@tomthiel Thank you for this fantastic write-up of the differences between the two versions.
Most CS5 owners upgraded to the CS5i.
Great to know that some of the CS5 out there may actually be functionally equivalent to CS5i
The only visual difference between the 5 and 5i is the mass loading of the subwoofers. The original rubber mats proved troublesome via eventual corner lifting of of the mats. The 5i MDF center plugs perform the same loading function without the hassles.
I read this a few times and I am still a little confused. First thing that came to mind was a MDF brace at the back of the woofer motor, but you say the difference is visible so that couldn’t be it. If you could clarify what the difference looks like, that would be really great. Also, would that difference be there in CS5 that have been upgraded to CS5i spec, or just in factory CS5i? Thank you!