Will polk ever bring out high end speakers
Comments
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tk,
I absolutley aggree with you, and just to clarify, I my self am not saying we wont do this or we will. Im simply a CS/TS rep, I dont have the power to make those decisions.... However I can bring items (like this entire forum post) to the attention of people who can, as hopefully sway them to look a little deeper into creating an XO upgrade
_EDIT - FYI Ive used Solen/Soni/Clarity caps and While I have been impressed with the Sonicaps I have actually utalized the Solen Caps on most of my speakers. As I personally have found them to offer the best Bang for the Buck -
Size: I understand due to the material utilized but that is some Polk could potentially work around.hearingimpared wrote: »Not true about the size of the caps TK! They are in most cases going to be larger that is why a DIYer needs to plan ahead as to how he his going to position them on the board, i.e., piggy back, standing on end etc.
I think you miss read the comments about Sonicaps. They are the favored caps in most cases, it is the SOLEN caps that were suggested to be avoided.:)
Positionning (piggy backing etc...): This is area where I think it could lead to problems (too much variables that can affect a different placenent that in most cases should be left to the engineers)
Sonicaps versus Solen: I stand corrected
I fully understand this is strickly a discussion and Polk audio needs to evaluate if this is viable for the company or not.KyleShufelt wrote: »tk,
I absolutley aggree with you, and just to clarify, I my self am not saying we wont do this or we will. Im simply a CS/TS rep, I dont have the power to make those decisions.... However I can bring items (like this entire forum post) to the attention of people who can, as hopefully sway them to look a little deeper into creating an XO upgrade
_EDIT - FYI Ive used Solen/Soni/Clarity caps and While I have been impressed with the Sonicaps I have actually utalized the Solen Caps on most of my speakers. As I personally have found them to offer the best Bang for the Buck
Cheers!
TKDARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
KyleShufelt wrote: »
_EDIT - FYI Ive used Solen/Soni/Clarity caps and While I have been impressed with the Sonicaps I have actually utalized the Solen Caps on most of my speakers. As I personally have found them to offer the best Bang for the Buck
Odd, as most feel the Clarity's are better than Solens both in tone and bang for buck. But herein lies the issue, we all hear differently, all have different gear, and all like different flavors.
I will say the Solens are certainly better than stock el-cheapo electrolytics or even cheap film caps.
FWIW
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
KyleShufelt wrote: »Techno,
Well Done on the response. :thumbup:
Everyone,
Thanks for all the input. Posts like these that have significant attention do get noticed. I will be forwarding this to some of our engineers as well as many other folks here at Polk to identify whether or not a crossover upgrade will be a viable option.
-Kyle
Thanks Kyle, for taking the time to gather our input, and pass it up the chain. Whether this happens or not, it's nice to see this level of customer service! -
Size: I understand due to the material utilized but that is some Polk could potentially work around.
Positionning (piggy backing etc...): This is area where I think it could lead to problems (too much variables that can affect a different placenent that in most cases should be left to the engineers)
Cheers!
TK
Just to go a little further TK. As far as vibrations and all the nasties that go with the larger caps on the xover boards, that is remedied by using hot glue to firmly hold all the caps and coils in place so that they do not vibrate or resonate. Just an FYI. Polk currently uses this method to keep the components in place and not be subject to vibrations causing resonance.
To go a even further, my post way back stated that if Polk were to do this, which I don't think is financially beneficial to them, they would have to either make various levels of quality of components in their drop in xover upgrades or settle on just one where the quality of caps and resistors would be an improvement over the stock xovers. Again I do not think this would be a good business move as the number of people like us, who want to eek out every ounce of performance out of Polk speakers, is far less than would be viable for Polk to consider this route and how do they determine in a viable fashion what their kooky customer base:D would desire as far as the caps and resistors go. As stated earlier, everyone hears differently and like different components. I believe it to be a finacial drain and an impossible task to make those predictions.
Thank you Kyle for all your attention in this. It is just more evidence of Polk's superior customer service. -
Agreed, most companies do that nowadays and some go even further and do the entire board in order for consumer to temper with the boards (I've seen that on a product I bought :mad:) However I was more likely talking about strategic placement or piggy backing of the components (more likely the changes it can create on a board)Just to go a little further TK. As far as vibrations and all the nasties that go with the larger caps on the xover boards, that is remedied by using hot glue to firmly hold all the caps and coils in place so that they do not vibrate or resonate. Just an FYI. Polk currently uses this method to keep the components in place and not be subject to vibrations causing resonance.
