Speaker advice (Polk Audio) - Blu-ray Forum

CptGreedle · 05-13-2008, 09:07 PM

I have been doing a little browsing for speakers lately.
I found some on Amazon that looked good, and had good reviews, and were made by Sony.
But someone commented on them that they were not as good as others, and another mention Polk Audio.
Well looking at the Polk Audio prices, the speakers were not in the same league as the Sony ones. It was a price difference of thousands. But one person pointed out these:
http://www.outpost.com/product/4005092

Are these $320 speakers at a $60 price tag? The site says they were ~$200 but Polk Audio's page lists the R50 at $640 a pair.

Any advice on this?

Slec · 05-13-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

I have been doing a little browsing for speakers lately.
I found some on Amazon that looked good, and had good reviews, and were made by Sony.
But someone commented on them that they were not as good as others, and another mention Polk Audio.
Well looking at the Polk Audio prices, the speakers were not in the same league as the Sony ones. It was a price difference of thousands. But one person pointed out these:
http://www.outpost.com/product/4005092

Are these $320 speakers at a $60 price tag? The site says they were ~$200 but Polk Audio's page lists the R50 at $640 a pair.

Any advice on this?

$640 is the MSRP.... Polk allows their stuff to be sold below MSRP (hence the $200 price). They have probably been clearanced at $60 each... wow.. Don't know much about the speakers, but its fair to say that's at/below cost.

Moefiz · 05-13-2008, 09:23 PM

I would highly recomend the RM20 series, you can get the set for about 600.00.

Excellent speakers at a nice price range.

CptGreedle · 05-13-2008, 09:25 PM

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...rstanding/r50/
Here is the actual Polk site with the R50 speakers. One pair is ~$640.
But Fry's has them for $60 each.
Does anyone know if this is some sort of sale? A limited time thing?
What is the quality/reputation of Polk?

Moefiz · 05-13-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...rstanding/r50/
Here is the actual Polk site with the R50 speakers. One pair is ~$640.
But Fry's has them for $60 each.
Does anyone know if this is some sort of sale? A limited time thing?
What is the quality/reputation of Polk?

Polk make some good speakers also all there speakers come with a 5 year waranty.
Polk is in the procees right now og getting rid of old # and speakers and bring in the new stuff.

Jim L · 05-13-2008, 09:43 PM

CptGreedle:

I've owned 2 different sets of Polk speakers in the last several years.

The first set was (I think) the RM-6600 surround set consisting of a center channel and 4 small satellites. They were very good and solidly built, but there is a range of sound for music (and also in the rear surrounds) that require more of a full-range speaker. Although they were a good upgrade for enjoying 5.1 surround on movies, I found them fatiguing for listening to music.

Later I upgraded to Polk RTi8s (towers similar to what you're looking at) and the CSi3 (a large 3 driver center) for my fronts, It made a huge difference for music and the front soundstage for movies. Very pleasing, neutral and smooth sound characteristics. Excellent for SACD and movies.

After upgrading the fronts, the rears seemed woefully lacking, so I waited until I found a good deal on eBay and got another center (CSi3) and 2 matching bookshelf speakers (RT4) to round out the set.

Polk has changed their lines a bit since my set, but I think those towers are in the same class as my mains (RTi8s), and those are excellent speakers. If you have the opportunity, try to listen to some and compare to many other brands and models (with different types of material). I did, and found that they compare favorably with many more expensive brands.

The other great thing about Polk -- when you get ready to upgrade them, there is an eager market for selling them used. I recouped quite a bit from my first set.

Just my $.02.

Joker · 05-13-2008, 10:15 PM

I just purchased 2 sets of Polk monitor 30's and a Polk PSW10 subwoofer from Fry's electronics and i Love these speakers . When you buy $499.99 or more on Polk products from Fry's you get a FREE set of Polk Atrium 45 outdoor speakers which are $199.99 . I looked on the Polkaudio.com site and they also have a eBay store and they sell remanufactured and refurbished speakers at a nice discount and they come with a FULL Polk warranty .I picked up a set of Polk monitor 60 floor speakers for around half off normal price and the smae goes for my CS2 center speaker . If your interested check out PolkDirect on eBay or grab a link from www.polkaudio.com . Good luck to you !

JasonR · 05-13-2008, 10:27 PM

If you can afford it, I would recommend the RTi or LSi line of speakers. On a budget, like most normal people, the Monitor line is great.

This is what I recently upgraded to.

