Polk Audio VM20 - Loudspeaker - Demo

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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2011
    cstmar01 wrote: »
    I did not have any trouble with them cutting out when I had them. That was something I did not experience.

    The problem seems to be gone now...but I don't think it was due to the speakers. I've been having issues with my Denon 2910 lately not reading discs, and I think the cutting out was due to that. I ran a cleaning disc through it earlier, and it seemed to take care of the problem. It also fixed all of the other problems I was having with it. It hasn't been reading SACD's for the last couple weeks, but now it's reading them just fine again.:smile:

    So, the only problem with the VM20's appears to be the loose caps.
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Yes, go ahead and fix it. The shipping between a couple dozen folks eventually takes its toll on any loudspeaker.

    Will do. Any recommendation on the best kind of glue to use? I'm thinking wood glue would work, but if there's a better option, let me know.

    The packaging is also getting kinda rough. The boxes are still fine for the most part, but the styrofoam inserts are basically falling apart. They've been taped back together, but they definitely aren't doing much to support the speakers anymore. It's up to you, but it might not be a bad idea to send out some new inserts for them.

    If not though, I've got TONS of various packing materials around the house, so I can get them packed well.



    I've gotten some good listening time in on them now, and despite the issue with the cabinet, I'm VERY impressed with the way these speakers sound so far. I'll wait until the end of my trial period to say much more...but I'm really liking them a lot.:biggrin:
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2011
    I just got done re-gluing the the broken VM20 cabinet. So far, it's looking like it should be good as new. Before I re-glued it, I got no movement at all out of the MW's when I did the PR press test. Now the MW's seem to be extending just as much as the MW's on the other VM20. I've still got the clamps on them though, so we'll see how it fares tomorrow after I take them off. I'm anticipating it sounding a lot better.:smile:

    I've gotten a good amount of listening time in on these now, and even with the one broken cabinet I've gotta say, I'm VERY impressed with these speakers. I'll wait until I'm done with my demo to really do a write up, but it will definitely be very positive.:smile:
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2011
    I'll have my demo wrapped up here in another day or two. I just wanna give them one more run in my 2 channel rig.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited January 2011
    Doro,

    I've got my demo basically wrapped up. If you want to send me some labels I'll get them sent out in the next few days.

    I'll get a review posted up after I send them out. I'll say this much now though...I've REALLY enjoyed these speakers. The sound they pump out is very impressive, and they look GREAT! Whenever I get back into HT in a bigger way again, there's a very high likelihood that I'll get some VM series speakers. I'd really love to get my ears on a pair of VM30's though....:cool:


    Thanks again for the opportunity to demo these! Polk is the greatest audio manufacturer in the world!! Also, Doro: Thanks for putting this together for everyone. You're a wonderful man...and dead sexy too. :wink::tongue:
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • tibet16
    tibet16 Posts: 6
    edited January 2011
    Doro - Is there a possibility of jumping in on this demo?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2011
    Labels sent to Curt for Jstas. John I need a phone number and email from you please.

    Tibet - You've been added to the demo. One product at a time.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2011
    dorokusai wrote:
    Please post your subsequent review in the product pages of the homepage. You HAVE to take the time to do this folks. You don't have to gush and pour sugar on everything, just be candid, be honest, be real.

    Please post your review here.


    DEMO LIST:
    Silverti (Completed)
    Jwhitakr (Completed)
    ErnDog (Completed)
    Disc Jockey (Completed)
    Treitz3 (Completed)
    TAMPA POLK GATHERING (Completed)
    Phuz - TX (Completed)
    Jstas - NY - (ACTIVE)
    Shack - TN (Completed)
    Comfortablycurt - IL - (Completed)
    Conradicles - NC (Completed)
    Leroyjr1 - WI
    Serendipity - NY
    Cstmar01 - WI (Completed)
    IRLracefan - MI (Completed)
    Mole' - CA
    Messiah - IL
    Tibet16 - MD
    [/i]


    Not too many folks remembering one of the key aspects to the demo program...posting a review on the product page.

    Only 7 reveiws on the product page and at least 12 "completed" on the list. Of those 7 I know at least 2 are definitely not from this program.

    Some folks need to honor the terms of the demo.

    I know Polk and Mark have put a fair amount of time and effort into this and the reviews are important.

    Just do it!
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2011
    shack wrote: »
    Not too many folks remembering one of the key aspects to the demo program...posting a review on the product page.

    Only 7 reveiws on the product page and at least 12 "completed" on the list. Of those 7 I know at least 2 are definitely not from this program.

    Some folks need to honor the terms of the demo.

    I know Polk and Mark have put a fair amount of time and effort into this and the reviews are important.

    Just do it!

    You have to mention that the speakers were loaned by Polk for the demo, in your review...sorry, it's now the law.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2011
    dorokusai wrote:
    You have to mention that the speakers were loaned by Polk for the demo, in your review...sorry, it's now the law.

    That shouldn't be a problem. However, I am curious as to how the law can make ME state Polk provided the demo speakers. I can see how Polk could be bound by consumer protection statutes to disclose they provided for a demo if they refer to a specific review. I suppose if Polk is aware the reviewer is one of the demo group they have to make sure the language is in the reveiw or not allow it? Otherwise...will the review police issue me a citation for failure to disclose...
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2011
    Dude, seriously? Ask the FTC since they implemented the rule and I've been asked to ensure that your reviews comply. I don't have the answers for everything Steve. They would prefer not to be fined.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2011
    dorokusai wrote:
    Dude, seriously? Ask the FTC since they implemented the rule and I've been asked to ensure that your reviews comply. I don't have the answers for everything Steve.

