Center Channel
This product is a vintage Polk model and is not available for sale, but it may still be available in some stores as a closeout or used product. The following text is taken from the original sales brochure for this product and does not reflect current availability. If you happen to have any question or concerns about this product, or any other Polk Audio product, feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm EST
CSi3
A Center Channel workhorse for accurate multi-channel impact.
Real Wood, Real High Performance
CSi Center Channel Speakers easily carry the 50+% of center channel info delivered in multi-channel sources; their upside-down aim-able cabinets give you the ultimate in placement flexibility and sound-tailoring for your high performance home theater system.
Acoustically inert 3/4" MDF cabinets, finished in Cherry wood or Black Oak veneers. Turn them upside-down to aim them "up" when your placement requires them to be below your TV or video screen (it's a Polk innovation we pioneered back in the 90s!).
- Dynamic Balance polymer composite drivers for smooth wide-range response with low distortion.
- 1" silk dome Dynamic Balance tweeter features a neodymium magnet for clear, detailed highs; heat-sinked for superior heat dissipation, power handling and reliability.
- Butyl rubber surrounds for high performance durability.
- Acoustically inert stamped driver baskets.
- Floating anti-diffraction grilles minimize grille diffraction for spacious, 3-dimensional imaging.
-
Magnetic shielding for safe placement near video sources.
Mylar bypass capacitors in the crossovers extend high frequency response and improve detail and transparency. - Gold-plated 5-way binding post inputs (with wide holes for large-gauge bare wire connections) for the most secure connections and the most versatile wiring applications.
- Timbre-matched to fit into any Polk Audio home theater or multi-channel music system for a more realistic, more seamless surround sound environment.
Floating grilles compliment the real wood finishes and softened contours of the new CSi Series Center Channel Loudspeakers. Metallic elements add a touch of modern style to these classic Polk Audio high performance workhorses.
Driver Complement | |
|---|---|
| Tweeter | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Diameter | 1" (2.54cm) |
| Type | Silk/Polymer composite dome |
| Mid / Woofer | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 5 1/4" (13.34cm) |
| Type | Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance Cones with Rubber Surrounds |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Total Frequency Response | 55Hz-27kHz |
| Upper -3dB Limit | 26 kHz |
| Lower -3dB Limit | 65 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Efficiency | 89 dB |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-180 watts per channel |
| Inputs | Gold plated 5 way binding posts |
Amplifier Specs | |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Type | 0 |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 6 7/8" (17.46cm) |
| Width | 20" (50.80cm) |
| Depth | 9 1/4" (23.50cm) |
Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Unit of Measure | each |
| Total Shipping Weight | 20.00 pounds |
Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Speaker Warranty | 5 years parts and labor |
Specifications, dimensions and features subject to change without notice. For more information call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.
Customer Reviews
35 reviews with an average of 4.5
Write your own reviewby David, November 18, 2003
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound,cost,versatility (can aim in upward direction for floor setup)
Weaknesses:
Nothing at all!!
Review:
I couldn't be happier. This center channel speaker really delivers. Music, as well as my DTS movies, sound incredible. This speaker carries most of the audio in a movie, and I'm very glad I invested in this csi3 speaker By polk. Highly recommended!!!
by mike, December 15, 2003
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Full range, great sound
Weaknesses:
None
Review:
Hold on tight. I just replaced a Advent center channel with the CSI3. It really kicks ass. Dialog jumps out at you and if you listen to music in surround mode, (I know your not supposed to) it still sounds great. Got it for 195.00 US and it's a bargain.
by Brandon, February 2, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound clairity, style and performance make this center worth the $200 bucks. Strong, solid construction, and choice matrials make this sound perfect. With music, or movies this center cannot go wrong. Too much to discribe, thanks Polk.
Weaknesses:
None to list.
Review:
This is an AWASOME center channel. I got mine free with purchase of $499.00+ Purchase and this was a wise decision. Quality is shown with a solid cabnet, wolfer cones and tweeters that look and sound great. Polk quality is discribed as that. GOOD JOB!
by Tad Shields, February 6, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great sound for $200 using SACD. Voice is clear and image is presice.
Weaknesses:
You would have top spend a lot more to get a little more, I believe...
