myself a new A/V receiver; a Denon AVR-591. Best Buy had them on clearance last week so I picked one up really cheap. I should be getting it in about a week.
Hope you like the amp. I have the AVR-391. Has the same guts as the 591, just a few less bells and whistles.
So far it has been a fine flexible amp. No complaints at all -
Thanks.
I have my HT room in my finished basement (with carpet); the area for the HT is 16' L x 14' W (full width of room is 21') and about a 6' 10" ceiling.
Well the m40 II I'm planning to get already. I need to get a "powered" subwoofer since I don't have one. For the time being I think those Bose M5's will be ok for the rear for at least a couple of months.
Even if I pushed my budget up another $100 (making it $350) I'm just wondering if the PSW10 sub would be good for my receiver? How good is the PSW10?
You could snag those M40's off of newegg right now for $120... and you can get a PSW110 direct from Polk with a warranty to $170.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PSW-110-10-Home-Powered-Subwoofer-Polk-Audio-/360375296379?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item53e80aa17b#ht_3443wt_989
I own a couple of PSW10's... bought them to hook up to some small sat fronts and center (speaker level)... but had a crossover to a more powerful sub.
The PSW10's are okay but they really aren't that dynamic and you can hear the lower frequency drop-off when compared to a better sub.
Will it do? Yes. I think for the most part you would be ok. But, considering your room size, would I spend the extra 70 bucks for the PSW110? Yes, I would. Both the Monitor 40's and the PSW110 will cost you a combined $290... that's pretty darn close to your $250 budget. I'd go that route. -
I didn't know Polk Audio had an official eBay store. Thanks, I'll check out the sub there.
And yeah I was looking at the M40's on Newegg too. -
I agree with 27dnast go with the psw110, the psw10 is not that good at all, i used to own one. It is very boomy and is not worth buying spend the few extra bucks on the 110 you will be glad you did.Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
-Jimi Hendrix -
Ok cool thanks. Ordering it now.
For the M40's, can anyone recommend a decent wall mount option for them?
Thanks again. -
Do the M40's have anything on the back already to mount on the wall?
Yeah they are called shelf speakers but I have all my other speakers (except the center channel) mounted on the wall. -
I did a search on the forum here and i seen that these were recommended to mount the 40's.
http://www.amazon.com/Pinpoint-Clamping-Bookshelf-Speaker-Mounts/dp/B002UV03MWMusic doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
-Jimi Hendrix -
FYI, if you are a first time customer at newegg, you can get a $10 discount. Just google for the coupon code.
I have the mounts linked above. The are solid. Couple things to know... They are sold in pairs, you only need to order 1. Also. You can mount them securely with wall anchors/screws sold at a hardware store without getting into a stud... Just look for anchors that can hold up to 75 lbs. I think that should do the trick (at least they've worked for my rti4's).
If you need and cables... A sub cable or speaker wire... Checkout monoprice.com
Good luck -
Wow I just saw that the M40's weight at least 15-16lbs each. That's crazy. No wonder you said to get wall anchors for 75lbs.
Now I'm worried about the weight of those suckers now. Plus those wall mounts are $60. I just worry about them falling off the wall. And it looks like you have to screw the mounts into the to the speakers too.
I'm curious now to ask what other satellites Polk offers that are lighter and perform just as well or a little better for $150 (pair) or less.
Are the RM8 satellites a good match with the CS20 or are they lower quality?
If not I will just stick with the M40's. -
Trust me, don't worry about it. The RTi4's I mounted with these are 15 lbs each.
1) those wall mounts can handle the weight of each speaker. You'll see when you have them in hand. They are solid.
2) The Wall anchors are very easy to install... they even self-tapping anchors if you want it to be even easier.
3) The part of the mount that the speakers sits on is almost like a vice that you tighten with a screw. So you have tension holding the speaker in. For added security, I put some removable velcro strips on the bottom and sides of the mount. Something like this:
http://www.epinions.com/review/3M_Smal_Removable_Interlocking_Fastener/content_421639720580
I bought mine at Staples. There were rated to each hold 5 lbs.
I did not use screws... my speakers are slightly angled downward (you can see them in this thread, if you scroll down: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120320&page=2)...
