Polk Monitor 10A's or KLH Model Fives? Help me decide - please!

mg196

Hi everyone. I am stopping by from AK to ask a Polk-related question.

My main system is based around a Pioneer SX-1050 running thru a pair of KLH Model 5's. I have had zero complaints about the KLH 5's, but have the chance to purchase a pair of Polk Monitor 10A's. I do not keep speakers in the attic, so the KLH's would be sold if I make this decision.

I listen to CD's 90% of the time and LP's the rest. I enjoy mostly guitar-based Rock 'N' Roll (Lou Reed, Johnny Thunders, Velvet Underground), but I also listen to quite a bit of "alternative" stuff like Morrissey and The Smiths.

The "East Coast Sound" is how I like my speakers to project. Warm with decent bass and great mids. When I use the tone controls, I usually have both bass at about 1:30 and treble at 2:00.

I won't get insulted if you trash my KLH's - I am just looking for an honest opinion. Thanks.

Oh - one last thing. The KLH's have cloth surrounds - what do the Polks have?

dorokusai

Hey, get back to AK!

The M10's have butyl surrounds. I think the KLH is a neat speaker, and it really defines vintage sound, but that's just it....it's time to move on. The M10's should sound much more defined and crisp compared to the KLH. The M10's will have a alot more clean bass as well. What tweeter do the Polk's have?....gotta pic?

EDIT: NM, I know what pair you're talking about. You should buy them, but haggle, they aren't worth that much to me personally, but I've owned about 10 pairs over time. It's up to you. I seriously doubt they are 10A as well, but all the better IMO.

I thought you had space issues? Did the wife eventually give in? or is this the upstairs rig?

mg196

Hey, Doro! i was actually in the process of PM'ing you about this post. Well, these are for the upstairs room. I love the KLH's, but they are lookin' mighty shaggy and I don't have the time for the woodwork needed to make 'em shine.

I think the wife may like the Polk's appearance more than the KLH's - but since when does that matter?!

Oh, I have the Stereo Review of the 10's (not 10A - unless they are the same thing) and it says the 10 has a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. That's all it says.

danger boy

get the Polks... they rock. I think you'll be impressed with those Monitor 10's.

dorokusai

LOL, I feel your pain

It's the speaker that brought Polk into the mainstream and public eye, so it's certainly worth the time. Just haggle, that's all I'm saying. The Polk replacement silk dome tweeter(RD0194) is a HUGE upgrade, so think about that as well. Either way, you won't be getting rid of them anytime soon would be my prediction.

dorokusai

mg196 wrote:

Oh, I have the Stereo Review of the 10's (not 10A - unless they are the same thing) and it says the 10 has a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. That's all it says.

Let me know if you ever want to part with it....I will create a baby if that's what it takes.

Paulc35

God I loved those speakers. I had the Model 10 Series 2. I owned two sets over the years and if you can find a good set I'd say get them. I often see them on ebay, but you need speaker stands for these.
YMMV

Paulc35

Well the series 2 had the SL 2500 tweeter