FXi3 for stereo?

Ram Cole

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and new to Hi-Fi. I'm putting together a basic stereo system for my 20"x12" bedroom, where I'll listen to a wide variety of music 95% of the time(classical to hip-hop), and will watch movies the other 5%. In both cases it will be off my iMac desktop computer, connected to a Pioneer VSX-D412 receiver.

I've just started my speaker research and while debating which route to go between floorstanders and bookshelf (budget max of $400), I came across the Polk Fxi3's at my local Future Shop (Canadian version of Best Buy). I was very impressed with the size of the sound they produced, even without a sub.

After doing some online research, I learned that they're actually meant to be used in conjunction with other speakers in a HT setup, although this is not a route I can afford to go right now. Anyway, I'm just wondering, does anyone here have experience using the FXi3's as their sole stereo speakers?

I know I should trust my own ears but perhaps the "sound room" of the store is not giving an accurate demonstration of what they'll actually be like to live with. FYI, I did try the RTi6's, but didn't like them too much. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, thanks.

RC

shack

The FXi series is designed as a surround speaker for back or side surround use in a home theater 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 setup. They diffuse the soundwaves around the room. You would get some very unususal sounds in a stereo setup. Under NO circumstances would I use them as a stereo pair or even as fronts in a HT setup. It IS NOT what they are designed to do.

Ram Cole

Thanks for the tip, Shack. I understand that they aren't purpose-built for stereo duty, but i really enjoyed the "surround" effect they provided - are there any proper stereo speakers that would do this, by Polk or otherwise?

okiepolkie

Vintage Polk SDA & new SDA Surroundbar

Willow

I think you'd be better off with the rti4s over the fxi3s. As olkie mentioned, those would be your best bet if you are looking for the surround effect.

Ram Cole

ok, thanks guys, will look into these suggestions.

gregure

While you may like the added sound field of the Dipolar speakers, they truly aren't meant for two-channel playback. They also don't have near the bass response of the Rti6. It's rather surprising to me that you didn't like the Rti6, they are really good speakers for the money. Nice dispursion, excellent bass response, and a good overall sound for most types of music. They definitely benefit from better cables, however, so if you were using some crappy 16 guage Monster wire, you will not be getting the smoother highs or deeper bass that you could be with a better cable. Even some decent bulk 12 guage would be enough to improve performance tremendously. I would suggest spending a bit more time before eliminating the Rti6 from your list.

Another feature you will lose with a dipole speaker is imaging. Two good monitor speakers will give you imaging, if set up properly, so that if you just want to relax and listen instead of having it on for background noise, you can experience centralized vocals and a soundstage that allows the speakers to disappear.

Another suggestion would be a decent computer speaker system. While I enjoy my Polks in my living room, I'm quite happy with my Altec Lansing speaker system for my bedroom. With two sattelite speakers and a good sub, you can get good sound with deeper bass than a bookshelf speaker would provide. My Altec Lansing are the nicest they offer, and were only $250. Cambridge Soundworks also carries some nice models as well. My room is about 11' x 11', but the music is easily heard from elsewhere in the house when turned up loud. Should fill your room no problem.

Ram Cole

Hi Gregure,

I know it's weird that i prefer the Fxi's to the Rti6's, but it's because I found I was really impressed by the Fxi's ability to produce the "surround effect" in music, something that the Rti6's, a more purpose-built stereo speaker, were unable to do. Of course, i was also able to hear the drawback of this surround sound feature in the Fxi's, which was a lack of focus and imaging. bottom line is that, based on my initial listening experience, I found that while the Rti6's had better imaging, I found that the Fxi3's filled the room up way better.

As far as computer speakers go, I'm coming from a lowly, 40 watt Altec Lansing 2.1 setup, and they did a more than admirable job with my computer. I'm certain the higher end Logitechs and others will fare extremely well, but I'd rather start building a proper audio system (this 2-speaker stereo system I'm building will be the base for a future HT setup) with the money I'm spending.

Ram Cole

Hi Gregure,

I know it's weird that i prefer the Fxi's to the Rti6's, but it's because I found I was really impressed by the Fxi's ability to produce the "surround effect" in music, something that the Rti6's, a more purpose-built stereo speaker, were unable to do. Of course, i was also able to hear the drawback of this surround sound feature in the Fxi's, which was a lack of focus and imaging. bottom line is that, based on my initial listening experience, I found that while the Rti6's had better imaging, I found that the Fxi3's filled the room up way better. That said, though, I know for a stereo setup I might regret comitting to Fxi3's as my only speaker, so I'm actually holding off on buying them in favor of a pair of cheaper, stereo-specific speakers. I will probably buy a pair of Mission 751's that my friend is selling for $170.

As far as computer speakers go, I'm coming from a lowly, 40 watt Altec Lansing 2.1 setup, and they did a more than admirable job with my computer. I'm certain the higher end Logitechs and others will fare extremely well, but I'd rather start building a proper audio system (this 2-speaker stereo system I'm building will be the base for a future HT setup) with the money I'm spending.

BIZILL

do what sounds best to you. if you get home theater down the road, you can shift the fxi3's to the rear. sounds like you like the tricky trick they do for psuedo-surround effects. that's all good but you are not going to accurately reproduce what was intended. but hey, i listen to music in 7.1 vs. 2 channel stereo, so i am almost as guilty as you.

sickicw

If you like em better, then go for it. They do have two tweeters at 90 degree angels from each other that you can switch from bi-pole to di-pole mode. This is probably what you are hearing that makes you prefer them to the rti6s. If you plan on moving around in your room a bit (not siting in a dedicated listening position) they might be best for you.

shack

IF you want a "surround effect" from a stereo rig, I second the suggestion that you go with a used pair of SDA's. You might think the Fxi3s sounds "cool" now...but as I said you will get some very unusual sounds moving around the room and I bet you would tire of it after the novelty wears off. You may fill up the room with sound, but you loose the nuances of the music. Imaging will suck and you are not widening the soundstage, just bouncing around the sound. It's not even psuedo surround sound...more like a room with really bad sound reflections. If your want that type of effect you would be better off getting a 5.1 sub/sat system and using a reciever's DSPs to fill up your room.

You asked for opinions and I wouldn't do it.

That said....It's your money...your rig...do what you like. I guess you can always move them to the rears as they are designed for when you finish out your HT if you try the FXi3 and end up changing your mind.

Ram Cole

Hey guys, thanks again for your feedback. Just as an update: I did quite a bit of research over the weekend and have decided that i will indeed hold off on the Fxi3's for my 2-speaker stereo system. They are simply not the correct tool for the job, as was mentioned. I'm now deciding between 2 different bookshelf speakers - the mission 751's, and the paradigm mini monitors. Big price diff. between the two, so I just have to decide now if the difference is worth it (missions are 12 years old and $170, paradigms are brand new and $431). I know this is a Polk forum so i should probably post this elsewhere, sorry! Thanks again for all your help.

RC

aaharvel

screw it. If you like the sound then I say try it. Just make sure they're set on BIPOLE and the side with the woofer is facing inwards.

Post feedback on the sound IF you go this route.
Good luck.

Ram Cole

Well i went ahead and bought the Mission 751's. I gave them a listen last night, and I really found the sound to be good, and while the bass was a little lacking when i cranked the speakers up, i got a free subwoofer thrown in that the guy had built himself. If the sub sounds awful, I'll buy a new one (seeing as the speakers were $170 with stands and cables). Thanks again for everyone's input and I'll hope I can offer some input of my own in the future.

Cheers,

RC