Why not grab a pair of wharfedales, they are relatively inexpensive and sound great.
Speaker Questions
Hello. I am looking to get some new speakers but I am on a relatively tight budget. WAF is important for me in the buying decision.
I have found a pair of Polk Audio S50 towers for $200 each and that seems like a good deal, but I don't really see any Polk Audio on the recommended lists. Not even in the WAF section. I would prefer a Tower speaker, but I suppose I could go with some good bookshelves on stands.
Here's what I'm considering;Polk S50 Towers (White)Polk S30 Center (White)Polk ES15 Rear's (White)Polk RC60i In Ceiling speakers (for atmos)
All in, I can get this for about $880. It SEEMS like a good set, though I have nowhere to listen to it locally. I really like the aesthetic and haven't had any arguments from the SO yet.
That all being said, the fact that these don't come "recommended" in any of the buying guides has me worried that I am doing myself a disservice by not looking at other speakers.
I don't see ANY white towers anywhere near that range, but there are some bookshelf ones. More specifically, I could get the KEF Q150's for L & R at $300/pair, but then I don't know where I would be able to go from here for center, surround, and atmos speakers. Would the KEF Bookshelf be better than the polk tower? I'm in need of some guidance here.
Thanks!
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Just thought I volunteer my two cents worth as a newbie here. The polls are a nice set, I particularly like the rti series. I can see that from your post that you have a relatively good budget. Definitely check your local Facebook marketplace listings for speakers. I’ve had good luck with a few recently. This marketplace is also great for products if you can spend for shipping. The kind of speakers you want depends on your listing desires, ie rocker, heavy metal, classical, etc. My own preference is older Kef, especially reference series. Very efficient and if you don’t like them you can resell easily. Used is the ticket!! Stay away from the big box stores. Their only goal is to sell what they have in stock. Thanks and good luck. |
In the reviews that Cheapaudioman did, the new lower end Polks did well. I came very close to buying their Reserve R700 last year when I found them on sale for $849 each (and I kick myself for not getting them). Currently in my den I have a set of Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 paired with a modest Polk subwoofer, old JBL center channel, and small JBL surrounds. I know for purists the sound tonality should be the same across all speakers, but it hasn't been a problem for me as I mostly do two channel listening anyway and only watch movies a few times a month. Anyway, be sure to check out the Crutchfield "Open Box" Outlet or even scratch and dent sales. You can find great buys there and still have a full mfg warranty. Good luck. |
Jamo S 809 I’ve had Polk (a few different models) and they are fine but I think you’ll find a more dynamic range / soundstage if you shop around a bit. Polk has very good midrange, but their bass can be mushy/boomy, not crisp. I was a skeptic but based on a reviewer’s recommendation, purchased a pair of Jamo S 803 for under $150.00 for a kitchen/work island application that met with the WAF. She didn’t mind them at all! I was shocked how good they performed. Jamo also offers center, sub... in the same family and style. Jamo also offers a tower S 809 in white for $375.00 a pair. Purchase via Amazon and you’ll have free returns. And you can get them in white, black, or walnut. You can also order direct from Jamo and they also offer a return but you may have to pay shipping. BTW, Klipsch acquired Jamo in 2005 so that may say something about their design and quality. Oh, and another BTW, they’ve got a clever design for Atmos (you mentioned that) expansion that’s looks impressive. So you could easily expand for a home theater. |
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