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I've owned Polk RT16's they were the best speakers I've owned.
I currently have Gallo Ref 3.5s and Harbeth Compact 7ES3s and the Polks I had back in the day were much better. I'm not sure what it was about them but they were awesome. Is there anything that Polk makes now that would be similar?
Follow Ups:
Nt
Vbr,
Sam
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They replaced 2ce signatures, which are now in my brother's house.
After the first 2 weeks, I was ready to beg him for my old speakers back-they sounded bright and unforgiving. A month later, the now fully broken in 2ce II's have me smiling and listening long into the night-the transparency is still there but the edge is gone.
ADS L-990s or the Magnepan MMGs. Loved both of them, but the MMGs really needed the sub.
(VSM-MXe with Master BAM), though I also loved my Acoustat Spectra 1100s for over a decade. Dozens of other brands have passed through my listening area, but the Merlins and 'stats have raised the most goose bumps.
But I also had a bigger space and a better amp so they had advantages other speakers of mine did not.
I might like MG 1.7's or MG 3.7's better but I haven't felt in a rush to upgrade.
I love the music of Dmitri Shostakovich
Best I've owned. But I haven't seriously searched for anything better for 15 years or so.
I enjoy them that much.
See ya. Dave
Over the years I heard many of John's designs, both Duntech and DAL models. I thought they were all top notch except his Black Knight which I considered to be unbalanced with too much bass.
Similar to Dave, I owned Duntech Princesses for 19 years and only sold them to downsize. I still miss some elements of their presentation.
"You can't know what the "best" is unless you have heard everything, and keep in mind that given individual tastes, there really isn't any such thing." HP
N/t
My Clements 207 di's
nt
nt
That's easy, the Paradigm Signature S2, my current main speakers.
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"A fool and his money are soon parted." --- Thomas Tusser
I love my xDs
Oh, yeah! The (my) ultimate office system. Extraordinary! Would that they were still made.
Jeremy
For about three weeks.
How did they fail to meet up to your expectations?
The funny thing is, even though I've sold a boatload of hifi stuff, I've never owned a factory-made speaker system. As far back as my college daze, all my speakers have been homemade. The current incarnation is an inexpensive house brand box re-populated with high quality drivers and a custom (obviously) crossover.
My next pair will also be homemade. I've already got the drivers (except for the 15" woofers). It's just a matter of finding a "round tuit", which are in short supply these daze.
:)
see link
The pair I own now, purchased new in the late 90's. Still love them.
Runner-up would a pair of Dayton-Wright LCM-1s I had right after college. Opened my eyes to how good my records could sound.
Full range 107dB sensitive magic!
"Your liver suffers dearly now for youthful magic moments...so rock on completely with some brand new components"
For some audiophiles, it's tubes that drive their addiction. For others, it's turntables that make their heads spin. But for me, it's always been about the speakers.Some require multiple exposures for the disease to take root. But I was infected the first time I crossed the threshold of Sam Goody's in Paramus, New Jersey.
In certain impressionable young individuals already predisposed to audiophilia by a love for music (though we know that this is by no means essential), the virus may enter the system through an open sore or Rek-O-Kut. In the old days, it was believed that infection could occur simply by sitting on an unsanitary speaker, a theory now dismissed as an old wive's tale.
Sometimes there are periods when the virus is dormant, during which other opportunistic infections-photography, sports cars, fly fishing, etc.-may establish themselves, lulling audiophiles into believing that they have been cured. But always, the virus is lurking, waiting for the right conditions so it can multiply and overwhelm the helpless and pathetic host.
When the OP's question is posed to a newbie-somebody whose infection is no more than, say, thirty or forty years old-it may be possible to give a simple answer. But for an audiophile who turns seventy in six days, especially one of the Hebraic persuasion, that is a question that can only be answered by another question: what do you mean, Bullethead, by 'best?'
If you mean which of my speakers made the most jaws drop by creating an illusion of actual performers stinking up the room, it would be a tossup between my system of five quirky Quads arrayed in a semi-circle augmented by Decca ribbons and JBL LE15a subwoofers, and my un-trusty old Beveridge 2SWs.
The tradeoff, however, was living in a constant state of anxiety and adrenal depletion, jumping up every few minutes to make sure those oh-so fragile ribbons hadn't fried again, or if that noise, real or imagined, wasn't another arching incident or yet one more 36KD6 blowing its stack.
