🎯R200: bit.ly/3zvBfRp, bit.ly/39rRaZP, amzn.to/3Cyh0Ec* 🎯R200AE: bit.ly/3F9vApU • bit.ly/3AUFkBK ❤ CLICK ❤ THANKS to highlight your question &/or support the channel! ✅ IF IT’S IN THE VIDEO, IT’S IN THE DESX ☝CLICK “MORE” ✅ RULES: NO OUTSIDE LINKS OR PERSONAL INFO. PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC AND BE RESPECTFUL
Andrew, could you make a video about subwoofers for 2.0 stereo systems? There's so many brands and models... I would like to buy one entrance model but I already don't know what is the best for me. Thank you!
I'll say this as someone who works in the technology field: early adopters almost always pay more and get less for their money than they will versus waiting for a second generation or follow-up of a product. Trickle down tech happens in every segment of technology and it's good. It brings more reasonably priced features to a wider market. I feel bad for Legend owners but that is the cross many early adopter bear. You can't look back just enjoy the product you chose.
If money is not a major concern of the buyer then it is in fact preferable to be an early adopter if you are getting a better product as soon as possible. That is the trade-off. It’s down to the individual as to whether or not the extra cost is worth it. I’m with you and I’ve learned my lesson on early adoption, however if I had considerably more money I expect my opinion might change to some extent.
It's more like a tax for earlier access to the tech that will be in a less polished state, although a lot of times early adopters don't take the full hit as they sell the previous generation off to offset the cost. So it's more like an upgrade fee in that case.
First generation is always more expensive amd will have bugs that the next gen hopefully will have addressed. However, one should not discount the excitement and joy experienced when you take the plunge on the first gen product. It's your excitement and joy that make you say "Yes! I will do this"
Awesome review. I never heard the Legend but I’m so glad you have. This has to be the best review is the Reserve series to date. Interesting the R100 isn’t super thick on the bottom end. I’ve heard the same thing that you mentioned from others. Either way, my favorite polks thus far
The MA Bronze 100 will appeal more to normal listeners because of that thump and zing but midrange is too recessed for any critical listening. The R200 is just a very neutral speaker (which is way harder to come by compared to V/U/W shaped speakers) which will appeal to more serious listeners. Now neutral speakers usually arent great for movies, which is surprising because the R200 just works great! I love my r200s for movies and diamonds 12.2 for music.
@@Soaringkiwi1 Diamond 12.2 compared to the R200? In the treble, the R200 might sound more extended, but only if you have them pointed directly at you. The RR tweeter falls off FAST off axis, the 12.2 dont. The mids totally go to the 12.2, although the r200's mids are warm, they lack that body and 3 dimensionality of the 12.2. Bass punch and slam goes to the R200 but the 12.2 goes deeper when called for. The R200 can handle a ton of power, the 12.2 not so much.
I love Polk speakers. I think they make great affordable speakers with a finish that always exceeds their price point. Is great to hear to Kristi again!!
I've had the R200's for 3-4 weeks now. I"ve run them in a couple two channel set-ups and my home theater. I used the Iota SA3 and two PA3's as monoblocks, Peachtree Nova 300 and the Denon X6700H. I'm enjoying them very much and so far I don't regret the purchase. Great reviews and keep up the great work
I'm treble sensitive and these speakers, when I had a chance to demo them, were just about perfect for my needs. They're neutral with a mild bass bump. Hearing from the rep at the audio show, they do really prefer to be at least two feet off the wall for optimal performance, and that was how he had them set up in the room. Dude was also running them off of a source stack worth, like, 12 grand, so that probably impacts how amazing they sounded in the room.
If you buy these. make sure the stand put the tweet at the exact height as you ear in the listening position. get just 2" off above or below, and the ring radiator falls off at 15Khz. stay locked in at ear height and they sound good.
Would love to see your review of the new Elac uni-fi reference. I bought Elac debut reference just a few weeks before you reviewed it. I was quite underwhelmed by the performance and then you put to words what I was hearing :) Welcome back Kristi! 👌
Thank you, Tomislav. Not sure if we'll be reviewing the new Elacs. They forgot to include us when those launched 😅. I reached out about them and they said they would send them but so far that hasn't happened.
