Upgrade to CS2?

Schmid993
Schmid993 Posts: 4
edited December 2009 in Speakers
I just upgraded my front speakers to Monitor 70's from Newegg. I am running them with a CS 1 center and I was wondering if there would be a noticeable difference if I went to a CS 2. From what I can see spec wise, the tweeters are identical but the woofers are larger.

I am driving everything with a Denon ARV 589 which outputs 75 watts per channel. We watched "The Great Raid" last evening and it sounded great, but I was wondering if there is more that I am missing. Also keep in mind that I upgraded the fronts from Monitor 30's so the change was quite dramatic.

Thanks for reading!
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited December 2009
    You would notice an improvement with the CS2.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
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    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

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  • domflane
    domflane Posts: 653
    edited December 2009
    Get the CS2, it will be a big improvement and will soung great for HT
    Home Theater
    RTiA5 - CSiA6 - FXiA6 - PSW650 - Pioneer Elite SC-55 - Carver AV-505 - Sony 46" 120Hz - Monster HP 2400 - Xbox 360 - Playstation 3
    2 Channel
    Polk RTA 15TL - Harman Kardon HK3485 - HK DVD48 - Signal Cable IC's and speaker cables
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  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited December 2009
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    You would notice an improvement with the CS2.
    How so? Just looking at the specs, the only difference seems to be slightly better low end frequency response due to slightly larger woofers and cabinet. Nothing in the specs suggests an improvement in the vocal range which is the primary purpose of the center channel speaker. Could you expand on your comment? Thanks.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited December 2009
    lmacmil wrote: »
    How so? Just looking at the specs, the only difference seems to be slightly better low end frequency response due to slightly larger woofers and cabinet.


    You answered it for me.;)

    Aside from the fact that the CS2 is rated at 175wpc versus 125wpc.
    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
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  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited December 2009
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    You answered it for me.;)

    Aside from the fact that the CS2 is rated at 175wpc versus 125wpc.

    Lets say I've got a good subwoofer and my receiver is 90wpc. Why do I care about a few hertz lower frequency response from a speaker whose primary purpose is to reproduce vocals? I'm not trying to be argumentative, just trying to increase my meager understanding of this whole home theater puzzle.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited December 2009
    lmacmil wrote: »
    Lets say I've got a good subwoofer and my receiver is 90wpc. Why do I care about a few hertz lower frequency response from a speaker whose primary purpose is to reproduce vocals? I'm not trying to be argumentative, just trying to increase my meager understanding of this whole home theater puzzle.

    Male vocals, especially spoken, can, and will dip down to surprisingly low frequencies. ;)

    The vocals are a primary part of a movie, and the center channel does the bulk of handling them. Ideally, you'd want something that can be just as powerful doing it as your mains. :)
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited December 2009
    lmacmil wrote: »
    Lets say I've got a good subwoofer and my receiver is 90wpc. Why do I care about a few hertz lower frequency response from a speaker whose primary purpose is to reproduce vocals? I'm not trying to be argumentative, just trying to increase my meager understanding of this whole home theater puzzle.

    We may be at a standstill here my friend as my understanding of this hobby is meager as well. To answer your question...Ive heard both speakers and the CS2 to me has much better range and sounds more natural at higher volumes. Sometimes specs only give you part of the story, your ears have to be the judge. If the OP wanted to upgrade his system to an AMP for example he would be in a better position.

    David
    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
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  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    edited December 2009
    I recently upgraded from the M50s to M70s and had a cs1 running. Once the 70s were in place I found myself having to boost the center off the receiver a great deal to not get washed out. The cs1 still sounded good but needed extra juice to do it. I then found a cs2 on here and made the swap. I no longer needed to boost the center and for music it makes a huge difference. Both speaker sound great but make sure you have the room for the cs2 if you go with it as mine required a new tv stand to make it fit :)
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  • SoundEsc
    SoundEsc Posts: 10
    edited December 2009
    I have no experience with the CS1. Currently using CS2 with new Dayton caps and Mills resistors, and it matches well with my vintage Polk SDA speakers. Couldn't be happier.
    My current HT 7.1 Setup:

    Fronts: Polk SDA CRS+ (4.1TL)
    Center: Polk CS2
    Front Heights: Polk R15
    Surrounds: Polk RC80i
    Sub: Polk DSW MicroPro 3000
    Projector: Optoma HD72 w/ 100" screen
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR707
    HTPC: Vista Ultimate
    BluRay/Game: PS3
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited December 2009
    +1 on the CS2. I don't know ANYTHING about the techno mumbo-jumbo. I know I had a CS1 and a CS2, and the CS2, being run by the same equipment was a significant difference. I, too, had to up the center channel with the CS1 because it was being drowned out...no problems with the CS2. Go for it, you won't be disappointed!
    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
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  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited December 2009
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    We may be at a standstill here my friend as my understanding of this hobby is meager as well. To answer your question...Ive heard both speakers and the CS2 to me has much better range and sounds more natural at higher volumes.

    I may be able to argue with your logic but I can't argue with your ears! :D

    Thanks for your patience.
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  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited December 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    The biggest reason not to upgrade is that the CS2, which is substantially larger, may not fit where the CS1 did fit.

    I have got 8.25" height available (plenty of width and depth space) and the Polk site says the CS2 is 7.75" high so it would appear I have the room. My center speaker is below the TV so I would want to set it on that angle side. Can I assume it's never higher than 7.75" regardless of placement?
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited December 2009
    lmacmil wrote: »
    I have got 8.25" height available (plenty of width and depth space) and the Polk site says the CS2 is 7.75" high so it would appear I have the room. My center speaker is below the TV so I would want to set it on that angle side. Can I assume it's never higher than 7.75" regardless of placement?

    Well... the true height will vary depending on how much of an angle you set it at. You good with geometry? ;)

    It's 7.75" high if you place it flat on a surface.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited December 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    With the CS2 placed so that it is pointing at an upward angle, you need at least 9.0" inches clearance (without the rubber feet), so it will not fit in that configuration if you only have 8.25" height available.

    Thanks. That's exactly the info I needed.
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  • LandShark
    LandShark Posts: 130
    edited December 2009
    I had the CS1 now I have the CS2...hands down the CS2 is a big-time improvement.

    TV: Samsung LN40A550
    Mains: Polk Monitor 70's
    Center: Polk CS2
    Surrounds: Polk OWM3's
    Receiver: Onkyo TX sr705
    BDP: Sony S350
    Subs: Velodyne VRP1200 and VRP1000
    Monster Power Conditioner EP IR 2450
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  • tipoytm
    tipoytm Posts: 54
    edited December 2009
    CSi5 is much better, I have one and upgraded from a CS245i last year... difference is night/day. Now, I've upgraded to audiophile speakers (MartinLogans), so if anyone is interested, I'm selling both the CSi5 and CS245i... including the RT800 towers. PM offers :-)
    My system:
    Front: 2xPolk RT800 Floor speakers (Bi-wired) - SOLD
    Center: Polk CSi5 - For Sale!
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR806 THX-Ultra2 130W 7.1
    Sub: Velodyne DPS-12
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited December 2009
    Take that to the FS forum tip, not nice to thread jack with a sale, feel free to read the forum rules. Back on topic, I will continue to beat a dead horse and recommend that you upgrade to the CS2, I have one and love it. Keep in mind it is a beast and will not fit where a CS1 barely fit. Like you said, you won't be able to argue with your ears when you hear what a difference it will make.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • Schmid993
    Schmid993 Posts: 4
    edited December 2009
    Based on the responses, it seems that the CS 2 is a worthwhile upgrade over the CS 1. Thank you for all the replies and advice!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited December 2009
    grimmace19 wrote: »
    I recently upgraded from the M50s to M70s and had a cs1 running. Once the 70s were in place I found myself having to boost the center off the receiver a great deal to not get washed out. The cs1 still sounded good but needed extra juice to do it. I then found a cs2 on here and made the swap. I no longer needed to boost the center and for music it makes a huge difference. Both speaker sound great but make sure you have the room for the cs2 if you go with it as mine required a new tv stand to make it fit :)

    +1,

    I think grimmace has summed it up. Since about 50% of your surround info is carried by the center...you need more volume and power. The CS2 and the 70s are the perfect match.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • john E
    john E Posts: 32
    edited December 2009
    The CS1 and CS2 may have the same spec's ,but the CS2 have better mid-range detail ,you will notice a difference.I started off with the Monitor 60's and a CS1 and when newegg put the monitors 70's on sale for $320 a pair with free shipping ,I went ahead and got a CS2 since it was on sale for $109.I could tell a difference right off the bat .I changed them in and out ,just listening to the difference,they both sound good,but the CS2 just sounds better what I notice was the mid-range just sounded better .It had better lower end midrange then the CS1,the Voice dialouge just maych up better with the Monitor 70's.I imagine it was a big change if you had the monitor 30's up front and went to the 70's.
    ONKYO TX-SR607
    PolkAudio Speakers
    Front-Monitor 70's
    Center-CS2
    Sur-round-Monitor 40's
    Sur-round Back-Monitor 60's
    Subwoofer-PSW-505
    Back fill in Bass PSW-10
    LG 50"Black 1080P Plasma HDTV (50PS60)
    LG Blu-Ray Disc BD390
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  • tipoytm
    tipoytm Posts: 54
    edited December 2009
    wutadumsn23 wrote: »
    Take that to the FS forum tip, not nice to thread jack with a sale, feel free to read the forum rules. Back on topic, I will continue to beat a dead horse and recommend that you upgrade to the CS2, I have one and love it. Keep in mind it is a beast and will not fit where a CS1 barely fit. Like you said, you won't be able to argue with your ears when you hear what a difference it will make.

    -Jeff

    My apologies, I sometimes forget about forum rules. Anyway, like I said, it is much better to invest in the center channel more so than the rest of the speakers for a pure HT setup. I hate watching movies that need subtitles just to understand the dialogue clearly.
    My system:
    Front: 2xPolk RT800 Floor speakers (Bi-wired) - SOLD
    Center: Polk CSi5 - For Sale!
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR806 THX-Ultra2 130W 7.1
    Sub: Velodyne DPS-12
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited December 2009
    tipoytm wrote: »
    My apologies, I sometimes forget about forum rules. Anyway, like I said, it is much better to invest in the center channel more so than the rest of the speakers for a pure HT setup. I hate watching movies that need subtitles just to understand the dialogue clearly.

    No problem, and I agree with your statement 100%.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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