Center speaker matching....

Glen_T

I'm new to this forum, and am just starting to build a home theater system.

I have some Monitor 50s on the way for the fronts, am planning on using OWM3s for the rears, and undecided (PSW125?) for the sub, all driven by the Onkyo TX-SR606.

Here's my problem. I was going to find a CS1 or CS2 center speaker to match the Monitor 50s, but the height of the cabinet is going to cause issues with my setup. I need to place the center below the TV (WAF is not high for placing it above the TV), and with my TV stand, I am going to be really tight on height by the time I have the receiver, center, and DVD.

So, my question is around the importance of having a matching center speaker. The CS1 and CS2 are recommended for the Monitor 50s, and I've read on this forum that the CS10 and CS20s basically use the same driver as the CS1/CS2. However, they are about as tall.

Does anyone know if there are other Polk center speakers that would be shorter that would have a good sound match? Or do I need to try to figure out how to package the CS1 in there somehow?

Thanks.....great forum, by the way....

lectronicjunkie

How much height do you have to work with?

Glen_T

Thanks for responding.

Basically, there are two shelves, the first has 8" of height, and the second 9". The 606 is about 7" tall, so it needs to be by itself on the 8" shelf. The CS1s are about 7" tall, so I might get by if I replace my current DVD player with a slimline unit.

The TV cabinet is angled (custom made for the corner), so I don't have enough depth to put the receiver and DVD side by side on one shelf (I guess I didn't plan ahead when I built this cabinet!).

I think ideally about a 5" tall center would fit great, but the smaller Polk center from the RM series probably won't match sound-wise I'm guessing....

Thanks...

lectronicjunkie

First off, the AVR needs more breathing room than 1". I've got mine on top of my cabinet until I get another stand because it puts off some heat. I don't know if you have that option. Secondly, don't skimp on the size of the center or you will be kicking yourself down the road. I am looking to replace my CSi3 with the CSi5. I would look at getting the CS2.

Glen_T

The rear of the cabinet is open, and I am planning on adding a computer fan arrangement like I've read is recommended on other sites.

I'm surprised the new receivers don't have built in fans like computers do....seems like a pretty easy thing for them to add, and wouldn't add noise if it was done right and integrated.

Thanks for the info...the CSi speakers look nice, but still large. But the more I read, the more it sounds like the center is worth making room for.

Thanks,
Glen

Glen_T

One last question....will the CS10 work well with Monitor 50 front speakers? Polk lists the matching center speaker as the CS1/CS2, but I was hoping I could use the CS10 or CS20 instead. Anyone know?

Thanks,
Glen

lectronicjunkie

It looks ok to me spec wise. I haven't personally paired them up.