New appreciation for POLK

gregure

The other night I was at my uncle's place housesitting, and I tried to listen to music on his system. I used to actually like the sound of his speakers, but haven't listened to them in around 8 months. In that time, I've upgraded my system to a B&K 507 receiver, $700 speaker cable from Audioquest, a new Panamax 5500 EX, and found the best setup for my Polks for sound quality and imaging. I'm really happy with my system currently, and to be fair, my uncle's system is run off an older Onkyo receiver, so it's a bit of an unfair comparison, but when I played music on his speakers I literally could not listen for more than half a song. They were SO BRIGHT, the sound was killing my ears. Horrible detail, boomy bass and terribly bright highs. These were some older (read: early 80's) CERWIN VEGA towers (or, more accurately, boxes). These things have an aluminum tweeter (hate 'em), a few mids and one large 15" woofer. I can't believe I actually used to think these things sounded adequate. I even upgraded him to some 12 awg cable, and they still sound terrible.
I've been trying to get him to buy a new system using my family discount at Magnolia, but he's got too many home upgrades to make it a priority. Hopefully he'll come around soon. Last time I listen to his system as it currently exists. Speakers have come so far in past few decades.
By the way, for anyone in Bay Area, Magnolia has some killer deals on speakers.
Our store currently has two pair of Sonus Faber Grand Pianos (not the new Domus) for $2500/pr. Concertos for $2000 w/ the iron stands.
We also have a pair of the older Vienna Acoustics Mozarts for $1600/pr (new Grands are $2700/pr). All of these would make great two channel system speakers. Similar deals can be found in other stores around the Bay Area. We've already sold our last pair of Martin Logan Ascents for $3700 as clearance models. Now it's a waiting game for the new ones modeled after the new Summits.

Folksandpolks

Gregure,
How do you like the sound of your b@k?
and how did it change the sound of your speakers,two channel and home theater?
subtle or big difference.

gregure

I love my B&K receiver. It's made a HUGE difference in sound quality on the Polks. My previous receiver was an Onkyo 701. I always used to use DSP modes with two channel music because the Onkyo sounded rather thin for two-channel-I had to use the DSP's to fill out the sound.
The B&K was an obvious improvement in many ways:
1. Music-Sound quality was greatly improved here. Vocals are clear, but not too forward, overall sound is warm, highs are smooth, not bright, and details are clearer than ever. I hear details in music I've had for years that I could barely make out before.
2. Movies-a lot more involving due to the added presence and detail the better processing and amplification have afforded. Not only that, but I can turn it up LOUD with no distortion. It's great. I remember watching RETURN OF THE KING when the theatrical cut came out and I still had my Onkyo. The scene where the Witch King first comes out as the blue signal bursts up from Minas Morgul was ok, but the tangibility of that shrill cry just wasn't there.
When the Extended Edition came out (finally!) and I had replaced the receiver with the B&K, I turned it up fairly loud, and had to almost cover my ears due to the overpowering shrillness of the Witch King's cry. It was like I was in the theater all over again.

I have nothing to complain about with the B&K, and I even have a fully programmable universal remote that comes with the unit (a MX700 I think, they call it the SR10.1).
I don't think there's much better for movies in the way of receivers until you get into separates. This thing just has so much power. And it's heavy as hell. Really a great choice if you're able to afford the purchase.

F1nut

when I played music on his speakers I literally could not listen for more than half a song. They were SO BRIGHT, the sound was killing my ears. Horrible detail, boomy bass and terribly bright highs. These were some older (read: early 80's) CERWIN VEGA towers (or, more accurately, boxes). These things have an aluminum tweeter (hate 'em), a few mids and one large 15" woofer. I can't believe I actually used to think these things sounded adequate.

Please post that on AK, many a CV lover over there......gawd awful speakers. IMO.

gregure

I'm sorry F1, I don't know what AK is.

nadams

AudioKarma

McLoki

Sounds like the D9's. My first set of real speaker in college were the D7's. I really liked them (but never really liked the D9's.)

They are great party speakers but not good for alot else. They are very efficient (D9's are 101db 1watt/1meter) but are really bright unless you have a smallish room PACKED with dancing college kids. (that tends to absorb the sound) - also after your 3rd cup of grog - it is hard to hear anything anyway...

Michael

gregure

Well, they may make a decent party speaker, but the problem with speakers like this is that they sound LOUD when you turn them up. This results in just wanting to cover up your ears, instead of really feeling the music. Good speakers are smooth, and don't sound loud until you realize you can't hear when someone is trying to talk to you.

F1nut

gregure wrote:

I'm sorry F1, I don't know what AK is.

www.audiokarma.org

Do a search on CV....probably a million hits. I wouldn't waste a match on a pair of those.

cmy330go

gregure wrote:

We also have a pair of the older Vienna Acoustics Mozarts for $1600/pr (new Grands are $2700/pr).

Have you had much time listening to these? There is a small HiFi shop about 90 miles from me that has a set of these they took on trade in. I had a chance to listen to them one day at the store and almost bought them on the spot. However I chickened out because he said that if I didn't like them he would only give me store credit if I returned them. I really loved them in the store but was a little unsure what they might sound like with my Halo gear.

If you have any further input on these it would be much appreciated. If you really like them I might consider going back to pick them up.

Thanks

fireshoes

What shop?

cmy330go

Hawkeye Audio/Video in Coralville

fireshoes

ah so, never been there. what else they got?

cmy330go

Pretty nice stuff. Check it out.

http://www.hawkeyeaudio.com/

gregure

The old Mozarts from Vienna are superb speakers. It says something about the quality of the speakers that the lined remained the same for 10 years before they made the upgrade. I don't think you would be disappointed with them at all. Excellent imaging, decent bass for the size, superb vocals, and a really nice warmth about them. Perfect for a small to mid-size room. Couple of things: the bottoms must be filled with sand for optimum sound quality. That was their way of saving on shipping costs, but the sand really helps to make the cabinet more inert, improving sq. Also makes them a bit heavy to move around.
Personally, I like the new Grand series a bit better. Awesome sound, tremendous drivers, and great finishes. Still, like I said, for a real steal I think the older series is top notch. I'm sure they will sound awesome with the Parasound amp to drive them. These will definitely show off the benefits of separates, in addition to better cables and interconnects. If you liked the sound at the store, you'll probably enjoy them at home as well.