First Polk's

ozzy21236
ozzy21236 Posts: 100
edited November 2008 in Vintage Speakers
Hi Everyone,
I'm Russ and I'm new here. I just wanted to introduce myself .

I just purchased my first pair of Polk speakers the Monitor 12 which came up on CL for $150 .Cabinets are not pristine but are presentable for now. All drivers are fine.

I love the sound of these speakers and can only imagine what quality amplification would sound like with the M12's. Currently running an HK 3480 receiver 120WPC.

Can anyone give suggestions on both the amps they run with their own M12's and possibly recommend used amps in the $400 - $600 range that play well with polks ? Thank You . I look forward to your replys and also participating in your forum.

Russ
Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited October 2008
    The Adcom 555 is a very popular amp. Has tons of power for a reasonable price. They can be had for around $300. It's rated 200 watts@8 ohms. I don' t personally own monitor 12's but that Adcom will push any Polk speaker.
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited October 2008
    Welcome Russ,

    Congrats on the new speakers. Ask any questions you have there is a wealth of info here.

    A lot of guys also like a Carver / Polk combination. I have a local lead on a Carver TFM 35 if you are interested.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2008
    Welcome to Club Polk & congrats on the speakers.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1230334705&/Parasound-HCA-1500A-thx-certif

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1230082382&/Parasound-New-Classic-2250-250

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1229563026&/Parasound-HCA-1500A-high-curre
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2008
    I have an adcom 7500 running my Monitor 10's and it is a great combo. Other than that - many like the vintage carvers with their polks. (go together like a PB&J)

    Welcome to Club Polk and congrats on the new purchase. I am sure you will love it.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2008
    I would also second the suggestion of using a high power Carver. I have found they aren't always the warmest amps, but great power and SQ. And congrats on the Monitor 12s at that price!
    Jake
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  • fossy
    fossy Posts: 1,378
    edited October 2008
    Welcome Russ.Nice first polks.Don't count out parasound for some good sounds through that HK & 12's.HCA 1200 or 1500 or 1200mk2 can be had at reasonable prices as well as the above mentioned amps.
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    I tried HK Citation 24, Carver TFM-24, Adcom GFA-5400 and Adcom's 5-channel amplifier with my Polks.
    Definitely would suggest to try the amplifiers with BJT transistor based output stages, not MOSFET ones. MOSFET-based amps sounded way too harsh and metallic. BJT-based ones (order of preference: Citation 24, TFM-24, Adcom 5-ch) sounded much warmer.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • Braddles
    Braddles Posts: 228
    edited October 2008
    Welcome Russ,

    Had my 12's some 18 odd years. I still cant update them. Updating my amp too at the moment. Trying Quad, Rotel and Bel Canto.
    2 Channel
    Amp - Jas Audio Bravo 3.2 set
    Power Cord - Tunami GPX
    CDP - Marantz cd6002 - Audio gd Ref 5 Dac
    Speakers - Tekton Lore,Polk Audio RTA11tl completely refreshed.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited October 2008
    I like the Adcom GFA-545, or 555. The 545 is slightly better SQ wise, and the 555 is a power house.
    Welcome to Club Polk
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited November 2008
    Here is one. No affiliation

    http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ele/901362119.html
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • 55LS70
    55LS70 Posts: 184
    edited November 2008
    I ran a Carver C-2 preamp/M-1 amp combo with my LS70's for years. It sounded great.
    Decware CSP3 Preamp, RCA 6DJ8, 2 X Rocket 6N1P-EV's, Cary SLA70B Signature V2 Amplifier: 2 X Mullard GZ32's, 2 X RCA/GE 5691's, 4 X Tung-Sol 6550's

    Cambridge Audio 640C V2 CD Player & Dacmagic DAC

    Rega Planar 3: Deep Groove Subplatter, P3 Motor
    upgrade, Dynavector 10x5, JA Michell counterwieght, Cardas tonearm wiring and Mapleshade stand

    Parks Audio Budgie Hybrid Phonostage with BEL 6922 tubes, Polk Audio LS70's

    H.H. Scott 330D AM/FM Tuner with H.H. Scott 335 Multiplex adaptor.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2008
    Here is a good deal if it is not sold yet.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73766
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • ajohnston26
    ajohnston26 Posts: 30
    edited November 2008
    I own 12B Monitors and drive them with the previously recommended Adcom 555. Great amp. 12Bs need lots of power and the 555 has it in spades. Good luck in your choice.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2008
    this
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1227909054&/Belles-400a-200W/Channel-2-cha
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • ozzy21236
    ozzy21236 Posts: 100
    edited November 2008
    Man you people are fast! Thank you for all the replies and the warm welcome.

    I have a shot at a GFA555MKll from a family friend .Hopefully it works out.

    I am still interested in others opinions and experiences with setup , stands ,

    amplification ,etc.


    Russ
    Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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  • ozzy21236
    ozzy21236 Posts: 100
    edited November 2008
    Hi ,
    This is for MillerLiteScott, thank you for the heads up on the TFM-35. I cannot PM until I get ten posts. Could you send me a PM or email concerning the price and condition of the carver you mentioned if still available TY. My email addy is gimmieshelter31atyahoodotcom.I'll be ready to purchase either this or that adcom on CL on SAT. Nov.15 if that matters.

