[Polk Hamden Review] + Need Advice
Greetings,
This is my first serious review written for any product. My goal is to present things from an "average joe's" perspective rather than an expert on the subject. I feel this point of view is relevant based upon who this product seems to be targeting.
/*
REVIEW
*/
If there was one word to describe the beautiful sound that comes from these speakers it would be "Magnificent". From opening the box (packaging is solid well made), plugging them in, and hitting the volume button on my Mac I could tell the sound was truly something different. Better than any speaker I have owned. Each track I played weather it was Country, Classic, Dubstep, Rock, or Rap sounded amazing. The closest match in terms of plug-n-play to these would be any in the Bose Companion series If you were even remotely considering them as an option, don't. Even with the separate sub. The overall fullness of sound from what in front of you is far superior.
The bass was full and (almost) exactly where I wanted it. Vocals and high frequency sounds were clear but not "bright" or headachy. I cannot see much if any at all listener fatigue over an extended period of time. For someone looking for "simple but amazing computer speakers", these are them. Hands down, no questions asked, these are them. They are worth the price for the look, craftsmanship and all around quality of sound. Not to mention the consistency from vol level 1 until 8 (never went to the max of 10) its always consistent, you dont loose anything other than what you're supposed to. Another thing i was quite impressed with is they sound great from across the room. The sound they product isn't directional to where you have to be sitting right in front of them for it to sound good.
With that said, They are not for me and for one reason: Lissing lows / air shake.
These need a sub on the floor to emit that last bit of sound in the lows. That was the thing i missed most while listening for about 6 hours. While all tracks higher volumes (6+) shook my desk (but not in an obnoxious way) the "rest" of what my ears were expecting wasn't there. One some tracks the lows really picked up and I could hear a small bit of that air-shake, but not what I wanted. To me, the amount of air a speaker moves to where you can feel it in your body is what matters. Not rattle the floor, but shake the air. Best way i can describe it. These did not deliver when it came to that. Though, is totally possible my expectations were out of line for what this product was designed to do.
Picture: http://puu.sh/9hC4o/9d0c184954.jpg
/* Other information & Nits worth picking */
I connected these via USB to my Mac. It showed up as a secondary audio device. Just go to System Preferences > Sound > Change all output options to be "USB Audio DAC". Windows will work similarly with no drivers.
The volume keys on your Mac keyboard will make the peck sound as normal while trying to change volume but it won't actually change. From my testing you cannot use the keyboard controls and must use the knob on the speaker.
My set has hissing with nothing but power cable connected. Changing volume does not increase it it's just always there.
The volume knob makes a slight grinding noise while being rotated. A first world problem but it kind of shouldn't be there.
I wish there was an option for a grill. The speakers are in my prime hand movement area, i'm so afraid of accidently punching one of them going for my mouse or water.
The volume backlight display alternates between blue (bluetooth), orange (regular audio cable), and white (USB) and isn't too bright or annoying.
I did not use the app, bluetooth, or regular audio connection. Just USB.
They are heavy and solid like a brick. I LOVE THAT!
There is a delay from when you turn the knob until the volume actually changes. The delay seems to increase the higher the volume.
/*
NEED ADVICE
*/
Based upon my take on these speakers and that extra bit i'm missing in the lows, what would the you suggest i replace them with?
Was considering these components:
- 2x LSiM703 (Cherry)
- 1x Emotiva Stealth DC-1 http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/stealth-dc-2
- 1x Emotiva XPA-200 http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpa200
- Some sort of powered, I have heard mixed things about Polk subs, but again, complete non expert.
My requirements
- At least 2 digital in, USB / Toslink.
- Physical volume knob easily accessible.
Years ago i had a set of Logitech's that had a giant knob: http://puu.sh/9hB4h/e944b0e6a8.png
Trying to find something similar. Is just easy to get to if keyboard controls are out of the question
(I think they would be on all digital connections)
- Lows that cause air shake without wall shake if that makes sense.
- Around $3kish total spend.
- For use at a computer desk. Music, Movies, TV, Occasional Games
Any help qould be appricated. Thank you for reading!
