CS400i

kharp1

HI, I have an older CS400i and was wondering if anyone had any info as to what Polks would be a good match for a surround system for it?

thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer. Kerry

shack

RT55i, RT600i, RT800i would all timbre match perfectly across the front. RT35i, RT25i, f/x300i or f/x500i for side and/or rears. All older models but can usually be found at very reasonable prices in good condition with a little searching.

Kex

The CS400 existed in two versions: the CS400 (first generation), and the CS400i ("improved", second generation). Both are monster centers and highly recommended. I had one and absolutely loved it. With such a wonderful center, I would strive to pair it with either RT800, or RT55. It doesn't matter if they have the "i" or not, since the specifications are identical, including the tweeters (most important for matching). The difference was that in the "i" version, the drivers were blue in color instead of anthracite/black, and the veneer was real wood instead of vinyl imitation wood.

My preference is for the RT55(i), a BIG hefty bookshelf, but that's purely aesthetic, since I don't like the felt finish on the lower half of the RT800, or the cloth "faux speaker grille" finish I think the RT800i had. In terms of performance and size, the RT55(i) is basically the same as the CS400(i) rotated 90 degrees. Although the RT55(i) is a large bookshelf, the RT800(i) is a tidy compact floorstanding model. There was no detectable performance improvement in favor of the RT800(i) in my listening. Adding a nice stand to the RT55(i) gives you options to make it look even better, in my opinion. The RT600(i) and other suggested speakers will be a good match, but nowhere near the performance of the RT55(i) and RT800(i) with the correct amplification.

None of this range are hard to drive, but they do seem to work better with some solutions compared to others in my experience. I had great results with harman/kardon, but the best results with my current NAD receiver, which really woke them up in terms of tight, controlled bass, and plenty of it. Results with Yamaha and Denon were good, but not as good as either of those mentioned already.

There is no product page for the RT55 or RT800, but there is still an archive page for the "i" versions. Remember that the specifications (and dimensions) are identical. It'll make a superb home theater system in my opinion, once you add a subwoofer.

- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/rt55i/
- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/rt800i/

(Couple of pics I added some time ago for the RT55 attached, included a side by side comparison with the RT800)

kharp1

Thanks for the info, especially the pics.

kharp1

I basically got the center for free through a deal on some other equipment I got. I'm looking to put together a decent system to give to a friend. I'm going to be pairing it with a Yamaha probably.

Again, Thanks a bunch for the info...I appreciate first hand experience.

Kex

Having the CS400i as a center is going to give that system the potential to be great already. Generally speaking, it's the center that get's neglected, but you already have that covered.

I would check it out to make sure both drivers move freely when gently pushed inwards with your hand. Spread out your thumb and fingers (imagine you were holding a ball) to even out the pressure, and make sure you don't touch the center dome. If either driver is completely stuck, then it's frozen and needs to be replaced.

Next, check the tweeter. To do this, get a tube, such as from old kitchen roll, to place over the tweeter (but don't touch it). Then play music. The tube should allow you to hear light, tinny sound coming from the tweeter when you put your ear to the end of the tube (this helps isolate the sound which is otherwise hard to notice with all the surrounding noise from the drivers). If you hear no sound, first check the two brass jumpers (I think they're gold plated) on the rear binding posts to make sure they are not only present, but secure and tight as well.

If any of the drivers or tweeter are not working, you'll have to replace them. If the speaker grille is damaged, that's not expensive to replace either (or you could just leave it off).

If it were me, I would add four RT55 or RT55i, for front and surround (that's what I had, and just loved it). but you can certainly get by with smaller surround speakers from the same range. The specialized f/x speakers might make placement, especially the correct tweeter height, easier to manage. Four RT800(i) would obviously be just as good, although it's hard to get floor standing speakers set at the right height for surrounds, unless you place them on a table ... not a perfect solution in my view.

If the Yamaha has pre-outs, and your friend is not satisfied with the sound (a tad too bright, maybe, or lacking in bass output), he could consider adding external amplification, but that'll possible cost as much as a whole new receiver.

civilian

I am running one right now and it sounds great with the Rt-2000's.
I have ran it with the Rt-55's first then upgraded to the RTi70's, then the 2000's and it can keep up with them all.

cheif pontiac

I have run a CS400i with RT 16's for 13 years now I love it. It was a huge improvement over the CS250s I replaced it with. I also own RT1000p's although now they pull rear duty. I love haveing what essentially equates to some RT35i or F/x500i rears and then having the added powered driver in the tower. Using the RT1000p as rears is probably the biggest single improvemnet I made in my system (besides a second front sub) as I have a deep room and it was before 7 channel, so I had a lot of area to fill up. I really haven't felt the need to use 7 channel with those beast back there. Instead I assign the 6-7 amps to bi-wire my mains. I run a Marantz SR6500

Any other speakers the Trilaminate tweeter would work fine including LS90 and 70's. I have a friend who upgraded from a CS350i to the 400 with his LS90's. Also don;t forget the RT7 bookshelf ( old one , not the new tower) I would run 5 of those in a system no problem or 4 with a CS400i.

The list of speakers that "shack" listed would probably be the best as they coincided with the release of the CS400i and they all have the bezel around the driver and tweeter

P.S. As I was trying to put together a second system I bought and sold several used center channels and the CS245i came closest to the sound of the the CS400i. Off topic as i was trying different centers I ended up with a cs10 refurb from POlk honestlly I thought it sounded better than a CSI40 and several other more expensive Polk centers.

I also want to thank Kex for the info as i have a bad CS400i that was given to me with the Rt1000p's. It has just been sitting in a closet for 4 years. I think the guy told me his son plugged his guitar into it.