    Russ
    Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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  • Jonesy
    Jonesy Posts: 189
    edited November 2008
    Zingo is right.....Carver is very neutral but plenty o' clean power. My PM-175 has been doing great on the 7B's. Never runs out of gas.
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  • Driver_King
    Driver_King Posts: 266
    edited November 2008
    Any classic amps on the cheap that can do 500 watts per speaker? Looking to power a pair of SDA II's.
    Home Theater:

    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Behringer EP2500 for SDA's

    Polk SDA II fronts
    Polk Monitor 5Jr. surrounds
    Polk Monitor 4 back surrounds

    DIY A7-900 and DIY A3-300
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited November 2008
    ozzy21236 wrote: »
    Hi ,
    This is for MillerLiteScott, thank you for the heads up on the TFM-35. I cannot PM until I get ten posts. Could you send me a PM or email concerning the price and condition of the carver you mentioned if still available TY. My email addy is gimmieshelter31atyahoodotcom.I'll be ready to purchase either this or that adcom on CL on SAT. Nov.15 if that matters.

    Russ

    If you still have some interested.

    My neighbor is dropping off the Carver TFM 35x tomorrow for me to hook up and photograph. I will post some pictures of it tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • ozzy21236
    ozzy21236 Posts: 100
    edited November 2008
    Definitely interested if its in nice condition and the asking price is reasonable.
    I'd really like to have a crack at it . Thanks. If everything is agreeable I can get it Sat. no BS no excuses about finances .I work 3-11 all week and the funds available to me Fri. I'm in Perry Hall so I'm pretty close.Again thanks.

    Russ
    Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited November 2008
    I have my neighbors Carver TFM 35X in my possession. Russ has express interest in this amp so I am posting it for him to see.

    The amp is very clean but has some marks in the anodizing on the face plate in three areas. This may be something that will come out because the aluminum is not scratched. I tried to show the condition in my photographs. The meters work fine in both modes and both meter lights work. It has been running in my system for about 3 hours as of this post without an issue. Just clean powerful sound. It is a very nice sounding amp. I am using my Musical Fidelity's pre-out RCA's and powering my 2B's. This amp also has a very wide sound stage. I think it is a great match for vintage Polks and I love watching the meters dance. Very cool looking amp. I will have it hooked up in my system for a demo. Another local Polkie has expressed some interest in the amp if Russ is not/ or no longer interested. The owner is looking for $300.00 cash and carry.

    If the mods would like me to move this to the FM, please PM me and I will do so.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    MillerLiteScott wrote: »
    I have my neighbors Carver TFM 35X in my possession. Russ has express interest in this amp so I am posting it for him to see.

    The amp is very clean but has some marks in the anodizing on the face plate in three areas. This may be something that will come out because the aluminum is not scratched. I tried to show the condition in my photographs. The meters work fine in both modes and both meter lights work. It has been running in my system for about 3 hours as of this post without an issue. Just clean powerful sound. It is a very nice sounding amp. I am using my Musical Fidelity's pre-out RCA's and powering my 2B's. This amp also has a very wide sound stage. I think it is a great match for vintage Polks and I love watching the meters dance. Very cool looking amp. I will have it hooked up in my system for a demo. Another local Polkie has expressed some interest in the amp if Russ is not/ or no longer interested. The owner is looking for $300.00 cash and carry.

    If the mods would like me to move this to the FM, please PM me and I will do so.

    Scott
    It's in better cosmetic shape than my 35 and a very fair price...though I like the blue lights better :cool: I paid more for mine.

    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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  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited November 2008
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    It's in better cosmetic shape than my 35 and a very fair price...though I like the blue lights better :cool: I paid more for mine.

    I put the blue lights in mine and didnt like them...too dim....couldnt see the meter movement in them from a distance anymore....put the standard lamps back in.

    You can see in this pic ( Actually these are a friends amps....I have the D1200's and 35X as well ) that we put the blue lamps in the 35X at the bottom and how dim they are as compared to the blue led's we put in the D1200 at the top of the pic.


    attachment.php?attachmentid=36483&d=1226448735
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    Son, mine are much brighter than that, white with a blueish tinge. Definitely not like the yellow white originals.

    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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  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited November 2008
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    Son, mine are much brighter than that, white with a blueish tinge. Definitely not like the yellow white originals.

    Both scott and myself ordered the blue lamps from the thread over on the Carver forum...so those are the ones we tried...and we both took them out.

    Where did you get yours...I would like to have mine blue again without being so dim.

    Also, when I did the power mod to my 35X , I also replaced the crappy conductive rubber relays with some KILLER metal contact relays...I bought them in bulk so if you would like a pair I have some here. They are a much better relay...even when the conductive rubber are still working they compromise the current flow to the speakers. And I love the new authoratve snap of the relays when powering on the amp.
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    Done before I got the amp. I assumed they were the blue ones listed on ebay since the yellowish lights were all I ever saw in pics. The ones you show are pretty horrid :eek:.

    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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  • ozzy21236
    ozzy21236 Posts: 100
    edited November 2008
    Thanks very much Scott. I'm in PM sent to you.

    Russ
    Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited November 2008
    Sale Pending on local pick up Saturday.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited November 2008
    Russ came today to have a listen to the Carver and took it home with him.

    Russ is a great guy who is into vinyl and now has some ample power to run his new Monitor 12's. I am glad my neighbors amp is powering some nice speakers rather than collecting dust in a closet. In fact while I was typing my neighbor stopped by to pick up the cash.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • ozzy21236
    ozzy21236 Posts: 100
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the kind words Scott. I'd like to also say that Scott is a great guy,he was selling the Carver for a neighbor and invited a stranger he had exchanged a few posts with on the net to his home to demo it.

    Scott made me feel comfortable at his home and I got to meet his two beautiful daughters and enjoy a few tunes and some nice camaraderie.
    It is nice to know someone else (in person-lol) that appreciates good audio.

    Thanks again Scott. I love the Carver,and I'll get that protractor to you very soon.

    Russ
    Technics SL1210mkll / AT125LC / Cambridge Audio 640P / Yamaha TX-950 / Onkyo TA-2600 / Yamaha C-80 pre/Adcom GFA 545 / Polk Audio Monitor 12 Series 2
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