Polk Signature Series Official Discussion

tonyb

jdavid wrote: »

Appreciate your continued advice!
We are renovating house including TV room and spouse would prefer no stands ( which I have now) she kindly accepted room placement of stereo speakers in another room, so if I can avoid stands for these I would.
Is there some mounting device to place them on wall and avoid stands for S20s?
Do they need to be a minimum distance off wall?

Gotcha man, maybe someone else will chime in on wall mounts, the S20's are fairly hefty and would need a substantial wall mount. If, for that reason, you need to go with the 15's, then ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

jdavid

Topper, Thanks. Have you or anyone else heard/read of anyone actually use 3 vertical S15 or 3 S20s as fronts left right and center as part of a 5.1 system? I have only seen the idea very generally mentioned, nothing with signature 15 or 20 speakers ( or any others for that matter).

rooftop59

jdavid wrote: »

Topper, Thanks. Have you or anyone else heard/read of anyone actually use 3 vertical S15 or 3 S20s as fronts left right and center as part of a 5.1 system? I have only seen the idea very generally mentioned, nothing with signature 15 or 20 speakers ( or any others for that matter).

If you go to Dolby or DTS theater room demo their tracks, it’s almost always 5-7 matching full range monitors, never a special “center” speaker. If you have the space that’s the ideal. But the key in those demo rooms is that that the speakers are really high end. With cheaper smaller speakers I think that center channels have an advantage. They usually have an extra driver and bigger cabinet and are voiced for midrange clarity.

In your situation the only way to know for sure is buy both and try it out! Return or sell the loser!

mrloren

S20 is a big bookie that sounds great. I have both S15 (surrounds on main HT) and S20 (as mains in bedroom). I have tried both as main speakers in the main HT. S20 are a lot better than the S15 all around.

I don't think I would wall mount the S20, they are a big speaker

jdavid

Thanks.

What is your view of the difference in performance on wall mounting with a bracket v stands on the front left and right speakers? If mounted with brackets do speakers need to be a minimum distance out from back wall whether S15 or 20?
( Plan is to have them and S30 all at same tweeter height at ear level on assumption that is best?) How about the Wali dual side bracket for large speakers holding up to 55 pounds or what ever professional installer suggests?

In the room I described what are your thoughts on having two Polk MC 60 for Atmos in ceiling speakers- do you think room ( 8 x15 with 7 and 1/2 foot ceiling) just too small?

jdavid

Where do you come down for my room on S35 v S30 by the way?

mrloren

S30 is the better speaker for center channel if you have the room.

A set of MC60 would work well for ATMOS speakers

Yes you can wall mount the S20 with the bracket. What makes stands better is you can move the speaker for best placement.

jdavid

We are renovating so we will have a new wall to hang the TV on and can place TV and speakers anywhere on it but are you suggesting stands to pull speakers out further or just that stands have much more flexibility for placement ?

If I do wall mounts do speakers need to come out from wall a minimum for example 4 or 6 inches?

S10s fine for rear surrround speakers?

rooftop59

jdavid wrote: »

Thanks.

What is your view of the difference in performance on wall mounting with a bracket v stands on the front left and right speakers? If mounted with brackets do speakers need to be a minimum distance out from back wall whether S15 or 20?
( Plan is to have them and S30 all at same tweeter height at ear level on assumption that is best?) How about the Wali dual side bracket for large speakers holding up to 55 pounds or what ever professional installer suggests?

In the room I described what are your thoughts on having two Polk MC 60 for Atmos in ceiling speakers- do you think room ( 8 x15 with 7 and 1/2 foot ceiling) just too small?

Good stands really do sound better. I remember moving from metal plants stands to wooden stands to good solid steel stands filled with sand. I was using the Polk rt7 which are large monitors. I was amazed at the difference in bass tightness and overall separation: I really couldn’t believe stands alone could make that difference.

However, I completely understand the SAF and just general living constraints. If you have to mount them get the 20s and these: https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Universal-Clamping-Bookshelf-Mounting/dp/B01N2TM8BQ/ref=asc_df_B01N2TM8BQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198062682203&hvpos=1o12&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13620429792448683996&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026867&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-319814671128&psc=1
The point of the power port is that you can get away with closer wall placement.

jdavid

Assume these have been used by people for S20 although they say for full clamp contact minimum width 9 inches and 20s are 8.5 ?

If I use stands what do you suggest?

Appreciate your advice!

rooftop59

Sorry, here are the mounts I think you need: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZE0O8U/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A1Q5TXAPOS7WLS&psc=1

Hard to beat these stands for the price but I haven't used them: https://www.amazon.com/Monolith-Inch-Speaker-Stand-Each/dp/B076HX81WZ

I have used them, also excellent stands. Amazon has an open box pair for $98 shipped, that is dang good: https://www.amazon.com/Sanus-SF26B1-26-inch-Speaker-Stands/dp/B004T7VCM0/ref=sr_1_7?crid=317AWPOYPR7LA&keywords=sanus+steel+foundation&qid=1571153121&sprefix=sanus+steel+,aps,167&sr=8-7

jdavid

Very helpful.

I am sure we can have contractor build a shelf on the new wall for the front and left speakers —-would you say that both stands and the wall mounts you suggest are better than a shelf for getting the best sound?

rooftop59

jdavid wrote: »

Very helpful.

