Polk Audio CSiA6 High Performance Center Channel Speaker, Black

2021-07-15T20:00:00

I already had RTi A7s & RTi A1s in my AV setup; but didn't get a center speaker. I am amazed at how much the CSi A6 improves the movie audio, especially given the price.

O H.

Originally posted at

2021-07-14T20:00:00

Great sounding and looking speaker. I'm impressed with the quality of the cabinet, and the sound really opens up my movies. It is able to keep up with two infinity beta 50s as front channels. Shopping was extremely fast, and well packaged. Replaced a Klipsch reference center.

Azua

Originally posted at

2015-04-26T20:00:00

I purchased the CSi A6 Center Channel Speaker on 12/18/14 to compliment my Bi-amped Polk Monitor 70 Tower Speakers and SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer using a Onkyo AV Receiver, Dune HD Media Player, and OPPO Blu-ray Player. I liked the specs: 55-26k Hz frequency response, 90 dB Sensitivity, 20-200 watts power range, 6-1/2" woofer and dome tweeter in a bass reflex forward ported cabinet all combined to produce clear detailed spacious vocals without being harsh and overbearing or sounding "boxy". It's important to set the center channel speaker configuration Crossover Frequency settings in your AV receiver to your sound preference and listening area dimensions. THX recommends setting the crossover frequency at 80Hz but I prefer setting it to full band. After four months using the CSi A6, movies, music, and even regular TV all sound great. I am very happy with it. It was money well spent and I expect it to last for many years of listening pleasure.

Josagan

Originally posted at

2014-05-06T20:00:00

I have had this speaker now for about a week- not even broken in yet. I was a little concerned since I was replacing a relatively new TSX250c Center that I was pleased with. I replaced it because I have RTiA3's for fronts and RTiA1's for surrounds. I noticed the TSX was not really timbre matched with my other speakers. The TSX has a good balance of tones from top to bottom. I was worried about losing that balance and the crispness of the speaker. My worries couldn't have been more wrong. The CSiA6 has great rounded sound, a wide soundstage and hits the highs as well as the lows, and everything in between. My system now sounds complete as this center matches my other speakers providing fluid sound and continuity. It does seem to be power hungry. Audyssey previously set my TSX at -6 to -5.5 when running setup. Audyssey sets this Center to -1.5 and I increased it by 1db to stand out a little from the surrounds to better hear dialogue. Overall, I made a good choice in purchasing this speaker and should have gone with it in the first place. I was trying to save pennies by going with the TSX without the previous understanding of how important it is to have your speakers match. After hearing it, I get it now. As a side note, many people blanket their crossover frequencies at 80 not paying attention to whether the speakers are capable of those frequencies. I did the same with my previous setup. The result is worst sound and over working of the receiver. When you have speakers that can handle the crossover frequency, the sound is more robust, clear and natural. This Center, the CSiA3 and the RTi speakers can handle the frequencies and I notice a huge difference in the quality of sounds. Buy it, you want regret it.

BriDown

Originally posted at

2014-04-05T20:00:00

I have purchased the CSIA6 along with 2 RTI A9, 4 RTI A7, and 2 RTI A5 to complete my Home Theater for a 9.2 setup. The sound is amazing for movies and music, but the main purpose for doing all floor standing speakers was for some seriously loud, clear, concise sound and these all deliver the quality I was hoping for. My old setup was coming from Paradigm with 2 fronts floor standing, 2 di-pollar floor standing, 2 book shelves and center channel of course. They were great and when making the move to Polk I was really hoping for that same quality of sound and was happy that Polk's RTi speakers exceeded my expectations. I am very happy with this setup.

CraigC

Originally posted at

2013-08-06T20:00:00

**Center of bass** .....iHave'nt even pushed it wide open yet and the lows had me greatly satisfied. I just upgraded from the TSi CS 20. And I thought that was a great center. But this bad boy took the cake. It's worth the extra bread if you where thinking about the A4.

Damien M.

Originally posted at

2013-04-19T20:00:00

I was debating on this center for a long time now to match my RTi12's and I was so so glad I did get this center, they blend beautifully together. In my setup I have this beautiful center (cherry finish) with a DSW PRO400 with the Polk RAti12's mains bi-wired and rears I have ODS Kevlar 6.5" 2-ways with 1"silk tweet and my sub stage two martin logan dynamo

