New Polk Blackstone series, good for nearfield?

On3s&Z3r0s

I've been thinking for a while about getting some small monitor type speakers for my home office. It's a small room, about 11' x 8', so I'm looking for some speakers that would either sit on my desk (about 5' across) or possibly get mounted to the walls. I've decided against self-powered computer speaker systems. I'd like something that sounds a little better than that. My PC has a SPDIF output, so I'll probably get a small Yammy 100WPC HT receiver or something like that to drive the speakers.

My question is whether anyone on the board has heard or has any opinion on Polk's new Blackstone line of satellite speakers. I realize they're not designed specifically for this application, but was wondering if they'd be suitable. Or would it be better to go with something like the Monitor 30's or RTiA1's, etc.?

Any ideas?

RuSsMaN

You are going to want to supplement the low end. If you want something smaller with more range, the 30's or A1's are the ticket! The only caution I would take is with the 30's, they don't have the rear power port like the A1's, so you won't want them RIGHT on the wall. If a small sub is in the mix, the blackstones would be stellar. Stealth, and an image to make you mess your flat hat.

Cheers,
Russ

dorokusai

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

I've been thinking for a while about getting some small monitor type speakers for my home office. It's a small room, about 11' x 8', so I'm looking for some speakers that would either sit on my desk (about 5' across) or possibly get mounted to the walls. I've decided against self-powered computer speaker systems. I'd like something that sounds a little better than that. My PC has a SPDIF output, so I'll probably get a small Yammy 100WPC HT receiver or something like that to drive the speakers.

My question is whether anyone on the board has heard or has any opinion on Polk's new Blackstone line of satellite speakers. I realize they're not designed specifically for this application, but was wondering if they'd be suitable. Or would it be better to go with something like the Monitor 30's or RTiA1's, etc.?

Any ideas?

As stated in another thread by multiple individuals, any speaker can be near field oriented but they are usually bookshelf types. I'm not a fan of satellite style speakers for this application. I've heard the new series but they need a subwoofer, as is common anyways. My suggestion is to find a small bookshelf, plain and simple....think LSi7 sized or smaller. There are so many options in that size, it's crazy.

On3s&Z3r0s

I do have a small sub I was planning on using with whatever I end up with. The LSi7's (at least new) are a little outside the budget given some other audio projects I'd like to make some progress on. About $400 is the most I'd like to spend. The M30's and TSi equivalents did concern me with their rear port in case I did end up with them mounted against the wall to get them out of the way. But the RTiA1 do fit in the budget, and there's a pair of Era D4's on the 'Gon that look attractive and are well rated, but I've never heard a pair of those.

dkg999

I haven't heard the Blackstones yet, but I'm very familiar with the ERA D4's. They are fantastic, and you probably won't need a sub in a near field application like a desktop. I'm using ELT-525 monitors (used to be sold by AV123) with highly modified x-overs that set on each side of my 24" monitor on my desktop and they sound really good and no sub needed.

dorokusai

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

I do have a small sub I was planning on using with whatever I end up with. The LSi7's (at least new) are a little outside the budget given some other audio projects I'd like to make some progress on. About $400 is the most I'd like to spend. The M30's and TSi equivalents did concern me with their rear port in case I did end up with them mounted against the wall to get them out of the way. But the RTiA1 do fit in the budget, and there's a pair of Era D4's on the 'Gon that look attractive and are well rated, but I've never heard a pair of those.

Near field doesn't require perfect attributes, just a nice range of frequency response....and driver compliment. Mission, NHT, Usher, Sonus Faber and Paradigm are some of my favorite choices.

On3s&Z3r0s

I missed the boat on the ERA D4's, dammit. I probably would have given those a try just on the strength of dkg999's recommendation. I've heard Ushers and Sonus Faber... awesome, but again out of my price range for this application, but I'll keep shopping the used market. I've heard good things about the EPOS bookshelves too, like the ELS3's and 8's. I've seen those come up occasionally for what look like good prices. It sounds like something more high-end and used or a sale on the RTiA1's would be my best bet. Thanks for the input!

On3s&Z3r0s

dkg999 wrote: »

I haven't heard the Blackstones yet, but I'm very familiar with the ERA D4's. They are fantastic, and you probably won't need a sub in a near field application like a desktop. I'm using ELT-525 monitors (used to be sold by AV123) with highly modified x-overs that set on each side of my 24" monitor on my desktop and they sound really good and no sub needed.

Just to follow up... turns out I didn't miss the D4's, multiple pairs were available. These things are good, as in they rock wicked hardcore. Signal Path calls them a satellite, but I'm stunned, they're almost too much for near field. I hooked them up to my main 2-channel rig, sitting on top of 2B's. Told my wife I wanted to try out some new speakers so might be listening a little loud. First she said, "Where are they?" cause she didn't notice them sitting up there. Then she said, "All that sound is coming from the little ones?"

They're about half the size as Monitor 5Jr's in height/width but weigh close to as much. Way better bass extension (I really don't feel like I need a sub at all) and smoother highs. One thing about the 5Jr's... the stereo field seems maybe slightly better integrated. Not sure if that'll change as these break-in or if I just need to mess with placement more. The 5Jr's are twice as tall so I'll probably need to put these on top of something.

Anyway, these are now a close second in my estimation for the best value in a new audio product after the Monitor 70's (these cost about the same).