How do you like your Polks?

Capitalistpig

I'm basically starting from scratch and dumping all my cheap components--well they'll probably be shifted to the bedroom.

Anyway--I'm looking at Polk(Ebay store or Crutchfield)--PSB--and Infinity speakers and will probably get the NAD T 758 receiver---possibly NAD pre/amp separates

---

looking to spend no more than $1500 for the speakers(pair).

In a fairly small upscale apt currently and probably back to a house eventually--thinking the floorstanding speakers and decent power amp will let me do away with a sub.

Also---center channel or sound bar? Looking at doing just a 3 channel system---first I'm in an apt and it can't be all that loud and second I'm in an apt and don't want wires running all over the place.

I can't really listen to anything locally---its either go into the place where the systems start at $10k(and to tell the truth, I didn't think the stuff they were pushing really sounded all that good---maybe I'm just a peasant and don't know any better?) or to the big box and all there ghetto equipment----there's no middle ground in this town. So looking for opinions before I plunk down my cash.

So what do you all think?

Thanks

msg

is this system to be used for music first, primarily?
I was just looking up the specs on that NAD unit. looks nice. Presuming you've done your research? I've no experience with NAD, though I've also been recently checking out a couple of their models. Idon't have any sense of how their stuff compares to the other equipment I've had the opportunity to play with, but the specs seem a little scant for what I would want for power delivery for a music system, personally. Do you know what the numbers are for 2ch mode? NAD says 60wpc all channels driven, which you won't be doing at this point, but not sure how that affects things for a 2ch or 3ch setup. If you're open to adding an amp later, that may not be an issue.
http://nadelectronics.com/products/av-receivers/T-758-A/V-Surround-Sound-Receiver

I'm not sure I'd try to run big floor standers without more power, but this will depend on your listening preferences. I like loud, full, and clean with some good bottom end. If you'll be at moderate to low listening levels, they might be okay. I'm still a little green here, but I'd think with floor standers, you'd need to be at more moderate to higher levels to get them to perform?

so, inclined to agree with nbrowser above - 703's can sound *really* nice when used with some decent equipment/power. I do find them just a tad crisp, but not fatiguing. I'm running a set in a test setup right now sitting out in the middle of a 16x28 room running off an older 120wpc HK receiver and I have to admit, the 703's do still surprise me with their respectable bottom end delivery. And that's even with them improperly/poorly positioned - no sub, tone controls flat. they are even better when positioned properly off a wall. so yeah, you could probably get by with a pair of 703's and no sub, unless you're a complete basshead. I like a little extra thump, but even so, I continue to feel impressed with the 703's. imho, they are a *very* nice, capable fit all around for music/film in a moderately sized room, even, and if you're okay with pushing tone controls a little, you can really coax some bottom end out of them with some decent equipment. I can remember when I first got them and was testing a bunch of different setup options, I had to check a few times to see whether I had the sub on. they're that good.

also agree on the 706 center if you want to go 3ch. the three make for a smooth, relatively full front end, esp in multichannel music modes. the 706 is a beast though. you'll need to check your measurements. you might be able to get the three speakers from the Ebay store for around $1800, iirc, or somewhere thereabouts. used is also an option you might not shy from.

tophatjohnny

Polk Audio has so many choices and they are all great. Depending on how much you want to spend and what sounds good to your ears. Just try to do business with a place or person that will allow you to try out what you decide on and have the option of returning if you are unhappy. I love the Polk speakers I have in my living room, but those too will be replaced. Like everything, it's all temporary, including us.

tonyb

I'd stick with the LSIM suggestion.....easier to drive than some lower line speakers and easily their best sounding speaker. No brainer

AsSiMiLaTeD

In their price ranges I really like the PSB speakers. The PSB Image line fits in your price range and is one of the best options there IMO. I would get a pair of Image T6 and a decent AVR and be done with it...

msg

dang, nice design! have you heard these? how would you characterize their sound?
is the upper end separate from the bottom two drivers?
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/image/Image-T6-Tower

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

In their price ranges I really like the PSB speakers. The PSB Image line fits in your price range and is one of the best options there IMO. I would get a pair of Image T6 and a decent AVR and be done with it...

voltz

I have some PSB image B6's and love them. I love my Polk's also and would be happy to own either. now If my RTiA7's crossover looked like Jesse's I would say Polk all the way

I would be happy to someday own some PSB T2's be it won't be happening.

WLDock

I agree if you can't go full surround sound with a bangin' low end, just build a nice sounding and simple 2 channel system...can just watch TV in stereo/ phantom center.
Throw the KEF Q900 towers on to your list. Great for music as well as theater if you go down that road later.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/spkfloor/speakers-stands/floor-standing-speakers/1.html

91 dB Sensitivity and 8 Ohms. Makes for a nice full range tower to be driven by a nice integrated amp. Have you checked out the NAD integrated product? They offer some interesting options....like the Direct Digital Network Products. Not sure if you are all digital? ...but their D 7050 Direct Digital Network Amp seems to be designed for someone like yourself that is looking for a higher level of sound in a simple and clean package.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/digital-music/D-7050-Direct-Digital-Network-Amplifier

D-7050 Feedback
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/nad/1.html
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=119932.0
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/12/129913.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MACz5fVL6k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW50ymxW9Kc

KEF Q900 Feedback
http://www.stereophile.com/content/kef-q900-loudspeaker
http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/kef-q900
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/kef-q900-speaker-system
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/kef2/1.html

msg

I wish I never looked at this thread.
haha

Capitalistpig

Ya --that receiver I was originally looking at is a little short on power

Rethinking my options and looking hard at the 2 channel offerings