CS1 or CS2 with Monitor 50s and Denon 1910

bp_

So, I am working on a budget system and just bought Monitor 50s for my fronts to go with my new Denon 1910. Newegg is having a sale on the CS2 but the CS1 is recommended for my setup here. I will be using some crappy Magnavox surrounds and a powered Magnavox sub for now as I need to save up a bit before I get those next two pieces of my setup.

Any reason I shouldn't go with a CS2 with my setup? I have a smaller living room and will probably do 80% TV/movies and 20% music.

izafar

Forget the recommendation and Go with CS2. For TV/Movies center channel is used a lot, so you should always try to get the best one in your budget.

Dawgfish

+1 on the CS-2. Having owned them both, the CS-2 is much clearer for dailogue. It's rather large, but if you have the room go for it.

max mike

I got a referb CS1 shipped for $75 from polk and it works great with my Monitor 50's I don't see me paying the $50 more for the CS2. For me that $50 is better off going elsewhere in the system, but that is me.

Knucklehead

IMO, I think the soundstage with your set-up would sound much better with the CS1, a little more natural if you will. although I dont use a CS1 for my center Ive heard several and they are very nice sounding centers. Sounds like you will be keeping your current set-up at least for awhile.....go for the CS1.

Enjoy, David.

wc97

I just got my Monitor50's yesterday and they sound great with my CS1. I haven't heard the CS2, but I can tell you that I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the CS1.

I asked someone a while back and was told the CS1 is a slightly better match with the Monitor50's compared to the CS2, and that's why I went the route I did. And personally I have no regrets about my choice.

Good luck!

vijayl

The only reason u don't wanna go with CS2 is Size. Its bigger than CS1

bp_

thanks all, the size of the CS2 is a concern. I think I'll keep an eye out for a good price on a CS1 for a bit.

Knucklehead

I saw one on Polk/Ebay for $50.00.

Dawgfish

I would still strongly recommend the CS2 if you can find the room for it. It's worth the extra price and size. I've owned the CS1 and CS2 (still have the CS2 in my bedroom rig). The center channel is one of the most important speakers in a home theater set-up. Approximately 80% of the dialogue in most movies is output through the center channel. There often sequences in a movie where the center channel is the only speaker outputting sound. The CS2 was much, much clearer for dialogue to me than the CS1. There were oftern times I would have to rewind a scene because I couldn't understand the dialogue with the CS1. I did not have to do this nearly as much with the CS2. Dialogue is much more noticable and lifelike. It also sounds better for multi channel music if you like listening to that.

cdn5003

The only drawback of the CS2 is that it is much bigger. If you plan on keeping the Monitor 50's for a long time than do them justice with the CS2. If you plan on upgrading sometime soon than get a cheap CS1. The CS2 is able to anchor the whole system with the 6.5" drivers and larger box. Deep voices and explosions requiring more ouput are much more clear than the CS1. The CS2 will not overpower the Monitor 50's at all. It is slightly more efficient and will play approx. 2 Db's louder. If you are finishing your whole setup with monitors than don't wonder what if and get the CS2. With a preference of 80% tv/movies you will be using the center quite a bit and considering the cost of all the other equipment that goes along with HT the extra $50 or so on the most important speaker would be a good idea.

vijayl

well said cdn

comfortablycurt

The bigger center channel is ALWAYS going to be a better choice. There's absolutely no reason that a CS1 would blend better with the Monitor 50's than the CS2. All of the drivers are timbre matched, so can be mixed however you please.

The center channel carries over 50% of a movies soundtrack, and is really THE most crucial speaker in the whole setup. A bigger center channel is going to carry the soundtrack a lot more efficiently, and blend much better with the mains and the sub.

That being said, yes, it is big. So make sure you've got room for it.

Knucklehead

Im just going by what Ken at Polk Audio chat told me.

potee

I just got the CS2 yesterday and sat it above my tv and unless your looking right at it It dosen't look that big. When I opened the box the wife went Oh my god. Now it's hey thats not bad at all. And it sounds good with M60's and M40's Good luck on your choice.

potee

ChrisD

I'd say CS2. The 6.5" woofers add to the midrange and bass.

potee

The CS2 now only $119.00 at newegg Get it. While you can. They even gave me a rebate on mine that I got yesterday.

potee

double d

I've had both, just bought a CS2 about a month ago to replace my CS1. There is a difference although it is not huge, at least to my ears. However its probably better to go with the better speaker, the CS2.

bp_

I appreciate all this feedback...makes the choice a little more difficult. I guess I will do some measuring to see if I can fit the CS2 into my setup.

Mike21

Def CS2 with M50s.

Miike

vijayl

Mike, I had the same front stage as yours with 805. I loved it and missing my 805 now.