Monitor 40 Series II vs. TSi200

Gulfstrings

My boss is planning to replace his bookshelf fronts and we were discussing how these two products compare? I recently received a new pair of the Monitor 40s Series II and have no problem recommending them, but can't comment about the TSi200s.

When I was shopping, it seemed they spec'd out failry closely. Pricing of the 40s at Newegg - as well as the 40s being magnetically shielded (placement issue) made the difference for me.

He is replacing blown speakers (I think Infinity brand of similar size) they use for their HT - but, he's a Deadhead and plays them loud (apparently too loud when alone) and expects performance similar to his current speakers.

All input appreciated.

Lietuvis91

If he had infiniti's and liked them, he may want to stay with the infinity brand. The reason I say that, is because my friend also has an infinity HT setup and as I listen to it I can tell that it does sound different from my polk monitor setup. I just think he should try to listen to a set of monitors, maybe at your house, before he buys them, just so he's not disappointed in the change, because the speaker characteristincs are a bit different.

HTguru1982

No difference between the two speakers except cosmetic. Tell him to get the 40s.

EndersShadow

The Monitor series was discontinued and replaced w/ the TSi series. Online vendors like Newegg were able to get their hands on the last of the Monitor series stock and continued to sell them for another year +.

Big Box stores (Best Buy, Fryes) carried the TSi series instead of the Monitors during that time.

Newegg did such a good job of clearing out the stock and the demand was so high Polk decided to keep the Monitor lineup with some minor updates just for Newegg and call it the Monitor Series II.

The TSi200 and Monitor 40 Series II are basically the same speaker with different external finishes.

I would go with the Monitor series ALL DAY EVERY DAY over the TSi simply due to the price difference. That and purchasing from Newegg has always been easy and without issue.

If you wait it out Newegg seems to have price cuts on the Monitors just about every other week and you can normally score a pretty good deal on them as well.

Lietuvis91

HTguru1982 wrote: »

No difference between the two speakers except cosmetic. Tell him to get the 40s.

really?! Well, maybe it was due to the acoustics of the room, I thought the infiniti's sounded much more high pitched/brighter and the monitors were much smoother somehow... my friend does have a bigger room and ceramic floors. I guess this is not a good a-vs-b comparison between the speakers because of different surroundings.

HTguru1982

I meant, there are no major difference between the TSi and Monitor speakers.

EndersShadow

I run both Monitor 40's in one rig and Infinity Primus 162's in the other. The Polks sound better with highs and mids and might be said to be more "forward" whereas the Infinity's sound more laid back or "nuetral" and give out more bass IMO.

The Polks are rear ported v the Infinity's front port. That does make a difference in how far out from the wall they need to be. That is why in my office I have the Primus (backed right up against the wall) and in my main HT I have the Monitor 40's (was able to mount them on brackets).

Also keep in mind the Infinity's have a single 6.5 v the Polks dual 5.25.

Both speakers are solid options but he should definately listen to the Polks before purchase to save him any possible headaches (but they are pretty darn close to my ears)

Lietuvis91

wow, that's kind of the opposite of what I thought I heard... Just goes to show you how many different factors play a role in sound(acoustics/gear/etc.)

Well... this makes a good case for first hand listening and coming to your own conclusion.

EndersShadow

Lietuvis91 wrote: »

wow, that's kind of the opposite of what I thought I heard... Just goes to show you how many different factors play a role in sound(acoustics/gear/etc.)

Well... this makes a good case for first hand listening and coming to your own conclusion.

Always. Room accoustics and gear make a big difference.

I have not run the speakers off the same reciever to do a A B comparison, nor do I really care to. I like both sets for what they are used for and both are a great value IMO.

The differences are a bit subtle and everyones ears are different. Thats why you need to get out there and listen or be willing to return and exchange for others sets... :biggrin:

Gulfstrings

Thank you all for your comments. I was pretty sure that the Monitors and TSi shared common DNA, again - for me, the Newegg pricing and the magnetic shielding on the 40s, made my call easy.

My boss is not an audiophile. He even carries an iPod so he can have Jerry Garcia availabe on demand. I'm certain he would be thrilled with the Monitors if, for no other reason, the value they represent! Hell. he's on me to reduce costs all the time!

Again, thanks for the clarification re the two compared.

Dave

ericv

Just yesterday I received my Amazon order of both sets of speakers. I tried them out using my Denon receiver. I switched off my subs and let the speakers stand on their own.

The 200’s outperformed the 40’s very easily. The 200’s have a slightly lower frequency response which helps to provide tighter bass. Also, the 200’s provide crisper vocals.

I played some Brad Paisley, Adele, Enya, and Whitney Houston. I used this because of the vocals and bass.

I understand that the two sets of speaker are supposed to be “basically” the same but my testing (in my opinion) showed that the 200’s are clearly a better speaker.

voltz

you know in audio it is your ears is what really matters & means the most And I thank you for for you for sharing your opinions and they really do matter!

that is what this forum is all about, thank you for sharing your thought and I hope you keep during this as this is what makes us better and can prove to other who visit this site we can think for our self's

verb

Welcome @ericv to CP! I have a pair of TSi200's that I used for the upstairs rig in the spare room. I like em alot. For the price it for sure is a good value. I eventually added a small powered sub to the rig, for extra kick at the low end. Not overpowering, blended just right to make it seamless.

Also give em some time to break in. They only will get better over time!

Enjoy your new speakers!