Replacing stolen speakers and can't audition them, need help.

[mrceolla]

Hello everyone,

I need help choosing speakers. The stores in my area do not carry what I'm looking at so I need some input.

I'll be replacing my stolen speakers through my insurance company who can get some brands at dealer cost or at least lower than internet prices. I will be getting a Yamaha RX-A3000 to replace my stolen receiver and a Polk microPRO 3000 to replace my stolen microPRO 2000 which I loved but is apparently no loner available. But I need help with the remaining 5 speakers.

Here are the models that I'm looking at and the prices I can get them for. With the exception of the center channel speakers, sub, and receiver, the front and rear speaker prices are for a pair:

Yamaha RX-A3000 $1,137.00
Polk microPRO 3000 $805.53
JBL L880 Black $799.98
JBL L890 Black $899.98
JBL ES90 Black $599.98
Polk RTi A9 Black $871.46
Polk RTi A7 Black $580.96
Boston Acoustics RS 326 Black $1,000.00
Boston Acoustics RS 334 Black $700.00
JBL LC1 Black $249.99
JBL LC2 Black $319.99
JBL ES25C Black $179.99
Boston Acoustics RS 244C Black $250.00
Polk CSi A6 Black $464.76
Polk CSi A4 Black $290.44
JBL L810 Black $269.94
JBL L830 Black $399.99
JBL L820 Black $650.00
JBL ES20 Black $199.99
JBL ES30 Black $299.99
Polk RTi A3 $232.38
Boston Acoustics RS 230 Black $250.00
Boston Acoustics RS 260 Black $400.00

I have about $1700-$2000 to spend on speakers. I have been leaning towards the Polk for no other reason than I know I like their microPRO subs. Very powerful, tight, clean base. But unfortunately none of the stores in my area have the RTi A9 speakers available for auditioning. None of the stores have the JBLs or Boston Acoustics either.

I listeded to the RTi A5 at American and compared it with a Klipsch RF-82II. The Klipsch definitely had stronger highs than the RTi A5 but I've read the RTi A9 does a bit better in that area.

It looks as if I will have to make a speaker purchase without being able to listen to them first so I'm reaching out to you experts in hopes you can help me make a choice that I don't regret.

Without confusing me too much, are there any other speakers I should be looking at for $1700-$2000 for front, center, and rear speakers?

I look forward to reading your responses. Thank you all and have a great day!

Mike

 

[jamie2112]

I can't stand any of the speakers listed.I would recommend telling us what you are using the speakers for IE: music ,HT ect? There are alot of speakers with great reviews under your looking price.I would ask for an answer to my question before I make any recommendations.Also you have a sub already? The Polk sub???That is one of the worst sounding subs I have ever heard as well.Is the sub included in the insurance companies bid or can you get another one? What do they have you paying for a Polk sub.If you liked the Polk sub try ANY HSU SVS EPIK in the lower price ranges and you will like your polk sub no more...best of luck to you.

 

[sholling]

I agree with Jamie (there goes my rep ) on the sub. Speakers are personal taste. I'd at least spend some time trying to audition the Boston RS line. I haven't heard those but I've always liked their reference line. Speakers are so subjective and that there is no telling which you'll like best.

 

[GranteedEV]

Polk microPRO 3000

Yuck.

Yamaha RX-A3000 $1,137.00
Polk microPRO 3000 $805.53
JBL L880 Black $799.98
JBL L890 Black $899.98
JBL ES90 Black $599.98
Polk RTi A9 Black $871.46
Polk RTi A7 Black $580.96
Boston Acoustics RS 326 Black $1,000.00
Boston Acoustics RS 334 Black $700.00
JBL LC1 Black $249.99
JBL LC2 Black $319.99
JBL ES25C Black $179.99
Boston Acoustics RS 244C Black $250.00
Polk CSi A6 Black $464.76
Polk CSi A4 Black $290.44
JBL L810 Black $269.94
JBL L830 Black $399.99
JBL L820 Black $650.00
JBL ES20 Black $199.99
JBL ES30 Black $299.99
Polk RTi A3 $232.38
Boston Acoustics RS 230 Black $250.00
Boston Acoustics RS 260 Black $400.00

The only JBL speakers that I would buy are JBL Pro. None of those are JBL Pro.

