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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Polk Audio CSi A6
Polk Audio CSi A6 Review
Polk CSi A6 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Dynamic Balance Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Dynamic Balance polymer composite Woofer
  • 55-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-200 watts
  • Weight: 29.00 lbs / 13.18 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-13/16"x24-1/16"x14-1/4" / 199.0 x 612.0 x 362.0mm
MSRP: $399 (list price)
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Polk CSi A6 Review
Polk CSi A6 Polk CSi A6
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio CSi A6 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in 2008. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Dynamic Balance Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Dynamic Balance polymer composite Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55-26k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. Polk CSi A6 has an MSRP of 399$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk CSi A6 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Frequency Response of the Polk CSi A6 Speaker

Polk CSi A6 has a Frequency response range of 55-26k Hz and Power Range of 20-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, CSi A6 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how CSi A6's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk CSi A6
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk CSi A6?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 55 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk CSi A6's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk CSi A6
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio CSi A6 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Polk Audio CSi A6 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Polk CSi A6 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk CSi A6 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

CSi A6 features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk CSi A6 Back View
Polk CSi A6 Back View

Polk CSi A6 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk CSi A6 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-13/16 x 24-1/16 x 14-1/4inch (199.0 x 612.0 x 362.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk CSi A6 is approximately 2215.4cm2 / 343.4inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk CSi A6 weighs 13.18kg / 29lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how CSi A6's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk CSi A6
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Polk CSi A6
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk CSi A6 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Polk CSi A6 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:

  • One 9.5-inch kickstand
  • One 5.5-inch kickstand (installed)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Polk CSi A6 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Polk CSi A6 is available in Black and Cherry.

Does the Polk CSi A6 come with a Grille?

CSi A6 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the CSi A6 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk CSi A6  with Grille
Polk CSi A6 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk CSi A6?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CSi A6:
  • One cherry center channel speaker
  • One 9.5-inch kickstand
  • One 5.5-inch kickstand (installed)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration sheet
  • Polk Audio product brochure

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio CSi A6.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Polk Audio CSi A6 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
Polk TSi CS10
Compare
2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 63-24k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
Klipsch RP-450C
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio CSi A6

What amplifier do you need for the Polk CSi A6?

Polk Audio rates the Polk CSi A6 for 20-200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk CSi A6 easy to drive?

The Polk CSi A6 has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Polk CSi A6 need a subwoofer?

The Polk CSi A6 reaches down to 55Hz (full range 55-26k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Polk CSi A6 use?

The Polk CSi A6 is a 2-way design using a 1" Dynamic Balance tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Dynamic Balance polymer composite woofers.

Is the Polk CSi A6 sealed or ported?

The Polk CSi A6 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Polk CSi A6 be wall mounted?

The Polk CSi A6 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Polk CSi A6 come with grilles?

Yes. The Polk CSi A6 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Polk CSi A6?

The Polk CSi A6 weighs 13.18kg / 29lbs each and measures 7-13/16 x 24-1/16 x 14-1/4inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk CSi A6 cost?

The Polk CSi A6 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $399 per pair.


Polk CSi A6 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio CSi A6
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range20-200 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response55-26k Hz
Release Date2008
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionDynamic Balance polymer composite
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeDynamic Balance
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height199.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
Width612.0mm ( 24-1/16-inch)
Depth362.0mm ( 14-1/4-inch)
Height199.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
Weight13.18 kg (29 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack, Cherry
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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