CSi5

by lawliftusa, November 27, 2006

Strengths:

Superior dynamic range and response neutral tembre for a center speaker great center grounding point for your cinema surround features great dynamic response for digital recordings

Weaknesses:

Can't have a weak back when putting these speakers into place

Review:

I have owned Paradigm studio 100 front with 400 seies rear and center with the flagship onkyo av receiver 939. (after bankruptcy for a multitude of reasons) I now own a Yamaha 5890 receiver and polk CSI5 center, RTI 10 front, RT 800 for the rear and a CS 300 for the rear center ambient - these speakers rock! They are high quality construction and this system is up there for the bang for the buck sound/quality that a sensible person who wants to be an audiophile (read: has a subscription to stereophile)can afford, and will dynamically appreciate.

by Stephen, December 28, 2003

Strengths:

Size of speakers allow for full range of sounds. The adjustable kick stand allows me to aim it right at the viewers.

Weaknesses:

One of the nibs that hold the screen on fell off as soon as I pried the screen off of the front to get a better look.

Review:

Oh my gosh!!!! Having this speaker completed my home theater and my movie enjoyment. Never before have I heard such clarity and range from just one speaker.

by Jimmie, August 8, 2009

Strengths:

Sounds great, looks grat, love the angled edge to make the speaker aim up towards the seating in my room since I place it right next to the floor

Weaknesses:

It should have been made 23" long so it would fit into a 24" opening

Review:

I wanted this speaker when I bought my CSi3 last year but it would not fit into the cabinet I had at that time. I have since replaced my TV and stand with a much larger and roomier unit. I was satisfied with my CSi3 but you know how it is, sometimes you just want something and don't really need it. This unit produces much more bass in movies that have loud noises and explosions, etc. than the CSi3 and also still reproduces the highs such as women's voices and the crackling of tree limbs as the Dinosours come thru the trees.

by Cliff, September 4, 2012

Strengths:

Build quality, big drivers, power ports, and great value.

Weaknesses:

Its big..... but not a real problem!

Review:

To say I'm impressed would be putting it mildly! I'm slowly building up a ht/music system and using the RTi line of products for its quality and price since its now vintage. It may be vintage but there is NOTHING old about it! I'm coming from a ht in a box where the center channel was perhaps 6" wide and 5" deep. The CSi5 is a beast!!! There is absolutely no doubt it my mind about quality, performance, and longevity that this unit will have for years to come. They say not to skimp on your center channel so I bought the bigger of the 2 offerings and am extremely please so far! No reason to think twice about this center speaker. Also, its a great value now for those of us wanting very high quality equipment and prices we can afford!

by Happy as can be, October 20, 2003

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Review:

Just picked up the this baby today and fired it up. It's well worth it, the vocals on DVD-A is sooooo sweeeet, brings out more bass and realy compliments my Velodyne subwoofer. All I can say is this a must have center speaker. One happy customer.

by Brandon, January 13, 2004

Strengths:

powerful sound

Weaknesses:

non

Review:

This speaker is the life of my hometheater system. All the power to polk

by Brent Johnson, March 10, 2004

Strengths:

Very clean sounding speaker. Multi channel audio sounds great. Dialog movies now rule!

Weaknesses:

if you are not sending alot of power to this.... dont bother.

Review:

This center channel is a BEAST but in a good way. Very nice very clean and natural sounding speaker.... did I mention this was a beast??

by LOU REDINGER, May 22, 2004

Strengths:

CLEAN AT ALL LOUDNESS LEVELS,BUT EXCELS AT HIGHER VOLUMES.DOES NOT FAVOR ONE SOURCE OVER ANOTHER(DVD/MUSIC).

Weaknesses:

NONE

Review:

I READ THE REVIEWS ON THIS SPEAKER AND HAD TO FIND OUT FOR MYSELF WHY EVERYONE WAS SO EXCITED! I NOW KNOW WHY.UNLESS YOU HEAR THIS SPEAKER,WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE IT. I BOUGHT ONE ON THE SPOT,FIRED IT UP AND SAID GOODBY TO MY MIRAGE CENTER.IT SMOKED IT!!!

by ironskull, May 26, 2004

Strengths:

Two words - Polk rules!

Weaknesses:

Thr word weakness is not in the Polk vocabulary.

