How Un-Polked are you?

cnjvh

Gonna do a part 2 of Phasearray's post.

How many members here are no longer using any Polk's in your system, and why not?

Looking for better sound? Different sound?

venomclan

Un-Polked for a few years now. I wanted better 2 channel sound so I sold my RT16's and got some B&W's. The bass tightened up much better and everything was much more detailed. I then jumped to the Gallo Reference 3.1's.

I think that Polk, as discussed in many other posts, ignored the 2 channel market for a long time before going with the LSi series. Doing that hurt them, and I find a lot of people associating Polk with their low end CC models and not giving the LSi's a chance. It has improved somewhat, but here in S. FL, only Sound Advice (Tweeter) has the LSi's, and do not demo them well, or with good equipment, as they focus on tv sales. I for one was not impressed with the LSi's when I heard them, but with experience, I know the room and equipment did not do them justice.
V

VR3

I never really associated Polks current line up with 2 channel sound. I have heard some of the older models and those do not quite do it for me as far as 2 channel sound goes either... I am not trying to step on toes so I will stop there.

I went to Tyler Acoustics for my purchase, simply because I felt for the build and quality of components used, they were possibly the best bang for the buck by far. And I would have to agree - they sound great.

But I feel Polk has fell into a safe market trying to make the average joe feel good. The LSi line up is a great line up and it sounds good - but I think there are equally as good, if not better for the same money available now - 5 years later.

However these manufactures are not exactly the ones Polk is worried about as no one except a few know who Tyler Acoustics is, AV123 is - etc etc...

dipiazza

I see AV123 definitely trying to move into more main stream consumers.

With that, i love my R series for HT, it really is hard to beat R50, R30 at the price i paid $250 pair for R50 and $160 pair for R30 Shipped, at least in HT in my opinion.

All other speakers i own currently are AV123, + my SVS

janmike

For HT, I have the LSi Series and would not change that. Many people have listened to my HT and the response is always overwhelming. Very crisp and detailed. As for 2CH, I have gone to Proac.

Ricardo

No Polks for 2 channel here. Why? Just adventuring

ohskigod

I really liked the Polk LSi's for 2 channel. loved the 9's, loved the 15's a little more. I just had both and got an LSiC, so using them in my theater was just a logical choice. I tend to roll all used for the 2 channel for great bang for the buck. I would have to spend a frikkin boatload for new retail to beat out my AR9's, so it looks liked I'm pretty locked into used for 2 channel.

for theater, I have no desire to upgrade the LSi's, I have them adequately powered, and sound remarkable. I must just have a good synergy thing going on in the theater because I havent heard another set up sound that much better.

even the systems I would say were better, werent THAT much better to make me go nuts and get it. One was the Polk SRT (liked better really only at high volumes = effortless) and a theater powerred by all McIntosh top of the line amps (couldnt see what the speakers were in the theater demo room since they were hidden)

Early B.

Went un-Polked for better sound. Gotta go beyond the typical consumer stuff do that.

My first move beyond Polks was Norh, then Tyler Acoustics, then Rega, then Soliloquy, then Buggtussel, then back to Tyler, and now VMPS. I'm probably forgetting a few.

venomclan

Early B. wrote: »

Went un-Polked for better sound. Gotta go beyond the typical consumer stuff do that.

My first move beyond Polks was Norh, then Tyler Acoustics, then Rega, then Soliloquy, then Buggtussel, then back to Tyler, and now VMPS. I'm probably forgetting a few.

Damn Early, you are a speaker ****.
V

TroyD

Hmmmmmmmmm....

I guess I'm sorta wondering why Polk is getting such a bad rap in 2ch? The LSi's are fantastic. The RTi's are no slouch either. IMHO, the folks that are telling you that they aren't musical or that they aren't good for 2ch need to invest in Q-tips. Frankly, some of the folks that I hear peddling this particular brand of bilge, I honestly question what they think they know.

Most of it is unjustified backlash. Part of it is people buying what others say without hearing for themselves. Part of it is an attempt to be seen as avante guard. Pfffffft.

Now, are there 'better' speakers out there? Sure are. Should we listen to them? We sure should. However, when we are making comparisons, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. It would be stupid for me to compare my Quads to a pair of LSi's. However, if I were looking for a dynamic speaker in a certain price range, Polk competes EXTREMELY well.

