CS350-LS Center Speaker - Drivers Needed

[michaelrwalker]

I need two drivers - MW4850. Can anyone direct me to a source? Thanks

[Vette C6.r]

Did you call Polk direct. The 350's are getting a bit older now. Really doubt you will find drivers for them.

[michaelrwalker]

Yes, no joy from Polk. My options are to find comparable drivers, fix them or find used ones. I am not sure which way to go yet.

[michaelrwalker]

I would appreciate input on my three options:

(1) Replace the drivers with something comparable. I have identified a SEAS Prestige CA12RCY (H1152) that seems similar. These are offered by Madisound Speaker Components, Inc.

(2) Repair the drivers. I have identified a company - Meniscus Audio Group, Inc. that believes the problem is burned voice coils and they state that the drivers can be completely repaired.

(3) Find another CS350-LS center channel speaker for sale (they come up on ebay weekly) and use it for replacement parts.

I can see pros and cons to each of these alternatives, and so I thought I would seek guidance.

[phocion]

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89591

Might have a few mids left over from that heinous shipping problem.

I would try and find one via ebay/craigs, because they are closing in on 20 years old, and were high end, so availability is going to be suspect. On the good side, you get extra spare parts.

I found a CS200 on CL for $15 that I scooped up *just in case*, and the drivers are very similar:



So, that might be a less expensive alternative?

[cincycat13]

Wow...a CS200 only brought $15? I think I will just follow your lead and leave mine in the closet for a spare...

[michaelrwalker]

How do the drivers in the CS200 (MW4802) compare size wise and performance wise to the MW4850 in my CS350-SL?

[Vette C6.r]

I have a CS 250 and 350. If the drivers are different I sure can't tell.

I haven't taken them out, mind you.

[Vette C6.r]

In case you are interested.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100475

[phocion]

Well, I put them both through a quick sine sweep and some music, and they sound very similar, but of course the 350 is more forceful, tweet has a richer sound, and has a better bottom end. I tried to take a close enough pic to let you see that the speaker dust cover on the 350 is textured, while the 200 is not. Otherwise, they appear highly similar, with the same relative excursion, size, ohm rating, and mounting screw locations.

So, I won't guarantee they are an exact match, but I think they would work in a pinch. I grabbed the CS200 on a lark because it was cheap, and I spent nearly as much in gas to get there and back as I did on the speaker :) I think finding a 350 would be your best bet though, instead of mixing drivers. If you can find one that has a broken grill or scratched cabinet, even better, because it should go cheap, and you just need the parts.

[bsoko2]

Here is one for sale for 130, http://rockford.craigslist.org/ele/1881934048.html.

Bill

[cstmar01]

I have one for sale here on the forum. it is cracked however but still is in decent shape.

btw there is a difference between the drivers in the 250 and the 350 the 250's are not magnetically shielded.

[dpowell]

Well, I put them both through a quick sine sweep and some music, and they sound very similar, but of course the 350 is more forceful, tweet has a richer sound, and has a better bottom end..

Probably due to a better XO in the 350 and cabinet size.

[fitness1]

Just saw this old post and sent you an email......