I am sure we can have contractor build a shelf on the new wall for the front and left speakers —-would you say that both stands and the wall mounts you suggest are better than a shelf for getting the best sound?

Ideally you want all sides exposed for the widest and deepest soundstage. But for the last 9 years I have had my main bookies on builtins flanking the sides of the tv. not ideal but still very enjoyable. Sometimes ya gotta make due!

jdavid

Thanks. Well I may be able to have an open shelf built if so where do you rank that compared to mounting - not as good I assume? So therefor first stands, second mounting and out from wall, and last a flat shelf underneath??

I will see what spouse says on stands .........

mrloren

@rooftop59 covered it.

I find surrounds wall mounted to be ok. Main speakers I find best to have the front L/C/R on an even line at least a foot away from the wall.

But the there is the WAF/SAF. Get away with as much as you can, just don't push it or you might wind up with cubes.

If your only going with one set of ATMOS in-ceiling speakers mount them closer to the listening position .

jdavid

Very interesting comment—-Could I really do two sets - four ceiling Atmos speakers in my room 8 by 15 with 7 and 1/2 foot ceiling? (Was considering Denon 3600H - will check if that would handle that). But would four ceiling Atmos work well?

jdavid

Denon will do it!

mrloren

Yes the 3600H will power 9 speakers but that is a lot of speakers for an AVR. 7 speakers is pushing it for that AVR. An amp would be needed like Outlaw Audio 5000, Monolith 5 or Emotiva XPA5. Now the might blow up the budget. Drive the fronts and surrounds with the amp and use the AVR for ATMOS. Also the room @ 8X15 might get a little crammed with speakers.

Here is how I would set it up. Remember this is just my opinion.

S20 on stands S30 center. S15 wall mounted for surrounds 1 set of MC60 mounted 1/2 way between the front speakers and listening position.

You sub choice is good but the speedwoofer is made more for music than movies. An HSU VTF-2 or SVS PB1000/2000 would be a lot better and dig deeper, a lot deeper.

patstock11

Been lurking in this site for a while. I currently have 2 s55s up front, s30 center, 2 s15s for surrounds. And recently upgraded to an svs pb1000 for my 5.1 modest home theater in my man cave. Simple question, it's all hooked up to a Yamaha v379 avr, and at this point I feel like this unit is the weak point in my setup. The system sounds good with Blu rays but I do have to crank it up. And watching TV it lacks a ton. Am I crazy, would I notice significant improvements with a better avr (higher wattage)? If I wanted to upgrade my receiver I'm basically looking for recommendations in the $500-750 range....is that too little? Some help would really be appreciated ...

patstock11

rooftop59

Yes this would be better: https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx3500h/denon-avr-x3500h-7.2-ch-x-105-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

The 4000 series would be a serious improvement.

mrloren

Yes I agree get the Denon, if you can swing it the 4000 series rocks. Marantz 60XX would work too.

That little Yamaha @ 16lb just doesn't have the power supply.

Get some good power on them there speakers. And please put a small piece of foam under the front of the S30, tilt it up a tad. Then save up for a 2nd PB1000

jdavid

In a room of my size , 8x15, would two rsl10s be better than one svs pb 1000 or one hsu vtf-2 for home theatre, realizing the expense difference . The wireless function and small size of rsl are attractive. I realize the price comparison is unfair but would find a bigger Svs or hsu too large physically.

mrloren

Thing about the rsl10s is they don't dig as deep as an HSU or SVS ported sub. The RSL10 are more of a musical sub for playing above 30hz. A VTF2 will dig deep down to 16hz. For movies that is what you want deep bass.

A VTF2 @ $600 to the door is real hard to beat. Up the budget to $900 for a VTF3 and thank me later.

I'd take the HSU subs over the SVS till the PB3000

patstock11

Anyone have experience with refurbs from Amazon? Through world wide stereo....looking at a Denon 4500

rpf65

I’ve bought from W W Stereo, and was very satisfied.

patstock11

rpf65 wrote: »

I’ve bought from W W Stereo, and was very satisfied.

Thanks alot

jdavid

Thanks. Will have to deal with WAF on subs . Just so I know what is out there is there anything smaller than vtf2 ( or smaller than PB 1000) you like for HT better than rsl 10s that is deeper than the rsl?

rooftop59

jdavid wrote: »

Thanks. Will have to deal with WAF on subs . Just so I know what is out there is there anything smaller than vtf2 ( or smaller than PB 1000) you like for HT better than rsl 10s that is deeper than the rsl?

The SVS SB2000 will get you awfully close extension wise assuming you have some room gain which most do, it just won’t get you nearly as much output/slam that a big ported sub will. Now of course, I’m that room I think you will be pretty amazed at the SB2000...

Is a cylinder an option? Less floor space but it does stand out lol. The PC2000 is probably the closest to the vtf2 and might even rival the output/extension of the vtf3.

mhardy6647

mrloren wrote: »

Thing about the rsl10s is they don't dig as deep as an HSU or SVS ported sub. The RSL10 are more of a musical sub for playing above 30hz. A VTF2 will dig deep down to 16hz. For movies that is what you want deep bass.

A VTF2 @ $600 to the door is real hard to beat. Up the budget to $900 for a VTF3 and thank me later.

I'd take the HSU subs over the SVS till the PB3000

hmm... still haven't ever seen my subwoofer dig. Must have the wrong kind.
Not punchy either -- well, maybe, if it's been drinking...