1980s Polk 10's

muhbih

I have a pair of Polk 10 Monitors, and I'm looking for some info and guidance around them. I purchased these around 1986, and still use them. They have had only casual usage over the years, and never been abused. They are in extremely good condition/appearance.... virtually new. I only have the 'user manual' (it's just a few pages long) and the reciept from the audio store (now long gone).

Here are my questions....
- they have a label around the terminal posts that starts with 10B, followed by a series of numbers... assume this is the model and ser# ?
- the only labeling in on the tweeter... it says "silver dome"... meaning ?
- the midranges feel a bit "sticky" to the touch (they seemed that way since day one !)... is this a problem ?
- are there current Polk speakers that are significantly better ?
- are these 10's worth keeping ?

Can anyone help out here ? Thx !!

dorokusai

1 - Correct.
2 - That is a reference to the type of tweeter used, Silver Coil Dome...ala SL2000 tweeter.
3 - Normal.
4 - The LSi would generally be considered a better modern Polk speaker, but everything is subjective.
5 - That's a great speaker and the one that put them on the map in retail sales, keep it.

Polkersince85

Welcome to the club. Many of us here have a pair of the 10B's and many wish they did. Last question first, keep them. You can't replace that sound. You didn't mention what type of amplification you use but they will really come alive with a higher power amp (200w/ch).
The silver dome is the SL2000 tweeter. Good tweeter, if it blows, Polk now has a replacement that is excellent. Call customer service at Polk and you will get a discount for being a member.
The tacky on the midrange drivers is normal. They are suppose to be that way. Do not try to clean them. That's what made them last for 20-30years.
The Polk web site has an education section that is excellent, check it out and hang around here for additional entertainment.

Paulc35

I agree with above..I had two sets of these and wish I still had them.
I agree this monitor series from mid 80s through early 90s put them on the map. I wish Polk would bring back the Series two Monitors from that time
4-12

Flash21

I still use my 10Bs as my main speakers...probably could upgrade but it would take a lot of money (upwards of $2K IMHO)...others may disagree but they have never let me down.

steveinaz

Monitor 10's & 7's are Polk classics and great speakers.

nesticle

Sadly Polk will probably never bring them back. People like the fancy thin speakers now that fit the room better. The days of monster speakers is over for mass retail. Wives have finally won the household battle! Although that helps single guys like myself :P

buttdad

Keep them. I came to this forum to learn what others are using to replace them. I was gearing up to replace mine. Now I am sking Why? I guess the thrill of something neew might be part of it and the cabinets are kind of big compared to some HTIB set-ups and what my wife would want. I have convinced her (just married by the way) that they are irreplaceable ( by explaining that to replace them would require spending easily more than a $1000) and because the sound just can't be matched.
I may set the 10B's up in different room just for music and get the rm6900 to set up with the new plasma for home theater in the family room.
I love my 10B's and the more I listen to them, the more I love 'em.
I still enjoy the purchase I made 20 years ago.

Refefer

buttdad wrote:

Keep them. I came to this forum to learn what others are using to replace them. I was gearing up to replace mine. Now I am sking Why? I guess the thrill of something neew might be part of it and the cabinets are kind of big compared to some HTIB set-ups and what my wife would want. I have convinced her (just married by the way) that they are irreplaceable ( by explaining that to replace them would require spending easily more than a $1000) and because the sound just can't be matched.
I may set the 10B's up in different room just for music and get the rm6900 to set up with the new plasma for home theater in the family room.
I love my 10B's and the more I listen to them, the more I love 'em.
I still enjoy the purchase I made 20 years ago.

I think you should "cave in". Just tell her to upgrade your sound suitably would require the purchase of these speakers (pull out pictures of the SDA 1.2TL). I think she'll agree that your little 10b's aren't *that* big of an inconvenience

muhbih

Thanks to everyone who responded to my note below. I appreciate your time for the feedback and sharing your knowlege. Based on the replys, how could I not keep them !!!

muhbih wrote:

I have a pair of Polk 10 Monitors, and I'm looking for some info and guidance around them. I purchased these around 1986, and still use them. They have had only casual usage over the years, and never been abused. They are in extremely good condition/appearance.... virtually new. I only have the 'user manual' (it's just a few pages long) and the reciept from the audio store (now long gone).

Here are my questions....
- they have a label around the terminal posts that starts with 10B, followed by a series of numbers... assume this is the model and ser# ?
- the only labeling in on the tweeter... it says "silver dome"... meaning ?
- the midranges feel a bit "sticky" to the touch (they seemed that way since day one !)... is this a problem ?
- are there current Polk speakers that are significantly better ?
- are these 10's worth keeping ?

Can anyone help out here ? Thx !!

Ken_Polk_J

I also have had a pair of 10B's for 20 years and love them. Havent heard anything substantially better. I also strongly agree that they really wake up w/ 200 watts/ch from my Harmon/Kardon amp. Family and neighbors arent nearly as happy as I am :cool: