Best Polk center to match r30's and r15's?

Lgbulldogs

My current setup is new r30s and r15s with a Dayton sub. What would be the best center channel to match with these. The csi3 or cs1? Or even step up to the cs2 or csi5? Thanks for the help.

shack

Lgbulldogs wrote:

My current setup is new r30s and r15s with a Dayton sub. What would be the best center channel to match with these. The csi3 or cs1? Or even step up to the cs2 or csi5? Thanks for the help.

Using Polk's "system builder" they recommend the CS1 to match with the R30s and R15s. I tend to agree. The CS2 would work well also...but while it is a "step up", it would really depend on what you want to spend. I would stay with either the CS1 or CS2.

Maestro

I use the CSi3 which is seemless in my HT system. I HIGHLY recommend that you measure your TV cabinet space available for the CS1, CS2, or CSi5; they are huge! Some people forget to do that and are shocked when they have no space to place the center channel.

Main: Polk R50s
Center: Polk CSi3
Surround: Polk R30s
Rear: Polk R15s
Sub: Polk PSW12

Amp/Receiver: Harman/Kardon AVR635

Lgbulldogs

Thanks for the responses. I read some good reviews on the Csi3 so that is my front runner. I guess I will try to read up a little more.

Ised8u

I am selling a brand new, in the box, csi-5 speaker on Ebay for $250 if you are interested.

tsv

I have the same exact setup quoted by Lgbulldogs (R30, R15, Dayton 12" sub). Would Athena C1 center channel be a good match? (Its on sale at AudioAdvisor for $99+shipping).

Thanks for your feedback.

shack

tsv wrote:

I have the same exact setup quoted by Lgbulldogs (R30, R15, Dayton 12" sub). Would Athena C1 center channel be a good match? (Its on sale at AudioAdvisor for $99+shipping).

Thanks for your feedback.

NO! Don't be cheap and buy a miss-matched center just because it is on sale. Buy one of the Polks mentioned above order to have a seamless front soundstage.

Ron Temple

The CSi25, not on this site (or wasn't), is the match for the Rs. It can be found at Frys or Outpost list is $180, but goes on sale for $70. I've tried the CS1 and have the CSi3, both work fine. CS1 seemed to have better bass response, but I've found that the CSi3 is superior for clarity and balance. You won't be unhappy with any of these choices.

Lgbulldogs

I am going to go and audition the cs1 and csi3 and see which I like better and buy it. I'll let you know what I find out. Probably won't be till early next week though.

millerman 3732

when I had my 30's as mains the csi20 was the recomended center if you can still find one I'am using mine as a rear center now since I sold my R30's.

Nemesis

I currently use R15s as mains (small room). I actually went the cheap route: my friend GAVE me a center channel. Best described as Frankenstein, actually. It's a workhorse and anchors the rest of my system. Currently it's components include horn made by Realistic, 2-10in Eminence drivers (one much newer and with a bigger magnet, and a Radioshack crossover circa 1985. The box (lying on the ground) measures 2 and a quarter feet long by 1ft wide by 9in deep. It's awesome- certainly a case of form follows function, but the sound is great. Tonally it matches the R's pretty well.

There I said my speel about what works for me... YOUR best bet would be to get the 1 or the 3. I kinda favor the 3 because it's clearer. I listened to both before, albeit almost a year ago. The 1 does have a little more bass, but I think a decent sub like a Dayton can compensate. Plus I think the three is a little louder which is kinda important for a center- it seems to equal that of R series a hair better than the 1.