Review:
Fabulous! I actually do listen to music using surround, so to say, but it is SACD. The center channel is unbelievably important in this format of music. This speaker is crystal clear and blends well with my RTi70s in the front. If you are looking to spend only $200 for a solid center channel than I suggest this one.
by erwin loewe, February 8, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
VERY GOOD BUILD AND DIALOGUE CLARITY
Weaknesses:
TREBLE A LITTLE TOO PROMINENT AND FRONT BAFFLE'S FINISH COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Review:
A VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE AT THE PRICE! THE CLARITY OF THE DIALOGUE REALLY SURPRISED ME AND ALSO ITS ABILITY TO PLAY QUITE LOUD. THE WOOD VENEER IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL THOUGH THE FINISHING OF THE FRONT BAFFLE COULD BE BETTER. OVERALL, ONE OF THE BEST CENTRE SPEAKERS AT THE PRICE.
by Andrew, February 25, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great dialogue reproduction. And after all, isn't that what a center channel is for?
Weaknesses:
Not as good at producing a wide range of response, mainly losses out on the low end and gets a little splatty. But if you don't use it for music, as you probably shouldn't, it's a quality center channel especially for movies.
Review:
Overall a very solid speaker. Great components and solid construction allow it to make for great movie watching. Also, somewhat smaller than some comparable sounding center channels which is definitely an advantage. Great choice for only $200.
by JF, March 17, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
the fact that it can be placed upside down to fit under tv with no ugly door stops to andgle it is great. voice reproduction in movies very good
Weaknesses:
not bi-wire-able
Review:
Great speaker, price,build,quality and sound reproduction.
by stereo55, April 20, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Matches like a dream to newer RTi models RTi4/6/8 etc. (and matches well some other older RTi models such as RTi 28) .
Weaknesses:
none so far .
Review:
Solid construction , looks good , sounds beautiful for HT movies and Prologicly sounding TV . A quality center channel to rival most others in this price range .
by Mike, April 23, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
For the money, unbeatable in its price range with best build quality.
Weaknesses:
Not biwireable and voices not so clear in home theatre as one would expect.
Review:
For the price an excellent buy but I found this speaker much better for music than home theatre. Seems to be a bit overpowered by my RTI6s and not so adept at producing voices clearly and cleanly. This is more apparent with home theatre than music, for which it is adequate although the lead vocals are just there and are not quite prominently featured. Seems the best money is spent on the CSi5 if you can afford it.
by idealty, May 18, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Good power handling, nice full sound, great value for the price
Weaknesses:
Needs a few days to be run in. Other than that, none.
Review:
This center channel is great. Compared to other centers in it's price range, the CSi3 offers higher power handling and a much fuller sound. Many have complained about the sound not being as "clear" as a center channel should be. I admit that wehen I first heard it in a store, my initial thought was "this speaker does not sound like a center speaker really. It's a bookshelf in disguise." That's because it has a more "complete" sound than similar centers from Infinity for example. While their center channels have a lot more focus on the highs, making the voices appear "louder", the CSi3 has a more complete sound which is really noticable with music. The mids and lows are exceptional for a center speaker at this price. Once i brought it home and let it warm up for the a few days, music and movies sounded crystal clear. Also, I've heard that the CSi5 is much better and let me say that's as obvious as people make it. If you have a large space and a high-grade amplifier to power it, then the difference is noticable. However, for a standard mid-large living room, the difference between the two is not really worth talking about. Of course, the CSi5 can produce lower frequencies, but if you don't have the space I would say it goes "too" low for a center speaker. Overall, the CSi3 is a great center speaker. Nice job Polk!
by DENNIS HICKEY, July 29, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
SOLID 3/4" CONSTRUCTION,GREAT HIGH FREQ.RESPONCE,VERY IMPRESSIVE SOUND,VOICE TONAL QUALITY,AND REAL WOOD TO BOOT!
Weaknesses:
MY SHOULDERS, AFTER HOLDING THIS CENTER SPEAKER WHILE I MOUNTED IT ON MY REAR WALL!YIKES !
