I agree. I love Boone for the weather. I'm from Charlotte with it's 95 degree summers and that got old real fast!
Opinions on quality speakers on a budget...
- Thread starter Rob Thomas
- Start date
Guys, thanks for the continued input. I am weighing my options as I have about a month left before the "beast" is returned to me. I am starting to consider a DIY project as I really want something with character which usually means vintage... Also trying to keep up with my brother who just acquired Marantz 4400 from his Father in Law. Nothing like a little healthy competition between siblings...
I second trinhsman's vote for the Snell E/IIIs. I just picked up a pair and they are out there at a good price. Smooth and detailed with quality construction. Don't let needing the foams replaced scare you away. It will be a worth while project if needed and not that difficult to do yourself.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
If you're up to a little DIY these open baffles sound marvelous and the Zenith drivers were voiced for tube amps. You really don't need the tweeters as the 49CZ series play pretty high and no crossover would be involved. I've seen the Zeniths go for under $50 on eBay so the entire build shouldn't cost more than $100.
http://glowinthedarkaudio.com/openbaffle.html
http://glowinthedarkaudio.com/openbaffle.html
Hawkeye83
Super Member
You guys are making me miss Asheville. I lived there for 3 1/2 years...loved it! Moved back to Iowa...it's home...so the kids could grow up around family. Not quite as scenic here, but at least I'm on the extreme Eastern end...right along the Mississippi...could be worse, I guess!
Edit - still don't have much experience with efficient speakers, so not much to contribute to the OP's question, other than what I previously mentioned. I will say if you could swing it or get lucky, Quad 57's would be awesome and work with lower wattage amps...but usually they're more like at least $1k, and they're not for everyone...they have limitations that some may not be able to tolerate. I can because I also have two other nice pairs of speakers. With that said, I find the Quads to be the most "engaging" of all the speakers I own! Unless you need dynamics, then the big KEF's are king. I agree, watch the local Craigslist ads. When I lived down there, I found stuff all the time. Interested to hear what you find!
That is a very generous offer. I may take you up on that. There would be a cold adult beverage for you when you got here!
macaltec
Metal Master
These look interesting: https://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/6103444115.html
An AWESOME deal for these Polks.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-...953406?hash=item543118ac3e:g:BQAAAOSw-4BXZEgz
$179.99 for the pair, free shipping and no sales tax.
"
1-inch (25mm) silk/polymer composite Dynamic Balance® dome tweeter with powerful neodymium magnet structure delivers clear and detailed high frequency response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments.
Dual 5 1/4-inch composite Dynamic Balance drivers are lightweight and stiff with good damping for high efficiency, excellent bass and midrange clarity with lower distortion.
Small-diameter driver design delivers wide dispersion, better mid-range, and more detailed bass response for an open, "box-less" three-dimensional sound.
Non-resonant all-MDF enclosure construction with 3/4-thick baffles ensures cleaner, clearer, more lifelike sound quality.
Crossovers use mylar bypass capacitors for more detailed high frequencies.
5-way binding post connectors, allowing for more secure hook-up options.
Monitor Series speakers are modern living accessories that make a stylish statement in either black or cherry wood grain finish, with Titanium faces.
Critically tuned flared port minimizes port noise (chuffing) for good low frequency extension with low distortion, resulting in natural, full-bodied sound with rich bass.
All Polk products are made using the best materials and the most advanced manufacturing techniques. They pass the industry’s most exhaustive quality tests, including drop testing, extreme signal response and UV & salt exposure testing. Polk loudspeakers are built to perform for a lifetime."
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-...953406?hash=item543118ac3e:g:BQAAAOSw-4BXZEgz
$179.99 for the pair, free shipping and no sales tax.
"
1-inch (25mm) silk/polymer composite Dynamic Balance® dome tweeter with powerful neodymium magnet structure delivers clear and detailed high frequency response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments.
Dual 5 1/4-inch composite Dynamic Balance drivers are lightweight and stiff with good damping for high efficiency, excellent bass and midrange clarity with lower distortion.
