Polk RTi8 vs Athena F2 [Archive] - Audioholics Home Theater Forums

SangYuP

09-13-2008, 11:30 PM

jamie2112

09-13-2008, 11:33 PM

It can't hurt to try but I gather you won't hear any audible difference by Bi-amping the speakers. You really don't get much benefit bi-amping in my honest opinion.

SangYuP

09-13-2008, 11:36 PM

It can't hurt to try but I gather you won't hear any audible difference by Bi-amping the speakers. You really don't get much benefit bi-amping in my honest opinion.

Yeah, I was thinking that I might as well try since it will either not make any difference or it *could* in my mind sound better. Also, I haven't read any negatives about it so I figure it's worth a try. By the way, do you have any experience between the two speakers that I mentioned? Just wondering...thanks.

mazersteven

09-14-2008, 11:17 AM

I just purchased the Polk RTi8 and I was wondering how much better if at all is the RTi8 compared to the F2? I sort of made an impulse purchase with the RTi8 and now I'm wondering if it's an upgrade or a lateral move. I will also try biwiring them for better sound (it can't hurt to try).

IMO that is a big upgrade in sound quality to the RTi8's. Also it's a total waste of time, and effort to bi-wire your speakers.

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 12:26 PM

IMO that is a big upgrade in sound quality to the RTi8's. Also it's a total waste of time, and effort to bi-wire your speakers.

Mazersteven,

Thanks for your input. I can't wait to hear them. I hope they arrive soon.

billy p

09-14-2008, 12:29 PM

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 05:39 PM

It sounds like your likely to own both and I'd like to hear you thoughts:). As for my opinion, I audioned the LS-500 & Rti8's in store and did like the Polks slightly better overall. However IMO since I owned Athena Auditions neither to me sounded like a big improvement over them and I think you're right about calling this a lateral move. They just sound different.

Just my 2 cents:)

Hmm..now I'm confused. I guess I was hoping that the RTi8 would be better than the Athena F2. I was hoping to get a lot of replies saying that the RTi8 was better. I guess I'll wait a bit to see if anyone else chimes in, and I'll do more research on the net. If they are similar, I might cancel my order as I don't really want to spend money on something that will have similar performance. I also wanted something new lately with better performance and I was hoping these would do it. Thanks for your input though.

billy p

09-14-2008, 07:19 PM

Hmm..now I'm confused. I guess I was hoping that the RTi8 would be better than the Athena F2. I was hoping to get a lot of replies saying that the RTi8 was better. I guess I'll wait a bit to see if anyone else chimes in, and I'll do more research on the net. If they are similar, I might cancel my order as I don't really want to spend money on something that will have similar performance. I also wanted something new lately with better performance and I was hoping these would do it. Thanks for your input though.

I wasn't trying to deter you from making this purchase:o. I personally found the Polks a bit bright and the LS-500 appeared more neutral but really lacked the depth or detail required IMO for a good sounding speaker. My auditon speakers after awhile just started to annoy the hell out of me(getting old:D) as well because of their forward nature. I wanted a neutral sounding speaker that had the depth and imaging that I was looking for music and home theater and found it with my current set up.
I would listen to the Rti8's before you cancel the order or ship them back.:)

Good luck, Bill

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 07:55 PM

I wasn't trying to deter you from making this purchase:o. I personally found the Polks a bit bright and the LS-500 appeared more neutral but really lacked the depth or detail required IMO for a good sounding speaker. My auditon speakers after awhile just started to annoy the hell out of me(getting old:D) as well because of their forward nature. I wanted a neutral sounding speaker that had the depth and imaging that I was looking for music and home theater and found it with my current set up.
I would listen to the Rti8's before you cancel the order or ship them back.:)

Good luck, Bill

I guess I'll just have to hear them and decide from there. I was really hoping that the RTi8 were a lot better and I expected a lot of people to respond telling me that the RTi8 were tons better and not to worry about it because I made an excellent purchase. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance for my impulse purchase.:D

mazersteven

09-14-2008, 07:57 PM

impulse purchase.:D

IMO a great impulse purchase. IMO the RTi's have a much better tweeter, and much better bass response then the Athena's.

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 08:08 PM

IMO a great impulse purchase. IMO the RTi's have a much better tweeter, and much better bass response then the Athena's.

