Best Polk Line for music (other than LSi)

christo4

I am wondering what people think is the best Polk speaker line for music. From what I understand, many here think the (discontinued) Monitor line sounds better than the RTiA line, when comparing roughly the same sized speakers-- e.g., Monitor 30 vs. RTi A1, or Monitor 60 vs. RTi A5. Would you agree? If so, do you think this translates into the TSi line? Or, does it just depend on the model?

kawizx9r

christo4 wrote: »

I am wondering what people think is the best Polk speaker line for music. From what I understand, many here think the (discontinued) Monitor line sounds better than the RTiA line, when comparing roughly the same sized speakers-- e.g., Monitor 30 vs. RTi A1, or Monitor 60 vs. RTi A5. Would you agree? If so, do you think this translates into the TSi line? Or, does it just depend on the model?

I can't comment on either of the RTi a series or LSi's but from what I've gathered here reading all the threads/reviews is-
LSi's hold their own very well in HT, and do EXCEPTIONALLY well for music when properly driven.
RTi's are said to be a good alternative on a budget. Very easy to drive, and are just as friendly for HT as they are for music.

As far as monitor series, I've heard plenty over the years and have always been pleased with their sound. I personally own 1C's and love every note that comes through those drivers, but that's a completely different ballpark. Hope that helps!

leroyjr1

For music I think the SDA series are Polks best music speaker. I also like the older monitor series speakers for music.

mmadden28

+1 for SDAs
I love my LSi9s too, but something changed in me when I got my SDA's-I'm still tearing up a bit.

xj4094dg

mmadden28 wrote: »

+1 for SDAs
I love my LSi9s too, but something changed in me when I got my SDA's-I'm still tearing up a bit.

I am going through the same. When I got my SDA's, I put my LSi9's in the closet for a while. My right SDA has a problem so when I brought the LSi9's back out, I was blown away by them all over again. Both great! Can't wait till the SDA's are fixed though. I think I'm bi-aural. ( can I say that ? ):D

polkgeek

chris , I have the rti8 and they are the best speakers without having to go the route of a seperate amp because they run at 8 ohms

I use them as my mains with a csi5 rti8 rti6 fxi3. if its 2 channel then there good for that two , I use them with an onkyo 607

Check out the rti8 review in the speakers section

leroyjr1

polkgeek wrote: »

chris , I have the rti8 and they are the best speakers without having to go the route of a seperate amp because they run at 8 ohms

I use them as my mains with a csi5 rti8 rti6 fxi3. if its 2 channel then there good for that two , I use them with an onkyo 607

Check out the rti8 review in the speakers section

Aren't you banned?

christo4

Okay, wow! Already some interesting responses. Thanks for your input!

I don't know that I'll ever get my hands on some SDAs. As for LSis, I fear that they represent a level of expenditure (and quality) that I'm not yet ready to go for. So, I guess I'm more curious about people's thoughts on the sub-$1000 categories--again for music, not so much for HT.

leroyjr1

christo4 wrote: »

Okay, wow! Already some interesting responses. Thanks for your input!

I don't know that I'll ever get my hands on some SDAs. As for LSis, I fear that they represent a level of expenditure (and quality) that I'm not yet ready to go for. So, I guess I'm more curious about people's thoughts on the sub-$1000 categories--again for music, not so much for HT.

Definately something sealed. $1000 I'd look at the Micropro 4000 or a Epik dragon.

christo4

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Definately something sealed. $1000 I'd look at the Micropro 4000 or a Epik dragon.

Thanks leroyjr1. I meant "below" when I said "sub". I'm still talking about main speakers for music.

comfortablycurt

Personally, I find the RTi series to be a little too bright and slightly harsh sounding on the higher end. The RTi A9's are a lot more musical sounding than the rest of the RTi line IMO...the D'appolito array in the mid/tweeter section helps to tame down the brightness quite a bit.

Depending on your tastes though, a little brightness is a good thing. My RTi8's are still nice sounding, detailed speakers, but HT is really where they shine IMO. They can't hold a candle to my SDA2A's or my Monitor 7A's as far as music goes.

The newer Monitor series is a little more musical in my opinion, opposed to the RTi's. The Monitors are a bit on the warmer side, and have a more laid back, mellower sounding tweeter. The RTi's do have a slightly louder, tighter sounding bass though in my experience.

