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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!

okalautar
secretguy
1,703 posts
 

There's a pair of Monitor Audio towers plus a center for sale here. They would be approx. 650,000 times better than the Polks. A pair of MA stand mounts should be an easy find. And voila!

 

PS...I have no relation to the seller.

secretguy
1,703 posts
 

My experience with Polk from a couple decades ago was that they were outstanding bargains… sounding outstanding. I doubt they have changed their approach. I have heard praise off and on…these are budget speakers so are not likely to get mentioned often here.

This isn't The Polk Audio of Sandy Gross days. They are Best Buy level now.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

The youtubes of the Polk Reserve series speakers at Axpona 2022 suggested they were excellent performers for the price.  Of course, it's difficult to extrapolate from that particular model series to others.

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,274 posts
 

Polk has had some great speakers in the past!  There only really good ones today are the reserves and the legends.

 

Lol @ the monitor audio remark.  I love monitor audio!

mceljo
1,357 posts
 

@okalautar - The big question is what your goals are for listening. If you’re interested in stereo listening I’d skip a center channel and consider going with very inexpensive rear speakers and possibly a decent subwoofer.

What is the rest of your gear?

I've never heard a single piece of PS Audio gear, but you might consider a PS Audio Sprout100+ Elac speakers that they sell for $1099.  I would expect it to be a pretty decent stereo setup with a high WAF.

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