I need more posts like this to make myself feel better for this impulse purchase.:D

PENG

09-14-2008, 08:52 PM

I need more posts like this to make myself feel better for this impulse purchase.:D

You can consider this one more vote for the RTi8. To me, it is only a little better than a lateral move. Polk's LSi series or the Energy's RC series would get you a clearer margin.

speakerman39

09-14-2008, 08:55 PM

I need more posts like this to make myself feel better for this impulse purchase.:D
Sang, I really like the RTi8's myself. There is really not a lot of bass, but otherwise they are impressive. However, I have never heard the Athena towers so I can not help you there. Please remember, what really matters most is how YOU feel about them. If you like the RTi8's better, then so be it. Don't worry so much what others think. There is nothing wrong with ascertaining some advice, but in the end it is more about what YOU prefer. Personally, I would love to own the RTi8's myself. You are lucky to have them imho.

Cheers,

Phil

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 09:22 PM

Sang, I really like the RTi8's myself. There is really not a lot of bass, but otherwise they are impressive. However, I have never heard the Athena towers so I can not help you there. Please remember, what really matters most is how YOU feel about them. If you like the RTi8's better, then so be it. Don't worry so much what others think. There is nothing wrong with ascertaining some advice, but in the end it is more about what YOU prefer. Personally, I would love to own the RTi8's myself. You are lucky to have them imho.

Cheers,

Phil

Phil,

Good to hear from you buddy. I hope all is well with you. Yeah, I ended up buying the RTi8 without much research and here I am again asking for advice. Yeah, I guess it'll be like the CS2 all over again. I guess I'll wait and see how the RTi8 sounds. I got the CSi3 as well so that they would all timbre match even though the CSi3 is smaller than the CS2. I ended up getting the cherry finish for all of them. From the pictures I've seen, it looks really really nice. I've read that it looks even better in person so I'm even more excited about them.

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 09:30 PM

You can consider this one more vote for the RTi8. To me, it is only a little better than a lateral move. Polk's LSi series or the Energy's RC series would get you a clearer margin.

Peng,

Thanks for your input. I would love to get the LSi series or even the Energy RC series, but I can't afford those and I wouldn't have been able to afford the RTi8 as well if it wasn't for the sale price that I got it at. Plus, with the LSi series, I don't have the power to drive them so that is one more thing I would have had to upgrade.

mazersteven

09-14-2008, 09:34 PM

speakerman39

09-14-2008, 10:14 PM

Phil,

Good to hear from you buddy. I hope all is well with you. Yeah, I ended up buying the RTi8 without much research and here I am again asking for advice. Yeah, I guess it'll be like the CS2 all over again. I guess I'll wait and see how the RTi8 sounds. I got the CSi3 as well so that they would all timbre match even though the CSi3 is smaller than the CS2. I ended up getting the cherry finish for all of them. From the pictures I've seen, it looks really really nice. I've read that it looks even better in person so I'm even more excited about them.
Everything is fine here now. IKE brought some bad weather up my way and knocked my power out for over 5-hours. :eek::eek: Thanks for asking though. It is true, that the Cherry RTi's look better in person. I am certain you will like the sound of the RTi8. As far as it sounding better than the Athena Towers, only YOU can really decide that my friend. From what I remember, the bass is really lacking on the RTi8. However, with sub you have that really poses no problem. Keep us posted and snap a few pics if you can. Others here may be in the same or nearly the same situation. If so, pics can be very helpful.

Cheers,

Phil

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 10:27 PM

You can score a pre-owned, open box, or some times the big box stores will run sales on the LSi9's for $500 a pair.

Now that is much more then a lateral move from the Athena's. More like leaps and bounds.

Mazer,

That would be nice if I could find something like that here. Unfortunately, the only big box store in my town is circuitcity. Their best speaker from Polk is the TSi300. Other than that, the next best speaker they have open box or clearance is the Monitor 70, 50, 40, and 30. Even if I were to find them for $500/pair, I would still need to upgrade my receiver or get an amp to power those bad boys. Maybe my next speaker upgrade will be the LSi speakers or equivalent at the time.

SangYuP

09-14-2008, 10:30 PM

Everything is fine here now. IKE brought some bad weather up my way and knocked my power out for over 5-hours. :eek::eek: Thanks for asking though. It is true, that the Cherry RTi's look better in person. I am certain you will like the sound of the RTi8. As far as it sounding better than the Athena Towers, only YOU can really decide that my friend. From what I remember, the bass is really lacking on the RTi8. However, with sub you have that really poses no problem. Keep us posted and snap a few pics if you can. Others here may be in the same or nearly the same situation. If so, pics can be very helpful.