I would never buy polk speakers. They sound about as good as sony speakers to my ears.

I can't comment on boston acoustics speakers... in my mind they're a car audio company.

 

[templemaners]

There are several online speaker companies that have free auditioning, like Aperion, and others that you'd just be out shipping costs. I'd look at those options before I'd consider anything like Polk, BA, or JBL.

 

[mrceolla]

Hi all,

Thank you for your input. These speakers will be for both music and HT.

I'm sure there are better subs out there, but none of the others at Best Buy or American sounded good to me. Everything else sounded muddy and air turbulence was obvious at high volume. I like the sound of a non-ported sub and the microPRO 2000 was the only one available in my area at the time I went out listening. Since the 2000 was the best I had heard and I liked its small size and sound quality, I figured I'd step up to the 3000 to get a little lower lows. Have you folks that are poo-pooing the microPRO 3000 ever heard one? Or just don't like Polk. I must say their other subs are equally as bad as everything else I heard at BB and American. But the microPRO stood out to me with it's tight, clean bass. The little thing is so powerful that it actually bounced across the showroom floor when cranked up. The microPRO line has also gotten some great reviews. Can you point me to a negative review?

Shipping speakers isn't cheap so even though some companies may allow for in home auditioning, back and forth shiping costs could really add up if I have to try a number of speakers before I find ones I like. Plus it's hard to pass up speakers at roughly 1/2 off of MSFP which I can get through my insurance company. They said they can get deals on Polk, Boston Acoustics, Sony, and Yamaha. I would never consider Sony or Yamaha speakers but I'm glad they can get the Yamaha receivers at good prices.

Yes, I know speakers are subjective. Unfortunately I can not find any stores in my area that carry anything discussed above. So I am seeking unbiased input to make my decisions. The more input the better.

And if you say you don't like this or that, can you try to describe the sound you hear and exactly what it is that you don't like about it?

If multiple people can say unequivocally that a particular set of speakers for $1700-$2000 total would be the best way to go, then I will go that route and try not to look back.

Just to be clear, that price range does not include the sub. The insurance company said they can get me a microPRO 3000 for $800 or I can buy something else for $800. And I am also only doing 5.1.

This is hard.

 

[dapack69]

Actually you may be surprised by the quality of the Yamaha NS-700 series speakers they now offer.

 

[engtaz]

Sorry to hear of the theft. Good luck with your choices.

 

[puckhead]

If you're worried about shipping, try Aperion Audio (http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx) -- they have free shipping both ways and a 30-day in-home trial so you have nothing to lose.

So, for your $1700 here's what you might consider....

2 x Verus Grand Bookshelf @$299 each
1 x Verus Grand Center @$699
2 x Verus Forte Satellite @$175 each

Your total is $1647 shipped to your door (and shipped back if you don't like them). The Verus Grand line (or maybe just the Verus Grand Towers) was reviewed recently here on Audioholics and I believe one or two other sites.

And for the sub, $800 can get you a lot. Check out the ones already mentioned (HSU, Epic, SVS, etc.) or add Emotiva (http://emotiva.com/) to your list as well -- you could get 2 10" sealed subs for $608, or 2 12" sealed subs for $808 (they're on sale now and you get an extra $50 off if you buy 2 or more). Free shipping too (one-way). The 12" sub was reviewed recently here on Audioholics.

I think this set-up would exceed anything currently on your list. And the customer service for both Aperion and Emotiva are first rate -- great people to deal with. I am not affiliated with either company, but use their products and/or have friends that do.

Good luck with your insurance claim and let us know what you decide.

 

[darien87]

I don't know about the other speakers listed, but in looking at the Boston Acoustics website, they're giving you MSRP pricing. Doesn't sound like dealer pricing to me. You might want to have them double-check that.

 

[mrceolla]

I don't know about the other speakers listed, but in looking at the Boston Acoustics website, they're giving you MSRP pricing. Doesn't sound like dealer pricing to me. You might want to have them double-check that.