Review:

The Polk CSi40 is far and away the best center speaker ever built. I've listened to the CSi5 and read the reviews. One reviewer said the CSi5 was a perfect compliment for his subwoolfer. Let me tell you folks - if you have a Polk CSi40 mated with two main Polk RT800i and Polk F/X30 surrounds, you don't need a subwoofer. After I replaced my Polk CSi30 with a Polk CSi40, I disconnected my Polk PSW650 sub. Having said all that, I'll take a CSi5 center over every other brand on the market.

by Ray, June 15, 2004

Strengths:

Powerfull performer. No hint of fatigue.

Weaknesses:

none for the price

Review:

A big speaker, with big sound. You are there presence. This very capable center speaker has truly exceptional sound quality. Very clear and clean.

by Anthony, June 29, 2004

Strengths:

This center speaker are powerfull,clear sounding at all level and powerfull bass.

Weaknesses:

none at all

Review:

Man this center speaker is too unreal. The quality sound is truly exceptional. I heard alot of center speaker bose, infinity, klipsh, Jbl and they all came short to CSi5 . Its excellent for movie and music,It really brings it to life.If you are looking for a center speaker with power, very clean sound, clarity your search is over. Thank You polk :)

by Tropic*Al, September 29, 2004

Strengths:

Clarity and Detail are (!@#$%&*) AMAZING!!!Good build quality.

Weaknesses:

Made in China? C'mon Mr.Polk,let's put Americans to work!

Review:

This speaker sounds superb. I'm running 175watts to it from an STR-DA5000ES and she can sure handle it gracefully.She makes my MISSION center sound dull by comparison.The kickstand is a plus as my 65" RPTV has very little room on top for anything but maybe a Bose or some other P.O.S. style cube speaker.For the money, I doubt you can find a speaker that sounds and looks as good as this.

by Jack Arthur, October 23, 2004

Strengths:

does it all!!!

Weaknesses:

large size, but who cares

Review:

this speaker is amazing

by Ray Brown, December 15, 2004

Strengths:

How it fills the room with great sound when playing a dynamic DVD movie

Weaknesses:

None

Review:

I have had my center speaker for about one year. I like the sound it reproduces and have learned to take them for granted. The bass is great, the voice reproduction is outstanding and they fill my large family room (20x32) much better than any speaker I have had. I said that I have learned to take them for granted! Well I had some relatives over and my sound system blew them away. CSI5 for the center, LSI FX for the rears, a 10" Polk Subwoofer, and a pair of older DCM Time Frame 10s for front speakers. It just goes to show how we take for granted the design and performance of great speakers

by Scott Cook, February 24, 2005

Strengths:

A great looking speaker that adds such good sound to my system. Add RTi8, 10 or 12s and you are in heaven.

Weaknesses:

No such thing

Review:

I bought the CSi3 to go with my RTi10 fronts and the 3 didnt cut it. It is a good center but when I got back and got a chance to hear them side by side, the 5 is just a better center. Of course its a few hundred more but you get what you pay for. Great center.

by Steve Borkowski, March 11, 2005

Strengths:

Full range of sound. Crisp clear sound without shrillness, boxy muffle, or boomy low end. On it's own an incredible speaker by it's own merit. As a cetner channel, it's one of the best. Period. Fit and finish of the cherry is actually finer than my piano!

Weaknesses:

This is one big speaker. Fairly heavy. It doesn't affect my TV, but it's so deep that the 'kick stand' doesn't quite make it to a point where I can tilt the unit to face the listener. (Even if I use the long stand.)

Review:

One of the best speakers I've heard. Even as a center channel, it was better than my previous speakers. I had originally purchased the CSi3. It was good. Really good. Don't get me wrong, but the timber quality of the CSi5 matchs the RTi12s that I have to the point that when sound moves from left or right to center, I can't tell that the sound has changed speakers at all!

by B Rader, July 30, 2005

Strengths:

Tight, accurate sound reproduction. Great high end!

Weaknesses:

May be a little large for some, but works and looks great for me!

Review:

Great speaker at a great price! You will not believe the sound you have been missing in your center channel. Very clear, accurate vocals with an extra kick of bass from the 6.5" speakers. Very well designed and very sleak looking.

by Edwin Perez, August 18, 2005

Strengths:

Clean,clear sound. Tight, never bloated. Great value

Weaknesses:

My be too large for some applications

Review:

Wow, what can I say that already hasn't been said? This center channel is a monster! And what a deal! I've owned Polk products for over 15 years and must say Mr. Polk your's keep getting better and better.My Harman/kardon AV 520 with the Polks Csi 5 on center and the R15 surrounds make for an unbelievable sound at an unbeatable price!!Recommended a pair of Monitor 50's to my brother and now is a believer as well.

by Brent, August 24, 2005

Strengths:

Everything

Weaknesses:

Large, but how else are you going to keep the full range at decent audio volume?