    I understand Mark. Trust me...I KNOW about govt regulation. I am just curious how the FTC expects to enforce that sort of regulation.

    I guess your statement is a disclaimer of sorts. If you say we MUST do a review as part of the demo...then you have to cover YOUR **** and tell us we must disclose. You have done your duty.

    OTOH...if Treitz3 want to post a review as Tom Richardhead...and Polk doesn't know it's him and allows it...I would venture to say that Polk has done their due diligence and the FTC has no "authority" over Treitz3.

    No need to answer...since doing so would probably be against some sort of FTC rule. I am just musing.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2011
    Yeah, we've been talking with legal as some of us feel that the fact you signed up on the Polk Audio forum, for that free demo, it's already presumed that you are receiving it for free. It doesn't make any sense man, been back and forth about in emails. Polk just wants to ensure that due dilligence has been executed.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • tibet16
    tibet16 Posts: 6
    edited January 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Tibet - You've been added to the demo. One product at a time.

    Completely understood.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2011
    The demos will get restarted this week and the new demos will be added to the rotation.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2011
    Labels have been sent to ComfortablyCurt for Jstas.

    John - I still need a phone number and email address for you.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2011
    Alrighty. I'll get them sent out on Monday. A review will be forthcoming...I've had lots of time with them now. :biggrin:
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,685
    edited April 2011
    I would like to get added to the Demo please.

    I'll shoot you a PM with my shipping info.
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  • deseroner
    deseroner Posts: 155
    edited April 2011
    add me also pm for shipping, I would like to try different polk products.
    receiver- pioneer elite sc-37 thx ultra w/kimber kable.pk14.
    mains-lsi15 4ohm 250w modified&db840 nordost blueheaven spk/rca
    center : snell xa1900 4ohm 250w,nordost flatline
    subs-klipsch-ksw10/athena asp-4100
    rear-OWM3 - 8ohm 100w
    surrounds-klipsch rs-7 150w
    amp-5ch.-aragon 3005 thx ultra 2 nordost blue heaven ls pc
    power.c-bpt cpc/ps.soloist ci.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2011
    The VM20's got picked up by Fedex today and are en route to John. I'll get a review posted up soon...I'm already missing them!!
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited April 2011
    FYI, These showed up today.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2011
    Good to know...did my glue job survive the shipping process?
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited April 2011
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Good to know...did my glue job survive the shipping process?

    No, it didn't. What glue did you use? I'm going to re-glue them with a cyanoacrylate glue but I need to get the stuff you used off first or I'll just glue your glue back on and it won't stick to the endcap or case.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2011
    Jstas wrote: »
    No, it didn't. What glue did you use? I'm going to re-glue them with a cyanoacrylate glue but I need to get the stuff you used off first or I'll just glue your glue back on and it won't stick to the endcap or case.

    I just used regular wood glue. Definitely scrape the old stuff off first though, as you mentioned. Since these have passive radiators, air tightness is essential. I'd imagine you knew that though. :wink:

    I was wondering whether or not it would. As the Fedex guy was loading the boxes up in the truck, one of them fell off of the back of the truck and probably took about a 2 foot drop. That may have been when it broke free again.

    Gotta love Fedex.:rolleyes:

    I never use them unless I absolutely have to...I've had basically nothing but bad experiences with Fedex.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited April 2011
    Hmmm...if the dude dropped them, that would explain why an inductor is broken off of one of the crossovers.

    The other one that seems to be working A-OK sounds incredible! Can't wait to hear a pair!
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2011
    Jstas wrote: »
    Hmmm...if the dude dropped them, that would explain why an inductor is broken off of one of the crossovers.

    The other one that seems to be working A-OK sounds incredible! Can't wait to hear a pair!

    That's not good. Damn Fedex. The guy himself didn't drop them...he set them on the edge of the truck and it tipped over. It didn't look like too bad of a drop...but any drop is bad enough. Probably not much more than a foot or so of a fall. It was sitting on the first foot step going into the cabin.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    This demo is being temporarily closed so the loudspeaker can be repaired properly. After that, we'll probably make this a Blackstone demo thread.

    Thanks to everyone who demo'd the speakers and to Jstas for volunteering to repair the speakers.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    The repair parts for the VM20 are on there way to Jstas. Thank you Kim Jasper and the Polk CS team for taking care of the VM20 survival project.

    The demo will change at that point and we're going to raffle off the VM20's for charity to The Githen's Center. The VM20 will be completely redone w/ new, black aluminum cabinets and new, stock crossovers courtesy our own Jstas. We may further modify them but has not been decided at this time.

    A NEW demo will be replacing the VM20 starting with John, since his efforts are what kept everything alive and running.

    We're looking at a pair of Blackstone TL coupled with a Polk Audio MicroPro 3000.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited May 2011
    I would be very interested in a blackstone demo.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited May 2011
    I would be very interested in the MicroPro 3000
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dorourke07
    dorourke07 Posts: 298
    edited May 2011
    A blackstone demo would be great.
    Mains - LSi9's
    Center - LSiC
    Surround - pair of TL3's
    Amplification - Parasound 2125
    AVR - Onkyo 706
    CD/SACD - Onkyo DV-SP506
    SUB - MartinLogan Abyss
    55" Panasonic Viera TC-P55GT30 3D
    Bluray - DMP-BDT310 Panasonic
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