Cheers,

Phil

Good to hear that everything is okay with you. Yeah, I will patiently wait for UPS to drop off my new speakers. I am having second thoughts on my center though. I really really want the CSi5 but they are priced a lot more than the CSi3 and also I want the CSi5 to be cherry finish. I'm not too crazy about having cherry finish Mains with black Center. Also, my wife is telling me that I can't buy the more expensive CSi5. Other than that, I really really want the CSi5.:D

mazersteven

09-14-2008, 10:50 PM

Even if I were to find them for $500/pair, I would still need to upgrade my receiver or get an amp to power those bad boys. Maybe my next speaker upgrade will be the LSi speakers or equivalent at the time.

Amp is only $200 bucks? :eek:

http://www.behringer.com/A500/index.cfm?lang=ENG

speakerman39

09-14-2008, 11:17 PM

Good to hear that everything is okay with you. Yeah, I will patiently wait for UPS to drop off my new speakers. I am having second thoughts on my center though. I really really want the CSi5 but they are priced a lot more than the CSi3 and also I want the CSi5 to be cherry finish. I'm not too crazy about having cherry finish Mains with black Center. Also, my wife is telling me that I can't buy the more expensive CSi5. Other than that, I really really want the CSi5.:D
Yeah, most claim the CSi5 is much better than the CSi3. However, it works fine for me. Keep in mind,though, that I am using RTi6's for my fronts. I still believe you will be fine even with your RTi8's as fronts. Hopefully, you will agree. Good luck my friend.

Cheers,

Phil

PENG

09-14-2008, 11:52 PM

Mazer,

That would be nice if I could find something like that here. Unfortunately, the only big box store in my town is circuitcity. Their best speaker from Polk is the TSi300. Other than that, the next best speaker they have open box or clearance is the Monitor 70, 50, 40, and 30. Even if I were to find them for $500/pair, I would still need to upgrade my receiver or get an amp to power those bad boys. Maybe my next speaker upgrade will be the LSi speakers or equivalent at the time.

That sounds like a plan, you can always add a pair of LSi7 or 9 for more serious music listening down the road. I used to have the RTi38 and I found them very good for home theater purposes. The RTi8 obviously sounds much better in mid bass so it can also do a decent job for music listening in pure direct mode without a subwoofer. In my opinion there isn't really that many speakers in this price group that can compete with the RTi8. I do prefer (better overall tonal balance) them to the Athena speakers.

That being said, the Athena did receive some good reviews such as this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/awardImages/ASF2%20Stereophile%20final.pdf

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 02:54 AM

Yeah, most claim the CSi5 is much better than the CSi3. However, it works fine for me. Keep in mind,though, that I am using RTi6's for my fronts. I still believe you will be fine even with your RTi8's as fronts. Hopefully, you will agree. Good luck my friend.

Cheers,

Phil

I finally convinced my wife to let me get the CSi5.:eek: Like I said before, I can only find it in black and not cherry. Do you think that having the RTi8 in cherry and the CSi5 in black will bad? I'm sure it will look odd but I figure that black matches everything so it shouldn't look too bad with the cherry RTI8. What do you think since you've seen how it looks in person and also I just want to hear your personal opinion. My wife isn't too concerned about the colors not being the same. I figure that I would give up aesthetics for performance.

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 02:56 AM

That sounds like a plan, you can always add a pair of LSi7 or 9 for more serious music listening down the road. I used to have the RTi38 and I found them very good for home theater purposes. The RTi8 obviously sounds much better in mid bass so it can also do a decent job for music listening in pure direct mode without a subwoofer. In my opinion there isn't really that many speakers in this price group that can compete with the RTi8. I do prefer (better overall tonal balance) them to the Athena speakers.

