I-Sonic vs I-Sonic ES2

AsSiMiLaTeD
AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
edited March 2009 in Electronics
Is the original I-Sonic generally considered to be a better unit than the newer ES2 version? It looks like several things are missing from the ES2 like XM< CD player, etc.

How is the sound on the ES2 compared to the original? No CD isn't a deal-breaker for me, but if Polk took a step backwards in terms of sound quality then it may not be the choice for me.
Post edited by AsSiMiLaTeD on

Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2009
    Actually, does either unit work with the iPhone 3G model? That'll be a requirement, so I suppose I should clarify that first. It says Iphone and Itouch compatible, but wanna make sure it works with and will charge the 3G model.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2009
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2009
    My es2 sounds great. But I can't help you with the iphone question.
    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
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited March 2009
    Actually, does either unit work with the iPhone 3G model? That'll be a requirement, so I suppose I should clarify that first. It says Iphone and Itouch compatible, but wanna make sure it works with and will charge the 3G model.

    The Polk product page on the IS-ES2 says yes iPhone 3G compatible.

    The product page also states "audiophile grade sound" from your iPod. :rolleyes: Well I guess if Polkaudio says so, then I guess it is :p.
    Can't imagine why they would take a step back in SQ. Anything in particular that gives you that concern?

    By the way, the CD is also a DVD player.

    Cnet Review on the ES2 (an comapred to the orig.)
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2009
    Ah, ok there's a download for 3G iPhone support, didn't see that the first time.

    What gives me concern about the sound quality is that this appears to be a stripped down of the original, as in no cd/dvd player, no xm, etc. That begs the question, did they decide to cut back costs in other areas as well?

    I'll probably just go ahead and pick one up, I can always return it if I don't like it. I was really looking for any input that may help me choose between the two models, but it appears the original isn't as readily available anyway, so I'll just start with this one.
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited March 2009
    I have the original, but I didn't by it for XM or CD/DVD support. I bought it for the HD Radio support. The new model is probably just marketed more towards what more and more people seem to be looking for--a nice little sound system with iPod support. No so much for CDs, or hooking it up to a TV and using it as a DVD player? (I never really got that concept). I do however throw a CD in from time to time but usually I only use it for the FM/HD Radio.

    Personally it would be ideal if it had FM/HD Radio support, iPod/aux in, as well as Internet and/or streaming radio (like the Roku Soundbridge).
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited March 2009
    The reason for nixing the CD/DVD-P was QC issues with the manufacturer of those drives. Rather than having to constantly source new drives, they nixed them.
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.