Polk Audio or Infinity

[buckitrav]

I'm putting together a semi-serious (to me, some people on here would consider it very very basic) surround sound system. I've decided on an HK AVR335 receiver. I'm still deciding between speakers though. I'm deciding between two different configurations. My first consists of Polk Audio Monitor 50s in the front, Monitor 30s in the back with a CSi3 center channel. The second consists of a pair of Inifinty Primus 250s in the front and Primus 150s in the back with a C25 center channel. I will have a 10" velodyne sub. First question (obviously) which one of these setups would be better? Secondly would there be any problem combining them? Like having Polk in the front Infinty in the back or vice versa or using an Infinity center with the Polk front and rear? It's going to be used mainly for movies and video games, but I will have it hooked up to my PC to listen to music too. Any advice at all would be extremely appreciated as they are almost identical in price and I really don't know enough to make a great decision. Thanks in advance.

 

[Leprkon]

in theory, Infinity is a Harmon-owned company and should mix better with the 335. in truth, both Infinity and Polk are very good values for the price.

should you decide to mix, make sure the front three are all from the same company. the rears can be a different brand from the fronts, but the fronts should definitely be the same.

Depending on your application, I'd recommend you look at the Primus 140's instead of the 150's for back speakers. The 150's are a full-size bookshelf speaker and will not be easy to mount on a wall or ceiling. For one thing, your wall may not hold the weight without a VERY solid mount, and for another, the wife may gather her friends for your execution. The 140's are alot smaller, but still pack a lot of punch.

http://ww3.onecall.com/PID_23706.htm

 

[dillweed]

First of all good choice on the receiver.

Let me ask you have you listened to the Infinity and Polk speakers? If so which ones do you like the best? Do you have the opportunity to buy both sets for 30 days and try them out in your house?

While I am waiting for that answer let me say that mixing and matching with a center channel is a HUGE no no. Mixing Polk fronts with Infinity rears or vise versa is not recommended but if it sounds good to you do it. Personally I like Infinity speakers better than Polk for watching movies and Polk better than Infinity for listening music. HK is a good match to both Primus and Monitors because it will bring a warm amp to IMO a bright speaker.

Both will serve you well. Go with what sounds better to you. If neither stands out buy the cheapest. Again DONT mix the center channel.

 

[buckitrav]

I have had the opportunity to listen to both, but I personally don't notice a huge difference in them. I like the look of the Polks a little bit more (the Infinitys look a little more traditional vs. the Polk's more modern look). I don't however have the opportunity to try them out in my house. After some thinking about it, most of the time I will probably be listening to music from my PC, video games obviously (college kid), and movies really whenever I have company. Any personal experience with either of these brands? Or is it one of those situations where I'll be pretty pleased with either one? Also you mentioned the Primus 140 because it is smaller, what about the TSS-750, they're much smaller satellites, how comparable would they sound? Also, if I decided to go with the Polks in the front, would the Infinity's in the back still sound ok? Thanks for your help.

 

[nibhaz]

The most important thing to remember is to keep the front three speakers the same (same family)...timber matched, for panning during HT playback. Using a different brand for the rears is not as crucial, since they generally only handle ambient noise...matched is ideal, but by no means necessary. Personally I find the Polk’s to be a little punchier on the lower end, while the Infinities to tend to be a little more open on the upper end, but this is just my opinion, and should not effect your decision. You should only base your opinion on your ears! Gather up some CDs that you are familiar with and go have another listen, if you still can’t hear a difference then make your decision based on appearance and price point, only you know what's best for you.