Review:
I JUST PURCHASED THIS CENTER SPEAKER FOR MY REAR CENTER IN A 6.1 SYSTEM.I RETIRED AN OLDER POLK #M-5, THIS REALLY HELPS MY REAR SOUNDSTAGE COMPETE WITH MY POLK #RT100i TOWERS.SINCE I HAVE A PAIR OF LS/FX BI-POLES I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE RESULTS ESPECIALLY WITH 6.1 DVD AUDIO!IT ALSO SOUNDS GREAT WITH 6.1 DTS ES DVD'S, SUCH AS GLADIATOR, THE 360 DEGREE ACTION IS MUCH MORE SEAMLESS! ONCE AGAIN, YOUR BUILD QUALITY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!!! GOOD LUCK FINDING ANOTHER CENTER SPEAKER THAT COMES CLOSE TO THIS QUALITY AT NEAR THIS PRICE! I NOW FEEL AS IF IM TRULY SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION,INSTEAD OF IN FRONT OF IT!TRY THIS IN YOUR THEATER YOU'LL HEAR WHAT I MEAN...
by Arthur, September 14, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Awesome highs and lows. Really clear, highly recommend it.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Review:
This is one of the best center channels I have ever heard. It can really reach the highs and lows.
by Mark Pellegrino, February 27, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Crisp and clear
Weaknesses:
None
Review:
After researching speaker information for my system I decided on going with Polk Audio. This CSi3 center channel offers crystal clear sound specifically with great highs and very good lows. This held true when I turned the volume way up and pushed it; very crisp the whole way through. If physical space is an issue, be cognizant of the size. Overall, I am very pleased with this speaker and would recommend it highly.
by Brendan, March 27, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great mid-bass and high frequency clarity.
Weaknesses:
none....except that now that something inside has broken I have to wait for it to be repaired. Warranty doesn't cover it.
Review:
I researched and bought this center speaker to help with dialogue in dvds and see what I was missing this whole time. Sound trails off the screen and blends nicely between my mains now. Only today after work I had an upsetting experience, listening to loud music with my velodyne sub cranked the CSi3 fell off my tv and hit my concrete floor causing what i'm guessing is a speaker magnet to detach and now its freely moving around inside....... oh dear.
by Tony, April 20, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
clarity, hi and lows are very responsive
Weaknesses:
none as of now
Review:
Very clear sounding, you can hear every aspect of dialog while watching tv. Very Impressed by this center channel speaker. Great Qualiy and stylish.
by JR Marks, May 6, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Price. Performance. Looks. Construction.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
I just recently upgraded my 19 year old stereo system to a Home Theater. The CSi3 sounds great whether I am playing music or watching a surround sound encoded movie. The CSi3 adds a lot of sound imaging to my front sound stage which is anchored by 19 year old Polk Monitor 10Bs which recently had all the 6 1/2" drivers (2 per speaker)replaced. The CSi3 adds a dimension of sound that had been lacking in my older system and it really adds warmth and depth to the overall sound field in our living room. For the price this is a great buy and it matches well with the other polk speakers I have in the system (Monitor 40s, PSW12, and the Monitor 10Bs). Polk Audio thank you for such a high quality speaker at such an affordable price. I was on a tight budget and was able to purchase four really good speakers (Monitor 40s, PSW12, and the CSi3) for under $900.00.
by Joker, May 19, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great Construction
Weaknesses:
none
Review:
I have this center with polk rti8s up front,energys in the rear, and a polk psw404, all this is powered by a onkyo501. I mainly use my system for music, and i play it extremely loud, you would think that my mains would drown this thing, but it keeps up and doesnt distort like other centers. the quality of the speakers is well worth the price, and CC usally will run them on sale for about $130. Great as a front or rear center.
by Hector Sevilla, July 28, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Beautiful in cherry, great sound.
Weaknesses:
The people can think than the Csi5 is always better, but that is false.
Review:
I am very happy with this Csi3. i don`t need the Csi% because my living room is small and this center channel is bthe best for me. With a Rti8 front, a pair of Rti6 surround, a PSW 505 woffer and another Csi3 for surround back is a GREAT combination.
by Jebb, September 5, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Looks great in cherry or black well constructed and easy to intergrate with other POLK SPEAKERS.