Wanted to post here and thank Andrew and Kristi for their review of this speaker and the Onkyo 5100. I had gone with the Jamo S803 line, but was experiencing ear pain from it. I received guidance to get silk dome tweeters and switched to these for my home theater. Thank you for your time and effort.
I am a Polk fan, my whole 5.1 set up is Polk Audio speakers. For me, and I'd say for most Polk fans, the Legend series is out of our price range. Polk has made a name for themselves for making affordable speakers. The Legend Series are not affordable. I don't think their sales are very large for the Legend as it is a niche market. The Reserve series is a nice step up from Signature series and I think Polk will sell a lot of them.
Polk has been born again great since 2021 or so. The Reserve series is amazing. The whole line. I'm shocked the cabinets are so inert and solid for speakers made in China. Better cabinets than my amazing, made in England Bowers & Wilkens DM603 S3 towers, which I have given away to a happy audiophile.
Brilliant review, much appreciated honesty and overview..as usual. Would you please review the Polk R700 floorstanding model. Would really appreciate your take, Thanks!
Very detailed, resolution top rate, fun with movies. For me, not so much for music. I felt they were kind of boring (unengaging), a very flat soundstage and i was looking for any depth. I much preferred my budget Triangles and Focal W series over the Quads for music even though the Quads had better resolution. For the price, they were disappointing to me for music. Used a Hegel and a moderately priced Soundartist SA-200IA. The Soundartist has a very pronounced upper mid through highs which made it sound overly bright and harsh. They added some life to the Quads but I still didn't like the overall results. Soundartist and Focal definitely not a match. Both the Quads and the Soundartist were returned. But Tharbamer likes the Quads and Jay the Soundartist. Just sharing my experience.
I'm sure some will say I'm an idiot because of course speaker break-in is silly voodoo stuff but...........these seemed to really improve after about a week of solid use. I had buyer's remorse at first. I thought they sounded muddy. But now they sound fantastic.
Hi! Nothing voodoo. "Rigid" materials need to soft up while moving. At the woofer the "spider" needs time to break in, at the tweeter the little surround needs to break in, in the crossover parts the electric charge (caps) fill then empty periods happening. I heard very old bookshelf loudspeakers (30 years) with very soft, full bodied sound (awesome bass).. we did not belive-measured the bass response-the very old 8" paper fabric cone woofer with soft rubber surround and time-softed up spider could get down to 25 Hz!
Thanks for your comment. I am interested in the R500 but cannot move them more than 12" from the wall. Would you be willing to test yours at that distance for me? I'm wondering if the sound becomes too boomy at that distance.
@@ryanw8664 I am married and so have to move the R500s near 12" or so from the front wall after every serious listening session to keep them out of my wife's way. When I play them from that position I don't notice too much bass boom these days. But there are a couple of things that have changed for me. One is that I put some diffusion panels on the front wall--that has helped with overall room sound. The second is that I'm on the third amplifier with these speakers--my Bryston 3B blew a power-transistor. And what I can say is that the bass is remarkably determined by the amp. If you have an amplifier with a lot of headroom and controlled bass, you should be fine--I think the X-Port on the R500s works really well to minimize pressure and dispersion. But some amplifiers are bass fat and the R500s need more room to breathe in that case--in my experience. Good luck!
@@hocktooey Hey, thanks a lot for your detailed response! I really appreciate it. LOL the married comment. I would be pairing these with a Yamaha RX-V6A, which is a somewhat entry level AV receiver but with 100W per channel I am hoping it will be enough.
I have older but very capable Polk LCR and Subs for my home theater setup. Not surprised these are recommended for home theater. Have never had any complaints all these years, and even now in my upgraded Atmos system, the Polks are really great. Your review makes these speakers seems like they might be a nice upgrade for me, which I've been considering for no other reason than I just might like a minor change to my system. Thanks!