Demo them side by side though if you're able. Everyone has their own tastes, and their own preferences with speakers. Your ears are the best judge.



Seriously though...you should just get some SDA's or vintage Monitors. I haven't heard any LSi's yet, but none of the newer Polk's that I've heard can match the SDA's and vintage Monitors for music.


Just my $.02

hearingimpared

christo4 wrote: »

Okay, wow! Already some interesting responses. Thanks for your input!

I don't know that I'll ever get my hands on some SDAs. As for LSis, I fear that they represent a level of expenditure (and quality) that I'm not yet ready to go for. So, I guess I'm more curious about people's thoughts on the sub-$1000 categories--again for music, not so much for HT.

You will find that lot's of SDAs show up on craiglist and here and are under $1000.


Welcome to Club Polk.

apphd

christo4 wrote: »

I am wondering what people think is the best Polk speaker line for music. From what I understand, many here think the (discontinued) Monitor line sounds better than the RTiA line, when comparing roughly the same sized speakers-- e.g., Monitor 30 vs. RTi A1, or Monitor 60 vs. RTi A5. Would you agree? If so, do you think this translates into the TSi line? Or, does it just depend on the model?

I don't think you can get a cut and dry answer for this. A lot will depend on personal preference, some will depend on what's driving them, and some will depend on the room. That being said some models in certain lines buck the trend a little for that line, the RTi A1 being one of those in the RTi line that can do music very well for most.
Keiko has the best answer.... listen and decide what does music best for you in your budget. Polk offers a lot of choice and value, but don't be afraid to listen to other brands, and older/used (granted harder to do) Polk speakers.

polkieintx

Based on recommendations on this forum, I treated myself to a pair of RTi12 and a Hafler DH-500 last year. Couldn't be happier with the result.

hearingimpared

Yeah those VM 30s with the subs was the ****!

Erik Tracy

I started with the RTi4s and was pleasantly surprised at the sound/value.

I tried the LSi7s (properly driven with a 200w/chnnl, 4-ohm amp) and just couldn't get used to the 'laid back' high end (more like asleep under the covers for my tastes).

I'm currently running RTiA3s with a good sub and am quite content and sonically satisfied

JohnLocke88

hearingimpared wrote: »

You will find that lot's of SDAs show up on craiglist and here and are under $1000.


Welcome to Club Polk.

+1,000,000.
When I first got into audio, all I knew was the new stuff. I still have an all RTi setup for HT that I love, but recently, I found a pair of SDA-1As and Monitor 7Bs on the mega cheap. There really is so much more 'bang' for the buck' out there in the used vintage market. I couldn't hope to touch the quality of my 'new' vintages speakers for double the price in a new speaker.

mmadden28

christo4 wrote: »

... As for LSis, I fear that they represent a level of expenditure (and quality) that I'm not yet ready to go for. So, I guess I'm more curious about people's thoughts on the sub-$1000 categories--again for music, not so much for HT.

Keep your eye out at PolkDirect (Polks eBay store). A pair of Lsi9's can be had for $5-600/

WastelandWand'r

Christo,
That pretty much only puts off the big boy sda's, the 1.2tl's and SRS's. 2.3tl's are being listed for around 800.00 currently. (Which is a steal)
If that is too rich for the budget, there are a pair of SDA CRS+'s listed on the Polk classified section right now for $250.00 plus shipping. At least they were there this morning.
So your options are wide open.
All the older ones sound good to me, and I think you will be surprised.
Best of luck finding a pair.
Happy Trails,
Nathan

nikolas812

SDA's would be my first choice.


Nik

skrol

I had compared the RTI A's to the LSI's and there was no comparison. The imaging of the LSI was worlds better.

Other than the SDA's I wonder how some of the other vintage Polks would compare to the LSI (ie. RTA 8TL 11TL or 15TL, vintage Monitor 5 or 7)?

McLoki

Lasareath wrote: »

I heard LSi twice and wasn't impressed. I heard VM30's with dual subwoofers and I was very impressed.

Honestly??? You disliked the LSi's (Hey, I can understand that) and thought the VM series sounded great????? (that one, I just can't understand at all).

I have heard a few of the VM series (although never in a home environment) and have yet to be impressed at all with them. To the point that I would take almost any other speaker in the polk line that has a woofer larger than 3.5" and a cabinet that at least tries to appear to look like wood over them.