Review:

The sound is very clear, very powerful. I ran this speakers as a Left and a RT10 as a Right and you can hardly tell the difference. It goes deep - finally male voices sound right!!! Expolsions happen where they are meant to!!!

by B.Rittweger, September 3, 2005

Strengths:

Sound quality is just amazing!!! Voices are crisp and clear...... and a perfect match to my total set!

Weaknesses:

Kickstand for shallow LCD tv not long enough so I improvised with a driver shaft because I wanted the CSI5 this much!! (cant even notice it)

Review:

Have the CSI5 matched to RTI8's and a set of FXI3s in the rear, with Velodyne Sub, and a Yamaha RXV757... ** W O W **. Watching movies again you just hear things you never did before. Its a totally new experience. The choice to modify/make a rear kickstand was WELL WORTH IT........This is the ONLY center you want, period, end-of-story. Make it fit no matter what you need to do !!! There is no transition difference across the front theater. (My salesperson ChrisB @ HFB was 100% right on!!) This setup is OUTSTANDING in total!!!

by andrew, September 4, 2005

Strengths:

Vocals are so clear and crisp. best speaker i have ever heard

Weaknesses:

its a huge speaker ,but who cares its worth it

Review:

well I have the RTi10 with this center and WOW what a set up!!! I just love watching movies at home rather then go to the theatre. system consists of: Yamaha amp RXV 2095 karmon karden 5 disc cd player Rti 10 for fronts Csi 5 for center paradigm ADP 170 and a paradigm sub and all cables are expensive. good cables and wires are a must.

by Horris Kew, September 21, 2005

Strengths:

Strong vocals, Terrifing treble, good looking speaker.

Weaknesses:

i'm not rich, so the cost would be an weakness although it makes up in sound.

Review:

I've had nothing but good things to say about this center channel. I purchased RTi10's with this bad boy and I never need to go out to the movies anymore. I threw in a Velodyne 10" sub to top off the system and my goodness....! If your truely looking for a center channel that will last you for a while, look no further. You will not be disappointed!!!

by StopherJJ, December 26, 2005

Strengths:

Excellent clarity and imaging.. rich full sound Matches perfectly with RTi mains Back kickstand is a great idea for TV top placement Solid construction and nice wood finish

Weaknesses:

Size could be the only one but screw it... find a a way to make it fit :)

Review:

I got this center after upgrading my mains to the RTi series. I thought I could just go with the CSi3 and be ok. The CSi3 is a great speaker and is matched well to the RTi series, but when doing the side by side comparisons in the store the CSi5 just had that extra clarity and fullness compared to the 3. It really provided a great front soundstage and I can't tell when sound moves across from my RTi8 mains to the center, its just seamless. I hesitated because of the price compared to the CSi3 but in the end it was worth it for me to have this perfectly matched speaker.

by Marie, January 10, 2006

Strengths:

excelent clean crisp sound

Weaknesses:

can't think of any

Review:

after purchasing my rti12s the cs2 was still awsome, but after installing the csi5 the difference was very noticeable, with a cleaner sound it really compliments the 12s,the sound is more definate and detailed , but you know what they say, BIGGER IS BETTER:), so i went bigger, a great speaker for the price, thank you polk :)

by Robert Woodliff, January 27, 2006

Strengths:

GREAT STARTER AUDIOPHILE TYPE SETUP FOR THE MONEY. CRISP, CLEAR, AND SOME BASS MAKES THE CENERT VERY GOOD.

Weaknesses:

NONE FOR THE MONEY. (I HAVE LISTENED TO MANY SETUPS, I MUST ADMIT THAT MY BUDDYS VANDERSTEEN SET UP WITH CE FRONT LOUDSPEAKERS, VCC5 CENTER, AND 1C REARS ARE VERY HARD TO BEAT, BUT WE ARE TALKING LIKE 5 GRAND FOR THAT. SO ONCE AGAIN I GO BACK TO MY ORIGANAL POINT THAT IF YOUR TRYING TO JUST GET SET UP IN AUDIOPILE TYPE QUALITY YOUR FIRST STOP SHOULD TO BE TRY AND LISTEN TO POLK BECAUSE I THINK THEY ARE THE BEST COMPANY AND THE APPEAL IS VERY TASTEFUL FOR THE LADIES IN OUR LIVES.)

