JBL to Polk - worth the "upgrade"

[jdlivestrong]

Hello again,

I've recently upgraded my TV and receiver and it has me thinking about new speakers. My current set up is:

Fronts: JBL Northridge E90's
Center: JBL Northridge E35
Surr; JBL Northridge E10's
Sub: KLH 150w 10"

I've been considering going with the Polk Monitor series speakers; the folks on this forum seem to have lots of good things to say about them. I think I could probably sell my current speakers and getting into the Polk's for only a couple hundred (if that).

Fronts: Polk Monitor 50's
Center: Polk Monitor CS1 or CS10
Surr: Polk Monitor 30's
Sub: Polk Monitor PSW10

I'm hoping some of you might have experience with the JBL's and could offer some advice on whether or not I would really be upgrading my sound experience (maybe I'd be taking a step back)...or if my money would be better spent somewhere else in my set up.

I would appreciate any and all advice you might have.

**UPDATE: found some Definitive Technology speakers...see post 11**

[prerich]

Originally Posted by jdlivestrong

Hello again,

I've recently upgraded my TV and receiver and it has me thinking about new speakers. My current set up is:

Fronts: JBL Northridge E90's
Center: JBL Northridge E35
Surr; JBL Northridge E10's
Sub: KLH 150w 10"

I've been considering going with the Polk Monitor series speakers; the folks on this forum seem to have lots of good things to say about them. I think I could probably sell my current speakers and getting into the Polk's for only a couple hundred (if that).

Fronts: Polk Monitor 50's
Center: Polk Monitor CS1 or CS10
Surr: Polk Monitor 30's
Sub: Polk Monitor PSW10

I'm hoping some of you might have experience with the JBL's and could offer some advice on whether or not I would really be upgrading my sound experience (maybe I'd be taking a step back)...or if my money would be better spent somewhere else in my set up.
I would appreciate any and all advice you might have.

That's not an upgrade my friend, to surpass the Northridge Speakers you would have go to the TSi series. I love Polk Audio speakers and I also like JBL - the monitor series however are not better persay than the Northridge.

[JasonR]

^^^ I think you mean the RTi series. The TSi series are the updated Monitors....

[prerich]

Originally Posted by JasonR

^^^ I think you mean the RTi series. The TSi series are the updated Monitors....

HAHAHA!!!! I had originally put the RTi's down and edited my post thinking I made a mistake Yes I mean the RTi's !!!!

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by prerich

That's not an upgrade my friend, to surpass the Northridge Speakers you would have go to the TSi series. I love Polk Audio speakers and I also like JBL - the monitor series however are not better persay than the Northridge.

Thanks, prerich - I think this will help me sleep better the next couple of nights...what I need now is a new subwoofer. Any advice on a sub based on my current set up? My budget would be $200-$300 new (or I'm not afraid to go used).

[JasonR]

Stretch that budget a bit...

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=407

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Stretch that budget a bit...

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=407

It is that good, huh? I used to have an eD amp that I recently sold...great quality and bang for your buck amp. I was at the Ultimate Electronics the other day and they had a display model Definitive Technology SuperCube...the little one with 2 8" subs and 650 watts for $400. I was tempted, but I wasn't sure how badly it was abused (it was a little banged up visually). So the search continues. I may have to give that eD some serious consideration!

[Driver_King]

Yeah, think real deep.

[Lapse of Reason]

Originally Posted by jdlivestrong

It is that good, huh? I used to have an eD amp that I recently sold...great quality and bang for your buck amp. I was at the Ultimate Electronics the other day and they had a display model Definitive Technology SuperCube...the little one with 2 8" subs and 650 watts for $400. I was tempted, but I wasn't sure how badly it was abused (it was a little banged up visually). So the search continues. I may have to give that eD some serious consideration!

Yeah, it is that good. I wouldn't even consider anything else at that price range.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by jdlivestrong

Thanks, prerich - I think this will help me sleep better the next couple of nights...what I need now is a new subwoofer. Any advice on a sub based on my current set up? My budget would be $200-$300 new (or I'm not afraid to go used).

I've heard nothing but good things from eD on both the home and auto audio fronts - especially in the area of bass. I don't think you can miss with an eD subwoofer . The Def Tech subs are pretty good also, I've seen a couple of PowerField 1500's on Audiogon in the $300-$400 range.

[jdlivestrong]

Well, I ended up finding a good deal on some Definitive Technology speakers today. I got 2 BP10's and a CLR 2000. Hooked them all up and they sound great. There is a noticeable difference, but it is hard to say tell because I'm using a Denon AVR-1603 that the guy threw in with the Def Techs until I get my new receiver.

I will say this, though...the JBL Northridge E Series speakers are pretty awesome. I went back and forth between speakers a few times and I'll bet that most people wouldn't have noticed a difference.

The real question for me will be whether or not I stick with my JBL's and sell the Def Techs...or keep the Def Techs to enjoy for myself. What do you think they are worth (I'd rate their condition a 7.5 out of 10).

[prerich]

Originally Posted by jdlivestrong

Well, I ended up finding a good deal on some Definitive Technology speakers today. I got 2 BP10's and a CLR 2000. Hooked them all up and they sound great. There is a noticeable difference, but it is hard to say tell because I'm using a Denon AVR-1603 that the guy threw in with the Def Techs until I get my new receiver.

I will say this, though...the JBL Northridge E Series speakers are pretty awesome. I went back and forth between speakers a few times and I'll bet that most people wouldn't have noticed a difference.

The real question for me will be whether or not I stick with my JBL's and sell the Def Techs...or keep the Def Techs to enjoy for myself. What do you think they are worth (I'd rate their condition a 7.5 out of 10).

That my friend will be your decision . The Definitive Technology speakers need room behind the and to the sides - placement is critical. These Bipolar speakers when set up properly will sound very open. There transmission line design also gives these speakers great bass. It will be your choice!!!!