Those systems were great fun when everything was working, but I wouldn't take them back on a bet. For overall satisfaction, my best speakers have been from the venerable firm of Tannoy. Since my first single fifteen-inch Silver in 1961, I've owned Reds, Golds, HPDs, 3XXXs-every iteration except Black.
For the past 30-odd years, we've shared our living room with Tannoy GRF Memories. By allowing me to forget about speakers and luxuriate in the beauty of the music-the factory literature used to say that 'Tannoy opens up a window on the orchestra,' and they really do-they have been a complete joy to own.
Their size, however, makes my wife less salubrious on the subject. Over the years, she has been more than understanding as I've selfishly pursued my addiction. But as we prepare to downsize from our six-bedroom house to something half the size, I may need to look into something smaller. Accordingly, I've been listening to active near field studio monitors. We shall see.
Edits: 08/04/15
I lost interest in other speakers when I got my thrift store pair. I still own and enjoy them. I realize they are not for everyone, but they sure suit me!
Dave
n
+1 Spendor BC-1s
but they come in second to Jean Marie Reynaud Twin Signatures
(3rd place is Chartwell LS3/5a 11 ohms)
Not if you're into 70s BBC sound reproduction.
Reference 3A de Capo
Also enjoyed these in pic.
.
"A lie is half-way around the world before the truth can get its boots on."
-Mark Twain
I've owned too many speakers ...the CV was the one that worked best for me.
Dean.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
Omnistats - the best imaging speaker ever
Bill
The speakers that had the biggest impact on my emotions were my first really good pair, Thiel CS3s in the late 80s. They were such a jump in quality they made an immediate and long lasting love affair. I still have them doing duty in my HT. Some Maggie 1.7s came after many years but those were short lived.
The "best" pair objectively are my current JansZen zA2.1 hybrid ESLs.
ProAc Response D30R Floorstanding Speakers
just kidding
I remember the Thrusters at the local department store, probably circa 1976 or so, and I recall lusting after them since I had nothing at the time except borrowing my sisters small Emerson setup to which the Thrusters would have been a huge step up.
Then the folks blessed me with a somewhat decent Fisher setup, as my first stereo, but that was already when Fisher had gone low end somewhat
I think other brands that tried to look impressive but were of terrible quality were Sounddesign and Lloyd's
JaroTheWise
My sophomore college roommate - until Christmas - we used his Allegro Turntable, and receiver (as a tuner) into my Kenwood Amplifier driving the Allegro speakers. Replaced by my new BIC Venturi 2 speakers after Christmas.
"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius
I think the follow up question has to be why would someone no longer own their favorite of all time?
I think as a lot of these posts show is that a person has their "best" speaker and then the one or ones that made the biggest impression at the time. Of course it is also possible to own different for different equipment configs or for different types of music
My biggest nostalgic sort of impression came from the Infinity Quantum series units I had, and friends had, back around 1980 or so. They made a big impression on me but could be admittedly strident with certain material or longer listening sessions, which is why I don't have any now, but still look at them sometimes longingly
JaroTheWise
For me, I no longer own my favorite speaker as I sold them in my then never ending quest to find something better. Unfortunately, I had to sell them to raise the cash for my failed experiment, which included several speakers.
Once I was all done with that game I came to the realization that sound that was "good enough" became all I needed ...and I downgraded everything.
Years later I'm still quite happy. Sure, I'd love to have my old speakers back (and the rest of the system) ...but if I have to pay for it, I'm not interested.
Priorities change.
Dean.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
I tell people that as a kid I lusted after bass (since so few had enough of it). Then as a young man I thrilled on a crisp high end that the Infinitys gave, which seemed like the moniker of "high end".
Now as an older dude I think most about the midrange, and lust after "smoothness" without loss of detail, as much as that can be had.
Probably following an archetype of aging that has existed since the beginning of time - or at least the beginning of audio...LOL
JaroTheWise
But without going into all that, i'd have to say that for my needs, my "best" speaker is the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5A. It works well for me for anything with 8-9W and up and on any music. It's easy to set up: i can put it anywhere and it sounds great. No fussing, no messing. In the center of a big open room, with high ceilings, it can sound truly fabulous (although I don't have such a room in my own place).
better than your Tonians?
Pi Speakers 6Pi cornerhorns. A three-way design based on horn-loaded tweeter and midrange drivers, it is sensitive, easy to drive, and very smooth in an appropriate room. The 3Pi two-way is also excellent and can be used in just about any situation.
They do not sound like current ProAcs. They are large, heavy ported 3 ways with a 10 in woofer. Design is ATC like.
