CS245i or CS300 to match with RT55i

_mo_
_mo_ Posts: 53
in Speakers
Even asking this question seems like splitting hairs between two good options, but here we go:
My basement surround system has RT25 speakers as the surround and RT55i as the fronts. I was originally running a CS245i for the center, but bought a package recently with a CS300. Cosmetically the CS300 looks nicer, and is supposedly a slightly higher end speaker, but I'm assuming the CS245i sonically matches better with the RT55i. So which would you use? Or, could I swap the crossover, tweeter and woofers from the CS245i into the CS300 and potentially "make" a CS300i?
Family Room 7.2.4: S35, S60, S10, MM2104 endtables, TL1
Basement 5.1.2: CS400i, RT55i, RT25, PSW450, MC60
Living Room Stereo: SDA 2a
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Answers

  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    Look for a cs400i. I have owned several over the years and it’s an excellent center. That cs300 isnt really an improvement imho…
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,553
    I used a CS350 with my rt55i fronts. I thought it blended well.
    CS400i is a solid center
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  • _mo_
    _mo_ Posts: 53
    This is why my wife hates it when I start researching speakers, because I get on here and ask about two options that cost me no money and the answer I get is buy a new speaker :lol: I think I'll keep using the 300 for now and see if I can find a good deal on a 400i
    Family Room 7.2.4: S35, S60, S10, MM2104 endtables, TL1
    Basement 5.1.2: CS400i, RT55i, RT25, PSW450, MC60
    Living Room Stereo: SDA 2a
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,553
    They can be found on ebay at times at give away prices.
    Patience and you'll be rewarded.
    I've bought 2 CS350's for less than $100.
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    They can be found on ebay at times at give away prices.
    Patience and you'll be rewarded.
    I've bought 2 CS350's for less than $100.

    I agree that this USED to be the case. I have purchased multiple CS400is in the past for less than $100 shipped. Shipping is now outrageous, but nonetheless I would do a saved search on ebay for both CS350 and CS400i.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited December 2021
    Having used a set of RT55 paired with a CS400 over ten years ago (without the “i”, there are small differences), the CS400i is — without question — the best center for the RT55i. Same driver & tweeter part # in both.

    Well worth holding out for in my opinion, even if it takes a while.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • _mo_
    _mo_ Posts: 53
    So, I think (hope) I found one off facebook marketplace for $50 + shipping, and while I was at it found someone local selling a pair of SDA 2a (I think, could be b...I'll post pics when I get them)...Now my wife will really kill me, I'm blaming it all on you guys.
    Family Room 7.2.4: S35, S60, S10, MM2104 endtables, TL1
    Basement 5.1.2: CS400i, RT55i, RT25, PSW450, MC60
    Living Room Stereo: SDA 2a
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,553
    We're great at taking blame.... Bring it!!
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  • _mo_
    _mo_ Posts: 53
    Thanks again everyone! I picked up a CS400i over the weekend, and while I was there he also had a PSW450 he was trying to get rid of, so I got the both for $110, pretty psyched, and enjoying the upgraded sound. Didn't realize what I was missing with the old CS300
    Family Room 7.2.4: S35, S60, S10, MM2104 endtables, TL1
    Basement 5.1.2: CS400i, RT55i, RT25, PSW450, MC60
    Living Room Stereo: SDA 2a
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,652
    Congrats. Great price to boot. Enjoy the cs400i it's a great center speaker for sure
    ..
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,652
    edited January 2022
    IIRC the Cs400i had the blueish/shiny woofers & the (i) means improved version OVER the Cs400
    ..
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,553
    boston1450 wrote: »
    IIRC the Cs400i had the blueish/shiny woofers & the (i) means improved version OVER the Cs400

    Correct
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