So I went and picked up the 5jr's....

Ric5811
Ric5811 Posts: 400
edited August 2010 in Vintage Speakers
...and MAN! I forgot how good the old Monitor series sounded!

Need to clean them up, probably replace the tweets(sound great) but one has a little nick in it, but not all the way through. And doesn't seem to affect the sound at all.

The wife walked in after I got them home and up and running, and said "no way, that sound is coming from those"...

I'am kinda embarrassed to admit this, but the mids and high kill the Rti's..maybe Polk should be embarrassed. I always thought that the MW6502 sounded way better than anything after that.

Actually these are way more transparent than anything I have heard currently, except for the Lsi's, been a couple years, and not for any significant amount of time.

Soundstage, depth, placement, clarity was/is quite better, and imaging is close to or maybe just a bit better. Still comparing...

Detail is much richer, have heard some things that I havn't before, really, really surprised.

Once I get these cleaned up and tweets replaced, I think they are going to be a possible contender for two channel(adding a sub in that case).

It's been 20 years since I had my Rta 11's, and you obviously forget how things sound, but I always remember them being some of the best speakers I ever heard for the money. (all the Monitors)

Just for info, these have the SL2500's. hopefully the guy can find the grills, if not, guess will go on a scavenger hunt!:D

One more thing, the bass output very easy to live with, of course it's lacking a bit, surprisingly it does have some extension, just a little light in the midbass though.

I am really just blown away at this point...all for $20 on CG.


(anybody have solutions for cleaning up the woofers?) I think they suffered the worst cosmetic care in the last few months from the kid I bought them from.

Anyway Cheers!
Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
Post edited by Ric5811 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited August 2010
    nice find
    mole'
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2010
    Windex works wonders on the older tacky drivers :)
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Windex works wonders on the older tacky drivers :)


    Thanks:), I think someone told me that many years ago, I will have to give it a try, that was the least desired thing about the old Monitors, damn sticky drivers!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    These are the 5jr+ btw..
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited August 2010
    I MIGHT have a pair of 5jr grills shoved behind my entertainment center. I'm moving more stuff out weekly and vaguely remember shoving a pair back there after stripping down a below average pair with bad tweeter. I still have the passives and crossovers IN the entertainment center.
    If I still have them you're welcome to them at N/C.
    Nice find. AND yes, the old monitors are still great speakers.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kcoc321
    kcoc321 Posts: 1,788
    edited August 2010
    Congrats on the Nice buy :D

    FYI: You want to use a non-amonia Windex to clean the drivers.
    Enjoy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited August 2010
    I have a pair of modded 5B's and they are friggin' fantastic!!! Blows any current Polk product (except LSi's) out of the water.

    The 5B's were the first Polk product I owned back in 1984 so it's nice to revisit them again. I always had customers in disbelief (I sold audio in the mid 80's-90's) that a small speaker like that put out such great, big sound.

    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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited August 2010
    I'm rebuilding a pair of 5 Jr+....if there's an extra grille, I could use one!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,192
    edited August 2010
    Monitor 5's and 7's are gems of the audio world as far as I'm concerned too!

    Outstanding sound.;)
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    I have a pair of modded 5B's and they are friggin' fantastic!!! Blows any current Polk product (except LSi's) out of the water.

    The 5B's were the first Polk product I owned back in 1984 so it's nice to revisit them again. I always had customers in disbelief (I sold audio in the mid 80's-90's) that a small speaker like that put out such great, big sound.

    H9
    tony millard wrote: »
    Monitor 5's and 7's are gems of the audio world as far as I'm concerned too!

    Outstanding sound.;)

    That's good news. Unfortunately I missed the opportunity to pick up my Monitor 5s (peerless tweets) from a fellow member a week ago...but will have them in a couple more weeks....can't wait!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    I MIGHT have a pair of 5jr grills shoved behind my entertainment center. I'm moving more stuff out weekly and vaguely remember shoving a pair back there after stripping down a below average pair with bad tweeter. I still have the passives and crossovers IN the entertainment center.
    If I still have them you're welcome to them at N/C.
    Nice find. AND yes, the old monitors are still great speakers.

    Thanks HB, let a fellow Polkie have the grills..I am interested in the XO's and passive's. Actually on the hunt for some Tweets.