They do look thin and wall mountable. I bet they look awesome next to a correctly sized plasma - but from what I have heard, the good impression stops as soon as you turn them on. (provided you are comparing them to an actual speaker system and not a bose or bose knockoff).

For the record - I have not paid $1,000 for any of my LSi's. (as a matter of fact, I only paid about $1,300 for all 5 of them.)

Michael

bluecomet

I have the LSI's and many SDA's. To me the SDA's are just better with an upgrade to the RDO tweeters than the LSI's for music but for HT I think the LSI's are terrific. Nothing in the Polk speakers are beating the SDA SRS versions including 1.2 and 1.2tl from day one to the present. Concerning the old Monitor series, they are tremendous bang for the buck especially with the peerless tweeters. If I had to rank them I would always pick the SDA's, then the LSI's with the monitors the way to go if you are on a budget. Just my experience.

unclepauly

I've got some rti 8's that I'm gonna unload pretty soon. They're great for HT but I'm not too fond of them for music. They've got good mids and detailed highs but absolutely no low end. You have to pair a sub with them and if you're sub isn't up to the job for music(my bic h-100 isn't) then you're going to be missing something. The highs are very forward too which is great for HT but can make music less enjoyable. Too bad I couldn't just have LSi's for music and Rti's for home theater with some type of switcher to go back and forth lol that would be ideal I think.

christo4

So far I have a pair of Rti4s that I bought from another forum member. I am running them with a 2-channel Yamaha receiver that only has about 60wpc. I really like this setup for now, but as I think I mentioned in another thread, I'm looking to possibly buy another system for the upstairs in my new house. I like all of these suggestions, but I worry about the "minimum system requirements." I really don't want to have to buy a 150 watt amp and pre-amp if I can get respectable sound from a pair of more efficient bookshelves. In other words, low-impedence speakers scare me.

I have been thinking about getting an NAD C325BEE integrated amp for the new system. Then, maybe a pair of A1s--or maybe A3s (could I run A5s with this?). I've heard good things about Monitor 30s, an amazing deal. And, the recent deals on the Monitor 60 floorstanders have caught my eye. So, Erik Tracy's setup looks appealing to me with the A3s. The only problem I face in going with Polk is that nobody carries these in a store.

cfrizz

skrol wrote: »

I had compared the RTI A's to the LSI's and there was no comparison. The imaging of the LSI was worlds better.

Other than the SDA's I wonder how some of the other vintage Polks would compare to the LSI (ie. RTA 8TL 11TL or 15TL, vintage Monitor 5 or 7)?

2 totally different speakers Skrol. I have the RTA-8Ts and they are very good & I enjoy them immensely. However, whenever I go down to DC & hear my brothers LSI 7s I just fall in love with them all over again. There is a musicality & clarity to them that just is just intoxicating.

McLoki wrote: »

Honestly??? You disliked the LSi's (Hey, I can understand that) and thought the VM series sounded great????? (that one, I just can't understand at all).

I have heard a few of the VM series (although never in a home environment) and have yet to be impressed at all with them. To the point that I would take almost any other speaker in the polk line that has a woofer larger than 3.5" and a cabinet that at least tries to appear to look like wood over them.

They do look thin and wall mountable. I bet they look awesome next to a correctly sized plasma - but from what I have heard, the good impression stops as soon as you turn them on. (provided you are comparing them to an actual speaker system and not a bose or bose knockoff).

For the record - I have not paid $1,000 for any of my LSi's. (as a matter of fact, I only paid about $1,300 for all 5 of them.)

Michael

I totally agree with your assessment Michael. I heard the VMs at the last PF & at Al's house & they were ear shattering when it came to playing music!:eek: For movies they were great, but music was just horrid!

apphd

christo4 wrote: »

So far I have a pair of Rti4s that I bought from another forum member. I am running them with a 2-channel Yamaha receiver that only has about 60wpc. I really like this setup for now, but as I think I mentioned in another thread, I'm looking to possibly buy another system for the upstairs in my new house. I like all of these suggestions, but I worry about the "minimum system requirements." I really don't want to have to buy a 150 watt amp and pre-amp if I can get respectable sound from a pair of more efficient bookshelves. In other words, low-impedence speakers scare me.

I have been thinking about getting an NAD C325BEE integrated amp for the new system. Then, maybe a pair of A1s--or maybe A3s (could I run A5s with this?). I've heard good things about Monitor 30s, an amazing deal. And, the recent deals on the Monitor 60 floorstanders have caught my eye. So, Erik Tracy's setup looks appealing to me with the A3s. The only problem I face in going with Polk is that nobody carries these in a store.