In fact, one of the things that struck me at the HQ Polk tour at PF '05 was how impressed people were at the quality of the sound they heard from RTi's/LSi's etc. DUH, that's what attracted us to Polk in the first place. Somewhere, some folks bought into the snobbery end of the hobby in that if it had a common man label, it can't REALLY be that good.

Be original, think for yourself.

BDT

heiney9

TroyD wrote: »

Hmmmmmmmmm....

I guess I'm sorta wondering why Polk is getting such a bad rap in 2ch? The LSi's are fantastic. The RTi's are no slouch either. IMHO, the folks that are telling you that they aren't musical or that they aren't good for 2ch need to invest in Q-tips. Frankly, some of the folks that I hear peddling this particular brand of bilge, I honestly question what they think they know.

Most of it is unjustified backlash. Part of it is people buying what others say without hearing for themselves. Part of it is an attempt to be seen as avante guard. Pfffffft.

Now, are there 'better' speakers out there? Sure are. Should we listen to them? We sure should. However, when we are making comparisons, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. It would be stupid for me to compare my Quads to a pair of LSi's. However, if I were looking for a dynamic speaker in a certain price range, Polk competes EXTREMELY well.

In fact, one of the things that struck me at the HQ Polk tour at PF '05 was how impressed people were at the quality of the sound they heard from RTi's/LSi's etc. DUH, that's what attracted us to Polk in the first place. Somewhere, some folks bought into the snobbery end of the hobby in that if it had a common man label, it can't REALLY be that good.

Be original, think for yourself.

BDT

I have to agree with Troy for the most part. I wish I would have sprung for the LSi's a couple years ago like I threatened . Polk competes admirably against much higher $$$ competitors. For most I think Avant Garde is what drives the move away from Polk. Polk has become common place and there is nothing wrong with that. Chevy is very common place but I don't hear too many people slamming the Corvette. Sure it's a pretty common affordable car, but that doesn't mean it's not any good. Same with Polk and especially the LSi line.

H9

madmax

TroyD wrote: »

Somewhere, some folks bought into the snobbery end of the hobby in that if it had a common man label, it can't REALLY be that good.

Be original, think for yourself.

BDT

I don't know about this... I think the people in this position ARE thinking for themselves. One brand or model is never the end-all be-all for everyone. There must be certain aspects which are more important to the individual which stand out with these other speakers, otherwise they would have stuck with what they had.
madmax

tonyb

After slurping up numerous Polk speakers,I dived into there top of the line SRT system.Though outstanding in the HT world,still left me wanting in the 2-channel area.Still have some FX 500 doing surround duty.I for one,believe the RTI,LSI line is still a great bang for your buck 2 channel speakers.But,eventually,the buck grows larger than the offerings and you are forced to look elsewhere for better 2 channel speaks.

TroyD

Chuck,

I agree with what your saying....what I'm taking issue with is the crowd that says, basically, Polk's aren't any good for 2ch. Yes, I agree, there is better out there...however, to dismiss out of hand is ignorant.

BDT

AndyGwis

I can see where both sides are coming from. I'm just starting my journey in audio (been around here for a little over a year). While LsiS now seem like a dream speeaker and huge upgrade from my current HT and 2ch rigs, I can definitely see myself beyond them in the next 5 years.

There's so much out there that it would be silly to stick with just one brand. People saying there are better 2ch speakers have just been around the block with audio gear and experimented. And, to that point, Polk probably doesn't aim for highend, snobby audiophiles. There aren't enough of them around for a higher end product to make financial / business sense, and not enough B&M retail stores that even sell that stuff.

Early B.

venomclan wrote: »

Damn Early, you are a speaker ****.
V

Not anymore. I got married to my last set of speakers, so I stopped sleeping around. It was fun, though. It took me a few years to figure out what kind of sound I wanted, and that requires experimentation.

To me, Polks are cool, but for many, they were a good starting point. There's a lot more fish in the sea.

Early B.

Oh, and for 2-channel music, I think Polk Lsi's sound is "baseline" for its price range -- not the best, but certainly not the worst either. However, I think it's a great buy relative to other mass market brands.

