Alternative to L200

sergioc

I have a Polk discount code that expires in 11 days so I have to pull the trigger. I've been waiting for the L200 to come back into stock for months. It's for a 2 channel setup in a smallish room, 12' x 13'. At this point I need to decide. On the bright side, the coupon works for anything on the website, so I'm going to grab the Denon PMA-1700NE amp in any case, so the code won't be totally wasted.

Note the PMA-1700NE does not have a sub out and I'm trying to do this setup without a sub anyway, so the L100's won't work for me.

I've posted about this before and I ruled out the L600's. I don't think they would be right for the space I'm working with. Staying with bookshelf speakers.

Thank you for your input.

marvda1

You can get this also in black. They also have other speakers.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/focalaria906prmwlnt-a/focal-open-box-aria-906-pair-6.5-bookshelf-speakers-prime-walnut/1.html

nooshinjohn

sergioc wrote: »

I have a Polk discount code that expires in 11 days so I have to pull the trigger. I've been waiting for the L200 to come back into stock for months. It's for a 2 channel setup in a smallish room, 12' x 13'. At this point I need to decide. On the bright side, the coupon works for anything on the website, so I'm going to grab the Denon PMA-1700NE amp in any case, so the code won't be totally wasted.

Note the PMA-1700NE does not have a sub out and I'm trying to do this setup without a sub anyway, so the L100's won't work for me.

I've posted about this before and I ruled out the L600's. I don't think they would be right for the space I'm working with. Staying with bookshelf speakers.

Thank you for your input.

Contact Polk... they have assured me that my code will be valid until they have product in stock.

F1nut

R200 AE

You don't need a sub out in order to run a sub as long as the sub has high level connections.

Get this instead of the Denon, https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642MDL30B/Marantz-Model-30-Black.html

sergioc

@nooshinjohn given how tough it was to get the code extended from the original date, I don't want to take a chance on the code working after the current deadline. Especially since the guy from Polk marketing that set up the whole thing originally was let go from Polk right after our session ended. I think I'll pick up speakers separately.

Emlyn

R200 AE

Looks like the vendors got the go-ahead to dump the R200 AE model at $799 a pair:

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-oxPJKi9MEC7/p_107R200AE/Polk-Audio-Reserve-R200-50th-Anniversary-Edition.html?XVINQ=GLX&XVVer=1FHI&awcr=633917942531&awdv=c&awnw=g&awug=9008150&awkw=pla-1881910004041&awmt=&awat=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4NWrBhD-ARIsAFCKwWtMVhaOtiCfMrCWXyNVycmcDHJlY6T0Zd1DiBtcykT-u0CY9vaNOxcaApD5EALw_wcB

sergioc

@Emlyn I saw that too. I was considering the R200 AE because the price drop. I think now it's a great value but I think I'm going to wait and get speakers in January unless there is a Christmas miracle and the L200 come in stock in the next day or two.

F1nut

R200 AE

There is no guarantee the R200 AE will still be available in January or if it is that the sale price will still be in effect.

Since you did not comment on my integrated amp suggestion maybe this will get your attention. You will not be happy with that Denon.

sergioc

@F1nut, I wasn't clear. My 3 choices are R200 AE now, L200 when they come back in stock, or get a different brand of bookshelf (not Polk) with a $1500 budget later.

Regarding the Denon. I'm trying to use a promo code and I'm limited to the Polk website, so for integrated amps my choices are the 1700 and the 600. I'll say I didn't see anything negative about the 1700 in my research, but I'm curious why you think I won't be happy with it.

F1nut

R200 AE

No balls.

Oh, I'm clear on the speaker deal, which is why I voted R200 AE.

F1nut

R200 AE

I don't see any Denon products listed on Polk's site. Was that something only connected to discount code deal?

If so, not sure why Marantz wouldn't be also because Masimo owns all of those.

bcwsrt

R200 AE

Why so stuck on L200s or non-Polks for 2x what the R200 AEs are?

sergioc

@F1nut there are a couple of amps and receivers in the Home Theater Systems bundles.

@bcwsrt I don't want to buy bookshelves again (or at least a long time) so I'm trying to get Polk's "best" offering.

nooshinjohn

sergioc wrote: »

@F1nut there are a couple of amps and receivers in the Home Theater Systems bundles.

@bcwsrt I don't want to buy bookshelves again (or at least a long time) so I'm trying to get Polk's "best" offering.

As a general rule, if it's bundled it ain't worth buyin'

Emlyn

R200 AE

sergioc wrote: »

I don't want to buy bookshelves again (or at least a long time) so I'm trying to get Polk's "best" offering.

The L200s and the R200 AE are different flavors and design approaches using similar drivers. There are significant differences. I'd call it a toss up regarding which one is overall best.

For some the cherry veneer, upgraded crossover parts, and limited production of the R200 AE may be appealing. For some the port design on the L200 allowing for closer wall placement, arguably more internal bracing and better cabinet structure, and the black/walnut veneer may be appealing. Personally I don't really like cherry veneer on speakers.

I thought about buying a pair of the R200AE before but already had the R200 sitting unused. If I was going to buy another pair of Polk bookshelf speakers it would most likely be the L200s. But, there's no telling if/when they may be back in stock.

Regarding the integrated amps the Marantz Model 30 would be my preference. The Denon and Marantz integrated amps are totally different internal designs apart from being tuned differently for a different sound signature. With a speaker like the L200 or R200 AE the differences would be clearly heard.

bcwsrt

R200 AE

The R200 AEs are limited production and "signed" by The Man, himself.

Don't overlook the impedance differences, which may be part of the reason behind @F1nut's "no balls" comment on your amp choice.

F1nut

R200 AE

I was considering the 86dB sensitivity rating, which means it takes an amp with some balls to wake them up, especially at lower volume levels.

sergioc

Good points, thank you all.

@nooshinjohn agree, I wouldn't get the bundle, just the amp.

@Emlyn thank you, good points. Those are the points that make it a tough decision. And I'm working with FOMO here.

@F1nut , @bcwsrt, from what I've read/seen in reviews, the 70x2@8 ohms - 140/2@4 ohms should deliver what I'm looking for, but I did think of that and if I have to add balls/amp later I can do that.

rooftop59

R200 AE

@sergioc I purchased a pair of R200AEs a couple of weeks ago. I have been listening to them ever since in the main rig. That have temporarily taken the place of the Ushers in my sig. I previously had a two week demo of the L200s. You can find my review in the demo review thread here on the forum. I felt at the time that the L200s compared quite favorably to my then Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkIIs (though I did prefer the Dyns). The Ushers are a mostly lateral move from the Dyns, slightly different, better in some ways, but not as good in others. All that to say, I feel that the R200 AEs compare quite favorably to the Ushers. They do not have quite the upper extension and sparkle, and the bass sometimes has a slight bloat or overhang. The biggest difference is probably the soundstage size (mainly width), but even then, it's not a huge difference as both speakers cast a decent-sized soundstage.

Caveat emptor: I am running them with dual subs, using the Dirac Live from the Ushers, so this isn't a pure review. Bottom line, I think they are great speakers, and they compare quite favorably to the L200s. If you can get them discounted from their current blowout price, to me, that's a no-brainer.

F1nut

R200 AE

from what I've read/seen in reviews, the 70x2@8 ohms - 140/2@4 ohms should deliver what I'm looking for,

It won't.

erniejade

Why not go with the R500 if your worried about a floor stander being too big? The R500 or 600 wouldn't have any larger footprint vs the r200 oe L200 on stands. On top of that, they will be just as easy to drive as the R200.

I also agree with F1 and the amp if going to the L200. I had the L200 on demo. The L200 needs some oomph behind them.

rooftop59

R200 AE

erniejade wrote: »

Why not go with the R500 if your worried about a floor stander being too big? The R500 or 600 wouldn't have any larger footprint vs the r200 oe L200 on stands. On top of that, they will be just as easy to drive as t

I also agree with F1 and the amp if going to the L200. I had the L200 on demo. The L200 needs some oomph behind them.

While the R200s might not need as much power as the L200s, they certianly sound great with a 40+ pound MF A308 driving them…

Any decision @sergioc?

Emlyn

R200 AE

Like the R200s the R500s have a port opening on the back of the cabinet. The R600s have a downfiring port with a plate. The configuration may impact how close to room boundaries the speakers can be placed for best sound. I have used a pair of the R600s in a 10x10 or so room and they fit and perform very well there. I think the R600 is a much better design than the R500 and worth the extra money if they'll fit in a space.

sergioc

@rooftop59, @erniejade, @Emlyn - I'm going to order the amp today or tomorrow but I'm going to wait on speakers for now.