This is my first serious review written for any product. My goal is to present things from an "average joe's" perspective rather than an expert on the subject. I feel this point of view is relevant based upon who this product seems to be targeting.
/*
REVIEW
*/
If there was one word to describe the beautiful sound that comes from these speakers it would be "Magnificent". From opening the box (packaging is solid well made), plugging them in, and hitting the volume button on my Mac I could tell the sound was truly something different. Better than any speaker I have owned. Each track I played weather it was Country, Classic, Dubstep, Rock, or Rap sounded amazing. The closest match in terms of plug-n-play to these would be any in the Bose Companion series If you were even remotely considering them as an option, don't. Even with the separate sub. The overall fullness of sound from what in front of you is far superior.
The bass was full and (almost) exactly where I wanted it. Vocals and high frequency sounds were clear but not "bright" or headachy. I cannot see much if any at all listener fatigue over an extended period of time. For someone looking for "simple but amazing computer speakers", these are them. Hands down, no questions asked, these are them. They are worth the price for the look, craftsmanship and all around quality of sound. Not to mention the consistency from vol level 1 until 8 (never went to the max of 10) its always consistent, you dont loose anything other than what you're supposed to. Another thing i was quite impressed with is they sound great from across the room. The sound they product isn't directional to where you have to be sitting right in front of them for it to sound good.
With that said, They are not for me and for one reason: Lissing lows / air shake.
These need a sub on the floor to emit that last bit of sound in the lows. That was the thing i missed most while listening for about 6 hours. While all tracks higher volumes (6+) shook my desk (but not in an obnoxious way) the "rest" of what my ears were expecting wasn't there. One some tracks the lows really picked up and I could hear a small bit of that air-shake, but not what I wanted. To me, the amount of air a speaker moves to where you can feel it in your body is what matters. Not rattle the floor, but shake the air. Best way i can describe it. These did not deliver when it came to that. Though, is totally possible my expectations were out of line for what this product was designed to do.
Picture: http://puu.sh/9hC4o/9d0c184954.jpg
/* Other information & Nits worth picking */
I connected these via USB to my Mac. It showed up as a secondary audio device. Just go to System Preferences > Sound > Change all output options to be "USB Audio DAC". Windows will work similarly with no drivers.
The volume keys on your Mac keyboard will make the peck sound as normal while trying to change volume but it won't actually change. From my testing you cannot use the keyboard controls and must use the knob on the speaker.
My set has hissing with nothing but power cable connected. Changing volume does not increase it it's just always there.
The volume knob makes a slight grinding noise while being rotated. A first world problem but it kind of shouldn't be there.
I wish there was an option for a grill. The speakers are in my prime hand movement area, i'm so afraid of accidently punching one of them going for my mouse or water.
The volume backlight display alternates between blue (bluetooth), orange (regular audio cable), and white (USB) and isn't too bright or annoying.
I did not use the app, bluetooth, or regular audio connection. Just USB.
They are heavy and solid like a brick. I LOVE THAT!
There is a delay from when you turn the knob until the volume actually changes. The delay seems to increase the higher the volume.
/*
NEED ADVICE
*/
Based upon my take on these speakers and that extra bit i'm missing in the lows, what would the you suggest i replace them with?
Was considering these components:
- 2x LSiM703 (Cherry)
- 1x Emotiva Stealth DC-1 http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/stealth-dc-2
- 1x Emotiva XPA-200 http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpa200
- Some sort of powered, I have heard mixed things about Polk subs, but again, complete non expert.
My requirements
- At least 2 digital in, USB / Toslink.
- Physical volume knob easily accessible.
Years ago i had a set of Logitech's that had a giant knob: http://puu.sh/9hB4h/e944b0e6a8.png
Trying to find something similar. Is just easy to get to if keyboard controls are out of the question
(I think they would be on all digital connections)
- Lows that cause air shake without wall shake if that makes sense.
- Around $3kish total spend.
- For use at a computer desk. Music, Movies, TV, Occasional Games
Any help qould be appricated. Thank you for reading!