Believe me when I say... the speakers are going nowhere. -
As for your other question... I wouldn't (personally) match the RM8's with that center you are looking at.
I will say this, though: I used to have this set-up in my HT room:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290066&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Home+Audio+Speakers-_-Polk+Audio-_-82290066
It sounded really good. Gave out very - very - nice sound. And the Sub was well matched with the speakers (it has speaker level connections for the R/L and Center channels... so the front three channels all benefit from the sub).
The sub, admittedly, was a little lacking if you really cranked it... but for average to somewhat above average volume levels, it sounded great. At one point, I bought the Energy Take Classic (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269024&nm_mc=OTC-C173T&cm_mmc=OTC-C173T-_-Home+Audio+Speakers-_-Energy-_-82269024) because I had read rave reviews about it. I ended up returning it because the Polk system well out performed it, IMHO.
The speakers with the RM6750 mount with these very inexpensive mounts:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082804&p_id=6979&seq=1&format=2
Everyone who heard this set-up had nice things to say about it.
This whole rm6750 set can be found for $200 at reputable online stores. -
Thanks for your help; and also everyone else.
One question about the Pinpoint AM40B wall mounts, so I guess you mounted yours on the wall with just wall anchors too?
As much as I would like to get the M40's I keep looking at the M30's for some reason.
So I guess it comes down to choosing one of these 2 options:
1) Monitor40 Series II ($119.99) + Pinpoint AM40B wall mount ($60) = $180 + tax.
(Then eventually a pair of Monitor30 Series II or something else for the rear channels.)
2) 2 pairs of Monitor30 Series II ($89.99) = $180 + tax.
Both the M30's and M40's get great reviews from everyone. It's making me go mad. I will have to sleep on it. I might call up Polk Audio in the morning to see what they also. It doesn't hurt to get an extra opinion. -
Yes, thats exactly right. I mounted with 75lb wall anchors into drywall.
Actually, I know exactly what I would do if I were you. I wouldn't buy either the monitor 30s or 40s. I would take the $ that I was going to spend on the monitor 40's + mounts and buy the pair of Polk Monitor 50 towers that Polk Direct is selling on eBay right now for $179 shipped w/ warranty.
They are floor standing, so you won't have to worry about them hanging on the walls, they will give you plenty of umph as your mains... And will pair nicely with your center and sub.
I would wait a few months and then buy the 30s for surrounds later.
I recently bought rtia3s with stands... I didn't realize it at the time, but for $150 I could have purchased the rtia5s! I love the sound I have with the 3's, but the thought that I could have been more wise with my $ has crossed my mind! -
Ok sounds good. But it slipped my mind that I will be going into a wood paneling on this wall so I will do it if it's ok for me to do. I will have weigh the options since might be moving in a year or two going with **** into the studs in the wall would probably be the easiest to touch up when removing them off the wall when moving instead of the wall anchors. If it was dry wall it would have been fine. But not the case. I hope it doesn't put I wrench in works of my plans.
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Again, if you have the space... skip paying for the 40's plus the mounts and just go for the 50's from Polk Direct for the same exact coin. Buy some cord management tubes from parts express for a few bucks and you'll have a really nice system up front without any holes in the walls.
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Oops forgot to mention in my last post (haven't had my coffee yet, LOL). I don't have that much room for tower speakers that's why I'm going with speakers I can mount/hang on my wall (bookshelf or satellites).
For holes in the wall I mean the holes that the anchors would leave behind after taking the speaker mounts off when I move. Touching up holes on dry wall is much easier to fix and cover up than on wood paneling.
I don't drill holes in my walls to run my speaker wires; my HT is in my basement so I just let the speaker wires just hang down the wall. I don't really care how it looks right now. Eventually in my new house I will get some cord management tubes to cover them up so they are not as noticeable.
So I would have to screw/mount the speaker mounts in the studs so I don't have big holes in the wall compared to the anchors. Screws would leave smaller holes and can be easily covered/touched up later on down the road in the wood panel. I just have to make sure I use the stud finder properly, LOL.
Thanks for your help and advice 27dnast.