The prices in my first post are for a PAIR of speakers. Unless, of course, the item is a center channel, sub, or receiver.

 

[mrceolla]

If you're worried about shipping, try Aperion Audio -- they have free shipping both ways and a 30-day in-home trial so you have nothing to lose.

So, for your $1700 here's what you might consider....

2 x Verus Grand Bookshelf @$299 each
1 x Verus Grand Center @$699
2 x Verus Forte Satellite @$175 each

Your total is $1647 shipped to your door (and shipped back if you don't like them). The Verus Grand line (or maybe just the Verus Grand Towers) was reviewed recently here on Audioholics and I believe one or two other sites.

And for the sub, $800 can get you a lot. Check out the ones already mentioned (HSU, Epic, SVS, etc.) or add Emotiva to your list as well -- you could get 2 10" sealed subs for $608, or 2 12" sealed subs for $808 (they're on sale now and you get an extra $50 off if you buy 2 or more). Free shipping too (one-way). The 12" sub was reviewed recently here on Audioholics.

I think this set-up would exceed anything currently on your list. And the customer service for both Aperion and Emotiva are first rate -- great people to deal with. I am not affiliated with either company, but use their products and/or have friends that do.

Good luck with your insurance claim and let us know what you decide.

Thanks puckhead.

I'm not sure I would be happy with bookshelf speakers as my fronts or 1 way speakers for my rears. And that's a pretty expensive center channel. I'm sure they're great speakers (better be for that price) but probably out of my price range for what I'm looking for.

As for the subs. It sure is tempting to get 2 subs for the price of one microPRO 3000. But I find it hard to part with what I already know I like. In fact, I'm tempted to throw out another $800 of insurance money to get a 2nd microPRO. Probably won't, but tempted. I wish I had more audiophile friends to hear different brands. But I don't.

I know Polk had a bad reputation for subs for many years. But these microPROs are different. Very tight, powerful, musical subs. Anyone can make a sub go low and sound OK for movies. But music is a different story.

So, while I'm sure it is possible to find a better sub setup than 1 microPRO for $800, I don't think I want to spend the time on trial and error plus shipping costs. I think my mind is pretty much made up on the sub unless someone who has tried a microPRO and was happier with something else speaks up.

However, my mind is nowhere near made up on the rest of the speakers. Please, more input.

Thanks.

 

[GranteedEV]

For the price of the Polk you could be looking at an SVS SB12, Epik Empire, or Rythmik F12. I strongly doubt the polk sounds as good as any of those.

It may have impressed you relative to mediocre vented best buy subs but that's not exactly a frame of reference.

On that note a great vented sub can sound excellent as well.

 

[AVRat]

For a frame of reference, what were the previous speakers?

 

[mrceolla]

For a frame of reference, what were the previous speakers?

You'll laugh.

Fronts - Audiofile 583LR (from the back of a white van $200/pr)
Center - Phase Technology Center
Rears - some old Bose 2-way w/ 7" or 8" woofer
Sub - Polk microPRO 2000

 

[mrceolla]

For the price of the Polk you could be looking at an SVS SB12, Epik Empire, or Rythmik F12. I strongly doubt the polk sounds as good as any of those.

It may have impressed you relative to mediocre vented best buy subs but that's not exactly a frame of reference.

On that note a great vented sub can sound excellent as well.

I'm quite sure any of those subs would blow away anything at Best Buy or American (w/ exception of possibly Polk microPRO or Focal at American). But I can't listen to those you mentioned before buying. Shipping those beasts is not cheap.

Two other points:

1) I've never heard those subs and it sounds like you haven't heard the microPROs.

2) I'm shooting for 10". Smaller = tigher, more control, not as low. Sounding great for music is #1. Ultra low Lows for HT is 2nd.

I'm not saying your wrong by any means. Just that you're guessing at the liklihood those other subs are better. If I'm going to take a chance with another sub, I need to hear from someone who has had a microPRO in their home and later preferred a different sub. All of the professional and user reviews I've found on the microPROs are very positive. Some even claim they blow away other popular subs.