Jason

Originally posted at

2012-07-25T20:00:00

I did something a little different when i purchased the CSIA6 center speaker on July 19,2012 .. First i removed the Gold Bussbars from CSIA6 terminals then i bi-wired the monster to my TX-NR Onkyo 1009 with double banana plugs which were piggy-back on the Center speaker terminals on the receiver to feed signal to the Mid-woofer and Tweeter independently ...I don't believe in mix-matching my speakers , i want everything to come from the same house .. So by adding the monster to my TX-NR Onkyo 1009 i'm able to push 9 Polk speakers , 5 in the front and 4 in the rear plus the Sub.. For the money i laid out i expect to get as much as i can from this Bad Boy ... I intend to utilize the Normal power as well as the Dynamic power from the 1009 to feed this very "Efficient" speaker... I'm very very satisfied with the quality of the sound coming from this monster.. Since the normal hearing range is 20Hz to 20KHz the Tweeter highs(a falsetto 27KHz) are noticed when a Xylophone, Cymbals,Piano or String instruments are being played along with any other high note that's detected.. The Mid-Woofer(45Hz,= a mini Baritone..!!!) vocals are Super clear from my DVD's,Tuner,CD's and Direct TV and there are times when audio sounds somewhat three dimensional .. No more adjusting the volume, now the audio is strong and true... I have absolutely NO complaints , i'm proud and very happy with this handsome behemoth and the way it blends with my RTi12's and i would like to add i'm using the speaker "Bussbars" that's the gold speaker terminal clamps which help my RTi12's soundfield and imaging .. Some guy's fail to use these Bars but they feed signal to both sets of Speaker terminals.. If you buy the CSIA6 Center Masterpiece, you won't regret it ,this is some piece of work ...

SERIOUS7

Originally posted at

2012-01-19T19:00:00

I bought this 3 days ago after reading numerous reviews about how the center channel is the most important speaker in your home entertainment center I decided to go BIG or go home. I have all sorts of products from Bose but decided after hearing a good friends system to try Polk I bought this with a pair of matching rti a3's. Needless to say this are amazing right out of the box they need to be set as large and 60hz on you receiver. The imagery in this center is fantastic while watching a movie everything pops and is very clear. The tweeter is pristine very clear and not enough to make your head hurt even while putting your ear up to them on a loud setting. Mid bass is complete there's not a frequency missing and for lows well... Depending on your musical preference I have this with the matching bookshelves speakers and don't really need a sub on for watching most movies. The clarity is so well I was cleaning with the tv on their was a loud scene on my be for a commercial for a new action movie I was near my right speaker and jumped. While this is on at any volume it is clear and crisp no rattling or distortion of any frequency. I have a new onkyo receiver 5.1 85 watts a channel these take advantage of that receiver and push to their full potential. It wonderful expecially coming from a Bose lifestyle to this. I'd give it 100 stars if possible thanks for making me a believer Polk.

Nathan b.

Originally posted at

2011-01-19T19:00:00

This speaker sounds Amazing. I auditioned a lot of speakers before deciding on the polk RTi & CSi lines. Overall they sound excellent and for the price range nothing else really came close to me. I auditioned both the CSi A4 and the CSi A6. The CSi A4 is no slouch by any means, but the CSi A6 is a must if the space is not an issue. It is big, but with it comes big and beautiful sound. I really wanted the C4 and was impressed with it, but the A6 fills out the mid range so much better I had to get it even though space was an issue for me. I liked it enough to rearrange my living room in order to accommodate it. The main reason for this is that the center channel does MOST of the work in the home theater setting, so I figured the fuller sound was a must.

Steve S.

Originally posted at

2010-11-16T19:00:00

My main system consist of RTi12 FXi5 and now this beauty. I upgraded from a CSi3 and man what a difference first the sound as aspected can hang with the 12's like a walk in the park. Voice and stage is perfect where the CSi3 lacked (which wasnt much btw)this speaker provides a more detailed sound with the lows the CSi3 just couldnt hit. After hearing this speaker I may pay full price to pair with my used RTi12s in my game room replacing the other CSi3 I have this is an awesome center and I doubt any of you family or friends will ask you during a movie or sporting event "what did he say"?

TFarmer

Originally posted at

2010-07-24T20:00:00

I bought this speaker to compliment my RTi A5's and man, I was not disappointed! The sound quality is superb and actually improved drastically after a heavy month of use. Dialogue blends in seamlessly with my A5's and I couldn't be happier! The center channel is the most important speaker in your system, so do not overlook this speaker!

Albert

Originally posted at

2010-05-25T20:00:00

I finally decided on the CSIA6 to pair with my RTIA5's. I choose the CSIA6 due to the matching driver size for better timbre-matching. I hesitated at first due to the large size of this speaker, however once the lights are off and the movie kicks the large size pays off with huge performance. I set the crossover to 100Hz to allow for a little more low end frequencies to stay at the center.

Paul C.

