R150 first impressions...

roscoe1972
roscoe1972 Posts: 27
edited February 2007 in Speakers
Just got the r150s today ($50 + s&h) from fry's. I had the hardest time deciding between these and the r15. R15 had great ratings and the 150 was a relative unknown.

I compared them in store and the r150's seemed to have a better build quality. They have a port on the back and no keyhole for hanging, unlike the r15, and this made it tough, but right now I don't have plans to mount them.

I got these as surrounds for my RTi4 & CSi30 set-up.

When I played some Pink Floyd through them I was very suprised. There was a nice full sound and some punchy bass coming out of these small speakers.

They sound the best at a medium volume, get too loud and the highs become a little harsh.

Cannot compare to the r15 as I have not listend to those. Would like to hear from those who have compared.
Harman Kardon 245
Polk CSi30
Polk RTi6
Polk RTi4 (2)
Polk R150 (2)
Infinity Entra Three (2)
JBL PB10 Sub
JBL 500 (2)
Post edited by roscoe1972 on
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Comments

  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited February 2007
    Looking at the R150s with a larger cabinet, I wouldn't be surprised if they exceed the 15s. That being said, I think the R15s are an exceptional speaker at the Frys pricing. I've run them in 2 channel with real power and was pretty amazed at their capability. As surrounds, they work in my system. They can't image as well as SDAs, but in MCH that brings the empahsis back to the front soundstage which is more realistic (for me). They are going soon, but I was proud to own them.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited February 2007
    T'aint nothin wrong with dem bookshelfers. Dey is purfuctly gud.

    I liked the pair I heard. I was considering them for a while when I was trying to upgrade the system on my computer, but opted for something with smaller dimensions. Not a slight against them, but theyll behave better on proper stands with some space then closed and cramped in my office.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited February 2007
    Nice feedback on the R150's - thanks for posting.

    I am considering replacing my aging RM6600 sub/sat setup with new R150's all around, or R150's for surround with RTi4's or RTi6's in front. Do they sound pretty good with your RTI4's up front? Any noticeable difference as sound effects pan from front to back?
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • roscoe1972
    roscoe1972 Posts: 27
    edited February 2007
    They are close, but not exact matches with the rti4s. During fast action it is barely noticable. However if there is a slow transition you can notice a difference.

    On King Kong when Jack Black first sees Kong taking Ann, his growls shift from surrounds to front and back again. Here I could tell they weren't exact matches.

    For the price they are close enough.
    Harman Kardon 245
    Polk CSi30
    Polk RTi6
    Polk RTi4 (2)
    Polk R150 (2)
    Infinity Entra Three (2)
    JBL PB10 Sub
    JBL 500 (2)
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited February 2007
    Very good feedback. That is helpful in making my decision - thanks!

    :)
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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