Good video👍🏽 question do audiophiles not use the bass and treble knobs? Seems like a couple of simple to the left or right would tame and enhance the bass and high frequencies. Also, could you take a survey of how many bookshelf listening fans out there use a sub? I can't see why anyone wouldn't. Thanks ✊🏽
It’s not a tumor! Not a tumor. 🤣 Definitely better integration with these, although I still think Jamo has done the best job with that on the Studio 8 line.
I bought Infinity Interlude speakers based on trickle down tech from the Prelude and Intermezzo lines of speakers. And i was not disappointed still have them today. Upgrading my components improved the sound. The electronics stand at a Carver AV 705x amplifier, and a Marantz av7005 pre-processor.
Saw this was 20 minutes long and instantly knew Kristi was back. All is well with in the world now! Also, a question: what midrange center speaker would you recommend for a 5.1 home theatre?
Well done video. Great explanation of what the difference in sound between the polk and comparable other speakers is. I could almost hear the speakers sound signature as you and Christie went back and forth giving your interpretation of it.
I am always into use of the same components in less expensive gear. In this case using the same drivers is a really good value for those chosing the R's.
I think the reason why Kristi like polk aluminium tweeter is perhaps it is developed for polk, def tech and golden ear by sandy gross. It is a well balanced tweeter that has that little extra crisp to it.
Perhaps it is time to have a video where you compare your favorite few components in each of three levels of cost, such as budget, intermediate, and cost is no object.
Good solid review! I have been a big fan of Polk especially there vintage Monitor series. They had lost their way a bit in the past 10 years solid budget brand that punched above their price. Based on this review it sounds like they are back!
Tell me if you notice the difference in the tweeters in how they handled the high pitched sounds? I have the small powered R-41PM by Klipsch and the XT20 by Polk. Both do sound different due to their size, but the highs in the Klipsch drive my ears crazy. The Polk seemed nicer, more mellow and don't cause any discomfort?
Really? I am planning to buy one of those and i am still undecided and where i live there are not many places where i can go and try them. What do you like better of the k600s?
Wish they had a 3-Way center, which is a shame. The reason I returned theses for MA Silver 100 and MA C350. Those MA Silver 100 and MA C350 are just a different animal. These Polks speakers are pretty good from the time I spent with them. These speakers need a true 3-Way for movies to add that sprikle. Great video.
Polk has long been a company that trickled down its tech. In the mid-90s every audio magazine carried the Polk ad with those giant 8-midbass speakers sat atop their companion subwoofers, for those who wanted Stonehenge in their living rooms. A couple of years later their driver design ended up on Polk's middle lineup. So I'm not surprised to see them still doing it. I'd say if you bought the more expensive speakers, make them your new killer surround speakers and get a pair of the new ones for up front.
@Douglas Blake If by true you mean on camera, it's probably not going to happen. Even less likely after the recent events. I was smart to guard myself.
@@russellparker4568 It depends on which amplifier you used i have the bronze 100 with marantz 7005 and its a wonderful pair . I also heard the marantz with the silver 100 and now i want the silver 100
@@vitalizu1 yeah i have a musical fidelity m2si and its known to be a bit bright and edgy. Are marantz fairly smooth up top? I might have a look at swapping to something like that.
@@russellparker4568 unfortunately i unfamiliar with m2si, and yes marantz smooth up top ,at least for me. But I would suggest you in any case listen to the combination before purchasing ,every man to his taste.
Interesting review and a great example of how people’s opinions of speakers can differ due to their taste in speaker voicing. Speaking of ELAC, I just got an email from ELAC America’s that prices will going up an average of 15% due to freight prices that they claim are up 400 - 500%. Prices will increase August 15.
Thanks Andrew , Me been a polk fan for a long time ! Zero Fidelity really likes this model also by polk . I have the lsim 703s but theit a double edge sword meaning you can get a great deal on them but they like entry level power and an amp that can tame the treble , The treble isn't the most refined with 703s but my Yamaha As-1100 and My Doge 10mk2b and my Audiolab 8300xp tamed the 703s but all of them are north of 2 grand 😥 but amp is not cutting it !
Hey Andrew! Congrats on 200k and growing!!! Thoughts on the Klipsch 600m? I'm actually looking to use as rear surrounds. Compared to these Polk's. Thanks brother!