Fronts - Monitor 50s (Upgraded)

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0716933&sr=8-1

Center - CS1 (Upgraded)

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0716985&sr=1-1

Surrounds - Monitor 30s (My next upgrade)

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0717061&sr=1-1

Sub - Your Choice (My next upgrade)

I will go with one of these three

HSU VTF-1

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

SVS PB10-NSD

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

AV123 MFW-15 (Little out of my price range)

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37

The R series is Polk's bottom of the line. I have not heard them, so I cannot comment on them. If I were you, I would spend the little extra on Monitors though.

CptGreedle · 05-13-2008, 11:24 PM

Thanks for the update guys.
Not sure I can get it anytime soon, we will see. I hope to slowly upgrade all of my cheap speakers to nicer ones, but I don't need anything as expensive or nice as some of these ultra high quality pricey ones.

Beta Man · 05-14-2008, 04:43 AM

What I read....

" I read on the internet, heard through the grapevine, heard good things about.... heard bad things about.... yada yada yada"

Just go listen to some speakers..... conflicting Amazon reviews have you in this much of a huff???

maseo503 · 05-14-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

I hope to slowly upgrade all of my cheap speakers to nicer ones,

R50s are not nicer ones then... these speakers have never sold for anywhere near the inflated MSRP...its a common marketing ploy... just as Polk has done with putting their reknowned name on this poor performing speaker. Like JR said... send a little extra on the Monitor line... thats the "Polk sound" entry-level.

the $60 price range you see is not some sale or limited time (i wish it was the latter)...they have been selling at this price to unaware consumers for many months or more.

CptGreedle · 05-14-2008, 03:31 PM

Thank you for your feedback. Since I am not audiophile, I really don't know what to be listening for in speakers, and I was merely asking advice on this "sale".
I am glad to know it is not a sale, as my wife talked me out of it last night, our set up uses black and dark wood and this would contrast with it too much.
I will look into new speakers, but not until the end of the year or later.
Thanks again for all your input.

Beta Man · 05-14-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

Thank you for your feedback. Since I am not audiophile, I really don't know what to be listening for in speakers, and I was merely asking advice on this "sale".
I am glad to know it is not a sale, as my wife talked me out of it last night, our set up uses black and dark wood and this would contrast with it too much.
I will look into new speakers, but not until the end of the year or later.
Thanks again for all your input.

When shelling out money, it's good to like the Look, as well as the sound..... Audiophiles will fore-sake all else for sound, but average people like us, need to make the wives happy!!!!

JasonR · 05-14-2008, 03:55 PM

Just got my new speakers, I am at work though and I have a Radiohead concert tonight. Can anyone say half day?

Slec · 05-14-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonR

Just got my new speakers, I am at work though and I have a Radiohead concert tonight. Can anyone say half day?

If that doesn't call for a half day, nothing does... If you haven't seen radiohead before, prepare to be blown away...

JasonR · 05-14-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slec

If that doesn't call for a half day, nothing does... If you haven't seen radiohead before, prepare to be blown away...

It's my first, I can't wait!!

Beta Man · 05-14-2008, 04:17 PM

Do you feel a migraine coming on?

JasonR · 05-14-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Do you feel a migraine coming on?

I'm off work for the next five days, plenty of time to recover.

Slec · 05-14-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonR

I'm off work for the next five days, plenty of time to recover.

I think he's giving you an excuse to go home early today...

JasonR · 05-14-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slec

I think he's giving you an excuse to go home early today...

My dumb moment for the day.

05-13-2008, 09:07 PM	#1
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	Speaker advice (Polk Audio) I have been doing a little browsing for speakers lately. I found some on Amazon that looked good, and had good reviews, and were made by Sony. But someone commented on them that they were not as good as others, and another mention Polk Audio. Well looking at the Polk Audio prices, the speakers were not in the same league as the Sony ones. It was a price difference of thousands. But one person pointed out these: http://www.outpost.com/product/4005092 Are these $320 speakers at a $60 price tag? The site says they were ~$200 but Polk Audio's page lists the R50 at $640 a pair. Any advice on this?