Gaara

Max was a 7.1 setup with all polks, LSi9s up front, center, Fxs for surrounds, and 7s in the back. Currently still have the 7s in a 2ch PC rig and the rest were sold off to polkies. Upgraded to Gallos for better sound all around.

venomclan

TroyD wrote: »

Chuck,

I agree with what your saying....what I'm taking issue with is the crowd that says, basically, Polk's aren't any good for 2ch. Yes, I agree, there is better out there...however, to dismiss out of hand is ignorant.
BDT

I agree Troy, but I beleive that perception is reality also. There millions of people who would never drive a U.S. made car. It could be from bad experiences, social status, trends etc...

Before Polk lined up with Tweeter, the LSi's could not be found anywhere in my area. I was excited when they came out because music is where I associate Polk, HT is easy but 2 channel is where a speakers' real performance is tested. I asked around all the independent shops about the LSi's and all of them laughed at them. I can assure that none of them ever heard them, but they were dismissed because Polk's image became an HT oriented company, with the SDA's a faded memory. No "audiophile" I knew would give them a chance, regardless of performance.

Perception is a powerful thing. And some good products fall between the cracks. Another reason Bose marketing is genious.
V

cnjvh

Awesome replies everyone :-) I've seen many active members here with no Polks in the sig and I've always wondered about it. Sounds like satisfaction in two-channel is the overwhelming reason to shop outside of Polk.

LuSh

Early,

I'd like to hear your thoughts on better mass market speakers then the LSi's...I have compared numerous speakers to the LSi9's including Energy Verita's, PSB Stratus, Paradigm Studio's none of which came close to what the LSi'ls could give me. I have admitted on several occasions that my old LSi9's best my current Totems and the only reason I had to sell them was for space considerations. If LSi9 is baseline for their price category (one of the most aggressive price points on the market) I would love to hear about the many speakers that best them.

dipiazza

I have never personally heard the Lsi25's however i do have the onix strata mini which seem to be right in that same price range.

I would be curious to hear if anyone has had experience with both these speakers. Anyone?

-Jake

Early B.

LuSh wrote: »

Early,

I'd like to hear your thoughts on better mass market speakers then the LSi's....

Re-read #17.

Now, once you get beyond mass market, there's an entire world of speaker choices, particularly the ones offered exclusively via the Internet. No middle man, low overhead, no high advertising costs, etc. As a result, you typically get better quality components at great price. Generally, better parts equals better sound. That's why I say, IMO, Polks are average compared to the all speakers in their price range, but great relative to the mass market stuff.

VR3

I know Tyler is getting alot of press here lately - and unfortunately for the sake of over-using a brand...

Tyler is a great example. For around the price of a LSi25 - you can get a MTM design... that utilizes a 200 dollar tweeter, 170 dollar midbasses. Top notch crossover components, crossovers that are basically already modded.... point to point wiring... 1" thick enclosures. Hand built as you order them, real wood veneer - any color of your choice.

The quality of components used in this speaker are about 4 times greater for the same price. Ok sure, it doesnt have an amp and a sub - but last I checked, most 2 channel folks dont desire this feature to start with...

VMPS is another one - absolutely INSANE value for the money as well... all custom drivers built to their spec with real world technology.

There are alot of speakers out there - Polk is a great company, but............ to say they lead their price range would be kind of foolish. There are thousands of brands out there.... This is all assuming its all new products.

heiney9

Wow....talk about a backlash and a bunch of bassakward back peddeling. Sid not to pick on you specifically, but I seem to remember you not too long ago touting those pro speakers you sold when first starting your job at the audio store as the the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now all of a sudden these boutique brands blow Polk out of the water because they are hand assembled, blah, blah, blah. I would bet that the likes of VMPS or Tyler or many of the others haven't even spent 1/10th of 1% on R & D like Polk has. I'd also be willing to bet that even though they assemble their own product they source their drivers from somewhere else. Polk almost exclusively uses their own drivers that had been R & D'd specifically for their use.

All of a sudden LSi's are run of the mill, bottom of the heap baseline speakers. When a year aog or so they were at the top of their price point. Funny how the cameleon changes their spots as personal owned product changes.

H9

VR3

The Behringers were some very good sounding speakers. Never said they werent. The only real problem I found them lacking in was capturing the music - extremely detailed, just uninvolving.