So, if anyone here has had a microPRO and now prefers something else, please let em know.

 

[mrceolla]

Anyone have any experience with or own the Polk LSi line?

Again, I can get both Polk and Boston Acoustics for roughtly 1/2 of MSRP...which is why I'm leaning towards those two brands and looking for reasons NOT to get them.

Thanks.

 

[zieglj01]

You'll laugh.

Fronts - Audiofile 583LR (from the back of a white van $200/pr)
Center - Phase Technology Center
Rears - some old Bose 2-way w/ 7" or 8" woofer
Sub - Polk microPRO 2000

It is good that you can upgrade now. Compared to what you
had - the Boston's will turn your head.

 

[GranteedEV]

I'm quite sure any of those subs would blow away anything at Best Buy or American (w/ exception of possibly Polk microPRO or Focal at American). But I can't listen to those you mentioned before buying. Shipping those beasts is not cheap.

One is an $800 direct servo subwoofer. You won't be getting servo in a brick and mortar shop for a 12" long throw woofer for anywhere near that price.

2) I'm shooting for 10". Smaller = tigher, more control, not as low.

That's not true at all. Subjective tightness has nothing to do with the size of the cone. Smaller drivers can operate at higher frequencies IE a 10" driver might be better at 1khz, but subs operate from 20hz-160hz or so. In this passband, even a 21" driver will perform more than admirably. Your assumption is unfounded and incorrect, and has no scientific foundation.

Control is a function of motor strength/linearity and amplifier ability. A poor motor may not control a large cone but a superior motor will control a large cone better than a poor motor will control a small cone.

Enclosure damping is also notable. Small overdamped enclosures have a fake "spring" effect which does not produce realistic, musical bass. You need to get close to critical damping and strong well placed cross-bracing to reduce box colorations and resonances.

Polk is not an engineering driven brand. Never has been, never will be. They're pure marketing. If you're going to avoid anything else simply because you're afraid, then your loss. I have no doubt - not even 1% that the subs I mentioned will invariablyhave better subjective sound quality because they are based on lower distortion and superior build quality. Heck, even a pair of $400 internet direct subs. Multiples will certainly win a battle of in-room sound quality.

Your concept of "deep is for HT, otherwise it's musical" is extremely flawed and sounds like you've been convinced by people who really don't know what they're talking about.

 

[digicidal]

A little counter-point

I know I'm in the minority here, and I fully admit to them having issues - but I am one that does like the Polk RTi A# line. I realize that it depends greatly on your room and the qualities you are looking for in a speaker, but when I was considering the RTi A7 vs RTi A9 I felt the 9's were simply too bloated and sloppy in the bass area and even more forward in the treble. To my ears they sounded like a Klipsch (the cheaper lines... not the Heritage lines).

However, to further recommend the Aperions... that's what I ultimately decided on rather than following the Polk direction. I still use my RTi A1's for 2ch music in my office and wouldn't trade them for anything else in their price range.

As far as the recommended Aperions - I'm currently using the bookshelves as fronts with the center - and they really lack nothing as long as you have the subs to back them up. (However, I also agree with the others here that the polk isn't gonna cut it if you really want LFE to be more than a suggestion). I guess if you're married to that sub I would recommend getting some very large towers that are at least up to the task of hitting in the 40Hz range in-room... cuz that sub certainly isn't going to go much lower - you could just run the fronts full-range and leave it out of the equation altogether.

I think the Aperion Grand Verus Center would actually dig deeper than your sub - at least it sure seems like it could when I turn it up to reference levels. And yes... it's worth every pretty penny it costs... and then some IMHO.

As a referrence I'm using dual Emotiva Ultra12 subs which were right at $800 shipped for both of them. There is absolutely nothing sloppy or bloated about the bass they provide. It's very tight and controlled and easily matched what I heard in demos from anything remotely close to their price at B&M's... Are they the best available? Not by a long shot. Did they make my Polk sub cry and hide in the back bedroom screaming for it's Mommy? Most definitely!