That being said, the Athena did receive some good reviews such as this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/awardImages/ASF2%20Stereophile%20final.pdf

Peng,

Yeah, I live in an apartment right now and my wife gave me permission to upgrade my speakers whenever we buy a house. I guess I'll be looking at the LSi series then with separate amps. Until then, the RTi8 will have to suffice.:D

speakerman39

09-15-2008, 08:18 PM

I finally convinced my wife to let me get the CSi5.:eek: Like I said before, I can only find it in black and not cherry. Do you think that having the RTi8 in cherry and the CSi5 in black will bad? I'm sure it will look odd but I figure that black matches everything so it shouldn't look too bad with the cherry RTI8. What do you think since you've seen how it looks in person and also I just want to hear your personal opinion. My wife isn't too concerned about the colors not being the same. I figure that I would give up aesthetics for performance.
Well, to be candid here, I personally prefer my speakers to have the same or nearly the same finish. However, at times we all run into situations like this. As for me, I live alone and as such this scenario would post little problem. Since you are dealing with a WAF things are a bit more complicated. If she does not have a problem with the Csi5 being in black, then my vote would be to go for it! ;);) Once again, it is how YOU and the WIFE feel about this situation. She has already given you the green-light so to speak. That to me, would be a "no brainer" at this conjecture. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 09:46 PM

Well, to be candid here, I personally prefer my speakers to have the same or nearly the same finish. However, at times we all run into situations like this. As for me, I live alone and as such this scenario would post little problem. Since you are dealing with a WAF things are a bit more complicated. If she does not have a problem with the Csi5 being in black, then my vote would be to go for it! ;);) Once again, it is how YOU and the WIFE feel about this situation. She has already given you the green-light so to speak. That to me, would be a "no brainer" at this conjecture. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5. Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub. I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will. It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

billy p

09-15-2008, 10:04 PM

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5. Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub. I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will. It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

Please don't come here looking for answers for what ails you!!:p We all have that problem.:D

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 10:23 PM

Please don't come here looking for answers for what ails you!!:p We all have that problem.:D

True true...:D

speakerman39

09-15-2008, 10:39 PM

Yeah, I would have preferred my speakers to all match, especially the fronts and center. Like you said, my wife is okay with the mismatch so I will go ahead and get the CSi5.
I think you are making a good decision here-especially by getting the wife's approval first.

Once I get my speakers, I'll definitely get some pictures up. I still have to get pictures of my now semi new sub.
Really looking forward to some pics my friend. Just when you find the time as there may be other here that find such pictures helpful.

I hope these new speakers serve me well for many years to come. Actually, I'm sure they will.
There is no doubt in mind they will. That is until.........you know.....LOL!!!! :p:p

It's just me that gets bored and I get upgraditis so I end up getting new speakers even when my current ones are fine.

Yeah, I know as many of us suffer from the same illness. It is called being an "audiophile" or at the very least an "audiophile-in-training". The sad part is it never ends. Once you are infected, it becomes a permanent part of who you are my friend. Might as well get used to it. :D:D

Cheers,

Phil

speakerman39

09-15-2008, 10:42 PM

Sang, I have no idea what happened with my post. Just read through it and you get the idea. At least part of it looks right. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 10:54 PM

Yeah, I know as many of us suffer from the same illness. It is called being an "audiophile" or at the very least an "audiophile-in-training". The sad part is it never ends. Once you are infected, it becomes a permanent part of who you are my friend. Might as well get used to it. :D:D

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, there is no cure to this illness. It seems to get worse whenever I start reading up on different speakers or receivers or amps. I need to stop...:)

SangYuP

09-15-2008, 10:55 PM

Sang, I have no idea what happened with my post. Just read through it and you get the idea. At least part of it looks right. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

Which post?

speakerman39

09-15-2008, 11:16 PM

Which post?
Ummmmm post # 29. Read it carefully and you will see. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 09:56 PM

Ummmmm post # 29. Read it carefully and you will see. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.

billy p

09-18-2008, 10:19 PM

When I first hooked up my new speakers I was shocked at the difference, they sounded so neutral and flat in my living room I was kind of confused. I guess I was so used to the Athenas I had to allowed myself enough time with them before I passed judgment allowing my ears to break and critically hear the difference. About a week later I hooked up my B2's and man where they bright, needless to say give yourself some time to adjust and later you can discern which one you really like better. In all likelihood you'll still prefer the RTi8's but you've nothing to lose.

