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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Polk Audio SRS 2 B Speakers by ka7niq

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REVIEW: Polk Audio SRS 2 B Speakers

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Model: SRS 2 B
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $2000.00 ??
Description: Polk SDA SRS 2B Speakers
Manufacturer URL: Polk Audio

Review by ka7niq on April 15, 2009 at 21:11:06
IP Address: 173.65.17.189
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for the SRS 2 B


Ok, I still have a LOT of speakers.
B&W Matrix 801's - Infinity IL 60's - Old Pioneer Horns to name a few.
I recently sold my VMPS RM 40's and my Von Schweikert VR 4's.
I bought these old Polk SRS 2B's off Craigslist, mostl out of curiosity.
Before I did, I Googled the SRS 2B's, and found almost a Cult Following for them on the Polk Forum.
The guys on the Polk Forum looked like Audiophiles just like me, so I bought them.
I replaced my Tweeters with the improved RDO Tweeters from Polk.
I was less then thrilled with their sound overall, and I had some words with the Polk Forum Guys and got Banned!
So, I removed the SDA 2b's from my system.
Recently, I re did my room with ceramic tile.
I also sold my old Rear Projection 55 inch Widescreen TV.
TRY as I might, my other speakers did not sound good anumore in my "new room".
I looked at the Old Polk SRS 2b's and said "WTF" and threw them in my system.
To say I am AMAZED with their performance is an understatement!
Perhaps the OLD 55 inch rear projection Big Screen TV between them was mssing with their ability to sound good ?
I don't know ?
But I really like these speakers!
Ok - So WHAT do they sound like ?
Well .. they are mellow in comparasion to the B&W Matrix 801's - a LITTLE colored - an an Euphonic way.
If you are a "detail freak" move on.
They will not "wow you with their detail" like an Electrostat or Magnepan Ribbon Tweeter will.
What they "WOW" you with is their overall Musicality!
It has been said a well set up and fed pair of SRS 2'B's will "bring a smile to your face"
This they will do!
I caught myself being BLOWN AWAY, tapping my toes like a teenager again.
This is a Big - Powerful - Musical - Speaker that Images like NO other.
I am talking walls melting away guys.
I caught myself being EXCITED about my music collection again.
Not EVERY recording will Image like this.
But when a "SDA Friendly" recording is played - watch out.
I Still have a grin on my face as I write this.
Can't wait to get back and listen some more.
Thank GOD I did not give up on them ?
I owe the good people on the Polk Forum an APOLOGY who tried to help me!
I honestly thought they were NUTS, and I acted accordingly.
I have not re done the crossovers yet like the guys on the Polk Forum do.
My advice?
IF you EVER find a pair of these SRS 2b's for sale - BUY Them!
Mine are the newer bi amp version.

Watching TV on them is cool too.
They have a warm sound to them, spoken voices are produced OK, with maybe a touch of warmth - not coloration compared to the 801's.
The RDO tweeter can't match the air and detail of the 801's - so what ?
The Big Polks can ROCK like an 801 can only dream about.
And once you HEAR that SDA Imaging ... you too will be hooked.
Bass is awesome - deep and tight - with great impact.
Plus, they are long term musical.
The SRS 2B is everything the Polk Forum Guys say it is IMHO.
I have not had so much FUN from a speaker in recent memory.
These are not always easy to find, especially a later model SRS 2B I am told by the Polk guys.
They are not made anymore.
But if you CAN find a pair - LISTEN to them ?
I bet you will enjoy them too ?


Product Weakness: A LITTLE colored - Air on Top missing compared to B&W 801 BIG Fugly Old School Looking - Girlfriend HATES LOOKS of them - Loves the Sound though ! Need High CURRENT Amp to sound best!
Product Strengths: Imaging Bass Warmth Smoothness Musicality Forgiving Long Term Listenable Makes You Tap Toes And Smile - Goose Bumps !!


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Luxman M 117
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Dared Tube
Sources (CDP/Turntable): CD Movies DVD TV
Speakers: B&W 801's - Polk SRS 2's - Von Schweikert Vortex Screens
Cables/Interconnects: Belden Bi Wire Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Trance Rap Classic Rock New Age Jazz Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 24 x 7 ft
Room Comments/Treatments: LE/DE
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Big PowerVar
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Polk Audio SRS 2 B Speakers - ka7niq 21:11:06 04/15/09 ( 34)