Review:

ONCE I GOT MY RTI8'S I INTSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH POLK AUDIO. I DEFINETLY HAD TO GET MY HADS ON THERE VERY RESONABLE PRICED CENTER TO MATCH MY RTI8'S. I MUST ADMIT THAT THE CENTER IS VERY GOOD AND ITS VISUAL APPEAL FOR THE MONEY IS GREAT! SORRY ABOUT THE LONG WEAKNESS PART JUST READ IT AND YOULL GET IT.

by newbpilot@hotmail.com, June 3, 2006

Strengths:

Clear, no distortion, a lot of high quality sound comes out of this speaker at all volumes.

Weaknesses:

Hey guess what? Nope!

Review:

This speaker is the king of all center speakers. It is incredibly effecient, and produces unbelievable sound when called upon to present it. The lows, the mids, and the highs, all are superior with the CSi5. Oooooh Yeeeaaaah!

by Mauro B., November 15, 2006

Strengths:

This speaker is amazing.

Weaknesses:

No such thing

Review:

Very good sound full range for bass and clear sound. I'm very happy for this CSI5.

by Daniel Hammond, June 30, 2007

Strengths:

Power

Weaknesses:

Wanted more highend frequency from this speaker.

Review:

Great speaker, good sound quality & construction I'm just not getting the highs I expected. Maybe one more silk dome tweeter would have done it.

by Paolo De Berardinis, July 12, 2007

Strengths:

All in all a wicked centre channel

Weaknesses:

None, very satisfied!

Review:

I have to say that this PSW505 is amazing. When I finally decided to replace my old TEAC receiver the usual snowball effect occured. I could no longer bare the old 10-year surround system I had, It was time for the upgrade. After many visits to all the high-end retailers across Southern Ontario and Nothern New York, Polk Audio made it happen. My final system is a Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi receiver coupled to RTi10's (2) in the front, FXi5's (4) in the surrounds, CSi5 for the centre and the PSW505 for a sub. All I have to say if WOW!!! The highs and mids are so sweet. Their balance and precision are so harmonious. Rich in detail and the sub simply and easily fills in the lows without breaking a sweat! Thanks Polk Audio...

by Tim Overcash, November 22, 2007

Strengths:

Power handling of music and audio from the TV with the DVD/HD and it changes the whole sound to a positive pleasure.

Weaknesses:

None, every thing is great

Review:

In my life I have been around audio speaker a large part of my life. Some of the first ones were to high in reproduction and then we went to low in the reproduction. I have had JBL , The rradio shack speakers , Infinity , Klipsch ,Cerwin Vaga , and quiet a few more different kinds but this is the best.

by Tom M., February 12, 2008

Strengths:

Powerful and clear. Great range.

Weaknesses:

It didn't sound as good as my CSi3 at first. Give it a few days to break in. Now it is amazing.

Review:

I upgraded from the CSi3 (which was great also) and I've very impressed. TV voices are so crisp and clear. DVD sounds are beautiful! Match well with my RTi8's. Highly recommended!

by Mike, December 1, 2008

Strengths:

It's a Polk.

Weaknesses:

none at all.

Review:

I upgraded from my CS245i (a nice starter). The difference was huge from the moment I hooked it up. The CSi5 fits better with the RT10's that I am glad to say are still up and running. The larger mid's of the CSi5 have a fuller cleaner sound and don't get washed out by the RT10's in an action scene. Voices and music both sound great. No complaints at all about my CSi5.

by Kong N, December 3, 2008

Strengths:

Everything! If you can find it on sale, grab it!

Weaknesses:

Absolutely nada!

Review:

Holey wow!! what a difference it makes...Replaced my old Klipsch sc-1. Dialogue and voice are much crisper and clear that I don't have to strain my ears to listen. Paired great with my RTi10. Way to go Polk!

by Tritchy, March 18, 2010

Strengths:

It's boss.

Weaknesses:

None.

Review:

Works GREAT. Loved polk always and almost FAINTED when I saw this deal. Picked it up and haven't regretted it since.