Still running Polk Lsi9 daily. Never can bring myself to do the crossover upgrades. Would love to eventually grab a pair of the r200 to do a side by side comparison. More modern Polk vs some pushing 20 years old, or even against my Polk sda 1c.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I can't say with absolute certainty as to what other people have measured post mod to see if on paper that it's truly any better or not. All that's ever mattered to myself is what my ears say is good 👍
Andrew can you please review the monolith THX-460T THX tower speaker. I have been following feedback on these since last year and the response has been incredible so far.
I'm still aiming towards the klipsch 600M bookshelf speaker.. Polk never really impressed me. Plus I think matched with my denon the klipsch will be monsters!!!
Andrew, I've been following you for about 8 months and going to start my HiFi/AV system from scratch. I see you are a fan of the SVS 3000 micro and was wondering if you have or have ever thought of reviewing the SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers or the Prime Pinnacle Towers. Love your channel and thanks great all around info. Jim.
We reviewed the Prime Satellite system (ua-cam.com/video/ibiYGfgp8LY/v-deo.html). Honestly, SVS doesn't pull enough views to warrant a lot of videos. Great brand though.
@@KristiWright That is one of the most honest replies I've ever heard and it makes sense. I would guess that views come from casual listeners of music and even though SVS and Paradigm are well known in audiophile circles they are not a name known by the layman, which known brands attract more of an audience. You have substantiated my subscription to your channel again. I wish you did review those speakers but I understand it and appreciate the honesty.
would you say that it would be usable in a big desktop setup? are there other speakers in the 400-600$ pricepoint that would fit better in a desktop setup? and whats a fitting speaker size for a desktop setup? some of these questions may seem stupid but im not very experienced with desktop sound system's so i dont really know
You could although I'd probably start here for desktop - amzn.to/2VyLeqk. As for what is a fitting size, I typically don't go over a 5". driver for desktop.
Also consider that you may have to place them closer to the wall, depending on where your desk is. My rear ported desktop speakers only sound good if I cover the bass port.
Yes, @J Bernhardt makes a great point - front ported speakers definitely help on most desktop setups with bass I highly recommend amzn.to/3damM5r if you can get them in stock.
I’m thinking I’m going with the Debut Reference for 100 bucks less. Maybe less than that if I troll a while for refurbs/OB. Is there something about these Polks that should be more compelling?
Love the review of these speakers. Thinking of going with the R700 and 400’for my LCR. Which would be better for my rear speakers these R200 or the R600 towers? Planning on doing a 5.2.4 system
Purchased a Fluance RT85 turntable based off your review along with what others had to say. My issue is now which route to go along with speakers and amp. If I go powered I’ll probably go Kanto YU6 or if I was to go passive my question would be to would I go Cambridge AXR85 with what speakers under $300-400? Or would just getting a pair of Kanto YU6’s yield better results. I would pick the Cambridge AXR85 only because it’s a cleaner look in the area vs having a separate pre out and getting a dedicated amp but I don’t think I would be able to tell the difference all that much.
Andrew, would you be willing to review the Klipsch R-51M? I think it would help people understand more of the base line Klipsch sound for an entry level price. That being said, I know from personal experience that the RP line is a nice jump up in sound quality from the R line. I would just like to know your opinion. Personally I daily a stereo setup of RP-8000F-PB, but again, that being said, I did start many years ago with R-15M speakers which sold me enough to upgrade to RP-260F, and now the 8000s. So it could be a significant impact. Thank you, Aaron
Andrew and Kristi's consistency in these is crazy! I'd be lost if they weren't here to cut out all the gimmicky language used by most people describing the sound profiles
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks for the reply! Any recommendations on a Hifi shop here in Austin or somewhere to listen before you buy? I'm bummed our Fry's closed down
@@davidtester863 Whetstone Audio is run by a very nice guy and has some great higher end brands. Living in Stereo for vintage. Definitely say no to A&B TV. Total a-holes.