Originally posted at

2010-02-21T19:00:00

I purchased the CSIa6 around christmas 2009. i tell you i have never heard a more pristine sound. Everything from movies to video games are jaw dropping. Of course you have to use the right components or else its pointless to spend the money. i use all monster cable for speaker wire and hdmi cables. I have a pioneer reciever that pushes everything. i have this entire lineup minus the 2 front speaker(saving up to get them. I did tons of research and read hundreds of reviews and i am not lying when i say Polk has the best speaker for the price. What truly amazed me was the fact that they sound great without cranking the volume like others.

Chris

Originally posted at

2010-02-19T19:00:00

Replaced a CS2 with this center to complete my new setup (RTi A7s and FXi A6s). I was surprised how this speaker settled in to be part of the sound musically where the other never seemed to do so. The dialogue sounds pure - as if in person - and it carries effects in near perfect concert with the others speakers. For our room and our budget, this Polk setup meets all our expectations. Highly recommended.

Dave G.

Originally posted at

2010-01-17T19:00:00

I have owned the CSi A6 for approx. one year now. It blends in so smooth with the RTi A9 towers I have. I now even listen to some soundtracks in 3.1 mode. Some people say it's rather large but, to me when a speaker sounds this good size doesn't matter. I really don't notice its size. You won't regret owning one. Makes music and movies come to life.

Wesley L.

Originally posted at

2010-01-05T19:00:00

Ah. Polk. I'll give you an A for effort. But this center falls short is so many ways. First off it has very good low end when set to Large. The highs are good as well. BUT, the midrange is almost non discript. The sound effects that are supposed to be there are so faint it's like you can almost here them. Plus you used the cheapest transistors possible. I guess you had to cut cost for the very nice cabinet. Since the center carries 80% midrange dialouge, this one just is quite not there. Keep trying Polk and you may one day become a great speaker maker. Good Luck. But you have a long way to go. Not all the masses are Non Audiophiles.

T P.

Originally posted at

2009-11-13T19:00:00

The CSi A6 is an excellent center channel speaker, it matches perfectly to the RTi A9 towers in both appearance and sound. It's a great value and sounds as good if not better than CC's I've listened too at a higher cost. Polk Audio does a great job with speakers.

Pons

Originally posted at

2009-11-11T19:00:00

I've purchased these speakers along side the matching Fronts and surrounds. I'm running them from a Onkyo Nr1007 THXultra Receiver and have run oehlbach silver speaker cable to them, wishing i could biamp them but never mind. I previously had a PARADIGM CC 350 which i loved untill i hooked this bad boy up. The depth in the voice including highs and lows is out of this world, matching it's family member to perfect harmony. I'm even still waiting for it to break in as it seems to get better everyt ime i hear it. I've made my own dedicated bracket so it seems like it's floating off the floor. The build quality gone in2 this product is one of the best i've seen.

Howard H.

Originally posted at

2009-11-01T19:00:00

I bought this along with a pair of RTiA7's. Seemed like the way to go. Unfortunately I found it too forward and it overpowered my system, even the A7's I had to turn it way down to hear my fronts and rears properly. This could be because I am sitting too close to it and my towers are only 10 feet apart. I would recommend this center if you have a large room and are sitting farther back. If not, then go with the CSiA4. So as a review, take this with a grain of salt. It is an amazing speaker. For my situation it did not fit. So make sure you buy from a store that will let you return it if you have a smaller room and find it too overpowering.

Desmond

Originally posted at

2009-09-19T20:00:00

great speaker this is the most important spearker for your ht. do not skimp here. this is a great speaker that will bring the movie alive (or music)

Adam

Originally posted at

2009-02-26T19:00:00

Incredable speaker. I upgraded for the CSiA4 to the CSiA6 and I couldn't be happier with the investment. Having run the 4 for a year or so, it's a great speaker, but when I upgraded my fronts for RTIa1's to some RTi6's, I felt that the increased bass response from the 6's left the center a little lacking and it felt like I was missing something. After installing the CSiA6 it was a big difference. The A6 has a richer, fuller sound with great bass and incredable clarity. If there's anyone wondering if it's worth it to move up to the A6 from the A4, don't hesitate, you won't regret it.

William G.

Originally posted at

2009-01-02T19:00:00

AMAZING!!! I just picked up this Center and after getting it hooked up, i had to write a review. Incredible clarity and detail for dialogue and vocals just blew me away! Perfect highs and lows. All my speakers came to life! You dont know what your missing in HomeTheater until you buy this unit. Beautiful new design too.

Pat G.