Goodluck, Bill:)

speakerman39

09-18-2008, 10:23 PM

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.
Very glad to hear this Sang! I am also glad the wife likes the look as well. Nothing like a happy wife. ;);) Looking forward to some pics my friend. The RTi8 is one of my favorite speakers period. You made a great decision imho. Kudos to you. Congrats on your new speakers. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Phil

dorokusai

09-18-2008, 10:29 PM

Phil,

I almost missed what you were talking about. I had to read it a few times to notice that your replies were included in the quotes. Anyway, my RTi8's finally came today! I am now listening to some music and so far they are great. They seem a little smoother and they are a little brighter than my F2s. I actually like the brightness. I'm not an audiophile, so I can't tell you too much detail why they are better, but to my ears, they sound better and more pleasing. I think I did the right thing to buy these speakers. It was definitely an upgrade to me. My CSi5 will arrive tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! Oh yeah, the cherry finish is gorgeous. Even my wife really likes the finish on it.

That's great to hear and the CSi5 is a solid center channel. I've read the bright comment so many times and while I agree, not sure why. If you have any pictures, send them to me.

Mark

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 10:36 PM

billy p

09-18-2008, 10:38 PM

I'll be sure to keep listening, but so far I am really pleased with the RTi8s. I was a little worried about the SQ difference between the RTi8 and F2, but now I can stop worrying...:)

Now you have to change your sig:D

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 10:39 PM

Very glad to hear this Sang! I am also glad the wife likes the look as well. Nothing like a happy wife. ;);) Looking forward to some pics my friend. The RTi8 is one of my favorite speakers period. You made a great decision imho. Kudos to you. Congrats on your new speakers. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Phil

Yeah, it's always good when the wife likes them too. They are a little smaller than my F2, but she said that they were sleeker and the finish is top notch. I can see why these are your favorite speakers. They sound great. It was with the help of all the users and especially you that made me make this choice. Without you guys I would have probably cancelled the order (I'm so glad I didn't). The pictures are uploading as I type this...

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 10:42 PM

That's great to hear and the CSi5 is a solid center channel. I've read the bright comment so many times and while I agree, not sure why. If you have any pictures, send them to me.

Mark

Yeah, I've been reading a lot about the CSi5 and it's making me get really impatient. Good thing it's coming tomorrow. I'll post the pictures here in a few minutes.

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 10:45 PM

Now you have to change your sig:D

Done.:D

Here are the pictures of my brand new RTi8. The pictures don't do the cherry finish justice. Like everyone says, you have to see them in person to really appreciate the finish. Enjoy the pictures and please ignore the specs of dust. I didn't realize how much dust was on my speakers.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5460.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5461.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5465.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5481.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5488.jpg

speakerman39

09-18-2008, 10:55 PM

Yeah, it's always good when the wife likes them too. They are a little smaller than my F2, but she said that they were sleeker and the finish is top notch. I can see why these are your favorite speakers. They sound great. It was with the help of all the users and especially you that made me make this choice. Without you guys I would have probably cancelled the order (I'm so glad I didn't). The pictures are uploading as I type this...
Well Sang, thanks for your kind words. Yes, the RTi8's have been one of my favs for a long time. However, it is more about how it sounds than the way it looks. It just so happens the RTi8 looks amazing as well. To me, it is the total package. However, I have not found my RTi speakers to sound bright at at, but rather a bit on the forward side of things. Sometimes, I can't help but wander if people confuse forwardness with brightness. :confused::confused: I describe the Polk sound as very detailed and crisp with a touch of forwardness. Perhaps, a bit aggressive at times. But, this is what I like-so it is no surprise that I own Polk. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

mazersteven

09-18-2008, 11:02 PM

Are you going to start a thread here,

Member Systems Gallery
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

:D

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 11:03 PM

Well Sang, thanks for your kind words. Yes, the RTi8's have been one of my favs for a long time. However, it is more about how it sounds than the way it looks. It just so happens the RTi8 looks amazing as well. To me, it is the total package. However, I have not found my RTi speakers to sound bright at at, but rather a bit on the forward side of things. Sometimes, I can't help but wander if people confuse forwardness with brightness. :confused::confused: I describe the Polk sound as very detailed and crisp with a touch of forwardness. Perhaps, a bit aggressive at times. But, this is what I like-so it is no surprise that I own Polk. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

I agree that it's all about the sound that the speaker produces, but like you said, it just happens that they look really nice as well. Yes, they are more crisp and detailed than my F2. I was never really pleased with my F2s, but the RTi8 I am extremely pleased with. Now that you mention it, it does have that in your face forwardness. Because I was never really pleased with my F2s, I didn't listen to music that much. For movies they were fine, but music I always found the F2s a little lacking. I could never put my finger on with it was that I found lacking, but something just felt like it was missing. Maybe I had too much expectation from them.