@@KristiWright That's great to know! Thanks a bunch. Hopefully when everything opens back up I'll run into y'all one day and buy you a beer/coffee/whatever for creating a great channel
My stands are bolted to the floor at a distance of about 39 inches from the front and side walls. That's a bizarre thing to do, at first read, but those positions are consistent with the Cardas speaker placement formula, and in my experience any speaker that "needs" to be somewhere else, is compensating for its own frequency response issues or other design limitation. I listen to piano jazz trios and quartets and some romantic-period classical music with a very occasional movie and even more occasional "big" movie. Not mouse-fart quiet but let's call it "companionable" levels. Imaging isn't the top priority -- I'd be happy to trade that for low-volume PRAT. I live in Cambodia, so my speakers right now are Onkyo D-062a's which are fine for what they are, but obviously not a long-term solution. I'd want to keep my SMSL AO300, however. So what's the better option for a person who doesn't listen at Polk R200 levels, doesn't listen to very many movies, and is running a scrappy but ultimately small SMSL class-D amp?
Elac B6.2. You should also unbolt your speakers since you are not getting 10K plus dollar speakers they will be compromised and that position on the floor wont be right for them and its dumb anyways considering all rooms are the different
@@user-jm8ky1kn2t They're placed for the room using the Cardas speaker placement formula and -- controversial opinion incoming -- in my experience, a speaker that doesn't sound its best in that position is one that doesn't sound as good as one that *does* sound its best in that position. (That would be how it came to be a formula.) As for dumb, yes, absolutely -- but a *little* less so when one factors in six omnicidal cats, twice-a-month air conditioner servicemen, and a cleaning woman who seems to do every job in the whole place while walking backward and talking on her phone. :D :D :D
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hi Andrew, I’m constantly trying to decide whether or not to replace my Polk Lsi9’s. They still look and sound beautiful to me. Would you consider Polk R200s or Bowers and Wilkins 606 an upgrade?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews For 2 ch music and some movies I use dual 12" subs for 80hz down crossed over to help relieve the mains and not just supplement, would the R200 sound as good as the R600 or the R700 towers knowing that the low end from 80hz down is handled by the subs? Thanks
Are you and Kristi going to review the Dynaudio Evoke 20 soon? I am wondering what will Evoke 20 bring to the table at 3x price of Polk Audio R200 in similar size speaker box and drivers. Thanks.
Really digging the R200, been considering ordering them, but most of my listening will be at lower volume so I don't tick off the neighbors. that said, any suggestions? would like to find speakers that sound good at low volume. my living room is about 300 square feet, $1200 a pair is bout my limit
🎯R200: bit.ly/3zvBfRp, bit.ly/39rRaZP, amzn.to/3Cyh0Ec*
🎯R200AE: bit.ly/3F9vApU • bit.ly/3AUFkBK
❤ CLICK ❤ THANKS to highlight your question &/or support the channel!
✅ IF IT’S IN THE VIDEO, IT’S IN THE DESX ☝CLICK “MORE”
✅ RULES: NO OUTSIDE LINKS OR PERSONAL INFO. PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC AND BE RESPECTFUL
Wife tried to enter the contest and it said she was flagged as spam.
It's a good move. People who adopt early know what they're doing...spending more money for an advanced peek. There's a market for that.
Andrew, could you make a video about subwoofers for 2.0 stereo systems? There's so many brands and models... I would like to buy one entrance model but I already don't know what is the best for me. Thank you!
How does it compare to the R100?
I'll say this as someone who works in the technology field: early adopters almost always pay more and get less for their money than they will versus waiting for a second generation or follow-up of a product. Trickle down tech happens in every segment of technology and it's good. It brings more reasonably priced features to a wider market. I feel bad for Legend owners but that is the cross many early adopter bear. You can't look back just enjoy the product you chose.
There would be no
trickle-down products without the early adopters. So thank you, whoever you are!
If money is not a major concern of the buyer then it is in fact preferable to be an early adopter if you are getting a better product as soon as possible. That is the trade-off. It’s down to the individual as to whether or not the extra cost is worth it.
I’m with you and I’ve learned my lesson on early adoption, however if I had considerably more money I expect my opinion might change to some extent.