Small-diameter driver design delivers wide dispersion, better mid-range, and more detailed bass response for an open, "box-less" three-dimensional sound.
Non-resonant all-MDF enclosure construction with 3/4-thick baffles ensures cleaner, clearer, more lifelike sound quality.
Crossovers use mylar bypass capacitors for more detailed high frequencies.
5-way binding post connectors, allowing for more secure hook-up options.
Monitor Series speakers are modern living accessories that make a stylish statement in either black or cherry wood grain finish, with Titanium faces.
Critically tuned flared port minimizes port noise (chuffing) for good low frequency extension with low distortion, resulting in natural, full-bodied sound with rich bass.
All Polk products are made using the best materials and the most advanced manufacturing techniques. They pass the industry’s most exhaustive quality tests, including drop testing, extreme signal response and UV & salt exposure testing. Polk loudspeakers are built to perform for a lifetime."
That is one heck of a deal. If I don't go used, that may be the speakers. It will probably be between these and Klipsch.An AWESOME deal for these Polks.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-...953406?hash=item543118ac3e:g:BQAAAOSw-4BXZEgz
$179.99 for the pair, free shipping and no sales tax.
"
1-inch (25mm) silk/polymer composite Dynamic Balance® dome tweeter with powerful neodymium magnet structure delivers clear and detailed high frequency response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments.
Dual 5 1/4-inch composite Dynamic Balance drivers are lightweight and stiff with good damping for high efficiency, excellent bass and midrange clarity with lower distortion.
Small-diameter driver design delivers wide dispersion, better mid-range, and more detailed bass response for an open, "box-less" three-dimensional sound.
Non-resonant all-MDF enclosure construction with 3/4-thick baffles ensures cleaner, clearer, more lifelike sound quality.
Crossovers use mylar bypass capacitors for more detailed high frequencies.
5-way binding post connectors, allowing for more secure hook-up options.
Monitor Series speakers are modern living accessories that make a stylish statement in either black or cherry wood grain finish, with Titanium faces.
Critically tuned flared port minimizes port noise (chuffing) for good low frequency extension with low distortion, resulting in natural, full-bodied sound with rich bass.
All Polk products are made using the best materials and the most advanced manufacturing techniques. They pass the industry’s most exhaustive quality tests, including drop testing, extreme signal response and UV & salt exposure testing. Polk loudspeakers are built to perform for a lifetime."
Those are great looking! I love the retro look but I'd need a much bigger living room!
Chris Durant
Active Member
I would avoid new Polks at all cost, We got some on sale, My sons Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's kick there ass and the Polks cost $200.00 more than his.
There just not good sounding too me, and this is my third try with Polk. No low end compared to his Diamonds and these had two 7" Woofers, Mids and Tweets will kill you there so loud and abnoxious. RTI-7 is close to the #, if anyone wants a set for some reason, $550.00 for the pair and there yours
We use a Cambridge Topaz SR20 or a Marantz 6011 for power and Grado Black or Ort OM Red for Cart, if that helps at all.
If you can find em and you want bookshelf on stands I can not recommend Wharfedale 10.2's enough. I cant even figure out how they get so much tight deep bass out of such a small driver. Very open, clean, good sound, but there disappearing fast. I needed to update my bedroom system as my vintage stuff was showing signs of needing repair again, so I inherited my sons Fisher Receiver I think a RS2010, I picked up some Klipsh on sale at Frys, sounded lousy, went back the next week, then got some Polks, did not take them back thinking they would sound better after use, yuckola on sale on Ebay, wish me luck. Then instead of just getting some like his 10.2's, I saved $80.00 and got some Cambridge, cant tell yet if I like them or not, There the Aero 2, lots of bass, not real controlled, high end is a little odd, maybe some break in, but at $220.00 a pair I had to try them.