If I recall correctly both the woofer and dome mid were made by ATC but the tweeter was a Scanspeak. And, of course, they designed their own enclosure and crossover. It was very highly rated in its day.
Bought them on demo almost 30 years ago. They are now the dean of my system. They are among the most versatile speakers I have heard. They do female vocal, small jazz ensemble, acoustic instruments like ProAcs and they rock it out.
I am considering getting a pair of Maggie MMGs to play with. I had the original SMGa before I got the ProAcs.
Well Good that you like them.. cuz you own them.
But frankly there were FAR better speakers available even 40 years ago.
Get out and audition a few other designs.
Fair chance you will Slap your forehead for not doing so 25 years ago.
G'luck
And still enjoy auditioning speakers.
Proacs, Maggies:north pole, south pole
I purchased a pair new about 1980. For years now I have auditioned potential replacements priced up to approximately $15k/pair. But I have yet to find anything I like better than the ARs for our music room. But I will keep looking.
...my first audiophile speakers, Dahlquist DQ-10s - good.
Then my first Thiels - the 3.5s - better.
Now my Thiel 7.2s - best.
Zaph Audio SR-71 monitors with a sub.
It took a while to "undo" a life time of conditioning, listening to full range speakers. But in the end this setup is far and away much better.
I hear what your saying about the Polk's.
I had a pair of Polk Audio SCD-A1C's back in the late 80's thru early 90's that I loved. They had a big, natural, forgiving sound. They we're not the final word in detail, but no matter, they sounded great.
In retrospect, it probably wasn't their great sound, but the GREAT times (early 20's, college, ladies, booze.....you get the idea) had while listening to them.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
I think also my age had something to do with it as well, I don't usually feel that happy and blissful as I get older.
The Polk house sound is really good, easy to ignore as well as easy to get pulled into glorious sound.
Store bought.....1981 B&W DM12 studio monitors.
Great LITTLE speakers, that need LOTS of power to sound their best.Home built.....1970's E-V SP8C 8"/8 ohm full range drivers, in a 1.1cf base reflex cabinet.
With 1" VIFA soft dome 'helper' tweeters, crossed over at 10Khz.
With their 95db@1W eff., and 55-20Khz frequency response in a SMALL 10' x 10' room.
These have been my....'go-to'....speakers for the last few years.
Driven by an home built 8wpc 6N1P/EL34 SEUL integrated amplifier,Steve
Edits: 08/02/15
Klipsch Forte and M-Lores.
pics in gallery.
Speaking of Polk, the LSi speakers used in HT are pretty decent though.
I purchased the Polk LSi25 floorstanding loudspeakers when they were introduced in 2001. They performed beautifully in our two-channel music room where I initially tested them using a McIntosh MA6500 integrated amp and Melos tube CD player. The Polks were later moved into our theater room (combined with the matching center channel and switchable bibolar/dipolar surrounds) where they have provided stunning sound quality on films ever since.
But are not even remotely in the same realm as the Sound Labs in terms of transparency, coherency and lifelike imaging.
When did I compare the Polks to the Sound Labs? Apples and oranges.
The Polk LSi25s were chosen for my HT room over competitive models from Sonus Faber, Vienna Acoustics, and Vandersteen, among others. The system's imaging, soundstaging, neutrality, dynamics, and excellent detail make movie sonics extremely enjoyable and never fatiguing at any volume level for everyone in the room.
The Polk LSi system is far more than just "decent" for home-theater or music.
with my LSi9s and 7s is they are a bit ripe around 100 hz. Fortunately, the HT processor has a parametric EQ and mild attenuation at two frequencies in that region returned them to neutrality.
thanks
Mark
SEAS Froy 3 kits passively crossed at 85 Hz(crossover designed by Murray Zeligman, the Froy 3 designer) to woofers with the 18 inch drivers used in the last 4 box Snell A speakers.
Alan:
Are your subs still makable? I.e., are plans and drivers (or simulacra) still available? I should like to build 2 or 3 PASSIVE subs, to cross over actively at about 50 Hz (crossover not yet chosen but eying a Deqx Pre-mate). I have surplus amplification.
Thanks,
Jeremy
seas drivers are some of the best I've heard as well.
They're similar in price to my other two main sets I've got up and running, PSB Synchrony IIs and Definitive Technology STS Super Towers. The Monitor Audio's can't plumb the bass like the Def Techs or even the PSBs, but damn, they're crystal clear, non fatigue-ing, image like crazy and have respectable bass. Yup, they're my all time favs. Up until this group, easily my favorites were Vandersteen Model 2s. Yummy, full, and rich and I wouldn't mind having them back if I had a place for 'em.
