Polk Audio Monitor Series CS1 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)
by Polk Audio
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Category: Speakers
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Polk AudioBrand: Polk Audio
Edition: Electronics
Model: AM1515-A
Color: Black Oak
Publisher: Polk Audio
Studio: Polk Audio
Music Label: Polk Audio
Product features:
- Single high-efficiency center channel speaker with non-resonant MDF construction
- Equipped with dual 5.25-inch lightweight composite cone woofers
- Frequency response: 55 Hz to 25 kHz
- Equipped with one 1-inch fabric/polymer composite dome tweeter
- Includes 5-way binding post connections
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Polk Audio Monitor Series CS1 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)
Customer Review: Bargain Speaker delivers
Summary: 5 Stars
For budget conscious speaker buyers or those who want a more powerful, detailed sound than that delivered by most satellite speaker systems, the Polk Audio entry-level Monitor series speakers are an excellent option. The CS1 is one of two Center channel speakers offered in Polk Audio's entry level Monitor series. The CS2 uses a larger 6.5" diameter woofer, as opposed to the CS1's dual 5.25 woofers. Both use a full size one inch diameter tweeter.
The build quality of the speaker is excellent. The cabinet is manufacturered using 3/4" MDF and has a very solid feel - heavy and no hollow or resonating sound when rapped by knuckles. Binding posts allow tighter speaker wire connection. A vinyl, faux wood grain laminate covers the top and side of the cabinets. The fit and finish is top notch. The cabinets are very well made and appear to be well-insulated and braced on the inside (I have not opened up the cabinets). The drivers are made of inexpensive materials, but should last virtually forever with rubber surrounds holding them in place.
The performance in its price category (at or below $100) is exceptional. Sound is very clear and fairly well articulated. I've rarely had difficulty hearing movie dialogue, which is one of the most important measures of a Center channel speaker, and the difficulty was a product of poor acting or disc sound quality in each instance. One key attribute of the CS1 is it's frequency response. Unlike mini speakers and satellites, bass from the CS1 extends well below 80Hz, which is crucial for getting better performance from a subwoofer. My few complaints with the sound quality of the Monitor series is that the midbass is less dynamic than I anticipated, and the treble can be overbearingly bright at high volume unless recordings are of the best quality. Crystal-clear, lifelike sonic quality spread across a seamless, floating soundstage is not attainable with speakers in this price range. What you will get is clear, room filling sound that beats out the small-sized, price competitors and is worthy consideration when comparing full size center channel speakers costing more than double the price.
Prior to purchasing the Monitor speakers, I had been using a combination of Bose bookshelf speakers for the L/R Front and Rear channels, mated to a solidly built Sony Center channel speaker. The Sony cost a few dollars more than the CS1 and employed the same size woofers and tweeter. However, the Sony's frequency response was much inferior and detail was lacking. Even with the Center channel level output pushed up much higher than the other front speakers using the A/V Receiver, the dialog was often lost during movie scenes with noisy effects.
My intention at the time of purchasing the Monitor speakers was to find an inexpensive quick fix for the forementioned hodge podge setup. I had planned to spend a year or so previewing other speakers and then sell the Monitors with minimal cash loss. Ironically, I feel little motivation to replace the Monitors at this point in time. My CS1 is powered by a 90wpc 7.2 Yamaha AV Receiver that is only a few years old. The Center channel speaker is accompanied by Monitor 60 towers and Monitor 30 bookshelfs serving as surround speakers. A 12" HSU Reseach subwoofer provides bass. A Blu-ray player, Satellite dish, and Home Theatre style PC serve the media using HDMI cables.
A matching Monitor series 5.0 system can be purchased for as little as $300 when using M30 bookshelfs. Adding a comparable quality subwoofer, such as the Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) and you'll have a surround system for movie watching that will be hard to beat.
Description of Polk Audio Monitor Series CS1 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)
The original Monitor CS1 Center Channel Speaker is made Polk Audio famous with its simple, sturdy construction, clear, accurate sound, powerful bass and superior imaging all at a price that made great sound available to everyone. The CS1 center speaker has been designed to be the perfect match for Monitor Series speakers in multi-channel systems.The name "Monitor" is special to Polk Audio. The original Polk Audio Monitor Series, produced in the mid-1970s, ushered in the modern loudspeaker era by setting the standard for performance and value. The original Monitor Series is the line that made Polk Audio famous with its simple, sturdy construction, clear, accurate sound, powerful bass and superior imaging all at a price that made great sound available to everyone.
The newly reborn Monitor Series is classic Polk: a quality-built, affordable line of high performance loudspeakers for music and home theater. They are highly efficient, so they can be driven by unpretentious receivers, and they are voice matched for lifelike surround sound environments. The Monitor Series boasts a stylish contemporary look, modern titanium faces, and bold stabilizer feet on the tower models. Built for speed, sound quality and value, the Monitor Series is a great introduction to high performance sound.
The CS1 center speaker has been designed to be the perfect match for Monitor Series speakers in multi-channel systems. The CS1 features a high efficiency design to reveal the classic Polk Audio sound (open, spacious and clear) even when driven by modestly-powered amplifiers and receivers.
The 1" (25mm) fabric/polymer composite dynamic balance dome tweeter with powerful neodymium magnet structure delivers clear and detailed high frequency response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments. Ultimate flexibility comes via the reversible-design cabinets that can be turned upside down to aim up when placed under a video monitor.
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