Polk Audio Monitor Series CS2 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)

I have been very happy with this center channel. Given the small price difference I see no reason to buy the CS1 instead of this, unless you cannot fit this larger center for some reason. Your center channel is where a majority of the sound comes from so I would consider it even more important then other speakers. Mine is mounted above my wall mounted television. It does look a little odd sticking out, but that is alright because it sounds good.

I was debating between the CS2's the the Csi3. From what I read the CS2's downfall was the box was pretty large. I am glad that I went with the CS2. It gives a full sound that is very clear for both high and low freq's. I paired the speakers with RC80i's in front ceiling, RC 60i's rear surround, and some polk towers for the front floor speakers. (and an infinity base 12" powered sub) Together all these connect into the Onkyo TX-SR606, so I am actually using all 7.1 channels. If I could afford to be a true audiophile I would be with some sort of $20k system and a hundred speakers, but for the price this set up can not be beat. I highly recommend that if you decide to upgrade your speakers anywhere to upgrade on the center channel... 80% of movie sound is routed through this speaker box. The RC60i's and RC80i's sound great with movies because not a ton of sound goes to them, but if I were using them as many channel's (front's or center's) I wouldn't recommend them. But no need to buy a 4 wheel drive if you never go off roads right. I personally chose not to overbuy, but it is very easy to do, because you want the best. but you must also ask what will I really use it for. be realistic. Like I said this setup sounds amazing, a lot better than many of the expensive systems I've heard before.

I purchased this speaker as a replacement for the original that came with my Onkyo HT 800 system. The difference was incredible! I've long been a fan of Polk quality, and this unit doesn't disappoint! I can't think of more "bang for the buck" with any other center channel speaker. I also purchased a pair of Polk Monitor 40 bookshelf speakers. All three of them together are fabulous! I highly recommend this speaker.

I bought the CS2 to replace the damaged center channel speaker from my Yamaha YHT-390BL Home Theater in a Box. It was recommended to me by two friends, both of whom are audiophiles. I'm glad I took their advice as this speaker is fantastic.

The speaker itself is huge. It's about 24" wide, 8" deep, and 6" tall. It fits above my flat panel, but just barely. Make sure you have room for it before you buy it, as it is pretty bulky. It needs to be to house the dual 6.5" woofers that give the speaker its clarity. There is also a 1" tweeter in between the woofers. At 175 watts, the CS2 can really put out the volume (as long as your receiver can properly power it).

What really sets this speaker apart is its ability to dish out distortion free sound at all frequencies even at high volume. Voices (and especially deeper male voices) sound terrific at mid to high volume levels. It really brings out the detail and subtlety in all voices and has made listening to conversions in movies and television shows that much more enjoyable.

There are certainly many other center channel options available, but only a few with a price point lower than the CS2. The well reviewed CS1 comes in at about 2/3rds the cost of the CS2, while speakers like the Klipsch Synergy C-2 cost more than double the Polk CS2. In my opinion, for the cost, this is one of the best values on the market.

I don't know what else you could want from a speaker other than it works. The sound is clear and clean. The rest is just up to my receiver to adjust other sound levels.