Ive heard the LSi series and I really like the LSi9 - but thats not to say there is not better out there. I am not backpeddling at all - I never said the LSi series is bad, I said to say they are leading their price range would be FOOLISH. Out of all the THOUSANDS* of brands out there - to say the LSi line is the leader of its price range...

Custom drivers? VMPS comes to mind - the bokshelfs they currently make for 1000 a pair shipped --- comes with VMPS woofers, tweeters, and ribbons - all designed by Brian Cheney himself. Tons of R&D.

Innovation does not make a good product. Infact, some people tout that full range speakers (1 driver) is the way to go. To say that since Polk makes its own drivers and has an R&D department far larger than other companies makes them a superior company would be foolish too. Nothing beats a nice, simple, quality built component.

I dont see Wilson Audio sporting the power port. Or the ARC port. I dont see JM Lab doing it.

Its great technology, but to say that because they have a R&D department the size of most peoples factories makes them a price leader would be foolish. Are they on par with alot of the speakers in their class? YES - but for maybe a tad more money to internet direct companies - you can find stuff that sounds better and uses alot better quality components. When you eliminate the middle man - you get a lil more bang for your buck.

And this is all opinion too - but you gotta be realistic.

I like Tyler Acoustics, but I dont think they are the end all be all - I would love to try the Strata Minis, some VMPS speakers, JM lab - and a host of others.

Slight Edit here pertaining to the Behringers..
This isnt a really good comparison to anything we are talking about. Lets look at the facts here - a completely, perfectly- ruler flat speaker. Self powered - biamped, the whole nine yards - that sounds amazing and cost $339.99 a pair. For $339.99 a pair - this is the best freaking speaker Ive heard. And at that price, Id say they are the best thing since sliced bread. Without a doubt.

However, to say they are the best speaker ever is putting words in my mouth. Obviously if I thought that - Id still have them right now...

VR3

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42532&highlight=behringer

Here is the thread with the Behringers when I first got them -

And I quote "Behringers are some of the best speakers Ive heard for the money. Ive found though they are not the biggest foot tapper. While they are enjoyable to listen to and insanely detailed, I just dont like bookshelfs as much as I do towers. However - I dont regret getting them, mainly because it allowed me to downsize and start saving for some monsterous gear in the next year. Im currently saving, but its going to be big. Cant wait... "

Joey_V

Still enjoy the Polk sound as they started me, essentially.

But am currently trying other brands.... "moving on" is such a strong word.

VR3

That I can agree with - I still wouldnt mind having a pair of LSi9 on the used market if the price was right, one day...

I really enjoyed that speaker at PF!

hearingimpared

The best bang for 2 ch speaker buck. . . SDAs. . . nuff said . . . um, not quite, best bang for 2 ch speaker buck including upgrades to the SDAs. . . SDAs . . . now nuff said.

cfrizz

I totally agree H9!

I am beyond tired of those of you who have moved on, who use to sing the praises of Polk now coming on & saying they are just so so especially since they are just mass market speakers (Like that's a bad thing).:rolleyes:

If you can't still see what great speakers Polks still are just because you now have some "boutique brands" then why are you still here?

Take your "boutique brands" and move on to the apropriate boutique forum where you & the rest of the audio snobs can act superior together.

I'm beginning to see why in the first formations of CP you could only be a member if you owned Polk speakers! Who needs a bunch of audio snobs coming on and trashing said forums speakers!

heiney9 wrote: »

Wow....talk about a backlash and a bunch of bassakward back peddeling. Sid not to pick on you specifically, but I seem to remember you not too long ago touting those pro speakers you sold when first starting your job at the audio store as the the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now all of a sudden these boutique brands blow Polk out of the water because they are hand assembled, blah, blah, blah. I would bet that the likes of VMPS or Tyler or many of the others haven't even spent 1/10th of 1% on R & D like Polk has. I'd also be willing to bet that even though they assemble their own product they source their drivers from somewhere else. Polk almost exclusively uses their own drivers that had been R & D'd specifically for their use.

All of a sudden LSi's are run of the mill, bottom of the heap baseline speakers. When a year aog or so they were at the top of their price point. Funny how the cameleon changes their spots as personal owned product changes.

H9