I'll let Kex chime in on this as he knows NAD from a first hand perspective, but I have heard lots of very good things about NAD and their power. The 325BEE has true 4 ohm capabilities so there is no reason for low-impedance speakers scare you (except some very difficult to drive). It should handle any of the Monitor and RTi line with ease (except possibly the RTiA9).

Bernal

The LSI is set to hear the angels sing.
It is the best in music.
This is achieved with only 400 watts of amplification per channel because they are 4 ohms.
Today, including the "BDP-83 Blu-ray Oppo:D" is spectacular and the sound on SACD

---

01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
03) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
04) BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio / DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
05) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
06) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
07) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
11) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES (High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)

cnh

Back to the original question, and I think I'm closer to Curt on this issue. I have both a set of SDA-2Bs and M70s, and have heard most of the RTI series.

I am exempting LSIs because we naturally agree they are the most musical when fed TONS of POWER ONLY!!

I find the M70s (and probaby the TSI-500s--haven't heard those but I have heard the 400s and 300s and they have general similarities to their predecessor M-series).

The most 'musical' of the lower to mid-entry 'current' Polk lines (M70s). And primarily because of the more laid back slightly 'less' detailed tweeter than the high handling power RTI tweeter which is brighter.

I also agree that the RTI-A9 or RTI-12s are probably more 'musical' and more capable across the entire sound spectrum than the M70s. And if I were not going LSI I would be buying RTI-A9s as the only upgrade of current Polks.

Now onto vintage Polk. The SDAs have an acoustic effect that expands the sound field by phasing mirror-paired mid-woofers in L/R speakers through an extra I/C between the speakers, etc.

The advantages...USUALLY this expands the sound stage--but not always....it depends on the recording...some recordings sound a bit 'artificial' with this effect and once in a while the effect on certain recordings is just gimmicky! But with MOST recordings the effect is very impressive. It just doesn't work for everything.

The M70s can't do that. But they will IMAGE wonderfully with enough power.

SDAs without new tweeters (RDO-replacements--and or crossover mods) will not play to their fullest potential so if you invest in them...get modded SDAs or be prepared to mod yourself.

Without the mods the SL2000/2500 tweeters are too bright and can sound harsh to some of us. They are certainly less smooth and laid back than the M70 tweeter.

On the positive side....the lower end the SDAs put out is second to none and the M70s are no match for them there.

Back to the M70s...in some ways the overall sound of those seems more in line with Polk's Dynamic balance...meaning that the overal sound spectrum remains balanced...nothing is exagerrated (highs, mids, lows) and they keep that balanced sound from low to high volume playing.

The SDAs do not sound quite as good at low volumes as they do with more power and cranked up a bit. Once you get them going they sound quite good. But you do have to POWER them.

With MODS the SDAs are probably the better speaker...but they are more finicky than the M70s which are not as PARTICULAR about specific recordings.

One final caveat, as you move up the SDA chain you get more voluminous room filling--literally overwhelming SOUND. And almost NO other Polk speaker can do that!

cnh

maandjojo

I've had experience with both and Lsi 25 ht system and an sda srs2 and sda srs 2.3tl. For pure music you just can't beat either of the sdas', thats it hands down. I use a complete sda system with the crs' as surrounds and center. the srs2 without a sub lacks a little on the bass end, with the 2.3s', they can match the Lsi 25s. The Lsi 25s as for music are better than most but just can't match the clarity of the sdas', you hear everything with them.

Joe

bluecomet

Well since I have Joe's old Lsi 25s and he has my old SDA SRS 2's I will chime in. I think the Lsi series has a superior tweeter than the SRS 2's. Joe modify the SRS 2's with the RDO's and you will enjoy them even better. The SRS 2's have a much larger soundstage and when they were built there were no subs. Of all of the newer Polk speakers the Lsi 25's are the closest I have heard to an older SDA SRS for bass. Again the Lsi 25's are a HT speaker born to be put as mains in a HT setup and they do an exceptional job. When you match the Lsi 25's with the Lsi center, F/X and 7's or 9's in the HT 7.1 experience that's when you are blown away with this group of speakers. If you are into 2 channel nothing is beating the SDA SRS line for pure music enjoyment.