Weaknesses:
None found yet but listening with a critical ear.
Review:
Reproduction of dialog is most important in setting up a true home theater for sound. The CSi3 proved to be a great choice for this task. It's ability to produce dialog that can be easily heard was incredible to my ears. My family room is 20' x 16' which is not "small" and it floods my room at all angles with the voices of the characters. This speaker is underated.
by Martin, October 16, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sounds great, looks great, what more can you ask for?
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Review:
I have had a 5.1 home theatre system for about 5 years now (Main Speakers-Polkaudio SDA1, Center Speaker-Not a Polkaudio brand, Rear Speaker-Not a Polkaudio brand), but something just didn’t sound right to me when I was watching movies. The center channel sounded weird compared to the other channels. I decided to buy a new center speaker. Looked at the CSi3 and liked what I seen. So I decided to buy it. All I can say is WOW. What a difference it made. I watched some of my favorite movies again and it’s like watching them for the first time. I love this speaker. Soon I will be buying new surround speakers. Can’t wait. Overall I was very impressed with the CSi3. GREAT sound. Great Price.
by Rick Luna, December 26, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Fit and Finsh, handle great power, my favorite the way you can turn spearker upside down. Great idea.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
Great fit and finish. Takes anything you throw at it and performs like a champ. I use mine mostly for movies/HDTV. I never even listened to other speakers before purchasing this one, simply because of the great experience I had with my older RT35i's and I sure don't regret them one bit. Very happy, will continue to build my home theatre system around polk audios. Looks like I'll be keeping these for awhile.
by Lou Hamilton, February 11, 2006
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Handles movies and multi-channel music extremely well.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
Love this speaker! I spent a lot of time researching and listening to different HT set-ups. In the end, I chose the RTi/CSi configuration for my front stage.
by phil, August 3, 2006
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great price, handles full volume nicely.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
I never knew what a difference a quality speaker made until I replaced my old centre channel speaker with the CSi3. Looking back, I was tricked into buying a home theatre package from a big chain without realizing "you get what you pay for". Since adding the CSi3, I cant believe what a difference this speaker has made to my system. I'm currently using an Hitachi LCD HD Projector to a 125" screen with 600Watts 5.1 Surround. I'm more than happy with this speaker.
by carlos diaz, August 6, 2006
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clarity, affordable and fills the living room that I even had my friends tell me "FORGET THE MOVIE THEATER".
Weaknesses:
None that I found and believe me, I tried because I am very critical of sound.
Review:
Wow ! I just bouught the CSi3 speaker and what a difference. I had friends over and they can't believe how good polk audio speakers sound. Affordable and great quality and sound is what I always look for in a home theater and polk has done it again. I already purchased the FXi5 and plan to buy the PSW505 subwoofer along with a pair of front speakers TRi4 to round up my system. I always bought polk audio speakers because they surpass Bose for the price and quality. Great job Polk.
by Michael, September 3, 2006
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Stable sound and strong range support. Quality construction and cabinet design.
Weaknesses:
Center speaker placed on high-res CRT MMD, distorts image when driven. Might be looking towards another name or changing display type. Hate to change anything though. Long live the CRT's!
Review:
I'm quite happy with the performance of the range of these speakers, but not really sheilded that well. *To those with bad singal to noise ratio's or pre-amp habits*. Speaker placement is always better than setting -/+ from 0db speaker levels. The higher the quality of tweeters means cleaner but more fragile towards any types of distortion. eg. bad sound edits, cheap receivers, or just not understanding about how sound actually works when amplified.
by fabman, January 16, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
The sound is impressive, low and high volume. This sucker is big & heavy!
Weaknesses:
This sucker is big & heavy!
Review:
What a complimentary sound for my surround system ans reciever. It looks and sounds fantastic!
by GREG MEJIA, February 20, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
VERY RESPONSIVE TO HIGH AND LOWS,CRISP AND CLEAR,VERY NICE LOOKING.YOU SHOULD GET ONE.
Weaknesses:
NONE ...THAT I KNOW!!!!
