New Polk entry level series

aaharvel

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:

While I hate seeing this constantly... I dont understand this quote...
Its bad for Polk to change their low fi models everything 6 months - a year..
But its OK for Polk to change their mid fi models FIVE times with lateral shift and cosmetic upgrades over the past...............8 years or more?

Hmmmm

The current rti line has been out for about 2years now, and no re-design (cosmetic or performance) seems to be in the future. The Lsi line is almost 4years old with no re-design in the near future. But when it DOES happen, at least the rti/lsi lines change or at least improves on it's specs, build-quality, sound characteristics, internal bracing, etc.. thus differenating it performance-wise from it's earlier iterations. Meaning, the lines evolve. Just as much (if not more so) in perfomance and build quality than simply in cosmetics. Take a look at the 6month rope-a-dope of the Rseries, Mseries, and new Rseries (all of which are being sold at once) and tell me if you really think that's true.

adam2434

I'm not saying this is intentional on Polk's part, but I do see a positive outcome from Polk's changing the entry level series more frequently. When a new series comes out, the older series can be had for a tremendous discount (think the Outpost deals on the older R series). This puts Polk speakers in a lot of homes.

Folks snatch them up at these prices and get hooked on Polk. Then, when the upgraded bug hits, they often look at the more costly Polk lines. Also, once a loyal Polk fan, folks will recommend Polk to friends and family. This "spreading the word" phenomenon is strengthened when friends/family hear the entry level series and think "you got sound this good for so little money". These are typically average, non-audiophile consumers who think that Bose is high end.

Bottom line is that cheap, decent sounding speakers create and spread brand loyalty.

dipiazza

adam2434 wrote:

I'm not saying this is intentional on Polk's part, but a do see a positive outcome from Polk's changing the entry level series more frequently. When a new series comes out, the older series can be had for a tremendous discount (think the Outpost deals on the older R series). This puts Polk speakers in a lot of homes.

Good point.

zombie boy 2000

adam2434 wrote:

Folks snatch them up at these prices and get hooked on Polk. Then, when the upgraded bug hits, they often look at the more costly Polk lines. Also, once a loyal Polk fan, folks will recommend Polk to friends and family. This "spreading the word" phenomenon is strengthened when friends/family hear the entry level series and think "you got sound this good for so little money". These are typically average, non-audiophile consumers who think that Bose is high end.

Bottom line is that cheap, decent sounding speakers create and spread brand loyalty.

Slap a gold star on him and make him a grilled cheese:D

RuSsMaN

The CSi20 is technically 'the' match for the 2nd edition R series. The first run of R series center was the CS101 (R1 / R2).

Polk has 'spread out' among distributors now, and this line may be catering to a vendor OTHER than Circuit City (think back to the Eosone / Best Buy days). Entry models never get long in the tooth - they have to stay fresh, and new - on the other hand, the high end lines NEED to last while - you can't sell many $2000 speakers if they are going to updated / changed every 6 - 12 months.

B&W for example, the higher end lines, CM / 700 / 800 - they design the speakers to be competitive in the market for 6 to 8 years, without changing a thing. When they do a redesign, they DO A REDESIGN - top to bottom.

Cheers,
Russ

adam2434

Huh, I always thought the CSi25 was the match for R15/30/50 based on the photo and description from Outpost.com below. The grill in the picture has the same angled aesthetics as the R15/30/50. Polk's photo looks like a totally different speaker, more like the CSM (matching center for the M series).
http://shop3.outpost.com/{IBXjXMF7x51cwCRNliSEPg**.node2}/product/4463996;jsessionid=IBXjXMF7x51cwCRNliSEPg**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Anyway, what does the CSi25 match?

Toxis

I hope this will eventually replace the monitor series. The current monitor lineup is the worst sounding polk line in the almost 8 years I've been selling them.

alibabwish

adam2434 wrote:

I'm not saying this is intentional on Polk's part, but I do see a positive outcome from Polk's changing the entry level series more frequently. When a new series comes out, the older series can be had for a tremendous discount (think the Outpost deals on the older R series). This puts Polk speakers in a lot of homes.

Folks snatch them up at these prices and get hooked on Polk. Then, when the upgraded bug hits, they often look at the more costly Polk lines. Also, once a loyal Polk fan, folks will recommend Polk to friends and family. This "spreading the word" phenomenon is strengthened when friends/family hear the entry level series and think "you got sound this good for so little money". These are typically average, non-audiophile consumers who think that Bose is high end.

Bottom line is that cheap, decent sounding speakers create and spread brand loyalty.

i couldnt agree more, i just bought my first pair of polk, monitor 40's for cc, which i guess is considered an entry level type speaker, i mean i didnt exactly buy it for the same reason adam said, but i thought bose was good until i compared the bose 301s to these m40s i have now and they sounded horrible, but ill admitt im hooked on polk and home audio now but have severe budgett restarints considering im in college. adams answer could not be more logical though and i agree with it 100%

brijenjas

adam2434 wrote:

Folks snatch them up at these prices and get hooked on Polk. Then, when the upgraded bug hits, they often look at the more costly Polk lines. Also, once a loyal Polk fan, folks will recommend Polk to friends and family. This "spreading the word" phenomenon is strengthened when friends/family hear the entry level series and think "you got sound this good for so little money". These are typically average, non-audiophile consumers who think that Bose is high end.

Bottom line is that cheap, decent sounding speakers create and spread brand loyalty.

I'll admit it.

This is exactly how I was "hooked";) and I'm glad I was.

Bougth r50's for a great price, liked the sound, visited here quite often and was convinced to upgrade within a year.

I am/was? your typical non-audiophile customer(although I never thought bose was high end).:(

VR3

aaharvel wrote:

The current rti line has been out for about 2years now, and no re-design (cosmetic or performance) seems to be in the future. The Lsi line is almost 4years old with no re-design in the near future. But when it DOES happen, at least the rti/lsi lines change or at least improves on it's specs, build-quality, sound characteristics, internal bracing, etc.. thus differenating it performance-wise from it's earlier iterations. Meaning, the lines evolve. Just as much (if not more so) in perfomance and build quality than simply in cosmetics. Take a look at the 6month rope-a-dope of the Rseries, Mseries, and new Rseries (all of which are being sold at once) and tell me if you really think that's true.

You will beat yourself to death trying to argue with me about the RT series and what I think about it.

I think its a great series. However, the sound differences between the first and current are not better changes. Infact, they are lateral shifts, its just like you buying a comparable product to Polk and it just sounds and looks and little different. There are alot of members here that will tell you the first RT line is the best of the RT series thats been out.

I hope the next RT series that comes out isnt called the RT series. It is time to move on, IMO. We dont need 5 more versions of this line up....

Where does the madness end? lol