Need center for LS90's - CSi A6 or cs350ls?

timlitton · November 2008

I've had a pair of LS90's for about 10 years now. I absolutely love them. I want to upgrade my center channel from a junky cs100 (poor *-bay decision making skills a few years ago).

I've been on the hunt for a cs1000p for a few years and unfortunately got outbid on *-bay just yesterday. The price went from $205 to $455 in the final seconds. They come up so rarely, I figured I'd stop waiting and take the plunge on something else.

I've read such good things about the cs350's. Polk's website says the CSi A6's will match, but which would be the best? Or are there others that would be better?

Any advice would be appreciated.

mantis · November 2008

The older 350 is a perfect patch. it's what was around back then. The new series will not match the same. Sonic changes over the years.

So here is what you do, send me your Ls90's( I love em) and I'll steer you to Tweeter to get a full front array. They are going out of business and you can score some new Polks at a great price.

So what do you say???

timlitton · November 2008

Thanks for the reply mantis.

But... I'm afraid I'm not yet eligible to do transactions here. I'm bound by the rules you know. You on the other hand, have more than enough posts to allow you to send ME a 350.

I'll even kick in a couple bucks for shipping.

adam2434 · November 2008

I also have LS90s and have owned the CS350 and CS400i. While the CS400i is from a newer/different speaker series, I actually found it to be a better match than the CS350, from an upper frequencies standpoint. The CS400 and CS400i use a very similar trilaminate tweeter to what is in the LS90 and CS350. I am currently using the CS400i.

So, you may want to also keep an eye out for a CS400 or CS400i.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

DollarDave · November 2008

adam2434 wrote: »

I also have LS90s and have owned the CS350 and CS400i. While the CS400i is from a newer/different speaker series, I actually found it to be a better match than the CS350, from an upper frequencies standpoint. The CS400 and CS400i use a very similar trilaminate tweeter to what is in the LS90 and CS350. I am currently using the CS400i.

So, you may want to also keep an eye out for a CS400 or CS400i.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

I have had the same experience as adam2434 - I strongly prefer the CS400 with my LS-90s. I tried a CS200, then a CS350, then a CS400. Hands down he 400 rules. I may even get/trade for a 400i to replace my CSI-40 downstairs.

mantis · November 2008

DaveMuell wrote: »

I have had the same experience as adam2434 - I strongly prefer the CS400 with my LS-90s. I tried a CS200, then a CS350, then a CS400. Hands down he 400 rules. I may even get/trade for a 400i to replace my CSI-40 downstairs.

So when things go from left to right, you don't get any change? Synergy is key here? I'm just interested as I have over the years owned and Installed all of the above products. My findings with the 2 different years little different.

I found the 350 to be very good when properly setup, I know good luck finding one and I'm sure the 400 is easier to find, so my only question is why it works better? Not just a question for you but anyone else who has experience with this exact setup,

Dan

timlitton · November 2008

Thanks for the input adam2434 and DaveMuell. I'll have to take a look for the cs400's too. I found myself quite lucky that within 20 minutes of posting this thread, I found a cs350 on ebay and also on craigslist (which was for $100).

For the cs400 proponents, I'm also curious what makes it better or worse in your experience. I dislike the cs100 for multiple reasons but the biggest reason is the lack of low end and presence. With the LS90's there's a incredibly noticeable difference in sound as it pans across to the small cs100. How would you describe the overall performance of the cs400 sound-wise in relation to the cs350?

Jeff Beaird · November 2008

I also thought the CS350 was lacking clarity, real boomy..!
I was so disappointed in it I sold it on the Forum for $100. I would like to try a CS400... to replace the Monitor 5jr which I am currently using

mantis · November 2008

Jeff Beaird wrote: »

I also thought the CS350 was lacking clarity, real boomy..!
I was so disappointed in it I sold it on the Forum for $100. I would like to try a CS400... to replace the Monitor 5jr which I am currently using

I think that thats exactly the problem here, Lets go back to basics.

For any home theater front 3 or I will call it L C R meaning Left Center Right have to match. This is critical. If your watching a movie, you don't want one speaker to sound different then another. The correct matching center should always go with the main speakers. You should not mix and match. The sonic signature has to match. If the center is better then the mains or visa versa then you will not have synergy. This will be distracting and you will not get a good home theater experience.