Review:
THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN ANY SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM, WITHOUT A GOOD CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO ENJOY TRUE SOUND.THE CSI3 HAS DEFINITELY PROVED TO BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR THIS TASK AND WHEN COMPLIMENTED WITH FRONT CHANNEL SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER OF THE SAME BREED(polk audio brand) YOU COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE."AWESOME"
by christopher santini, March 6, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
great clarity, accurate sounds
Weaknesses:
none
Review:
I purchased 2 RTi8's and the CSi3 center with a velodyne DPS-12 powered by a Onkyo receiver. The system sounds great music and movies. With only my 3 polk speakers and sub I over powered my friends bose am10 and his klisch sub. I should have got the CSi5 center but mine sounds great. I plan on getting rti6's for the rear.
by Rick M., March 8, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
All of the above
Weaknesses:
"not a damn one"
Review:
The center channel is the king pin speaker for all home theater sound, and this one, (for the money) can't be beat. Sharpness, clarity, and a rich wholesome sound, comes standard with this baby, and it even looks good on top of my Panasonic HD CRT. Very well built ,can't go wrong.
by christopher krupa, April 14, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
For the money, its the best all-around center I have heard in its price range.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet.
Review:
A very good center channel for the price. If you have the extra money buy the CSI-5.Very good voice reproduction.
by Steve G, May 7, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Very crisp, clear, detailed sound. Front-firing port.
Weaknesses:
The sound is too bright for music. Doesn't blend with the sound of my Polk tower speakers very well.
Review:
This speaker produces a loud, detailed sound, requiring me to reduce the center channel amplification output of my receiver. It sounds really great for many movies, but seems harsh on some. I used test tones to see how well the speaker blends with my Polk towers, and it blends poorly. The sound is very high and bright. This is OK for most movies but can spoil music.
by logan castle, November 30, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great look, can be mounted upside down depending on what you need
Weaknesses:
No complaints
Review:
Great speaker for the price, Very happy having this with a pair of rti 12's on the front. Awesome sound for the buck. Plenty loud enough for movies and games and easy to power. I ended up going with this one over the CSI 5 because its a much more manageable size. The 5 is just so freaking power hungry and over sized while this one was just right for me. Also Its not bi ample like the 5 which most receivers dont support.
by Scott, May 19, 2008
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound is clear, crisp, and concise. No, absoluely NO, other unnessesary noise or sound. Polk, you all know how to build a speaker, from the speaker its self to the box.
Weaknesses:
why is this an option? there should be no 'weaknesses' for polk audio!
Review:
I got this speaker completely by chance. i was listening to the CSi5, because i was looking to complete my surround system. i saw that there was a spot for the CSi3 in the display, but it was missing. i asked about it, and turns out, there was one left in back. i asked to hear it, and as soon as i did, i fell in love. Polk, please dont change the way you make speakers!!! all of your speakers are made exactly how they should be!! (center for vocals, fronts for great mid range, and high support, and subs for the great low end!) Polk, you know that you cant pack all the sound into one speaker, its a team effort! (save the 'surround bar'- im still baffled by that)
by Jimmie, July 23, 2008
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sounds excellent, looks good also. I also like the option of being able to tilt it up with the sloped shape of the box.
Weaknesses:
None
Review:
I got this to replace my Polk C250S center speaker to go with the RTI6's I just added for my front speakers. I was happy with the C250S but thought it would be a good idea to have a matched series set of front speakers. I would have bought the CSI5 if it would have fit underneath my TV. Hey guys, make the CSI5 23" long so it will fit in a 24" opening.
by jmilton7043, August 5, 2008
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clarity and openness of sound. Quality built. Timbre matched w/ Monitor series.
Weaknesses:
Weighed less than my old Polk center that I had for the last several years...still, sounds great.
Review:
Paired this up with the Monitor 40's and timbre matches perfectly. Stunning clarity for dialog and music (SACD and DVD-A). Highest recommendation!
Vintage Product
This product is considered a "Recent" or "Vintage" Polk Audio model. It is not a part of our current product lineup. It may still be available in some stores as a "close out" or "used" product. Information provided here about this product may not reflect current realities and does not imply availability. If you happen to have a question or concern about this product, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 M-F 9am - 5:30pm EST. Chances are we remember it.
CSi3 Media
CSi3 Literature
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