@@RasheedKhan-he6xx Early adopters can be typified as the willing sacrificial lambs.
It's more like a tax for earlier access to the tech that will be in a less polished state, although a lot of times early adopters don't take the full hit as they sell the previous generation off to offset the cost. So it's more like an upgrade fee in that case.
First generation is always more expensive amd will have bugs that the next gen hopefully will have addressed. However, one should not discount the excitement and joy experienced when you take the plunge on the first gen product. It's your excitement and joy that make you say "Yes! I will do this"
Always been a Polk fan. Got a full set of the Signature Series. Great speakers even better price.
Awesome review. I never heard the Legend but I’m so glad you have. This has to be the best review is the Reserve series to date. Interesting the R100 isn’t super thick on the bottom end. I’ve heard the same thing that you mentioned from others. Either way, my favorite polks thus far
Damn right it's the best one, Randy. 😂
That should have been the title. LOL.
@@KristiWright humble as ever
@@cheapaudioman 😇
You know I'm just messing with you, Randy. ❤️
The MA Bronze 100 will appeal more to normal listeners because of that thump and zing but midrange is too recessed for any critical listening. The R200 is just a very neutral speaker (which is way harder to come by compared to V/U/W shaped speakers) which will appeal to more serious listeners. Now neutral speakers usually arent great for movies, which is surprising because the R200 just works great! I love my r200s for movies and diamonds 12.2 for music.
How would you compare the diamonds in the treble
@@Soaringkiwi1 Diamond 12.2 compared to the R200? In the treble, the R200 might sound more extended, but only if you have them pointed directly at you. The RR tweeter falls off FAST off axis, the 12.2 dont. The mids totally go to the 12.2, although the r200's mids are warm, they lack that body and 3 dimensionality of the 12.2. Bass punch and slam goes to the R200 but the 12.2 goes deeper when called for. The R200 can handle a ton of power, the 12.2 not so much.
This is the channel with the best audio/recording quality in recent times.
Very soothing. Top work Andrew. COngrats on 200K
Thank you very much!
I love Polk speakers. I think they make great affordable speakers with a finish that always exceeds their price point.
Is great to hear to Kristi again!!
Polk fan & owner of Signature Series S55’s.😎👍🏼
I've had the R200's for 3-4 weeks now. I"ve run them in a couple two channel set-ups and my home theater. I used the Iota SA3 and two PA3's as monoblocks, Peachtree Nova 300 and the Denon X6700H. I'm enjoying them very much and so far I don't regret the purchase. Great reviews and keep up the great work
Crisp and well formulated as always... but I'm really waiting for your review of the Dynaudios..
I'm treble sensitive and these speakers, when I had a chance to demo them, were just about perfect for my needs. They're neutral with a mild bass bump. Hearing from the rep at the audio show, they do really prefer to be at least two feet off the wall for optimal performance, and that was how he had them set up in the room. Dude was also running them off of a source stack worth, like, 12 grand, so that probably impacts how amazing they sounded in the room.
If you buy these. make sure the stand put the tweet at the exact height as you ear in the listening position. get just 2" off above or below, and the ring radiator falls off at 15Khz. stay locked in at ear height and they sound good.
At this price point polkR200 are difficult to beat. The strong and special quality is sweet lovely female vocal which is unmatched.
So nice to hear the back and forth between both of you once again!!🙃
Thanks, Josh.
Would love to see your review of the new Elac uni-fi reference.
I bought Elac debut reference just a few weeks before you reviewed it. I was quite underwhelmed by the performance and then you put to words what I was hearing :)
Welcome back Kristi! 👌
Thank you, Tomislav. Not sure if we'll be reviewing the new Elacs. They forgot to include us when those launched 😅. I reached out about them and they said they would send them but so far that hasn't happened.
@@KristiWright yeah, I know. Last time I bought into hype, this time I'll just wait for your review or buy something else when I decide to upgrade :)
I would not wait on us for a review of the Elac.
