Blackstones But which one?

sageleo
sageleo Posts: 170
edited January 2013 in Speakers
Hello All,
I'm in the market for a new set of speakers, at the present time the wife doesn't want bookshelf or floor standing speakers. I have tried other brands but wasn't that impressed, so I'm thinking of going back to Polk. I am interested in the Blackstone TL250 or TL350. Both can be had from Polks ebay store for $329 and $499. Are the 350's worth the additional money? I would say that they will be used 80% HT/video games & 20% music. I do have the PSW10, which I know isn't the greatest sub but would it be OK with either of the 2 mentioned set ups? I am eventually going to be getting a better sub when funds allow. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
Post edited by sageleo on
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Comments

  • nwohlford
    nwohlford Posts: 700
    edited September 2012
    The TL350 are worth the difference. You are not going to hurt anything using the PSW10, so might as well see how well you like it. There are lots of subs out there, but if you want to look at a polk sub, I would look at one of the DSW PRO subs. Seems like there have been a lot of sales on them recently.
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited September 2012
    +1 on the TL3.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited September 2012
    Definitely go with the tl3, by far the best of the bunch
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2012
    Another vote for the TL3s! I have a pair for my pc, they are great sounding speakers. I think your wife will like their form factor as well. Definately worth the extra money.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Libertyc
    Libertyc Posts: 915
    edited September 2012
    yes go with the TL3. Very nice surround setup and you will be very surprised how they sound.
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited October 2012
    Hi Cathy, just out of curiosity what are you driving your TL3's with. I am using my TL3 for a PC system too and use the Audioengine N22, which I am happy with, but I want to hear what others are doing.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2012
    Hi Madgsf, I am driving them with my Cambridge Soundworks subwoofer/amp that came with the CSW Soundworks system. However, the inline volume controller that hooks up to the sub and pc is starting to give me trouble, when I called CSW to see if I could replace it, they said they didn't make them anymore (mind you they've updated the Soundworks system which still uses one.)

    If I knew I could get one in Radio Shack, I'd do that. Otherwise I would need to look into getting something else. I wish Polk made a smaller sub that used one of these inline volume controllers then I would just get that and be all set.

    If you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this I'm all ears.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited October 2012
    Hello,
    I use a pair of TL3s on either side of the basement workbench along with a PSW111 and they sound great.
    Cheers, Ken
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  • CTTE
    CTTE Posts: 183
    edited October 2012
    cfrizz wrote: »
    ...the inline volume controller that hooks up to the sub and pc is starting to give me trouble...

    I had the same problem with my Cambridge Soundworks speakers. Spray some Deoxit in the volume controller, and work the dial back and forth. I haven't had any trouble with it since I did this.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2012
    Cool, thanks for the tip and saving me money CTTE!!!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
    edited October 2012
    +1 on the TL3. I haven't done a direct comparison but I've heard the TL3's and was impressed.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________
    AVR: Denon AVR-3805, AMP: Parasound Model 2250, Front: Polk RTIA7, Center: Polk CSIA6, Surrounds: Polk FXIA6, Sub: Polk DSW PRO660WI
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
    Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
    DAC: Bricasti M1SE
    Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
    Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
    Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
    Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
    Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
    IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
    Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
    Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics
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  • sageleo
    sageleo Posts: 170
    edited October 2012
    As with most price is always a concern. I looked on Polks Ebay store and they have the TL3's for $499, TL250's for 329.99 or the TL2600 for $319.00 with a sub. Not really sure why its $10 cheaper to get the sub vs just the TL250? I would like the TL350's but seeing the TL2600 with a sub for $180 cheaper has got me leaning in that direction.
    T.V.- Sony KDL50W800B
    Blu Ray- Custom built HT PC
    Vizio Sound bar- S4221W
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited October 2012
    Cathy, sorry no other suggestions but it looks like CTTE's tip might get it sorted for you. FWIW I also use a PSW111 with my TL3's and overall I like my PC setup for music more than my "big" system.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • leela222
    leela222 Posts: 28
    edited January 2013
    I enjoy my TL2's
    My H/T:

    AVR: Pioneer VSX-921-K
    Front L/R: Sony Towers SS-MF600H (will be upgraded to M70's or 75T's)
    Center: Polk TL2
    Surrounds: Polk TL2
    Rear Surrounds: Sony satellites from old HTIB (will be upgraded to TL2)
    Subwoofer: Sony from old HTIB (will be upgraded to DSWPRO550wi)
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  • nhhiep
    nhhiep Posts: 877
    edited January 2013
    TL3 all the way. it's the tweeters in these that worth it.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2013
    CTTE wrote: »
    I had the same problem with my Cambridge Soundworks speakers. Spray some Deoxit in the volume controller, and work the dial back and forth. I haven't had any trouble with it since I did this.
    MADGSF wrote: »
    Cathy, sorry no other suggestions but it looks like CTTE's tip might get it sorted for you. FWIW I also use a PSW111 with my TL3's and overall I like my PC setup for music more than my "big" system.

    A BIG thank you to CTTE for the tip about deoxit. I got some a couple months ago and no longer have any problems with my volume controller.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Kentmick
    Kentmick Posts: 12
    edited January 2013
    Hi I owned the TL350s for months in a 5.1 setup used almost exclusively for home theater. I just upgraded the fronts to LSiMs but still keep TL3s for my satellites. If you have a nice sub and set the crossovers right they are incredible.

    I actually received my 703 bookshelves before the center arrived and I hooked them up with the TL3 center and it held it's own in my book. The TL350's I use for satellites mesh with the LSiMs in the front almost flawlessly. This is in part because they use a lot of the same technology as the LSiMs. I do use Audyssey MultEQ XT and that helps (I am a novice). Finally when you pick one up, they are deceptively heavy and just ooze that "quality" vibe. If you have any friends that are into systems it will be a treat to show them the sound coming out of these guys.

    Why did I upgrade the fronts then? I got bit with the audio bug. I love the 350s.

    I can't speak for the 150s or 250s but the way audiophiles are I doubt a company like Polk would last by putting out inferior products. Yes I am biased.
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  • seabeerob213
    seabeerob213 Posts: 1,843
    edited January 2013
    Kentmick wrote: »
    Hi I owned the TL350s for months in a 5.1 setup used almost exclusively for home theater. I just upgraded the fronts to LSiMs but still keep TL3s for my satellites. If you have a nice sub and set the crossovers right they are incredible.

    I actually received my 703 bookshelves before the center arrived and I hooked them up with the TL3 center and it held it's own in my book. The TL350's I use for satellites mesh with the LSiMs in the front almost flawlessly. This is in part because they use a lot of the same technology as the LSiMs. I do use Audyssey MultEQ XT and that helps (I am a novice). Finally when you pick one up, they are deceptively heavy and just ooze that "quality" vibe. If you have any friends that are into systems it will be a treat to show them the sound coming out of these guys.


    Why did I upgrade the fronts then? I got bit with the audio bug. I love the 350s.

    I can't speak for the 150s or 250s but the way audiophiles are I doubt a company like Polk would last by putting out inferior products. Yes I am biased.
    Are you willing to sell your old fronts?
    2 Channel(work in progress):DAC: Schiit modi 2 uberAmp:Parasound 1200 MK IISub:RBH 1010-SEP Speakers: Monitor 5A peerlesscurrently running some krk rokit 3g since the HK pre outs died and i need to start breaking everything down to move in a couple monthsHeadphones:Source: tidalDAC: schiit modius epre: schiit sysAmp: AQ dragonfly black/ schiit magni2 Cans: Velodyne V-True, Grado SR225i, sennheiser x drop gaming headsetPC:DAC: schiit modius e(over spdif)pre: schiit sysspeakers: prenous eris 5 xtSub: Earthquake Sound MiniMe-P63most of my comments are passing on of info, im a noob, im just trying to help how i can, if im wrong or out of place to comment, dont hesitate to let me know :)"WITH WILLING HEARTS AND SKILLFUL HANDS, THE DIFFICULT WE DO AT ONCE, THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A BIT LONGER, WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. WE BUILD - WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM"Seabee Memorial, Arlington, VA
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  • Kentmick
    Kentmick Posts: 12
    edited January 2013
    No. They will be used elsewhere.
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