Flaps / Chris
There just not good sounding too me, and this is my third try with Polk. No low end compared to his Diamonds and these had two 7" Woofers, Mids and Tweets will kill you there so loud and abnoxious. RTI-7 is close to the #, if anyone wants a set for some reason, $550.00 for the pair and there yours
We use a Cambridge Topaz SR20 or a Marantz 6011 for power and Grado Black or Ort OM Red for Cart, if that helps at all.
If you can find em and you want bookshelf on stands I can not recommend Wharfedale 10.2's enough. I cant even figure out how they get so much tight deep bass out of such a small driver. Very open, clean, good sound, but there disappearing fast. I needed to update my bedroom system as my vintage stuff was showing signs of needing repair again, so I inherited my sons Fisher Receiver I think a RS2010, I picked up some Klipsh on sale at Frys, sounded lousy, went back the next week, then got some Polks, did not take them back thinking they would sound better after use, yuckola on sale on Ebay, wish me luck. Then instead of just getting some like his 10.2's, I saved $80.00 and got some Cambridge, cant tell yet if I like them or not, There the Aero 2, lots of bass, not real controlled, high end is a little odd, maybe some break in, but at $220.00 a pair I had to try them.
Flaps / Chris
Thanks for the tip. It looks like Klipsch is in the lead then. Best Buy has some on sale that look to be what I'm looking for. They are the Premiere RP-150MI would avoid new Polks at all cost, We got some on sale, My sons Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's kick there ass and the Polks cost $200.00 more than his.
There just not good sounding too me, and this is my third try with Polk. No low end compared to his Diamonds and these had two 7" Woofers, Mids and Tweets will kill you there so loud and abnoxious. RTI-7 is close to the #, if anyone wants a set for some reason, $550.00 for the pair and there yours
We use a Cambridge Topaz SR20 or a Marantz 6011 for power and Grado Black or Ort OM Red for Cart, if that helps at all.
If you can find em and you want bookshelf on stands I can not recommend Wharfedale 10.2's enough. I cant even figure out how they get so much tight deep bass out of such a small driver. Very open, clean, good sound, but there disappearing fast. I needed to update my bedroom system as my vintage stuff was showing signs of needing repair again, so I inherited my sons Fisher Receiver I think a RS2010, I picked up some Klipsh on sale at Frys, sounded lousy, went back the next week, then got some Polks, did not take them back thinking they would sound better after use, yuckola on sale on Ebay, wish me luck. Then instead of just getting some like his 10.2's, I saved $80.00 and got some Cambridge, cant tell yet if I like them or not, There the Aero 2, lots of bass, not real controlled, high end is a little odd, maybe some break in, but at $220.00 a pair I had to try them.
Flaps / Chris
Here are the specs:
Handles up to 300W peak power (75W continuous)
For robust and controlled audio that is crisp and clear.
5-1/4" cerametallic woofer
Along with 1" titanium tweeter for a complete range of sounds.
2-way speaker system
Sounds like 1 source rather than several separate sources.
Removable grille
Remains acoustically transparent while protecting the speaker's components.
Bass reflex enclosure
With a rear-firing port promotes optimal performance.
48Hz - 25kHz frequency response
Ensures a wide range of accurately reproduced sound.
93dB sensitivity
Ensures crisp, robust audio.
8 ohms nominal impedance
Ensures efficient conduction of power through the speaker
Anyone have any thoughts on these?
I would avoid new Polks at all cost, We got some on sale, My sons Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's kick there ass and the Polks cost $200.00 more than his.
There just not good sounding too me, and this is my third try with Polk. No low end compared to his Diamonds and these had two 7" Woofers, Mids and Tweets will kill you there so loud and abnoxious. RTI-7 is close to the #, if anyone wants a set for some reason, $550.00 for the pair and there yours
We use a Cambridge Topaz SR20 or a Marantz 6011 for power and Grado Black or Ort OM Red for Cart, if that helps at all.
