Polk Speakers

[j_garcia]

Can't tell you why, but their subs are just not that great. They are tuning for the masses, not true enthusiasts, so J6P is fine with them, but if you want something serious, they don't really have it. In vehicle performance is VERY different than home as well, two totally different environments. It is easier to achieve high numbers in a small enclosed, relatively air tight volume compared to a large room. Cabin gain and immediate positioning go a long way to getting more from a sub in a vehicle. Their home subs aren't junk, but they also aren't worth what they charge for them IMO. I don't think it is a discrepancy, I think it is that the two groups (home vs car) don't really work together and thus you have two different focuses and two different results.

 

[PENG]

I like their RTi speakers. Some say they are good for H.T. but not the best for music. I find them good for both. The LSi line uses a nice ring tweeter but I don't find them that much better than the RTis. I think InTheIndustry is right, they are neutal sounding speakers. I do agree that their subs are a little weak. For the same money you can do better with a Velodyne. That said, I was quite impressed with my PSW404, until I replaced it with a PC ultra.

 

[Sheep]

Well, that it is a pretty poor system. You cannot judge their sound from this setup.

Like most have said, good value. I think they sound great for movies and descent for music.

Get a different sub, I like Velodyne.

I'm basing that opinion of hearing a full RTi system. I tinkered with everything I could, but they just sound bright IMO.

SheepStar

 

[saaudio]

I'm basing that opinion of hearing a full RTi system. I tinkered with everything I could, but they just sound bright IMO.

SheepStar

OK, sorry it kind of sounded like that system was what your were basing it on.

Why does your friend have FX speakers in the front? Just curious.

 

[Sheep]

OK, sorry it kind of sounded like that system was what your were basing it on.

Why does your friend have FX speakers in the front? Just curious.

His mom picked everything out. The sub from the sat package isn't bad, and his room is pretty big. Haven't really had a chance to push it though.

The best part, is it's all setup wrong. The midrange drivers are firing outward, not in. I'll be fixing it up next time I'm over.

SheepStar

 

[Ron Temple]

I've owned Polk for a bit over 2 years and have listened to or tried nearly everything from their current lines. As one pointed out, they are very good at their respective price points, but not for everyone. Other than the LSis, I think their weakness is in the tweeter. The RTis can get pretty harsh on some content without the right source, cables and power combo, but I liked them for both HT and music, detail, imaging and soundstage were very good, just not as refined as some other speakers I've heard. Midrange is excellent, bass is tight, but without a ton of power, you'll still will want a sub even with the 10s and 12s.

The current Monitor line is firmly in the middle between the Rtis and Rs. Don't quite image as well as the RTis, but have the sweet midrange, sound warmer, but not as detailed...still can play loud without breakup. If you like the warmer sound or don't have the coin for the Rtis, they are a nice solution. For strictly bang for the buck, the Rs are tough to beat since they are practically given away by Frys. They are not pretty, but offer the Polk sound and are surprisingly hard to upgrade out of. I listened to several well respected speakers from $500 a pair to $1500 recognizing that each was better, but couldn't justify the price for the increase in performance, including RTi8s for a month.

Arguably, the best Polk speakers are still some of their vintage lines back from the stereo years with no or few WAF or HT compromises. The early Monitor line, RTAs, LS and SDAs are really pretty special, fairly easy to come by at very reasonable prices and can compete with modern speakers at or well above their original price points. I listened for 20 minutes to a mint set of SDA 1Cs and that was it, I had to have them.

To each his own of course...

 

[Frugal]

Polk RTi8

I was interested in Polk speakers but couldn't find a decent place to listen to them. After talking to the Rep and hearing his frustration about the same thing I bought a pair of RTi8s to see if they were right for me. I find them a bit too bright and the bass while strong and deep has a kind of sound effect quality. I can't put my finger on what it is about the midrange but something is missing. After breaking them in I took them to a small stereo shop (yes this guy sells stereos) and compaired them to a pair of Wharfdale 9.2s. The bass wasn't as strong but was much more realistic, the brightness was gone and imaginging was really better. Then I tried the tiny Epos ELS 3s. Wow, there was Holy Cole standing right in front of me with bass player and piano just where they should be. If I were buying speakers to rock the house or strickly for movies I'd consider the Polks because they sound big and THX seems to like a little extra brightness. I'm going to try and find other shops willing to let me compare them.
For now I want 4 Epos ELS 3, an ELS 3c and a Whafdale PC10+ sub. This should come to about $1800. Any recomendations would be welcome.

 

[chaos24]

i love polks. never had the chance to audition higher end speakers, but polks build quality is great. there imaging is awesome. i love my polks, but every ear has it's own love....

 

[someonebuyit]

Polk RTI8 Vs PSB Image T45

I am new over here and i have a decesion to make about the speakers i have purchased

I currently have rti8, rti4,psw 505 sub, csia4 and bought yamaha rxv1800
I have the speakers totaling at $1047 Cdn for $1350 I can get the PSB Image T45, C-40 Centre Channel, 5i subsonic Woofer, Alpha LR1 for surrounds

I dont know waht to do with the speakers, if some one can respond and help me out I would appreciate it

 

[cfrizz]

I have been a Polk owner since 1990 & still have my original RTA-8T's which is the anchor of my HT setup. They are very solid well made speakers that have heft to them. Their CS is also top notch & always willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

The RTi's tweeter does take a while to get used to & can often be described as harsh. Some like it & some hate it.

The LSi's are simply fantastic! But until you really put some serious power to them you won't know what you're missing.

Polk's PSW subwoofer gets panned all the time even by die hard Polkies! However, they have redesigned their subs now called DSW. And from everything I have heard they have finally gotten it right.

So if you want to check out a matching sub from Polk look for their DSW line rather than their PSW line.

 

[dorokusai]

I was interested in Polk speakers but couldn't find a decent place to listen to them. After talking to the Rep and hearing his frustration about the same thing I bought a pair of RTi8s to see if they were right for me. I find them a bit too bright and the bass while strong and deep has a kind of sound effect quality. I can't put my finger on what it is about the midrange but something is missing. After breaking them in I took them to a small stereo shop (yes this guy sells stereos) and compaired them to a pair of Wharfdale 9.2s. The bass wasn't as strong but was much more realistic, the brightness was gone and imaginging was really better. Then I tried the tiny Epos ELS 3s. Wow, there was Holy Cole standing right in front of me with bass player and piano just where they should be. If I were buying speakers to rock the house or strickly for movies I'd consider the Polks because they sound big and THX seems to like a little extra brightness. I'm going to try and find other shops willing to let me compare them.
For now I want 4 Epos ELS 3, an ELS 3c and a Whafdale PC10+ sub. This should come to about $1800. Any recomendations would be welcome.

Those EPOS are really nice monitors, great choice!

I agree with you on the demo's for Polk's as it's almost always a 50/50 shot in the dark. It's a shame and if they controlled the sales floor half as much as Bose does with their product demonstrations, it might be a different story.

Mark
Polk Audio CS