Originally posted at

2008-12-12T19:00:00

Its may be say naming conversion way from 2 channel stereo to 5.1 home theater. Long time ago in 1997 I building stereo system CD-Player Yamaha CDX-590, Amplifier Yamaha AX-590, bookshelf speaker PolkAudio RT-7, interconnect cable - selfmaked (twisted pair - every wire of pair{central wire OFC 2 mm2, oraund central 5 silver thin wire; silver and OFC joins in place connectors in every side of cable} ), speaker cable Esoteric Audio "Premier" 8 mm2, stand for speaker - selfmaked marble thickness 30mm in metal cone leg. In 2006 I begin conversion to 5.1. I buy DVD-Player Yamaha S-657, receiver Yamaha V-757 and surround speaker PolkAudio RTi4. 9 year ago after buying RT-7, I think sound PolkAudio is changes... NO! Sound RTi4 ideal pair for old RT-7 - simular frequency response, equal crossover frequency. And new technologys. RTi4 may by place to bookshelf without stand for speaker and sound no changes. Old RT-7 without stand for speaker change sound because resonance kill sound. Next I buying subwoofer PolkAudio PSW 505. And right away hear difference in bass RT-7 and PSW 505. Low Total harmonic distortion PSW 505 make sound clearly than RT7 and dynamic range PSW 505 more than RT7 make hear of sound discomfort. Need change front pair think I, buying PolkAudio RTi10. Deep bass, clear middle and 3D volume sound treble make speaker ideal. Last step to 5.1 buying center speaker. Changes series leaves no changes center speaker. Only CSi A6. True real sound I hear in high quality DVD-audio 96/24/5.1 and multichannel SACD. May be say RT series become audiophile not only theater (where I buy RT7 in 1997 RT series translate to "Reference Theater"). Finally I buy projector Infocus IN78 and screen Luma 92" (was 25" TV). When I see film with big angle from center I dont hear surround sound. Decision - buy special surround speaker and FXi A6 is optimal. What I hear? Ideal sound field, hear from any angle, balanced sound with high quality space effects and great processing acoustic guitar, contrabass etc. acoustic stringed. Processing acoustic guitar and space efects i hear in old RT7, but with 6 speakers its more realistics. I look for testing Mission Impossible 3 (DTS sound), hear Dire Straits "Brothers in arms" (SACD), Audigy 2 Creative DVD-audio sampler disk (DVD-audio). PS. Dont try upgrade old system. This system will be conflict to new technology (RT7 and PSW 505). I buy RTi4 to old RT7 and lost many, later i change RTi4 to FXi A6. Recomendation PolkAudio use with front RTi10 surround FXi5 (or new FXi A6). Sound really better. Planning all speakers now no later. This review may be placed to CSi A6 and FXi A6 Alexey, Russia, Moscow

Alexey

Originally posted at

2008-11-05T19:00:00

This is the best center channel speaker you can get,it is very well built and the new design is absolutely beautiful.This center channel has the build,quality and sound that easely can be compared to others costing in the 1,000 to 1,500 price range

RD

Originally posted at

2008-10-22T20:00:00

Polk continues to impress with high quality speakers at very reasonable prices. This unit puts out amazing highs and mids, and impressive lows for a center. It's a very nice looking unit, the cherry center both looks and sounds amazing. Perfect compliment to my Rti-12s, PSW1000, RM30's (rears). I replaced a CS2 with this, a very good decision (even though the CS2 is nice), the Csi A6 compliments my system perfectly.

Ben

Originally posted at

2008-05-31T20:00:00

This speaker is BIG. It sounds GREAT, I guess bigger is better. lol It looks great with my rti a7 and the sound blends great. It has a nice range of sound. The size is not what i wanted, I wanted something that mounted on the wall, but to me it was worth the sacrifice.

Patrick

Originally posted at

2008-05-29T20:00:00

Stunning sound for an exceptional price. Whenever you make a purchase you weigh the options and I was a little bit tentative thinking I might have to to spend more to achieve the kind of performance I was looking for. That is why I was more than thrilled to hear the sound from this box...connect to my Yamaha RX-V663 this baby kicked out fantastic highs and lows...great for both music and video!

Harry

Originally posted at

2008-03-03T19:00:00

I purchased this speaker after many weeks of research. Which included listening to many models, phone calls to Polk audio and reading Online reviews. I've only had it a week or so but, I couldn't be happier with my decision. The sound is amazing! I also bought a pair of RTI6's for my front channel. They sound wonderful together. I'm looking forward to many nights hiding in the basement and rattling the walls. : Whether it's music or movies. You won't be sorry you bought this speaker.

Joe

Originally posted at

2007-12-29T19:00:00

I upgraded from a CSi3 to this, to match my RTi8s. Very pleased, the sound field blends better with matching drivers. This is a very musical speaker, that also excels at HT. The cascaded cross overs, dual 6 1/2 inch woofers, Powerport, etc all produce a nice full range sound. The new design is far superior aesthetically over the previous CSi Line, the grille looks phenominal. Over all I am very pleased with this speaker. I have heard Legacys, Sotas, B&Ws, etc and for the price this is by far the best value. Polk you have done it again, Thanks for creating a solid product!

Michael V.

Originally posted at