Home > Consumer Reviews > Polk Audio Monitor Series CS2 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)

I recently decided to switch out an existing center channel for a polk because my front speakers are monitor 50s and I wanted the fronts and center to timbre match in order to get the best sound. I was trying to decide between this center and the cs1. Since I will probably upgrade my fronts to the monitor 70s one day I went with the cs2. First off, it is HUGE. As far a footprints go guys this one has a shoe the size of bigfoot. I bought an omnimount center channel shelf and used the shelf to stick it on top of my hdtv. It actually looks o.k. with the shelf but it is rather large guys so be prepared. The second thing I noticed is the sound quality. My previous center speaker was a boston acoustics vrc. Usually I would crank up my receiver to about level 70 (onkyo sr605) and I noticed that anything above that level would put out a greater volume from the center but the sound quality would not be the same as at 70 or below. It was almost like a person yelling at one volume vs yelling at an even louder volume. After switching out the vrc with the cs2 I noticed an immediate difference. Now I can crank my receiver up to almost 80 and the sound is louder but the quality of the sound is more clear and refined. This center is definitely made for higher end receivers and is more than prepared for those times when you want to crank up your home theater and wake the neighbors. I have been using the die hard trilogy in blu-ray as my home theater testing material and after playing the tunnel scene and the apartment shoot-out from live free or die hard I could tell an immediate difference. The cs2 does cost more than the cs1 and I can't really speak for the cs1 since I haven't heard it but if you are willing to fork over the extra dough this speaker most definitely is worth it. My only regret is that I bought the cherry finish model in order to save money. My wife picked out a dark cherry wood color scheme for all of the furniture in our living room and I took a chance on the cherry finish being close enough to match. Turns out the black finish would have been better. Anyway you can't go wrong with this speaker whether cherry or black. Just be ready for its size.

The size is a little bulky but the sound is great. Dialogue sounds like they are in the room with you. A lot more clearer than the cs1 model, worth the extra money.

Have this paired with Polk RC80i ceiling speakers. Amped through Onkyo SR705. YMMV with different setup.

Vocals are clear and accurate during movies and music. Nice separation and clarity. One reviewer noted that it lacks bass...well, agreed, but that's what subwoofers are designed for. This isn't the speaker to buy for bass.

I prefer the Polk sound, as there is a good balance of highs and lows without the mids being scooped out. The highs are also never harsh, so if you like super-high, somewhat harsh sounds, this may not be for you.

Overall, Polk delivers a great value. There are better speakers out there, but you'll likely pay much more for them.

excellent sound reproduction in mid range and high end sounds.acoustics in a room with a high amount of wood like mine makes for an enjoyable surround sound experience.

Folks, don't even think of CS1. CS2 is hands-down better than CS1 and worth every dollar. It is huge and I love it.