If you found a 350 in good shape , I suggest you buy it now. I don't think using the cs400 or cs400i is a good choice. It seems others have had good luck with this but they must have a reason to do this. I'm not a fan of doing this at all. There are other factors that come into play that can cause a speaker not to sound good. If it's a matching speaker and you don't like it, then you need to rethink your main speakers and buy a entire front array that all matches. Remember my goal is to build a system, anyones system with complete synergy. No exceptions unless no other option is available.

DollarDave · November 2008

mantis wrote: »

So when things go from left to right, you don't get any change? Synergy is key here? I'm just interested as I have over the years owned and Installed all of the above products. My findings with the 2 different years little different.

I found the 350 to be very good when properly setup, I know good luck finding one and I'm sure the 400 is easier to find, so my only question is why it works better? Not just a question for you but anyone else who has experience with this exact setup,

Dan

I agree synergy is key, and the CS-350 pretty much sucked in my opinion even when "properly setup" via calibration. The CS-400 has a deeper, wider, and more accurate reproduction of sound. That simple. The 350 kicked a#$ on the other models that I have tried. But, the 400 remains the standard.

Jeff Beaird · November 2008

I think I would rather sell my LS90's than buy another CS350...
I looked around here(local) for many years to find these. I believe in synergy. Obviosly I don't have that w/5jr Center.

Ron Temple · November 2008

adam2434 wrote: »

I also have LS90s and have owned the CS350 and CS400i. While the CS400i is from a newer/different speaker series, I actually found it to be a better match than the CS350, from an upper frequencies standpoint. The CS400 and CS400i use a very similar trilaminate tweeter to what is in the LS90 and CS350. I am currently using the CS400i.

So, you may want to also keep an eye out for a CS400 or CS400i.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Agree, I thought the tweeters of the LS50s I tried matched very well with the CS400i.

adam2434 · November 2008

I got into more depth on the CS350 vs CS400i question in this thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32790&highlight=cs350+crossover+mod

Post 15 is a good recap.

Basically, my ears told me that the 350 had a much softer top end, compared to my LS90's. While experimenting, I found that my Pioneer Elite's auto EQ (which I don't use for listening) corroborated this and wanted to boost the highest band +5dB for the 350, while leaving the LS90's flat at 0dB. The auto EQ also set the 400i to 0dB for the highest band.

I think the 350 is a great center, but I still feel that the 400i is a better match than the 350 I had.

Jeff Beaird · November 2008

Ben has a good recap option also... a day late and a dollar short for me but might help other CS350 owners. Here's the thread...
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73915&highlight=cs350

timlitton · November 2008

Interesting. I'm obviously new to the forums but have already read a number of threads about modding XO's and tweeters. I'm always left wondering if it's worth the effort or if I should just buy something I like out-of-the box.

It's kinda the same reason I bought a BMW instead of a car that had to be modded. That is, until I saw a Vishnu piggyback kit that adds 100+ HP to a twin turbo 335 for about $1200. Sorry about the off-topic.

timlitton · November 2008

I just saw a listing for a csi40. What's the scoop between the cs400i and the CSi40? Any opinions on which is better?

Ron Temple · November 2008

Haven't heard the CSi40, but it's probably closer to the CSi5 than the CS400i. From experience the silver dome tri-lams are a dead match with the LS.

ohskigod · December 2008

just my .02

Had the LS90's for a while and used them with the cs350. for me, it sounded fantastic. I know some say they didnt like it and went with the 400 but I had no issues that made me do the change.

I ran the ls90 and cs350 set up (with seperate amplification all around) for awhile with great results until I got my LSi set up. while I like the LSi set up bettr, it isnt by much. That LS/CS setup kicked **** for years in my house, with the CS350 being a big part of it.

timlitton · December 2008

Thank you everyone for the advice.

ohskigod, I appreciate the info. I've debated selling off my LS90's in favor of the new LSi line but I may wait until I can find a good second-hand price down the road a few years. I can't afford all new speakers and a reliable 4 ohm amp all at once, and I'm encouraged by your direct comparison.

Need center for LS90's - CSi A6 or cs350ls?

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