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The center speaker of a surround sound system is the most important. It does most of the work in the system and it is the speaker where the voices come from. For this reason, the central speaker you choose can make or break the sound quality of your setup.
Today, we are going to look at the two central speakers from Polk, the Polk CS10 vs T30. We will consider all of their features including appearance, sound quality, and value for money. Once we have compared each feature, we will put everything into a side by side chart for a quick overview. After some pros and cons of each, we will decide which of the central speakers is the better buy.
We will start by looking at what the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30 have in common.
Polk CS10 vs T30 – Similarities
Quick Glance
Below you will find a comparison chart with all the specifics we have mentioned.
Central Speaker Uses
The Polk CS10 and the Polk T30, like every central speaker, won’t function independently. They are designed to be integrated into your surround sound system. With five-way binding post connectors, it is easy to set them up with the speakers you already have, regardless of the brand.
Dome Tweeter
The dome tweeter of the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30 are 1-inch and made of a polymer composite. The size is standard for most speakers and the fabric allows for smooth, natural sounds.
Drivers
The Polk CS10 and the Polk T30 have two drivers, one on either side of the tweeter. They are 5.25 inch with a bi-laminate composite. The drivers are both lightweight and stiff with great damping for superior efficiency. They produce an excellent bass sound and with fewer distortions.
Cabinet
There are no flimsy materials used with the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30. The cabinets are made from ¾-inch thick solid MDF for cleaner and more lifelike sound.
The Grille
The grille, or the material on the front, is removable on both the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30. You can remove the grill if you want less muted highs. It also means that there are two design options in one.
Warranty
The Polk CS10 and the Polk T30 come with a 5-year warranty on parts and labor.
The differences are quite significant, so we will compare them next.
Differences Between Polk CS10 and Polk T30
Appearance
Though similar in size, they have rather different designs.
Polk CS10
This central speaker is 6.5 x 20 x 9.75 inches and weighs 16 pounds. It has a narrow baffle geometry design which improves the overall look and sound. You can buy it in black or cherry wood grain.
Polk T30
The speaker is a fraction smaller at 6.5 x 19 x 7.5 inches and weighs quite a bit less at 11.45 pounds. It comes in black.
The Winner is- The Polk CS10
Read next – Polk S10 vs S15: What Are the Differences Between These 2 Speakers?
Frequency Response
The frequency response is a range that determines the lowest bass sound and the highest treble notes. Humans tend to hear between 20Hz to 20kHz.
Polk CS10
The frequency range is from 53Hz to 25,000Hz.
Polk T30
This has a smaller frequency range at 60Hz to 24,000Hz.
The Winner Is- The Polk CS10
Read next – Polk S30 vs S35: Which Center Channel Speaker is Better?
Efficiency/ Maximum Output
Really, this relates to the maximum volume the speakers can produce. Although there is a slight difference, the 1 decibel isn’t enough for the human ear to detect a noticeable difference.
Polk CS10
The maximum output is 91dB. This is the equivalent of power tools or a lawnmower. That might not sound loud but it is considered dangerous to listen to music for more than 30 minutes at this volume.
Polk T30
At 90dB, there is next to no difference in the maximum output.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Polk S50 vs S55: Which Floor Standing Speaker is Better?
Recommended Amplifier
You may already have an amplifier but if you do need to buy a new one, it is worth making a note of the recommendations.
Polk CS10
The required amplifier is between 20 and 125W.
Polk T30
You will need an amplifier with 20 to 100W.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Polk T30 vs Polk S30: Which Center Speakers are Better?
Pros and Cons
Before our final verdict, let’s take a look at some pros and cons of the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30.
Polk CS10
Pros:
- It really does help the other speakers in the system and fills the room with more sound
- Excellent sound quality for the price range
- Dialogues are much crisper and clearer
Cons:
- Despite knowing the dimensions, it’s still shockingly quite big
Polk T30
Pros:
- The sound quality is far more than you expect for the price
- Outstanding midrange and high sounds
- The design fits well with all other speakers
Cons:
- Some might not get enough bass
The Final Verdict
It was a difficult call between the Polk CS10 and the Polk T30. The Polk CS10 had a slight edge over the Polk T30 in terms of sound but it was the type of difference that you really had to pay attention to. For general use, they are both more than what you would expect, and perhaps more professional users would prefer the Polk CS10.
We decided that the Polk T30 was the better buy. The lower price did help with the decision, but it wasn’t the only factor. The size made quite a difference. Although we are only talking about a couple of inches and a few pounds less, the Polk T30 is a lot less bulky and didn’t stand out quite so much. With or without the grille, it looked better with our home entertainment systems.