----------------------
"E Burres Stigano?"
everyone I've read here who owned Vandersteen says they are great. I think for what it is worth Polk is a good entry level speaker, next step up will cost you as it always does in this game.
I think the less attention you pay to the whole equipment part of this hobby the happier you are.
Borrowed and listened to for an extended period about ten years ago, not actually owned. I could never have afforded a pair for myself. Expensive, and rare. That experience has made me interested in auditioning other types and brands of active speakers. I'm pretty sure I'll never listen to another pair of speakers as strange looking and unique sounding as those were, however.
Edits: 08/01/15
Sweet, and cut down on the components in the living room - just a pair of balanced interconnects to the preamp, and you're good to go. I was surprised that they stopped making these.
"Your liver suffers dearly now for youthful magic moments...so rock on completely with some brand new components"
Was lucky enough to acquire a pair of these some years back and am thankful for each day spent listening to them since. Remarkable and addictive sound. Previously owned Vandersteen, Klipsch, Merlin, Sonus Faber, Paradigm, and a few others.
The Zero 1?
I haven't heard the Zero 1 yet, but I'm eager. Looks more complex (complicated?) than the Solo -- I love having the amp in the speakers, but not sure about DAC and DSP.
My Boston Acoustic E100's
Monitor Audio Silver 8.
Two JM Reynaud Trente and and two Reference 3A Dulcet which are currently in use.
One pair "better" than the other? Nope, both wonderful.
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
are the best I've owned so far...
1. Original large advents. VERY nice back in the day. Still acceptable.
2. Magnepan 3.5s. Very nice then, probably still very nice now.
3. Magnepan MMGs. Very difficult to find a better speaker for the price,
or even 3x - 4x the price.
(1) did the best disappearing act ever.
(2) Looked different and "high end"
(3) All speakers should have wheels!
My MMG's serve me even better in my current room - more dedicated - listening room - with two subs added.
"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius
Obviously, there's no arguing with someone's taste in speakers. I thoroughly *love* my Ref. 3.1s. Tell ya what, I'll find a mint set of RT16s and swap you straight up for your 3.5s. Are you willing to do that?
-RW-
nope, as I've said I think the cannabis had something to do with it at that time, a tweak so to speak.The Gallos are pretty good, probably the best of the high end I've heard in my system, although they don't cost that much, it is amazing really. Looking forward to the Ref 4's if they are anything special I might bite, but at this point I think I am done with the system.
Edits: 08/02/15
> > nope, as I've said I think the cannabis had something to do with it at that time, a tweak so to speak. < <
My very 1st "hi-end" speakers were JBL L-65 Jubals back in the mid 70s. And many folks still revere them today. They had an astonishing tweeter and very handy removable glass tops for when we couldn't locate a mirror - if you know what I mean [g]. I truly loved those speakers...
-RW-
My sister still has a pr of them. Even with the original crappy connection and 16 gauge speaker wire with a old Kenwood receiver they sound great.
Polk speakers have always been known for the ability to sense, absorb and include nicotine, pipe smoke and tar into the voicing of their speakers. Why you went to Gallo and Harbeth is maybe a lack of research .... ;-)
The Polks had dual 7 and 1/2 inch woofers and a fantastic tweeter. the port was out the bottom of the speaker which then had a kind of foot with a cone to have the air push out from the bass drivers in a circular way.
the closest I see they make now is the RTi7, but that has a separate midrange and I gather the crossover system wouldn't be the same.
at the time the Polks were absorbing cannabis smoke, maybe that had something to do with it :)
One of two pairs of my favorite speakers has a very similar configuration to those Polks. Dual 6.5 inch woofers and floor ported. The speaker is the ProAc Studio 140. Not overly expensive, but I've had speakers at twice the price which didn't gel with my system as well. And I think that is the key. The speakers gelling with the amp and room, and of course personal taste.
Over the last few years I've played with a number of other products but only one other combination has had the qualities I'm looking for, a set of mini monitors combined with a powered sub which is what I'm using now. I still have the ProAcs though.
the new Polks have a port in the front, I have to say I've always lusted after ProAcs, they are some nice looking speakers.
Maggie 3.6
Alan
also have magnepan mmgs on custom stands, I hear that.
I got Dynaudios on very expensive stands as well, I think I will take them to the Salvation Army for another anonymous donation.
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