05-13-2008, 09:43 PM	#6
Jim L Special Member Top contributor Member since:Apr 2006 Location:Myrtle Beach, SC Blu-ray reviews: 12 Trading Score:20	My PolkAudio Experience CptGreedle: I've owned 2 different sets of Polk speakers in the last several years. The first set was (I think) the RM-6600 surround set consisting of a center channel and 4 small satellites. They were very good and solidly built, but there is a range of sound for music (and also in the rear surrounds) that require more of a full-range speaker. Although they were a good upgrade for enjoying 5.1 surround on movies, I found them fatiguing for listening to music. Later I upgraded to Polk RTi8s (towers similar to what you're looking at) and the CSi3 (a large 3 driver center) for my fronts, It made a huge difference for music and the front soundstage for movies. Very pleasing, neutral and smooth sound characteristics. Excellent for SACD and movies. After upgrading the fronts, the rears seemed woefully lacking, so I waited until I found a good deal on eBay and got another center (CSi3) and 2 matching bookshelf speakers (RT4) to round out the set. Polk has changed their lines a bit since my set, but I think those towers are in the same class as my mains (RTi8s), and those are excellent speakers. If you have the opportunity, try to listen to some and compare to many other brands and models (with different types of material). I did, and found that they compare favorably with many more expensive brands. The other great thing about Polk -- when you get ready to upgrade them, there is an eager market for selling them used. I recouped quite a bit from my first set. Just my $.02. Last edited by Jim L; 05-14-2008 at 02:43 AM.

05-13-2008, 10:15 PM	#7
Joker Active Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Indianapolis	I just purchased 2 sets of Polk monitor 30's and a Polk PSW10 subwoofer from Fry's electronics and i Love these speakers . When you buy $499.99 or more on Polk products from Fry's you get a FREE set of Polk Atrium 45 outdoor speakers which are $199.99 . I looked on the Polkaudio.com site and they also have a eBay store and they sell remanufactured and refurbished speakers at a nice discount and they come with a FULL Polk warranty .I picked up a set of Polk monitor 60 floor speakers for around half off normal price and the smae goes for my CS2 center speaker . If your interested check out PolkDirect on eBay or grab a link from www.polkaudio.com . Good luck to you ! Last edited by Joker; 05-13-2008 at 10:18 PM.

05-13-2008, 10:27 PM	#8
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	If you can afford it, I would recommend the RTi or LSi line of speakers. On a budget, like most normal people, the Monitor line is great. This is what I recently upgraded to. Fronts - Monitor 50s (Upgraded) http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0716933&sr=8-1 Center - CS1 (Upgraded) http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0716985&sr=1-1 Surrounds - Monitor 30s (My next upgrade) http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon...0717061&sr=1-1 Sub - Your Choice (My next upgrade) I will go with one of these three HSU VTF-1 http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html SVS PB10-NSD http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm AV123 MFW-15 (Little out of my price range) http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop...mart&Itemid=37 The R series is Polk's bottom of the line. I have not heard them, so I cannot comment on them. If I were you, I would spend the little extra on Monitors though. Last edited by JasonR; 05-13-2008 at 10:33 PM. Reason: Spelling - Doh!

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Speaker stands, Polk Audio 40s?	Home Theater General Discussion	KingLeonidas300	3	11-02-2009 03:35 PM
Is Polk Audio SDA replace 5.1 speaker?	Home Theater General Discussion	mugupo	2	02-28-2009 05:16 AM

05-13-2008, 09:23 PM	#3
Moefiz Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:288 DVD collection:20 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:70	I would highly recomend the RM20 series, you can get the set for about 600.00. Excellent speakers at a nice price range.

05-13-2008, 09:25 PM	#4
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...rstanding/r50/ Here is the actual Polk site with the R50 speakers. One pair is ~$640. But Fry's has them for $60 each. Does anyone know if this is some sort of sale? A limited time thing? What is the quality/reputation of Polk?

05-13-2008, 11:24 PM	#9
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	Thanks for the update guys. Not sure I can get it anytime soon, we will see. I hope to slowly upgrade all of my cheap speakers to nicer ones, but I don't need anything as expensive or nice as some of these ultra high quality pricey ones.

05-14-2008, 04:43 AM	#10
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	What I read.... " I read on the internet, heard through the grapevine, heard good things about.... heard bad things about.... yada yada yada" Just go listen to some speakers..... conflicting Amazon reviews have you in this much of a huff???

05-14-2008, 03:31 PM	#12
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	Thank you for your feedback. Since I am not audiophile, I really don't know what to be listening for in speakers, and I was merely asking advice on this "sale". I am glad to know it is not a sale, as my wife talked me out of it last night, our set up uses black and dark wood and this would contrast with it too much. I will look into new speakers, but not until the end of the year or later. Thanks again for all your input.

05-14-2008, 03:55 PM	#14
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	Just got my new speakers, I am at work though and I have a Radiohead concert tonight. Can anyone say half day?

05-14-2008, 04:17 PM	#17
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Do you feel a migraine coming on?

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals