I Hate Polk
Written: Aug 24 '01
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Pros: Clarity of Dialogue
Cons: Set for Small
The Bottom Line: Quite possibly the best center channel under $500, but not under $750.
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| simplemoney's Full Review: Polk Audio CS400 Center Speaker |
Center Channel Search
After comparing many center channel speakers, I finally picked up a Tannoy SC-8 and haven't regretted it. Unfortunately, EPinions doesn't seem familiar with Tannoy and there is no way to write about them so others may possibly buy this wonderful center channel.
One of the speakers I compared it with was the Polk 400i, which I got from Crutchfield with a 30 day return policy. I reviewed the Infinity CC3 here on EPinions, but forgot to write up the Polk. So I whipped out my notes to refresh my memory.
My Own Bias
I probably hate Bose more than any other speaker maker, but Polk comes a distant second. For years they've sold over priced speakers, somehow making people feel they were "audiophile" quality. Scribbled next to the Polk 400 column was the word cr_p (it rhymes with slap); this was before I hooked up the speaker, kind of a reminder to myself because my true intention for auditioning this speaker was too run it at full power and see if I could blow its tweater - which reminds me I have to get Conan on DVD with its killer orchestral/opera soundtrack.
Setup
The Polk 400 was put on the shelf just above my TV. I did hold it temporarily in front of the TV to see how well it was magnetically shielded, and no adverse picture effects occurred. Therefore, it was well shielded. Powering the Polk was my Nakamichi AV-10 receiver via standard speaker connections. My non-timbre matched system includes two Klipsch KG4 fronts and JBL 20’s in the rear. No sub-woofer. I used 16 gauge Monster speaker cable to connect all the speakers.
My Toshiba 2200 DVD player is connected via the optical cable to the AV-10.
Room
The auditioning room is 20’ x 24’, and the couch is positioned about eight feet from the TV & center channel. The flat walls are broken up by built in shelves. All the walls are well insulated and resist vibration reasonably well.
Build Quality
The Polk is well made and solid, something all but the worst manufacturers can attain, and something I expected from a $400 center channel. It non-glossy black finish was very nice and it passed the rap test (which means when I hit it hard with my knuckles it didn’t give me a hollow thud). The rear of the speaker allows for standard and banana cables, as well as for bi-wiring.
Destruction, urr Sound Tests
You always need to work a speaker in for many hours, so I cranked up a DVD and set it to repeat endlessly. Then I put my AV-10 receiver to 2/3 full power and left the house with my family for a day with the in-laws.
Much to my chagrin, the Polk didn’t blow and I was now forced to listen to this speaker myself. So I put in Saving Private Ryan for the opening sequence. The DTS version of this soundtrack is exceptional and demanding. The Polk did quite well, with clear dialogue, good explosive effects and it didn’t crack under the pressure. I was forced to set the center channel to “small” to keep the lowest frequencies away from the speaker , they were originally set to “large” with my hopes on destroying the speaker, but since I was now critically listening to it, the small setting did it more justice.
Polk created a center that is quite good at special effects and clear dialogue, but what about music? Few people realize how much music comes from a center channel, and armed with Amadeus I put it to the test. I planned on listening to the opening scene (where the credits pass by while the take the old Antonio Salieri to the hospital), but I ended up watching the whole movie. Not just because the movie is excellent, but because the Polk 400i is a very musical speaker.
Music flowed from the Polk, with no harshness or fatigue (something I can't say about my Klipsch KG4's sitting on the left & right of the Polk). It handled lows very well, especially with the small setting, making the full spectrum of music coming from it, not just elegant, but delightful.
Weaknesses were few and far between. The 400i is a little strong in the midrange and definitely lacks true low-frequency depth, but its strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Clarity, dynamic response and a musical presence that is hard to find in this price range.
Conclusion
I actually liked, no loved this Polk, and it ended up being nearly as good as the Tannoy I bought (but the Tannoy comes at a 50% premium). It brings me great pain to say you can buy a good speaker at Crutchfield and Circuit City, but I can not lie, this is an excellent center speaker for the price. I highly recommend it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 399
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