Polk CSM Center Channel speaker problem.

mr2spyder
mr2spyder Posts: 6
edited November 2005 in Troubleshooting
I recently purchased the Polk CSM center channel speaker to replace an Onkyo center channel speaker that came with my HTIB Onkyo 780 system. When I turn up the volume loud the onkyo amp keeps cutting out. I rarely had this problem with the Onkyo stock center speaker and it could also play much louder before cutting out. It appears the Polk is rated at 4 ohms and the Onkyo may not be able to handle them. The onkyo manual states not to use 4 ohm speakers as they might damage the receiver. The polk spec sheet states that the nominal ohms is 4 but that it is compatable with 8 ohms output. Does anyone know what that means? Does it mean that it should be compatable with an 8 ohm only receiver? Does anyone know if I could end up damaging my receiver because of these speakers? Why would polk create a budget center channel speaker rated at 4 ohms when most budget receiver cant handle that type of load?
Post edited by mr2spyder on
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Comments

  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited November 2005
    First step for me would be to balance the channel levels on the Onkyo using a Radio Shack meter.
    Never Forget
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2005
    Do you mean a CSi or an LSiC center channel? I believe the LSi is rated at 4ohms where the CSi is rated at 8.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2005
    The CSM is new and not listed here, but I believe is the CSi25. What I find hard to believe is that it's a 4 ohm speaker.

    Eric or Ken, can you address this?

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • mr2spyder
    mr2spyder Posts: 6
    edited November 2005
    The CSM is not listed in the homeaudio speaker webpage. If you do a search of this website and type in csm youll get a link to the speaker and spec sheet. The spec sheet that came with the speaker says it is rated nominal ohms of 4 but that it is compatible with 8 ohm output. How confusing is that. Is the speaker 4 or 8 ohm? Any thoughts? Should I just return it?
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2005
    Well the spec page does say 4 ohm and it maybe causing an auto protection issue with your Onkyo. If you return it, I'd recommend a CSi30 or CSi3. I'm using one now blended with R50s. It's brighter, but dialog is crystal clear and I turn it down 2dbs for music. Very nice. Saw one on the flea market for $110 shipped. IDK if it's still there.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • jmoney
    jmoney Posts: 8
    edited November 2005
    I cant' imagine why it would be 4 ohms. It's said to be the match for the M series. Both the M10 and M20 are rated at 8 ohms.
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  • mr2spyder
    mr2spyder Posts: 6
    edited November 2005
    Well it looks like a loose speaker wire connection (left rear surround speaker) was causing the amp to shut down. After securing the connection the amp has yet to shut down. It appears the amp can handle a 4 ohm speaker.
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2005
    :D

    Hope it sounds good.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • Eric W
    Eric W Posts: 556
    edited November 2005
    Glad you were able to get the problem fixed. Sorry I couldnt reply sooner I was away all last week. In any case here is the speaker:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/csm/

    Although the speaker is spec'd at 4 ohms, most of its impedance curve stays much higher then that. We have tested it with a variety of receivers with no issue.
    -Eric
    -Polk Audio
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