We both agree that multiple options is not viable for Polk but we also agree that an upgraded kit is an improvement.To go a even further, my post way back stated that if Polk were to do this, which I don't think is financially beneficial to them, they would have to either make various levels of quality of components in their drop in xover upgrades or settle on just one where the quality of caps and resistors would be an improvement over the stock xovers.
I understand your view and different opinions are good to see all of the aspects and I am convinced we also both agree that Polk audio is wise enough of a company to make the right decision if such project should occur or notAgain I do not think this would be a good business move as the number of people like us, who want to eek out every ounce of performance out of Polk speakers, is far less than would be viable for Polk to consider this route and how do they determine in a viable fashion what their kooky customer base would desire as far as the caps and resistors go. As stated earlier, everyone hears differently and like different components. I believe it to be a finacial drain and an impossible task to make those predictions.
Yes, it is nice to see Polk CS to take the time to participate in this conversation no matter if there is an upgraded Xo or not as it just shows again that Polk cares for its clientelThank you Kyle for all your attention in this. It is just more evidence of Polk's superior customer service.
Cheers!
TKDARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
Agreed, most companies do that nowadays and some go even further and do the entire board in order for consumer to temper with the boards (I've seen that on a product I bought :mad:) However I was more likely talking about strategic placement or piggy backing of the components (more likely the changes it can create on a board)
Cheers!
TK
That a great way to overheat resistors! UGH! -
Most of the "Bring back the full size SDA!" crowd would not even buy it....its all talk. It would be expensive and I bet I could count on one hand who HERE would actually buy it. No offense but realize that our Polk world is OUR Polk world and not some worldwide phenonmenon sweeping across the continents.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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Most of the "Bring back the full size SDA!" crowd would not even buy it....its all talk. It would be expensive and I bet I could count on one hand who HERE would actually buy it. No offense but realize that our Polk world is OUR Polk world and not some worldwide phenonmenon sweeping across the continents.
If you build it, I will come.:cool:The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Not everybody that is into SDA's hangs out here. If they were put out they would sell.Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
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MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s -
History shows there are a lot of SDA owners that have no idea what Club Polk is. Build them and they will come.
Solen caps......no thanks.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
History shows there are a lot of SDA owners that have no idea what Club Polk is. Build them and they will come.
Solen caps......no thanks.
LOL....Yea, that's an awesome thought.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
I'll say up-front that I have no Polk speakers in any of my present systems. I have had several different lines dating back to 1993 and I enjoyed every one of them.
The upgrades to XO's would seem to me to isolated to a very small percentage of the folks that buy Polk products. There is probably a relatively large percentage of buyers who do not post here and are very happy with their purchases as is. That is where the bread and butter is for Polk.
I'd leave the upgrades to the aftermarket/DIYer and continue to develop cost conscious speakers for the masses. Maintain product support for all lines which appears to be being done.
I'm certain Polk has some speakers collecting dust on the shelf in Baltimore that could easily surpass anything made today. Honestly, who here will pay the money a speaker like that would demand? I'd say relatively few.
Polk is catering to it's target audience very well. They made a corporate decision and it seems to have served them well. If we are having a difficult time hearing the LSI, how much more difficult will it be to hear something that costs 5-10 times as much?
Gordon2 Channel -
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Wow, the discussion is somewhat derailing, we were taliking about Xo upgrades for the Lsi and now the come back of SDA. I guess Polk has already made their homework with stats and therefore the reason for not bringing them back. As far as the site, I don't think I would haver shown here until I did buy some Polk. Again marketting is key, when people buy advertise the site in user manuals. Correct me if I am wrong but many has upgraded after being here for a while. However there are also many that are led here through serching for the best speakers. Thi site is great for knowledge and people with knowledge would be attracted to the company that provides such service.TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »Not everybody that is into SDA's hangs out here. If they were put out they would sell.
Cheers!
TKDARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
Wow, the discussion is somewhat derailing, we were taliking about Xo upgrades for the Lsi and now the come back of SDA. I guess Polk has already made their homework with stats and therefore the reason for not bringing them back. As far as the site, I don't think I would haver shown here until I did buy some Polk. Again marketting is key, when people buy advertise the site in user manuals. Correct me if I am wrong but many has upgraded after being here for a while. However there are also many that are led here through serching for the best speakers. Thi site is great for knowledge and people with knowledge would be attracted to the company that provides such service.
Cheers!
