What center channel speaker for R50's?

orangedawg
orangedawg Posts: 4
edited November 2006 in Speakers
I am new to this forum so please be kind. I am in the process of putting together a 5.1 HT/music system kind of on the cheap using Polk R50's from Fry's. HT/music is about 60/40. Music tastes range all across the gamut, from Sinatra to Stones, New Age to New Wave, Amee Mann to Aerosmith. Fronts will be R50's. Rears will be either R50's (if I can get another set from Fry's), R300's (from Fry's although not in cherry which is what I want), or R150's (from Fry's although not in cherry which is what I want). I also need to get a center channel speaker (in cherry).

Polk's website lists CS2 as the preferred center. However, they list CS1 for R30's, which is very similar to R50's. There is also the CSi25 (I think that's what it's called on sale occcasionally at, where, Fry's of course!). My issue: which center should I use? I'm kind of on a budget (would prefer not to have to spend more than $100, although that is not possible, probably). I could spend more (I see the CS1's and 2's on ebay around $200, but not in cherry and would hope to pay less than that), but do want to keep this inexpensive.

Also, what about my above options for the rears? R50's, R300's, R150's? Help for this noob? Thanks!
Post edited by orangedawg on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    The CS1 would be a good match and can be had for considerably less than $200 -- more like $90 used to $120 new.

    Welcome to the Forum
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited November 2006
    If you can find a CSi20 on the used market, grab it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Drumingman
    Drumingman Posts: 348
    edited November 2006
    It's a shame that anyone has to ask folks to be nice to a new user on any site.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited November 2006
    The CSi25 is the match to the R50s, but I've only seen it in black recently. It has the same tweeter as the rest of the R series. It did come in cherry vinyl at one time. The CSM or CSR would also be a good match.

    The same question was discussed here:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44447&highlight=csi25

    All the surround speakers you listed would work fine. You could also add R15s to the list.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • orangedawg
    orangedawg Posts: 4
    edited November 2006
    Thanks to all your kind responses! I have been on a few forums and asked a newbie question and then was flamed. So, that's why I started my question with that comment. I know I'm a noob and don't know as much as all of you so I really appreciate all your help. Thanks! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2006
    I have a CSi20 available for sale. Post here or send me an email if you have interest.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited November 2006
    Everyone was a noob at some point. I still am. F those forums. Grab Halo's CSi20. Do it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,834
    edited November 2006
    CSi30 is a good center as well.

    Halo, how much for the 20, if I may ask?

    Would it make a good rear surround?

    If ODawg passes, let me know.
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2006
    polrbehr wrote:
    Halo, how much for the 20, if I may ask?

    Would it make a good rear surround?

    If ODawg passes, let me know.
    You have a pm. :)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • orangedawg
    orangedawg Posts: 4
    edited November 2006
    Apparently as a noob, I can't send PM's. So, feel free to PM me.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2006
    pm sent to orangedawg.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • orangedawg
    orangedawg Posts: 4
    edited November 2006
    Halo, Thanks for the PM! I still can't post PM's, but I wanted to let you know that I was able to find a CSi25 locally at a good price, so I won't need yours. Thanks for all your help, though! From what I've read on this forum, the CSi25 will be a good match, correct? Just like the CSi20 except one more mid-range woofer, correct? Thanks again to all!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2006
    The CSi25 will work just fine. :) Happy listening!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ivansfo
    ivansfo Posts: 145
    edited November 2006
    Since you are familiar with Fry's, wait for them to put the CSi25 on sale. Usually about $50 and it's a great center. Alternatively, there are two CSi30s for sale right now on Ebay.

    But between the two, I would opt for a new CSi25 if you can get it for $50.
    For the rears, see if you can find a pair of Polk R15s. Again if Fry's has them, they will go on sale for about $50/pair. That with R50s, and you got yourself a rock'in set of speakers for under $400.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MLZ
    MLZ Posts: 214
    edited November 2006
    ivansfo wrote:
    Since you are familiar with Fry's, wait for them to put the CSi25 on sale. Usually about $50 and it's a great center. Alternatively, there are two CSi30s for sale right now on Ebay.

    But between the two, I would opt for a new CSi25 if you can get it for $50.
    For the rears, see if you can find a pair of Polk R15s. Again if Fry's has them, they will go on sale for about $50/pair. That with R50s, and you got yourself a rock'in set of speakers for under $400.

    Last Friday (11/10) the Indianapolis Fry's had R50's on sale through tomorrow for $119.98 / pair
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter