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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Polk Audio TSi CS10
Polk Audio TSi CS10 Review
Polk TSi CS10 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Dynamic Balance Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate organic fiber cone Woofer
  • 63-24k Hz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-125 watts
  • Weight: 16.00 lbs / 7.27 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-9/16"x20-1/16"x9-15/16" / 167.0 x 510.0 x 253.0mm
MSRP: $119 (list price)
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Polk TSi CS10 Review
Polk TSi CS10 Polk TSi CS10
Check price atAmazon›

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

Polk Audio TSi CS10 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in 2011. 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 5.25" bi-laminate organic fiber cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 63-24k Hz and a sensitivity of 91 dB. Polk TSi CS10 has an MSRP of 119$ but can often be found around 89$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk TSi CS10 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.)

Polk Audio's TSi Series of Loudspeakers

TSi CS10 is a member of Polk Audio's TSi series of Passive speakers. The TSi range were Polk Audio's popular affordable speakers with silk-dome tweeters. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 Polk Audio TSi models compared »

Polk Audio TSi Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk TSi100
Compare
61-24k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk TSi400
Compare
44-24k Hz 91 dB8Ω 3 x 5.25"
Polk TSi200
Compare
50-24k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk TSi300
Compare
47-24k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk TSi CS10
63-24k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

Frequency Response of the Polk TSi CS10 Speaker

Polk TSi CS10 has a Frequency response range of 63-24k Hz and Power Range of 20-125 watts. With a minimum frequency of 63 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from TSi CS10 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how TSi CS10's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk TSi CS10
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk TSi CS10?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 63 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk TSi CS10's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 91 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk TSi CS10
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio TSi CS10 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

91dB of the Polk Audio TSi CS10 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes TSi CS10 an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Polk TSi CS10 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Polk TSi CS10 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk TSi CS10 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 6.0–95 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 $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

TSi CS10 features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk TSi CS10 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk TSi CS10 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-9/16 x 20-1/16 x 9-15/16inch (167.0 x 510.0 x 253.0mm ).

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 TSi CS10 is approximately 1290.3cm2 / 200.0inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk TSi CS10 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how TSi CS10's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk TSi CS10
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Polk TSi CS10
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk TSi CS10 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.

Polk TSi CS10  - Side View
Polk TSi CS10 - Side View

Speaker Feet

Polk TSi CS10 comes with 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

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 TSi CS10 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 TSi CS10 is available in Black.

Does the Polk TSi CS10 come with a Grille?

TSi CS10 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 TSi CS10 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk TSi CS10  with Grille
Polk TSi CS10 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk TSi CS10?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of TSi CS10:
  • Black center-channel speaker (removable cloth grille)
  • 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 TSi CS10.

  • 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 TSi CS10 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Sony SS-CS8
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
Polk TL1
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 125-20k Hz
Polk CSi A6
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 55-26k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio TSi CS10

What amplifier do you need for the Polk TSi CS10?

Polk Audio rates the Polk TSi CS10 for 20-125 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 TSi CS10 easy to drive?

The Polk TSi CS10 has a sensitivity of 91 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Polk TSi CS10 need a subwoofer?

The Polk TSi CS10 reaches down to 63Hz (full range 63-24k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Polk TSi CS10 use?

The Polk TSi CS10 is a 2-way design using a 1" Dynamic Balance tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate organic fiber cone woofers.

Is the Polk TSi CS10 sealed or ported?

The Polk TSi CS10 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 TSi CS10 be wall mounted?

The Polk TSi CS10 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 TSi CS10 come with grilles?

Yes. The Polk TSi CS10 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Polk TSi CS10?

The Polk TSi CS10 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs each and measures 6-9/16 x 20-1/16 x 9-15/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk TSi CS10 cost?

The Polk TSi CS10 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $119 per pair.


Polk TSi CS10 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio TSi CS10
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range20-125 watts
Sensitivity91 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response63-24k Hz
Release Date2011
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionbi-laminate organic fiber cone
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeDynamic Balance
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height167.0mm ( 6-9/16-inch)
Width510.0mm ( 20-1/16-inch)
Depth253.0mm ( 9-15/16-inch)
Height167.0mm ( 6-9/16-inch)
Weight7.27 kg (16 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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