Polk Audio Blackstone TL3 review
I picked up a refurb pair of the Polk Audio Blackstone TL3 satellite speakers back in February from A4L. After spending several months listening to them, I'm finally ready to write a formal review and share my thoughts on them.
The fact that these are relatively inexpensive at ~$100/each, and are small enough to fit nicely on my computer desk is what initially piqued my interest. Additionally, the design elements and drivers reminded me of a smaller shrunken down version of my beloved LSiM 703s.
They feature a 3/4" ring radiator tweeter in a time aligned enclosure with a 3-1/4" aerated polypropylene woofer. Seeing the similarity to the 703s now? They also have a cloth grille with a built in waveguide that helps to focus and smooth out the treble. I can attest that this works exactly as designed, this is one speaker that actually sounds better to listen to with the grills in place!
They also have their very own power port, made out of a dense rubber material not unlike the material on the front of the 703's tweeter and midrange section. You can actually feel this working as intended if you put your hand back there when playing at louder volumes. It really helps kick out the "midbass" frequencies.
The way it's been implemented also doubles as a sort of an acoustic isolation platform, so that the speaker is only resting on it's "heel" and a small rubber dimple in front. The speakers themselves also have a bit of heft to them at 3lbs each. According to the specs, they have a "steel-plate reinforced cabinet that fights internal resonances"! Clearly a lot of design and engineering has gone into these speakers, as you would expect from Polk.
So, moving along to how these sound. I'm using them in a desktop nearfield environment, powered by a Klipsch Promedia V.2-400 system. I simply swapped out the Klipsch satellites for these TL3s. They're getting 60wpc from the BASH amp and the subwoofer is a dual 6.5" driver ported enclosure getting 160w. The crossover frequency of the sub is listed as 120hz which seems to align perfectly with the TL3s claimed low end response limit of 115hz.
Like the my 703s, these TL3s seem to have a slightly laid back treble presentation that is in no way harsh or bright. In my opinion, they have that "Polk-ish" sound to the highs - not too bright and not too dark, but just right. Midrange is well represented and has a nice neutrality to it. Low end bass performance is mostly absent, but that's obviously what the sub is for. I wouldn't recommend these without a subwoofer in the mix unless you primarily listen to classical!
Going back to the power port and mid-bass kick that I mentioned earlier, these definitely have the ability to belt out some satisfying midrange bass frequencies. I listen to a lot of electronic music and this was a pleasant sensation for house/techno and drum n bass. They're fast and articulate as well as having a very coherent and smooth presentation. They kick out a much larger sound than you'd think could come from their small physical size. Also they seem to love it when you turn up the volume and really give them some juice. You just get more of that accurate and crisp music, they never sound jumbled or strident.
Another "Polk-ish" quality that they have is the ability to sound good across several different genres of music. From KMFDM to Miles Davis, Mozart to Depeche Mode. Everything I play on them sounds great. They just have a really pleasant musical presentation that makes you want to keep listening for extended periods. The obvious engineering prowess that went into these and their resulting performance contradicts their inexpensive price!
I did have to experiment a little with toe in to get them sounding their best. Also, they seemed to require a modest break in period of 50 hours or so. After this I noticed the stereo imaging improved quite a bit. They're also quite revealing to changes made upstream, good for people like me who like to experiment with DACs or USB cables!
Overall, I'd highly recommend these to anyone looking for an inexpensive desktop nearfield listening setup. Combine them with a nice ~40wpc integrated that has a subwoofer output and a punchy 8-10" powered sub for a damn good sounding system!
The fact that these are relatively inexpensive at ~$100/each, and are small enough to fit nicely on my computer desk is what initially piqued my interest. Additionally, the design elements and drivers reminded me of a smaller shrunken down version of my beloved LSiM 703s.
They feature a 3/4" ring radiator tweeter in a time aligned enclosure with a 3-1/4" aerated polypropylene woofer. Seeing the similarity to the 703s now? They also have a cloth grille with a built in waveguide that helps to focus and smooth out the treble. I can attest that this works exactly as designed, this is one speaker that actually sounds better to listen to with the grills in place!
They also have their very own power port, made out of a dense rubber material not unlike the material on the front of the 703's tweeter and midrange section. You can actually feel this working as intended if you put your hand back there when playing at louder volumes. It really helps kick out the "midbass" frequencies.
The way it's been implemented also doubles as a sort of an acoustic isolation platform, so that the speaker is only resting on it's "heel" and a small rubber dimple in front. The speakers themselves also have a bit of heft to them at 3lbs each. According to the specs, they have a "steel-plate reinforced cabinet that fights internal resonances"! Clearly a lot of design and engineering has gone into these speakers, as you would expect from Polk.
So, moving along to how these sound. I'm using them in a desktop nearfield environment, powered by a Klipsch Promedia V.2-400 system. I simply swapped out the Klipsch satellites for these TL3s. They're getting 60wpc from the BASH amp and the subwoofer is a dual 6.5" driver ported enclosure getting 160w. The crossover frequency of the sub is listed as 120hz which seems to align perfectly with the TL3s claimed low end response limit of 115hz.
Like the my 703s, these TL3s seem to have a slightly laid back treble presentation that is in no way harsh or bright. In my opinion, they have that "Polk-ish" sound to the highs - not too bright and not too dark, but just right. Midrange is well represented and has a nice neutrality to it. Low end bass performance is mostly absent, but that's obviously what the sub is for. I wouldn't recommend these without a subwoofer in the mix unless you primarily listen to classical!
Going back to the power port and mid-bass kick that I mentioned earlier, these definitely have the ability to belt out some satisfying midrange bass frequencies. I listen to a lot of electronic music and this was a pleasant sensation for house/techno and drum n bass. They're fast and articulate as well as having a very coherent and smooth presentation. They kick out a much larger sound than you'd think could come from their small physical size. Also they seem to love it when you turn up the volume and really give them some juice. You just get more of that accurate and crisp music, they never sound jumbled or strident.
Another "Polk-ish" quality that they have is the ability to sound good across several different genres of music. From KMFDM to Miles Davis, Mozart to Depeche Mode. Everything I play on them sounds great. They just have a really pleasant musical presentation that makes you want to keep listening for extended periods. The obvious engineering prowess that went into these and their resulting performance contradicts their inexpensive price!
I did have to experiment a little with toe in to get them sounding their best. Also, they seemed to require a modest break in period of 50 hours or so. After this I noticed the stereo imaging improved quite a bit. They're also quite revealing to changes made upstream, good for people like me who like to experiment with DACs or USB cables!
Overall, I'd highly recommend these to anyone looking for an inexpensive desktop nearfield listening setup. Combine them with a nice ~40wpc integrated that has a subwoofer output and a punchy 8-10" powered sub for a damn good sounding system!
Comments
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Nice write up Drew! I remember when I just missed out on the A4L deal!Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
Congrats! I knew you would be happy with them.
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 -
I talked a friend into getting these from A4L and he was very happy with them. Oh and yes they were revealing of upstream changes. When he got some better Audioquest speaker wire we heard the difference immediately!
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awesome review!
I heard the TL2's and thought they were pretty nice sounding. Can only imagine these would be even a bit more refined.... -
Nice review, Drew. I really didn't realize these were so technical. I never really gave them a second look, really, and had just assumed they were like every other cheapie, lightweight plasticky satellite type speaker. I'm curious now and would be interested to see how they do for a computer setup, or workshop type space. That little Power Port is neat, and I'm impressed with the use of metal binding posts. Nice detail.
Your sub is hard crossed at 120Hz? Not adjustable?
What do you think about the TL3s vs the oe Klipsch(es?)?I disabled signatures. -
I used the TL3's for my near field PC rig and replaced them with the LSi7's
They did very well and blow the TL2's away2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
I setup a 5.1 system with these a few years ago, and was shocked at how good it sounded. The owner's jaw hung open when I put on a music video. Not critical listening good, but way more sound than one would expect from this size. The ring radiators are smooth. Not every company does satellites right, but Polk's Blackstone and Definitive Technology's ProMonitor series are two fine examples.
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Thanks, you were right! They're really nice speakers, definitely satisfied with the purchase.Congrats! I knew you would be happy with them.
I'm just using Monoprice 14ga OFC wire with them right now. Been thinking about Blue Jeans or Douglas Connection cables at some point, but not in a rush. They'll need to be 6' or less with a bare wire or pin termination on the amp side, and spades on the speaker side. Just haven't felt a need/rush to get some nicer aftermarket wires since they're sounding so good to me as is.honestaquarian wrote: »I talked a friend into getting these from A4L and he was very happy with them. Oh and yes they were revealing of upstream changes. When he got some better Audioquest speaker wire we heard the difference immediately!
They definitely sound better than their pricetag would have you indicate. Seems like Polk has quite the history of doing this very thing.awesome review!
I heard the TL2's and thought they were pretty nice sounding. Can only imagine these would be even a bit more refined....
I want to say it's hard set. There's no crossover frequency adjustment on the preamp control pod, just a subwoofer level knob. Versus the Klipsch sats, the Polks are more fleshed out in the midrange, and the treble isn't as bright/forward. They just sound more natural and have more "ease" to them. There's no reason to ever hook up the Klipsch sats again, imo.Nice review, Drew. I really didn't realize these were so technical. I never really gave them a second look, really, and had just assumed they were like every other cheapie, lightweight plasticky satellite type speaker. I'm curious now and would be interested to see how they do for a computer setup, or workshop type space. That little Power Port is neat, and I'm impressed with the use of metal binding posts. Nice detail.
Your sub is hard crossed at 120Hz? Not adjustable?
What do you think about the TL3s vs the oe Klipsch(es?)?
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Why do you answer on the top of quotes? It ruins the flow of reading...Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
SVS SB16 X2
Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified
VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM
MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s -
Nice review!
Have you had a chance to try out the Polk Signature Series S10 satellite/mini bookshelf? I find it amazing for the size. Prefer it over the Blackstone if size and form-factor isn't too much of an issue. -
Why do you answer on the top of quotes? It ruins the flow of reading...
It's been noted here before, but he insists on doing it his way... I think he likes being a non-conformist, so I don't expect him to change. Frustrating to scroll through a thread and be thrown off by one poster who just has to be different. -
Thanks Topper. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to listen to anything from the Signature Series line, but all the feedback I've read about them has been positive!TopperDude wrote: »Nice review!
Have you had a chance to try out the Polk Signature Series S10 satellite/mini bookshelf? I find it amazing for the size. Prefer it over the Blackstone if size and form-factor isn't too much of an issue.
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I’ve got a pair of the Polk S15 on my desk since moving th KEFs to the stands full time, in a near field configuration these sound very good.
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Cool! Nice to know that the S15s are also small enough for desktop nearfield use!AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »I’ve got a pair of the Polk S15 on my desk since moving th KEFs to the stands full time, in a near field configuration these sound very good.
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Yikes. I do this sometimes too. I didn't know it was Clipdats way. Crap. Maybe I shoulda asked permission.
And sometimes I like to mix it up.mdaudioguy wrote: »
It's been noted here before, but he insists on doing it his way... I think he likes being a non-conformist, so I don't expect him to change. Frustrating to scroll through a thread and be thrown off by one poster who just has to be different.Why do you answer on the top of quotes? It ruins the flow of reading...
I didn't realize it made things difficult for people.
Sometimes it makes more sense to me to respond above, depending on the content. Also kind of like how it works in email messages when replying? Your response is at the top. But I couldn't define for you any specific examples of why sometimes it seems more natural to me one way or the other. It's just a feel thing for me.
What I hate is when people quote an entire post for no reason, especially if it's got multiple full size photos in it.I disabled signatures. -
When you reply above a quote, especially a multi-reply to multi-quote, it's difficult to read on phones because you're constantly scrolling up and down vs scrolling in one direction2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
I see where that would make sense. I usually try to trim quotes a bit, since I only try to quote to give a little reference/context to my response without duplication.
Actually, that situation you describe, Ron, is one of the times I'd respond below a quote. That's also how I do it in email with Thunderbird if responding throughout a message.
To save even more space, sometimes I'll write in a smaller font, or use a really light color to save screen ink.I disabled signatures. -
I got tired of paying the exorbitant retail prices they demand for screen ink, so now I'm just buying bulk ocean squid from seafood suppliers and manually harvesting their squid ink. Works like a charm!To save even more space, sometimes I'll write in a smaller font, or use a really light color to save screen ink.
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Like Carlito's Way, but without all the drugs and violence.Yikes. I do this sometimes too. I didn't know it was Clipdats way. Crap. Maybe I shoulda asked permission.
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I was thinking more like (Jersey) Mike's Way, but without too much oil and vinegar.I disabled signatures.
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Why do you answer on the top of quotes? It ruins the flow of reading...
I quoted you to see how it works automatically, and my text goes where it belongs, under your comment.
So one would have to take extra steps to reply above a quote. -
Yes. This should be punishable by death.What I hate is when people quote an entire post for no reason, especially if it's got multiple full size photos in it.
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Yikes. I do this sometimes too. I didn't know it was Clipdats way. Crap. Maybe I shoulda asked permission.
And sometimes I like to mix it up.mdaudioguy wrote: »
It's been noted here before, but he insists on doing it his way... I think he likes being a non-conformist, so I don't expect him to change. Frustrating to scroll through a thread and be thrown off by one poster who just has to be different.Why do you answer on the top of quotes? It ruins the flow of reading...
I didn't realize it made things difficult for people.
Sometimes it makes more sense to me to respond above, depending on the content. Also kind of like how it works in email messages when replying? Your response is at the top. But I couldn't define for you any specific examples of why sometimes it seems more natural to me one way or the other. It's just a feel thing for me.
What I hate is when people quote an entire post for no reason, especially if it's got multiple full size photos in it.
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He wants to be different although....
He knows it's difficult to read
He knows it's annoying
He enjoys being a PITA
2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
I guess I didn't realize/know he was just being a PITA... Sorry I asked...
Thanks for being a member that's willing to work with others, I will strive to be just like you when I grow up...Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
SVS SB16 X2
Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified
VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM
MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s -
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them. -
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
