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 II 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 easily by unpretentious receivers and they are voice matched for lifelike surround sound environments. The Monitor Series boasts a stylish contemporary look, with vinyl veneer finishes, modern dark grey 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.
High Efficiency DesignHigh efficiency design allows the Polk Audio CS1C to reveal the classic Polk Audio sound (open, spacious and clear) even when driven by modestly-powered amplifiers and receivers. Five-way binding post connectors allow for more secure hook-up options.
Exceptional Sound QualityThe Polk Audio CS1C boasts two 5.25" Bi-Laminate composite dynamic balance drivers stiff with good damping for high efficiency, excellent bass and midrange clarity with lower distortion. And a 1-inch 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.
Enhanced FeaturesThe Polk Audio CS1C features non-resonant all-MDF enclosure construction with ¾"-thick baffles to ensure cleaner, clearer, more lifelike sound quality. Critically Tuned Flared Port minimizes port noise (“chuffing”) for good low frequency extension with low distortion, resulting in natural, full-bodied sound with rich bass.
Magnetically ShieldedThe magnetically-shielded Polk Audio CS1C can be put at any proximity to display devices such as TVs and LCD monitors without loss of sound quality caused by interference. Reversible-design cabinets can be turned upside down to aim “up” when placed under a video monitor.
Pros: Great looking, well built, perfect neutral soundstage, strong presence, handles movies beautifully
Cons: Big! not really a con, but even after measuring, to actually realize how big of a center channel this is hard to do without seeing it in your room setup
Overall Review: This is a great match-up to any of the smaller monitor series speakers for home theater use. Its really has beautiful tone and sound and is very balanced, just like any other Polk product honestly. The cherry cabinet looks great and is seamless.I really like how this center handles voices and effects in movies. HUGE improvement over my Yamaha center. beyond words for the improvement. This is a great match-up for the monitor 40, 50, or 60's as fronts. Generally though with the 70's (and some people think the 60 too) the center can be overpowered and be drowned out. that would really be the only reason to go for the cs2. With that said this speaker can easily fill a larger room with great sound. I love it. Try it out, it really is a great speaker. I've heard the similar infinity counterpart, and I really don't feel there is a comparison to be made at all. Infinity's have a tinnier sound than the smooth full sound of this Polk.