If you can find em and you want bookshelf on stands I can not recommend Wharfedale 10.2's enough. I cant even figure out how they get so much tight deep bass out of such a small driver. Very open, clean, good sound, but there disappearing fast. I needed to update my bedroom system as my vintage stuff was showing signs of needing repair again, so I inherited my sons Fisher Receiver I think a RS2010, I picked up some Klipsh on sale at Frys, sounded lousy, went back the next week, then got some Polks, did not take them back thinking they would sound better after use, yuckola on sale on Ebay, wish me luck. Then instead of just getting some like his 10.2's, I saved $80.00 and got some Cambridge, cant tell yet if I like them or not, There the Aero 2, lots of bass, not real controlled, high end is a little odd, maybe some break in, but at $220.00 a pair I had to try them.
Flaps / Chris
Polk sounding bad? Wow, nowhere close to my experience. I have three sets including the much loved RT25i in real maple veneer. The TSx110Bs I have sound great and at 90db are perfect for the OPs amp.
Dont believe the above, simply not true that Polks sound bad. The seller on eBay just happens to be Polk Audio and the deal cant be beat. I have heard these speakers and with the dual woofers the base is tight and well controlled and more than one thinks possible from such a little speaker.
I've never had a bad experience with Polk. Dad has used them for years. In the end, the Klipsch had the edge on efficiency and power for not much price difference. Not to mention about six or eight people here at AK have backed them. Thanks for all of your help Blue. I really appreciate the time.
Chris Durant
Active Member
I cant remember the old # anymore but we had a double woofer tower small overall but still a tower, two 5.5" woofs and a tweet, did not sound that good, now don't get me wrong those were under 250 the pair, then we had the RTI-7 which are only a few months old, sound terrible compared to the Wharfes and we had one of there 10" 100 Watt Subs, once again lousy unit. Bottomed out and just sounded under powered. HSU crushed it. That's been my experience with Polk, maybe the older ones were better, or the holy grail ones?
Not trying to say bad things about Polk, we just haven't had any luck, and the new RTI-7 I was shocked when we dragged his Wharfedale 10.2 in and they sounded so much better.
I will say the Cherry Veneer Cabinet is absolutely gorgeous looking, but the sound it is so harsh and lacking any deep bass, it has some bass, just skips out on the low notes.
Do you guys think I did not break them in well enough?? Put about 40 or so hours on them, various kinds of music, Various sources , Turntable, Tidal Masters and so on.
Not trying to say bad things about Polk, we just haven't had any luck, and the new RTI-7 I was shocked when we dragged his Wharfedale 10.2 in and they sounded so much better.
I will say the Cherry Veneer Cabinet is absolutely gorgeous looking, but the sound it is so harsh and lacking any deep bass, it has some bass, just skips out on the low notes.
Do you guys think I did not break them in well enough?? Put about 40 or so hours on them, various kinds of music, Various sources , Turntable, Tidal Masters and so on.
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Putterman
Super Member
I'd be inclined to say that a sub with speaker inputs would increase your choices significantly as well as allowing the mains to better fill a moderately large area. Of course this may put a crimp in your budget although you might find on CL some decent home theater systems with a good sub.
As far a Polk/Klipsch sounding good or bad since it hasn't been pointed out yet tastes vary, e.g. some love the Klipsch sound which is forward and horn based, while others find it headache inducing and as already noted there are differing opinions on various Polk speakers which definitely have a different sound than Klipsch. You have to be able to listen to the speakers at length to get a feel for your sonic preferences.
As far a Polk/Klipsch sounding good or bad since it hasn't been pointed out yet tastes vary, e.g. some love the Klipsch sound which is forward and horn based, while others find it headache inducing and as already noted there are differing opinions on various Polk speakers which definitely have a different sound than Klipsch. You have to be able to listen to the speakers at length to get a feel for your sonic preferences.
johnda
Addicted Member
I have owned different Polk speakers and they had a good sound. These are new with free shipping from Polk. They are medium sized at 15" in height and efficiency is decent.. Sounds like a good deal to me, but they have said that quantities are limited. I would take a shot at them. Have fun!