CS350-LS pairing with 2.3's

PFL89 · September 2020

I have been searching the web for info on the CS350-LS Center channel speaker and can find almost nothing. I have also searched the archives here at CP and found old threads discussing this, but, is anyone here currently using this center with a pair of 2.3's? And if so, what is your opinion of the pairing? Is there anything I should be aware of regarding this pairing?

Tell me what you think!!

FYI, I am replacing a CS10, which IMO, was a pretty good match with the 2.3's....
Also, running S60's for the rear & have 2 HT12's in opposite corners for a simple 5.2 system.

pitdogg2 · September 2020

Personally I do have 2.3tl's but do not use them for a theater. That being said I do have two CS350 centers and find them a very capable center channel I would not be afraid to use with 2.3's. Another which is a solid center is the CS400. The 6.5" drivers may be able to keep up better with the 2.3 6.5" speakers

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-CS400-Center-Channel-Speaker-TESTED-WORKS-GREAT/174419150207?hash=item289c31057f:g:5rAAAOSw0F9fT8XP

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-CS400-400W-Center-Chanel-Speaker-TESTED-Working/274448581966?hash=item3fe669054e:g:OCQAAOSwyKJfKGxl

as you can see prices are very in range.

PFL89 · September 2020

I have looked at the 400 and you are correct about pricing being all over the map. The issue for me on the 400 is height. It's too tall for the stand.....another reason for the CS350 choice. Timbre matching is my main concern. My 2.3's have the SL2000 Silk Dome tweeters and I'm nervous about mixing them with the Tri-Lam's on the 350.

pitdogg2 · September 2020

Get yourself some rd-0194's in the 2.3's. you'll thank me later. I was not in a hurry to replace my sl3000 tweeters in the 2.3tl's, I couldn't of been more wrong. They (RD-0198's) were a huge improvement.

Where's your location? If you're close enough to Illinois maybe we could meet up and you can try the one I'm not using.

PFL89 · September 2020

Thanks for the offer! But, I'm just south of Detroit....halfway between Detroit & Toledo. Long way to Illinois, unfortunately. Picking up the 350 right after work today. Looking forward to testing it this weekend. Should be quite an upgrade from the CS10...

If I make the change to the RD-194's, will the XO need to be modified or are they bolt-in replacements?

pitdogg2 · September 2020

direct replacements, 4 screws out 4 screws back in.

PFL89 · September 2020

That might just be my next upgrade. Been upgrading the system heavy since March...
New Yamaha AVR, the Signature S60's, the 2 HT12's and now the CS350. Have kinda "shot my wad" for upgrades this year....LOL

RandyCroissant · September 2020

I have the CS350 as well, paired with either of my SDAs it is a good match. One other good thing is the size is Easy to work with. Easy to upgrade as well with a single capacitor and possibly one resistor, I went with a Sonicap 5.8 uf and a mills resistor. Not all CS 350s have the resistor.

PFL89 · September 2020

RandyCroissant, Do you have any documentation on the 350? I can't even find out when it was manufactured. I've seen ads in old newspapers and stereo mags from the early 90's, but not much else.