Center Speaker upgrade question

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,960
edited April 2009 in Speakers
Hello all,

I read somewhere from someone with a good amount of knowledge of speakers, that it is important in an entry level system that the driver size of the front speakers should be uniform. That's why he suggested pairing my Monitor 50's with a CS1. How true is this statement?

Also, can you list from best to worst (Or less best) ways to upgrade teh center. I've heard CS2, CS10, CS20. If I'm going to upgrade, I'd like there to be a big difference. I'm not sure going from a CS1 to a CS10 is a huge difference (At least it's not a huge difference in price). Here is my current setup:

Onkyo 606
Fronts: Monitor 50's
Center: CS1
Rears: Monitor 30's
Sub: Def. Tech Prosub 800

Thanks,

Pycroft
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on

Comments

  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited April 2009
    I would think your CS1 would be sufficient. CS2 would be an option according to other members here on different threads.

    Do R50's sound different than Monitor 50's?
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited April 2009
    it really doesn't matter if it's entry level or audiophile hi-level...you want to timber match the LCR speakers so that there's seamless transition between three front speakers...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79279&highlight=center+match
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited April 2009
    I wasnt talking about timber matching, I simply stated that what he has from what ive learned is already matched, an upgrade would be the CS2. With my system being basically entry level Polk equipment my Cerwin Vega center provides all of the sound its required to within my set-up. Ive tried a Polk center and it provided a different sound but in my opinion not a whole lot different to justify the cost. And im just talking about my system, not anybody elses. MOST of the equipment members have on here make mine look crappy.:o
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited April 2009
    Get the most badass center you can. When you're watching a movie the majority of the sound is coming from the center speaker so don't skimp there.

    You might want to try using an amp for the center instead of trying to find a new speaker. An amp would make a much bigger difference for you. If you have a buddy you can borrow an amp from I'd suggest trying it assuming your receiver has pre-outs.
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited April 2009
    yes, both CS1 and CS2 are matched center...I agree with you (Knucklehead) that since OP already heard CS2 and not heard any big difference, no point in going to CS2....
    besides CS10 and CS20 are 2008 models for CS1 and CS2...

    i didn't add these:D
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited April 2009
    The followup question then is, what would be a timbre matched center that would be a big upgrade to the CS1. If the CS2 is similar, but not a huge reach, what would be a way to upgrade it? Would I have to upgrade all speakers, or is there something viable to match the Monitor 50's and 30's?

    Thanks,

    Pycroft
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited April 2009
    Another, possibly stupid question...I'm not sure I understand the comment about, "Using an amp for the center instead of upgrading the center speaker". Now, I see amps being sold here, and other places, all the time. To be honest, I don't get the point...I've read that some speakers need to be powered by an amp because they have a different ohm level that isn't compatible with the receiver (Not my issue). Why would I use an amp with/instead of my Onkyo receiver? What are the benefits?

    Thanks,

    Pycroft
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited April 2009
    Pycroft wrote: »
    Another, possibly stupid question...I'm not sure I understand the comment about, "Using an amp for the center instead of upgrading the center speaker". Now, I see amps being sold here, and other places, all the time. To be honest, I don't get the point...I've read that some speakers need to be powered by an amp because they have a different ohm level that isn't compatible with the receiver (Not my issue). Why would I use an amp with/instead of my Onkyo receiver? What are the benefits?

    Thanks,

    Pycroft

    make sure your AVR has pre-outs.....so you can do this......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/QueenB8271/MemorexAdPhoto.jpg
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
  • dborzz
    dborzz Posts: 87
    edited April 2009
    hey pycroft, don't worry about an amp because your onk606 doesn't have pre-outs....
    I have a very similar set-up and the CS2 is a massive improvement over the CS1. And also there is no noticeable difference between the CS2 or CS20, it's just a newer version of the same line-up of speakers. The timbre and tweeter are all the same for them. Do yourself a favor and get the CS2, I got mine at newegg.com as they always have great deals on polk stuff, or go the refurbished route on the polk e-bay store.

    Polk T90e's(m60)-mains
    Polk CS2-center
    Polk OWM3's-surrounds
    Polk Micro Pro 1000-sub
    PS3-blu-ray,gaming
    Pioneer 43inch purevision plasma
    Onkyo tx-sr606

    MIT EXp 1
  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited April 2009
    I just recently bought the CS2 and a pair of Monitor 60's and love every bit of it. Newegg is definitely the place to go I think. I used to have a Polk htib that had a tiny little center speaker and I had no clue what I was missing until I got this monster( at least compared to what I had) CS2. Its worth the little over $100 I think.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
  • dborzz
    dborzz Posts: 87
    edited April 2009
    Oh yeah....one more thing about the CS2.......it's HUGE!!!!!

    Polk T90e's(m60)-mains
    Polk CS2-center
    Polk OWM3's-surrounds
    Polk Micro Pro 1000-sub
    PS3-blu-ray,gaming
    Pioneer 43inch purevision plasma
    Onkyo tx-sr606

    MIT EXp 1
  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited April 2009
    dborzz wrote: »
    Oh yeah....one more thing about the CS2.......it's HUGE!!!!!

    Yeah...I found that out when it arrived in a rather large box. I was thinking that it couldn't possibly be as big as the box indicated, but I was definitely wrong on that one. I don't mind though because it has been great so far with a few movies I've watched :D


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
  • Tim D.
    Tim D. Posts: 44
    edited April 2009
    I would definetly recommend upgrading to the CS2, which I think will give your system a lot more presence during movies. I had a CS1 in my first system with Monitor 40s which was good for a small room, but you should see a big improvement with the bigger center. Plus, you can get the CS2 from Newegg for $120 shipped, and would probably get $75 on Ebay for your CS1, making your upgrade only $45. Well worth it in my opinion.

    Tim
    2 Channel: DIY Zaph SR-71s, DIY dual 10"/240w sealed subs, Onix SP3, Onix CD-3, Thorens TD-145 (DIY moddified and restored)

    HT: RS850, RS450, RSC200, SVS PB10 NSD, XPA-5, USP-1, H/K AVR354, Oppo BDP-83
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited April 2009
    If you can, go to a store like Frys and listen to several center channels side by side. You'll be amazed at how much more detail you hear from the movie soundtrack as you move up from the basic center channels to upgraded models.
    ____________________________________________________________

    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