TK
LOL!!! Ya big goof the xovers discusstion was derailing the original topic of this thread! LOL!!!:eek::D:p -
No offense, but if Polk based its marketing on this forum, it would be out of business. Great ideas, great discussion but seriously? I'm not aware of any industry professional members here, including me, so let's keep some perspective here gang.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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No offense, but if Polk based its marketing on this forum, it would be out of business. Great ideas, great discussion but seriously? I'm not aware of any industry professional members here, including me, so let's keep some perspective here gang.
Agreed to a point, but getting back to the car analogies that were tossed about earlier, I don't see Ferrari going bankrupt building a very select few models based upon their current production cars. An SDA idea using two sets of LSi 9's was seen by those that attended a Polkfest, and it could be just that simple. Matching pairs of speakers such as LSi-15's or their replacements and an active external crossover. Those that want it can upgrade to it and those that don't wont need to. Such an approach would greatly reduce costs by making the option available in smaller towers. And it could certainly encourage the purchase of MORE speakers, as you would need two matched pairs for the SDA to work. The crossover could also be designed to accept the full range of Polk product via a selector switch, thus making the option attractive at all pricepoints.
Market the crossover as a stand alone at say 299.99 or include it with the puchase of a matched quad of speakers over 999.99.... aren't you guys tired of giving away subwoofers yet?;):D
Doro... is there any reason why such a setup won't or cannot work?The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
No offense, but if Polk based its marketing on this forum, it would be out of business. Great ideas, great discussion but seriously? I'm not aware of any industry professional members here, including me, so let's keep some perspective here gang.
I've been trying to make that point all along but it just doesn't seem to sink in. -
nooshinjohn wrote: »Agreed to a point, but getting back to the car analogies that were tossed about earlier, I don't see Ferrari going bankrupt building a very select few models based upon their current production cars. An SDA idea using two sets of LSi 9's was seen by those that attended a Polkfest, and it could be just that simple. Matching pairs of speakers such as LSi-15's or their replacements and an active external crossover. Those that want it can upgrade to it and those that don't wont need to. Such an approach would greatly reduce costs by making the option available in smaller towers. And it could certainly encourage the purchase of MORE speakers, as you would need two matched pairs for the SDA to work. The crossover could also be designed to accept the full range of Polk product via a selector switch, thus making the option attractive at all pricepoints.
John you just confused the living #$%T out of me. -
How about Polk design and release a set of plans for a new SDA using modern drivers. If people really want them bad enough, they can build them on their own. A much smaller expense for Polk."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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How about Polk design and release a set of plans for a new SDA using modern drivers. If people really want them bad enough, they can build them on their own. A much smaller expense for Polk.
I believe legality and trademarks would make that a moot point, regardless of how cool it may be. Not to mention affect their own product. There are some DIY designs that touch on the SDA or Sonic Hollography effect and if you own one....cmon Face, you get what I saying?CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Carnies. Circus folk. Nomads, you know. Smell like cabbage. Small hands....
Exactly. I saw a carnie rocking a pair of Monitor 10's in the back window of his rusted out Fairlane....respect. How he saw out his window....no idea but it was cool.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Shhhhuthearingimpared wrote: »LOL!!! Ya big goof the xovers discusstion was derailing the original topic of this thread! LOL!!!:eek::D:p
However, better quality parts would definitely provide for higher end speakers DARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
Seemed to be easy, wasn't that long of a posthearingimpared wrote: »John you just confused the living #$%T out of me.
DARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
Would it not be easier to ask for custom Polks? This way more new polkies can order the older models and such.Retired Onkyo 520 (returned broken HK 247)
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"Inch by inch lifes a cinch, yard by yard life is hard" -
Seemed to be easy, wasn't that long of a post
Hahaha! I just got off the phone with him and now it makes all the sense in the world.:p -
But me in line for a crossover that could be used with a pair of LSi's to create a new SDA.
I have 2 pairs of LSi25's and 4 pairs of LSi15's that are ready.
IF they do it I call dibs on the first demo, and the first production unit. I will even buy brand new LSi-15's to make it work.
See Doro? Sales are already starting to come.:D:pThe Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I hope a videophone, much more efficient... he could draw some pictureshearingimpared wrote: »Hahaha! I just got off the phone with him and now it makes all the sense in the world.:p pictures are worht a thousand words!;):D:p
By the way, never really was for external Xo but seen this way...
Cheers!
TKDARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
How about Polk design and release a set of plans for a new SDA using modern drivers. If people really want them bad enough, they can build them on their own. A much smaller expense for Polk.
If you come, they will build it? -
LessisNevermore wrote: »If you come, they will build it?
Personally I would love a rebirth of speakers. It is time.