    I found a guy online that had a mint set of grills. Already ordered them.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    The 5Jr's are nice and are what I started with. When you live in a Air Force dorm room, space is limited. But you be surprised what some AMN and Buck Sgt's had crammed in rooms with limited space. Being the Early 90's. Not to mention the stereo wars too, on the weekend. No wonder they had the dorms located on the flightline at Hickam, there was no way some of the stereo's could compete with a C-5 testing its engines on the ramp.

    The first time I heard a Polk Monitor 10, was in a KC-135 boom operators room. He had one set he bought for himself and another set he picked up from a friend that had to get rid of them. That was when I decided I needed some M10's one day. The sound was incredible to my SrA ears at that time and beyond my wallet too.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bobsama
    Bobsama Posts: 526
    edited August 2010
    What are you using for stands? And do you have any pictures? ;)
    polkaudio Monitor 5 Series II
    polkaudio SDA-1 (with the SL1000)
    TEAC AG-H300 MK III stereo receiver
    beyerdynamic DT-880 Premium (600 Ω) headphones
    SENNHEISER HD-555 headphones
    Little Dot MK IV tube headphone amp
    Little Dot DAC_I balanced D/A converter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    Bobsama wrote: »
    What are you using for stands? And do you have any pictures? ;)

    Bob, no stands yet, will post some pics later, just noticed the dust cover on one woof was a little pushed in. Black cabs, beat up some. Need some tlc, almost just bought a minty pr of 5a's on ebay, beat out at the last min!:mad:

    So I was going to use these for patio/pool duty..oh well. Guess I will start the refurb!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    Currently my 5Jr's are in storage at my parents in the original box. I am now at Eglin AFB FL, currently using a set of Monitor 7 series 2, and a set of Monitor 10b's (which I just purchased this past weekend from Goodwill, see Cat Scratch Fever post). What I am using for stands is a set of small stools I picked up from Wally World. I'll take a picture and figure out how to post it on the Forum soon.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    Wade Spradley wrote: »
    Currently my 5Jr's are in storage at my parents in the original box. I am now at Eglin AFB FL, currently using a set of Monitor 7 series 2, and a set of Monitor 10b's (which I just purchased this past weekend from Goodwill, see Cat Scratch Fever post). What I am using for stands is a set of small stools I picked up from Wally World. I'll take a picture and figure out how to post it on the Forum soon.

    Eglin huh? Guess you are enjoying this lovely hot, humid weather also! I thought I saw a guy selling a pr of original 10 or 7 stands on eBay. Overall good shape, need to be refinished...not that hard to do.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    I'll have to look them up. Right now I am working on some minor problems with these new to me M10b's I have. Yeah, the humidity and the hot weather makes if fun to run in literally. Thanks for the tip.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bobsama
    Bobsama Posts: 526
    edited August 2010
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    Bob, no stands yet, will post some pics later, just noticed the dust cover on one woof was a little pushed in. Black cabs, beat up some. Need some tlc, almost just bought a minty pr of 5a's on ebay, beat out at the last min!:mad:

    So I was going to use these for patio/pool duty..oh well. Guess I will start the refurb!

    I forget where, but there was an online retailer that was selling stands for very reasonable prices. I myself have a pair of Monitor 5-II's for my dorm rig. I was using them as bookshelf NFMs (not the greatest in that application) due to space constraints. Other than a few snags, my M5's are in very good condition, though I'm going to rebuild the XOs when I get a few dollars and a bit of time. I'm guessing I have some bad caps in there (they still sound OK). At the same time, I'll probably replace the chokes too (one of them self-destructed and the metal tabs are being held with electrical tape).
    polkaudio Monitor 5 Series II
    polkaudio SDA-1 (with the SL1000)
    TEAC AG-H300 MK III stereo receiver
    beyerdynamic DT-880 Premium (600 Ω) headphones
    SENNHEISER HD-555 headphones
    Little Dot MK IV tube headphone amp
    Little Dot DAC_I balanced D/A converter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    Currently reviewing Epay, there is a set of SDA1's for who may have the room for them. They look to be twice the size of a M10. And of course a few set of Monitor 5jr's too.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bobsama
    Bobsama Posts: 526
    edited August 2010
    Linkage?
    polkaudio Monitor 5 Series II
    polkaudio SDA-1 (with the SL1000)
    TEAC AG-H300 MK III stereo receiver
    beyerdynamic DT-880 Premium (600 Ω) headphones
    SENNHEISER HD-555 headphones
    Little Dot MK IV tube headphone amp
    Little Dot DAC_I balanced D/A converter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-5-Stereo-Speakers-Monitor5-/220649206334?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-SDA-1-speakers-very-good-condition-/260644492714?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers
    http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-2-VTG-POLK-AUDIO-SDA1-SDA1B-SDA-1B-FLOOR-SPEAKERS-/250676745277?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers

    Apparently I was wrong on the 5Jr's there is one link, there were one labled as a 5Jr but had a port. The other two links are SDA1's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wade Spradley
    Wade Spradley Posts: 81
    edited August 2010
    http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-MINI-MONITOR-II-SPEAKERS-RARE-/180540990963?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers

    These look interesting. But I know nothing about them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bobsama
    Bobsama Posts: 526
    edited August 2010
    I heard they don't sound that good.

    I like those SDA-1B's, though. One day, I suppose. It's too bad the budget can't stretch.
    polkaudio Monitor 5 Series II
    polkaudio SDA-1 (with the SL1000)
    TEAC AG-H300 MK III stereo receiver
    beyerdynamic DT-880 Premium (600 Ω) headphones
    SENNHEISER HD-555 headphones
    Little Dot MK IV tube headphone amp
    Little Dot DAC_I balanced D/A converter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited August 2010
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    Bob, no stands yet,

    Spiked stands will take them a notch or two up.

    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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Spiked stands will take them a notch or two up.

    H9

    Thanks Brock, not sure where they are going yet. Looking at some 5's and 7's for two chan. These are going outside for the next few days in the screened porch for pool duty!:D
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bigbang
    Bigbang Posts: 233
    edited August 2010
    for about 35 bucks you can replace the cap and resistor as well as add some decent binding posts. Idid this to my 5jr+ polks and the benefit in sound quality was well woth the price and effort.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83706
    I like to listen, tinker, listen and repeat.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited August 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    I'm rebuilding a pair of 5 Jr+....if there's an extra grille, I could use one!

    I found the grills. I have about 6 of the old Monitor grills. I can actually see them and after I move some speakers to storage I'll be able to get to them.
    Send me the grill measurements so I can tell which models I have.
    Apparently I have some M4 4.1s etc I've saved the grills from. They all will be perfect or I wouldn't have saved them.
    I should have a pair of MODEL 5 early grills that used the "disc" retainers also that i bought from Zippity. Not sure of cloth condition on those but I saved them because I don't run into many of the old "Model" grills.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bobsama
    Bobsama Posts: 526
    edited August 2010
    Bigbang wrote: »
    for about 35 bucks you can replace the cap and resistor as well as add some decent binding posts. Idid this to my 5jr+ polks and the benefit in sound quality was well woth the price and effort.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83706

    I'm stuck with the later version without binding posts; the PCB's soldered on. I'm thinking of doing something custom with that; a bit of a larger plate and replace the push-clamps with real binding posts and move the PCB to sit behind the PR on either a RatShack PCB or doing direct runs...
    polkaudio Monitor 5 Series II
    polkaudio SDA-1 (with the SL1000)
    TEAC AG-H300 MK III stereo receiver
    beyerdynamic DT-880 Premium (600 Ω) headphones
    SENNHEISER HD-555 headphones
    Little Dot MK IV tube headphone amp
    Little Dot DAC_I balanced D/A converter
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited August 2010
    Yeah, I got lucky, these have the binding posts. Nanners fit good. When I get time, going to take them apart and go over them with a fine tooth comb. I thought I heard a little mid woof rattle the other night, couldn't be sure.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited August 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    I found the grills. I have about 6 of the old Monitor grills. I can actually see them and after I move some speakers to storage I'll be able to get to them.
    Send me the grill measurements so I can tell which models I have.
    Apparently I have some M4 4.1s etc I've saved the grills from. They all will be perfect or I wouldn't have saved them.
    I should have a pair of MODEL 5 early grills that used the "disc" retainers also that i bought from Zippity. Not sure of cloth condition on those but I saved them because I don't run into many of the old "Model" grills.

    I'll measure them this weekend - thanks!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter