Question about the reviews

Giuseppe · February 2006

I have been reading a lot of the speaker reviews and have a question about them. There was no speakers 101 forum so I am gonna post it here. I am wondering if the reviews are real? Most of the ones I read are 4 -5 out of 5. I find it hard that most people can't name one bad thing about the speaker. Obviously I cam accross one or two people who had some bad things to say, but the rest said "nothing" under the bad heading. Are these just posted there to work the speakers up???

scottyf · February 2006

Well, you are on the POLK mesage board. I suspect most here are a bit biased towards that brand.....

Giuseppe · February 2006

Exactly what I am worried about. Either the people are actually satisfied which really helps me make my decision. OR they convince themselves that the speakers are high quality and sound good to justify all the money they spent on them. I am interested in real detailed, truthful reviews so I can base my decisions on them.

scottyf · February 2006

I think people here are satisfied. I know I am. I've owned many different systems and my current one is the most musically satifying one I've ever owned. I think a lot of that credit has to go to my modified Counterpoint electronics, but I really, really like my LSi15's. I've never heard them in any other configuration, so I can only comment on mine.

Overall, my system has nice, tuneful, extended bass, with a very clear, slightly warm overall presentation. Cymbals are very realistic and these speakers love voices as well. One of the coolest things about them is that they have great dynamics and tonal shading at very low levels -- they don't need a lot of volume to get going (like my Celestion 7000's, which sounded great, but needed some power to start cookin').

I have owned many speakers in the past (Kef 107's, Quad 63s, Kimber Phantoms, Infinity 2's, Celestion 7000's,Fried C5/D2's) in many different systems (moscode 300/600/Minuet in A, Perreaux SM2/2150B, CJ PV5/Premier 14, Krell PAM), but this one seems to connect me to the music in a way I've never before felt.

I am very satisfied with my speakers and have stopped looking for new ones.

Holydoc · February 2006

Giuseppe wrote:

Exactly what I am worried about. Either the people are actually satisfied which really helps me make my decision. OR they convince themselves that the speakers are high quality and sound good to justify all the money they spent on them. I am interested in real detailed, truthful reviews so I can base my decisions on them.

Giuseppe,

Hearing is a subjective topic and not a definitive one. What I hear may not be the same thing that you hear. You may be bothered by the scratch of a finger over a guitar fret. I enjoy it since that means my system is reproducing life-like feedback.

All we can do is tell you how WE feel about our own systems. This is purely SUBJECTIVE. What you have to do is read these SUBJECTIVE opinions to determine which speakers are "in the running" for you to listen to.

In other words make a list of the speakers that seem to be emphasized and praised the most. Once you have narrowed your list down to a few different types of speakers, then order (or buy) a couple and place them in your house. Whichever one sounds the best in your environment, keep it and return the other. Keep doing this until you find the sound that YOU like. These are the speakers you should keep.

Now just a few cautions. First be sure you test each speaker exactly the same; the same setup, the same room, and the same movie. Second make sure that when you are testing your speakers that you are testing them to their full potential. In other words, you need to make sure that you have more than enough power in your system to push any speaker that you are testing. Finally, remember that if you get serious in this hobby, you will never be satisfied. There will always be something better and more alluring in the future. Be aware that you will want to upgrade eventually.

I participate in this forum because I enjoy this hobby and my current set-up. Is there better out there? Oh goodness yes! But after many years, I am finally beginning to understand what I like, how to set my system up to achieve it, and making the money to enjoy it.

Good luck!

ohskigod · February 2006

if your talking about the reviews on the actual sight, and not here on the forums. they seem legit. If you look thoroughly, youll find some unhappy people who posted accordingly, and Polk seems to leave it on. also have to respect that polk holds a fairly open forum here. I know many of us hammer Polk subs (for home) like its a full time hobby (I think they're ok, bu just ok)

the monitor line, for the price point is good. the way entry level should be, entry level, but of good quality (i.e. not crap)

the RTi line is very solid, especially for home theater. not gonna find too many bad reviews because again, in there price point, they are great performers. thats what seems to be important here. your not going o find many bad reviews because you get a lot for your money with the polk brand.

the LSi's, I just got the 9's. on my Carver, I can say only one thing, they knocked it out of the park with the LSi line. such performance, build quality, and sound quality, at its price point? again, not many people are going to tank them review wise.

beardog03 · February 2006

Giuseppe ,
I know what ya mean about the Pinnocio syndrum (sorry, couldn`t help myself) !

Sometimes , alot of times, the negative feedback is more helpful than everybody just saying that it rocks, and it`s the best ever..

When people talk about problems , you get an idea of how good or bad a product is and what to look out for when checking a product out...

Polk Audio, IMO, leaves little to complain about...in each category that they market.
They have excellent Customer Service, and they make a quality product at a fair price.

Hearing is subjective though, so you will find most people that enjoy their speaks, will post nothing but good reviews even though most of them don`t go into enough detail to help make a subjective decision...
Most of the time, a bad review goes into better detail as to why it was good or bad...that is why the best way to do your research is to take what you can from someone elses review, and get your listen on and write on of your own for others to compair to, when they are doing thier research.
Some are easy to please...some will never be pleased, and most don`t have a clue anyway..

Oh, and welcome to the forum...

dorokusai · February 2006

As if I could add anything to the above comments....

You'll find less love for Polk products on other boards, it's simply the way it goes. If I commented on every board I frequent, in response to every comment....I wouldn't be employed.

The opinion is a glorious area to hang out in, and again, that's just the way it goes. I don't comment on said boards unless I find something grossly inaccurate has been posted, about a product of which I am intimately familiar with, Polk Audio.

Polk stopped breaking ground with the end of the SDA, after that, it's just cookie cutter stuff. The LSi series woke the sleeping beast up, but there are some of us that know Polk can do better. Just hold on to your flat hat....Surround Bar was only the beginning.

cfrizz · February 2006

Here ya go, unbiased reviews of Polk products from regular people.

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/polk-audio/MCL_1381CRX.ASPX

heiney9 · February 2006

There are also many "professional" reviews of Polk products which seem to be unbiased. There isn't a manufacturer in the world that will post overtly negative reviews or links on their home site. It's up to the consumer to do the proper auditioning and research. The web site should be a catalyst to get your listen on.

Also as Cathy mentioned Audioreview.com can be helpful, although you have to read between the line there as well. Many of those people don't have a clue simply becasue they have never been exposed to a wide variety of gear to make a truely educated comment. But it's a tool nonetheless. In the world of audio today there many many plain mediocre products and many just plain awful products. But atleast this give one a variety of levels and gear to choose from. Only you can decide what you want and what you want it to cost. Polk makes some of the best sound for the buck products out there. IMO, the Lsi's exceed performance for the $$$ by a wide margin.

H9

ohskigod · February 2006

audioreview is a good resource. I dont care about the stars. I chec what people like and look for people saying the same thing. same with the bad, if many point out the same weakness of a product, you have to take into consideration. its all part of the research

remember to put the most weight to the most important resource, your ears

Early B. · February 2006

Don't bother reading professional reviews. Other than your own ears, Audioreview is the best resource available.

Giuseppe · February 2006

Wow, thanks a lot guys. You supplied me with some good advice and some good links aswell. I am going to forsure take your advice on testing out speakers in the same setup and same music until I find the best setup. Once I have made a final decision on what I am getting I will post it up here to see what you guys think. By the way do you think a HK AVR 7300 would go good with Polk speakers?

BjornB17 · February 2006

Giuseppe wrote:

Wow, thanks a lot guys. You supplied me with some good advice and some good links aswell. I am going to forsure take your advice on testing out speakers in the same setup and same music until I find the best setup. Once I have made a final decision on what I am getting I will post it up here to see what you guys think. By the way do you think a HK AVR 7300 would go good with Polk speakers?

the 7300 is a powerhouse

steveinaz · February 2006

You've got learn how to really "read" a review. Try to seperate the subjective comments from the facts. Look for things that stand out, good and bad; and look for re-occuring problems/issues or comments from numerous reveiwers that seem to echo each other.

Then....GO LISTEN. Speakers are an extremely subjective thing. Throw the spec sheet away and buy what sounds good to you.

Joey_V · February 2006

Holydoc wrote:

I participate in this forum because I enjoy this hobby and my current set-up. Is there better out there? Oh goodness yes!

I agree that there is better out there.... but the best thing about the Polk forum is that it's just like talking to a bunch of your friends regarding speakers in general. People here say the truth and dont generally sugarcoat it. If something sounds better than Polk, they'll admit it. If not, then it goes the other way.

This is the reason I come back to this site even though I dont own any Polks any longer... I'm a big fan of Polks and I remain that way because of this honest to goodness forum and the solidity of Polk speakers.

Are we biased? Perhaps.. but then again, who isnt?

Keep reading reviews, consult with those who have been there and done that, and hear the speakers for yourself.

That's what I have to say on the subject.

wingnut4772 · February 2006

I think you are right to question reviews. It's always a good idea to audition the speakers in your house. With that said, I am very happy with my LSis. In fact I just had the opportunity to audition a Von Schweikert LCR 15 center channel in my system and it did not come close to my LSI9 but if I were to just go by reviews I would not know that.

Ferres · February 2006

I admit, I liked the lsi9 at the time I auditioned and eventually owned them. But alas, after 2 weeks with the Tannoy Sensys Dc2's I had a change of heart.

Polk tech excellent as it was on the LSI series, is over 5 years old and it is showing it's age. I can turn the pre-amp volume to 1 o'clock without fatigue with the DC2's ,I can't do the same with the Lsi9's even at 9 o'clock.

heiney9 · February 2006

Ferres wrote:

Polk tech excellent as it was on the LSI series, is over 5 years old and it is showing it's age. I can turn the pre-amp volume to 1 o'clock without fatigue with the DC2's ,I can't do the same with the Lsi9's even at 9 o'clock.

Glad you like your Tannoy's....but the above is a load of crap!! So your system doesn't have good synergy with the Lsi's; no biggie. It has nothing to do with 5 year old technology :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: . There are audio components out there, speakers included, that are more than 10, 20, 30 years old and do a better job than most of today's technology. Sorry, but that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard :eek: :rolleyes: .

H9

Ferres · February 2006

I've had no real complaints with the lsi9's. They are just not as good as the other speaker.

Well, give 'em a listen and not just for a few minutes. Give them a few days to adapt your ears.

Some who have own B&W 604's shifted to the DC2's after some long auditions.

ohskigod · February 2006

heiney9 wrote:

Glad you like your Tannoy's....but the above is a load of crap!! So your system doesn't have good synergy with the Lsi's; no biggie. It has nothing to do with 5 year old technology :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: . There are audio components out there, speakers included, that are more than 10, 20, 30 years old and do a better job than most of today's technology. Sorry, but that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard :eek: :rolleyes: .

H9

I might have been a litte more gentler, but the point is valid.

I got my LSi9's on a Carver 4.0T amp 375 watts to 8 ohms and 500 to the LSI's 4. I sail past 9:00 without a second glance. My ears crap out before the speakers do. I really believe more of these people saying this have power issues and not speaker issues. The 9's seem to crave power in a way I never heard in another speaker I'm sure the Tannoy's kich arse.

I hear nothing but good things and would love to get my ears on a pair. I'll keep those in mind.

but the technology age thing? yeah, gotta speak out against that. My Carver Platinums are what, 91 vintage? No old technology issues there. sound sweet. Speakers really dont have aging technology issues like TV's and stuff.

heiney9 · February 2006

Yep, I didn't mean to sound so harsh

. We all like different things about what we have/had. The whole technology thing just struck a nerve. Sorry if my comment was too harsh. I have no rpoblem with the fact that you like the Tannoy's better, it's your choice and atleast you gave the Lsi's a try.

H9

Ferres · February 2006

When I said pass 9 o'clock, I was referring to ear fatigue, not the speakers. They'll play fine but hard to bear because the sound is no longer clean. I went pass 1 o'clock with the other speakers without feeling pain/fatigue at all under same conditions.

Using Parasound 2200II, Xlo Ultra 12B speaker cables, Isotek Powercords and Multiway and Nordost Red dawn Rca's.

ohskigod · February 2006

Ferres wrote:

When I said pass 9 o'clock, I was referring to ear fatigue, not the speakers. They'll play fine but hard to bear because the sound is no longer clean. I went pass 1 o'clock with the other speakers without feeling pain/fatigue at all under same conditions.

Using Parasound 2200II, Xlo Ultra 12B speaker cables, Isotek Powercords and Multiway and Nordost Red dawn Rca's.

fatigue? wow, wierd, the LSI's are so laid back, almost too much....almost

hey, sometimes synergy can be a ****

kinda curious how those tannoy's would be on my system. I'll add them to the speakers I wanna try before I die list

Ferres · February 2006

I liked the Lsi9's and was fairly content with them until a friend of mine wanted me to audition the Tannoy's for a few weeks. At first, I thought only the bass and some detail was better but only slightly plus a little cleaner sound.

Then Yesterday, I asked him to take the Tannoy's back 'coz I was going back to the Lsi9's and was done with the audition. That was when I noticed the real difference when I went back to the Lsi9's. The sound was so much cleaner with the Dc2's.

So I ended up with the Tannoy's. When you get used to the cleaner sound, it is very difficult to go back.

...and the Lsi9's were prettier

ohskigod · February 2006

thats usually how the noticed improvements work. listening to the new for a while then going back to the old. thats how I discoverred cables actually make a difference (not huge, I dont want to start THAT debate again

)

we can argue the why all day, the fact is the Tannoy is better on your system and in the room your listening in. thats all that matters

for some reason, I swear my LSi9's sound smoother top to bottom than my Amazings, but that wasnt the case until I moved my whole system in the basement recently.

I might table the Carver's until I can get everything in a place that will be more permanant. makes sence because the amazings are a notorious **** to place, so moving everything might not have been my smartest move to date.

But if the 9's sound better at this time, then I'm hanging with the 9's, plain and simple

Ferres · February 2006

I wished the Lsi9's were better. They sounded great before those ugly Tannoys' came in. :cool:

The Lsi's look great and very easy to place. The Dc2's look so utilitarian and basic. Just look at them...
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/tannoy-synsys-dc2-speakers-2-2004.html

They're just boxes with an ashtray on top. But their sound is.... :eek:

ohskigod · February 2006

I hear ya, actually, I've seen uglier Tannoy's I was expecting worse..LOL

binding posts freaked me out until I read what the fifth one was for. Never saw something like that utilized before

Joey_V · February 2006

You may not like the 9s at the moment... but trust me. They will have a special place in your heart. I replaced the 9s with Sonus Faber Concerto/Concertino, Martin Logan Mosaic, Onix Reference 1, and my new reference speaker - the Martin Logan Vantage.... yet, I still long for the LSi9s. Everytime I go to Tweeter or Frys, I always visit the 9s. I will get them again soon.... if not for music, for HT. I miss their sound.

You will too... give it a few months.

Ferres · February 2006

Yeah, I guess this is why I want polk to work on something new on the high end. The separate tweeter enclosure when done right does work wonders. It is easier to discern the separate instruments and voices in conjunction with the clean bass that doesn't muddy the mids.

Just three days ago, I was planning to get an LsiC to finally complement my Lsi9's. Well, that's not gonna happen anymore.

My ears had totally adjusted to the DC2's. I guess this happened since I listen to music 8+ hours a day and was able to play them louder for 2 weeks. I can't go back or I get audio withdrawal.

Ferres · February 2006

ohskigod wrote:

I hear ya, actually, I've seen uglier Tannoy's I was expecting worse..LOL

binding posts freaked me out until I read what the fifth one was for. Never saw something like that utilized before

Initially had trouble with the binding post too. The Ultra 12B's are 7 awg muthers, not so flexible.

Question about the reviews

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