CSi3 vs. CS2

Log1x

I read a few posts that debate these two, but it always ends up getting overran by the CSi5. I understand that it is much better, but I personally can't afford it so I'm curious of which of these 2 I should get. My stereo isn't all matching, and is overall a cheap value stereo.

I have Sony SSF5000's as my fronts

I have Insignia NSB2111's as my rear's.

I have the Klipsch SUB-12 as my subwoofer.

And I have some junky 6 year old Sony center channel as of right now. I'm looking to upgrade it to something that is clear, nice, and loud. When I watch a movie like 2Fast2Furious on my current one, I turn everything way up and it sounds amazing, but my current center channel crackles and just can't really handle the high volume. It acts like it's about to blow.

My stereo is value, cheap, and blah, but it's good enough for me, Audiophile's would probably stab me.

I mainly listen to Music, but I do watch quite a few movies so that's why I'm after a center channel.

Edit: There is no where from my knowing around here that I can test these unfortunately. Best Buy is big on their Klipsch and doesn't have really any Polk products, and Circuit City only has the CS10 center channel.

NewHTguy

Log1x wrote: »

Audiophile's would probably stab me.

LOL! I've owned the Cs2. It is very large. The Csi3 is a little smaller, but not much. Either way you should make sure you have a large enough space for them. Assuming you can fit either of them, you might consider two things. First, the Cs2 has a slightly higher Impedence, so it should in principle require less amplification. Second, the Csi3 is a little "brighter" than the Cs2, which many people consider to be a good thing. However, it all depends on the characteristics of what you have. If your fronts are considered bright, you might lean toward the Csi3.

This is all assuming that it is not feasible to try them both and take one back. I saw a Cs2 on clearance at CC for $95.

Good luck and stay away from the knife-carrying audiophiles!

Log1x

Haha! I didn't realize how funny that comment was when I said it. I said it out of sarcasm and now I'm laughing in the middle of class and everybody's looking at me like I'm stupid. ANYWAYS, I'm at school and I don't remember the exact model of my Receiver, but it's a Pioneer and I believe its 110 watts a channel. Size isn't really an issue, I'm building a custom shelf for whatever center channel I get. I'm actually have a couple thoughts though, I may take back my front Sony junk speakers, and buy a pair of the Monitor50's since they are so cheap and probably 10x better (what do you think?), and then replace my rears soon possibly, although the Insignia's I have as my rears are rather good. They have Carbon Fiber cones and are really loud, crisp, and clear for rear speakers, and they were a really good price ($72 a pair) at the time I bought them, so I'm kinda undesisive. Hmmmm. I'll have to do further research when I get home. Thanks for your response.

VSchneider

If you are thinking about Monitor 50 for fronts, than CS2 should be an easy choice.

NewHTguy

VSchneider wrote: »

If you are thinking about Monitor 50 for fronts, than CS2 should be an easy choice.

Agreed.

If you're buying new fronts then that should determine your strategy. Don't buy fronts to match your center, buy the center that matches your fronts.

If you look around you might be able to get Rti8's for $300/pair. Along with the Csi3 you'll have a nice center stage. Check out Frys.com as well as JR, Vanns, Onecall, etc. You never know when one of them is going to run a deal.

Also, check out Polk's ebay store.

Log1x

Well, Best Buy screwed me over on returning my current Sony speakers that I have. It's been 31 days out of their 30 and the manager on the phone said and I quote "Yeah man, no problem, just bring it in and I'll give you a cash refund."

I walk in, and he has the balls to say straight to my face "nah man, only store credit."

I almost went crazy, but meh, so be it.

I'm now thinking about the Polk CS10. I can get it at a local audio place, the guy is giving me a "deal" for $124.43 (including tax) - is that a good buy? I'm sure I'll be much happier then with my current nasty Sony center channel that came with a 5+ year old 5.0 Home Theater DVD kit thing that my sisters husband bought. Hah. But yeah, opinions on the CS10? I'm guessing its the same thing as the CS1 but newer, but I could be wrong. I heard it in the store, it sounded pretty clear, but the stuff they have for demonstration at the store is pretty blah, so I guess I'll get your opinions, and either way go ahead and buy it and bring it home, if I like it, woohoo, if not, back to the store it goes!