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 11:04 PM

Are you going to start a thread here,

Member Systems Gallery
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

:D

I guess I should...

dorokusai

09-18-2008, 11:05 PM

Phil/Sang - Just out of curiosity, why would you call them forward but not bright? Semantics? Seriously, a genuine question, no rags.

The most common question I receive is why are they bright, in which I agree, since they sound brighter than the previous tri-lam tweeter.

Just wondering.

Mark

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 11:17 PM

I might as well post a picture of my MFW-15. This thing is a monster and it sounds good to boot. I didn't realize how big this sub was until I saw the box. Don't mind the fleece blanket on top. I had to cover it because I was afraid people would use it as an end table. Better safe than sorry.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/StarW77/_DSC5490.jpg

SangYuP

09-18-2008, 11:18 PM

speakerman39

09-19-2008, 12:30 AM

Mark,

I think they sound both bright and forward IMHO. I'm sure Phil can answer in more detail...
Well, the reason I don't consider them very bright is because of comparing to the likes of Klipsch. One day, I got the chance to listen to them both directly for over an hour. One thing became abundantly clear to me-Klipsch was way too bright and harsh for my tastes. Now, I am not hating on Klipsch, but rather stating that they are NOT to my liking. I describe the Polk sound as being very clear, clean, and crisp with some aggressiveness, but not bright. The are forward, but very detailed and I like that in a speaker. Others, may not and that is fine by me as we are all unique. Each to their own I always say. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

speakerman39

09-19-2008, 02:48 PM

SangYuP

09-19-2008, 07:44 PM

Dang, that is SEXY! :eek::eek: Oh man, now I am attracted to electro-mechanical things! :o:o

Cheers,

Phil

Isn't though? It was love at first sight!!!:o:D;):eek:

dorokusai

09-19-2008, 10:18 PM

Well, the reason I don't consider them very bright is because of comparing to the likes of Klipsch. One day, I got the chance to listen to them both directly for over an hour. One thing became abundantly clear to me-Klipsch was way too bright and harsh for my tastes. Now, I am not hating on Klipsch, but rather stating that they are NOT to my liking. I describe the Polk sound as being very clear, clean, and crisp with some aggressiveness, but not bright. The are forward, but very detailed and I like that in a speaker. Others, may not and that is fine by me as we are all unique. Each to their own I always say. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

Fair enough, thanks. I'm moreso with the idea that they are one in the same but I understand your distinction.

"One mans bright is another mans detail." - RGates

That's not someone famous, just my buddies drunken quote one evening :D

Mark

speakerman39

09-19-2008, 10:18 PM

Isn't though? It was love at first sight!!!:o:D;):eek:
Amen bro.........LOL!!!! :p:p Is it me or does it look even sexier? ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

speakerman39

09-21-2008, 10:53 AM

Fair enough, thanks. I'm moreso with the idea that they are one in the same but I understand your distinction.

"One mans bright is another mans detail." - RGates

That's not someone famous, just my buddies drunken quote one evening :D

Mark
Very much agreed Mark As far as the quote, lets just say I am ROFLMAO! ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

Joe Schmoe

09-22-2008, 09:53 AM

Dang, that is SEXY! :eek::eek: Oh man, now I am attracted to electro-mechanical things! :o:o

Cheers,

Phil

How is a big, featureless black box "sexy"?:confused:
I am sure it sounds great, but let's face facts here, it isn't much to look at!:rolleyes:

SangYuP

09-22-2008, 02:27 PM

How is a big, featureless black box "sexy"?:confused:
I am sure it sounds great, but let's face facts here, it isn't much to look at!:rolleyes:

I'm sorry but everything about that "big, featureless black box" is sexy.:D

speakerman39

09-22-2008, 10:16 PM

How is a big, featureless black box "sexy"?:confused:
I am sure it sounds great, but let's face facts here, it isn't much to look at!:rolleyes:
Hey Joe, nothing a few cases of beer couldn't fix. :eek::eek: Anyways, beauty is in the eye of the beholder right.......?? ;);)

Cheers,

Phil