Huge Polk Audio Center Speaker w/ Real Wood Veneer CSi5
$245.00
Out of stock
Get first dibs on the next one
The center channel speaker is the workhorse in any home theater speaker system — it’s assigned the task of reproducing all the dialogue and on-screen special effects. The CSi5 is definitely up for the challenge. Featuring advanced Polk technology and design, the CSi5 uses the latest-generation Dynamic Balance® drivers — a 1″ silk/polymer dome tweeter and dual 6-1/2″ woofers — for clean, rich sound. The rear-panel Power Port offers deep, high-impact bass, and the front-panel ARC (Acoustic Resonance Control) port delivers clear, natural midrange performance, essential for reproducing the human voice.
Some center channel speakers, due to their horizontal design, have a difficult time evenly distributing the sound throughout the listening area. To combat this problem, the CSi5 features a “cascade tapered array,” meaning one woofer plays only the bass frequencies, while the other handles both bass and midrange. This setup results in broad, even sound dispersion, and a better overall surround sound experience.
As usual, Polk has paid close attention to the details: dual 5-way binding post terminals for sure connections and bi-amping capabilities, solid MDF construction with real wood veneer in black oak finish, internal bracings for reduced resonance and cleaner sound, and a computer-designed tweeter faceplate for more open and spacious imaging.
Product highlights:
Video-shielded
Bass-reflex
Dual 5-way binding post terminals
Real wood veneer
Specifications:
Frequency response 55-26,000 Hz (-3dB)
8-ohm impedance
Sensitivity 90 dB
Handles up to 200 watts
Dimensions: 24″W x 7-13/16″H x 14-7/16″D, Weight: 29 lbs
Asking just $245 for this large, well designed Polk Audio Center in excellent condition.
| Weight | 33 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.5 × 28 × 12 in |
- Hard-to-beat pricing
- Free shipping across Canada
- Manufacturer's warranty
- Get a quote on new Polk
Polk Audio began in Baltimore in 1972, founded by Matthew Polk, George Klopfer and Sandy Gross. Its SDA speakers of the 1980s used a cable between the left and right speakers to widen the stereo image. We carry Polk towers, bookshelf speakers, centre channels and subwoofers. We've had more than 180 Polk listings so far, covering more than 80 different models. Every used Polk here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Looking for new Polk? We also quote new Polk Audio direct from the Canadian distributor, with free shipping within Canada: request a quote below. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
Our five best-selling Polk models so far: the RTi10 towers, the PSW10 and PSW125 subwoofers, the RTi4 bookshelf speakers and the CSi3 centre.
The Polk story, 1972 to today
Matthew Polk, George Klopfer and Sandy Gross, graduates of Johns Hopkins, founded Polk Audio in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1972. The Monitor 7 of 1974 was their first model to succeed, and the Monitor 10 followed in 1976.
SDA. In 1984 Polk introduced SDA (Stereo Dimensional Array). A cable between the left and right speakers lets each one cancel the sound that crosses over to the wrong ear, for a wider stereo image.
Growth. Polk went public in 1986 and moved to new premises in Baltimore. It began moving manufacturing to Tijuana, Mexico, in 1988, and by 2012 Stereophile reported that Polk designed in the US and built in China.
New owners. Directed Electronics agreed to buy Polk in 2006. Polk later became part of Sound United, Masimo bought Sound United in 2022, and in September 2025 HARMAN, a Samsung company, completed its purchase of Sound United. The 2018 Legend series brought SDA back.
Which Polk is which?
Monitor (1970s to early 1990s): the Monitor 4, 5, 7, 10 and 12, with A, B and C revisions.
SDA (1984 to about 1991): the SDA-1 and SDA-2 families, CRS, SRS and the later "TL" models.
RTA (1979 to 1992): towers such as the RTA 11t, with two woofers and two passive radiators.
RT and RTi (2001 onward): Polk's lower-priced lines. Our best-selling RTi10 towers and RTi4 bookshelf speakers come from here.
CSi centres and PSW subwoofers: the CSi3 centre and the PSW10 and PSW125 subwoofers are among the Polks we sell most.
LSi (about 2001 to 2010) and LSiM (2011): Polk's flagship lines of that decade, followed by Signature (2016), Legend (2018) and Reserve (2021).
Buying used Polk: what to check
SDA cable. SDA speakers need the interconnect cable between them for the SDA effect, and early SDA models need a common-ground amplifier. Make sure the cable comes with the pair.
Tweeters. Owners report that some SL3000 tweeters on the 1989 to 1991 SDA TL models leaked their ferrofluid and failed, and that Monitor-series pairs may carry mismatched factory or replacement tweeters. Check that every tweeter plays.
Surrounds. Some early Polks used foam surrounds, which rot with age; later models such as the RTA 11t and LSiM use rubber. Press gently on each woofer surround.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
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