Wanted to post here and thank Andrew and Kristi for their review of this speaker and the Onkyo 5100. I had gone with the Jamo S803 line, but was experiencing ear pain from it. I received guidance to get silk dome tweeters and switched to these for my home theater. Thank you for your time and effort.
I am a Polk fan, my whole 5.1 set up is Polk Audio speakers. For me, and I'd say for most Polk fans, the Legend series is out of our price range. Polk has made a name for themselves for making affordable speakers. The Legend Series are not affordable. I don't think their sales are very large for the Legend as it is a niche market. The Reserve series is a nice step up from Signature series and I think Polk will sell a lot of them.
Polk fan over here!🙋♂️… I must say I like the looks of the Signature Series more.
Polk has been born again great since 2021 or so. The Reserve series is amazing. The whole line. I'm shocked the cabinets are so inert and solid for speakers made in China. Better cabinets than my amazing, made in England Bowers & Wilkens DM603 S3 towers, which I have given away to a happy audiophile.
Welcome back Kristi you were missed! :)
Thank you 🙏🏻
Brilliant review, much appreciated honesty and overview..as usual. Would you please review the Polk R700 floorstanding model. Would really appreciate your take, Thanks!
Quad s2, review them! theres plenty of us who want to know what you think. Good to hear your side kick is back in the game. Well done guys 👍
Very detailed, resolution top rate, fun with movies. For me, not so much for music. I felt they were kind of boring (unengaging), a very flat soundstage and i was looking for any depth. I much preferred my budget Triangles and Focal W series over the Quads for music even though the Quads had better resolution. For the price, they were disappointing to me for music. Used a Hegel and a moderately priced Soundartist SA-200IA. The Soundartist has a very pronounced upper mid through highs which made it sound overly bright and harsh. They added some life to the Quads but I still didn't like the overall results. Soundartist and Focal definitely not a match.
Both the Quads and the Soundartist were returned.
But Tharbamer likes the Quads and Jay the Soundartist. Just sharing my experience.
Ok.. now I may look at Polk speakers. I’m glad I watched this review. Thanks to you both.
I'm sure some will say I'm an idiot because of course speaker break-in is silly voodoo stuff but...........these seemed to really improve after about a week of solid use. I had buyer's remorse at first. I thought they sounded muddy. But now they sound fantastic.
Hi! Nothing voodoo. "Rigid" materials need to soft up while moving. At the woofer the "spider" needs time to break in, at the tweeter the little surround needs to break in, in the crossover parts the electric charge (caps) fill then empty periods happening. I heard very old bookshelf loudspeakers (30 years) with very soft, full bodied sound (awesome bass).. we did not belive-measured the bass response-the very old 8" paper fabric cone woofer with soft rubber surround and time-softed up spider could get down to 25 Hz!
I like the 30" from the front wall suggestion for bass control. I've tried this with the R500 to great success. So, thanks!
Thanks for your comment. I am interested in the R500 but cannot move them more than 12" from the wall. Would you be willing to test yours at that distance for me? I'm wondering if the sound becomes too boomy at that distance.
@@ryanw8664 I am married and so have to move the R500s near 12" or so from the front wall after every serious listening session to keep them out of my wife's way. When I play them from that position I don't notice too much bass boom these days. But there are a couple of things that have changed for me. One is that I put some diffusion panels on the front wall--that has helped with overall room sound. The second is that I'm on the third amplifier with these speakers--my Bryston 3B blew a power-transistor. And what I can say is that the bass is remarkably determined by the amp. If you have an amplifier with a lot of headroom and controlled bass, you should be fine--I think the X-Port on the R500s works really well to minimize pressure and dispersion. But some amplifiers are bass fat and the R500s need more room to breathe in that case--in my experience. Good luck!
@@hocktooey Hey, thanks a lot for your detailed response! I really appreciate it. LOL the married comment. I would be pairing these with a Yamaha RX-V6A, which is a somewhat entry level AV receiver but with 100W per channel I am hoping it will be enough.
I have older but very capable Polk LCR and Subs for my home theater setup. Not surprised these are recommended for home theater. Have never had any complaints all these years, and even now in my upgraded Atmos system, the Polks are really great. Your review makes these speakers seems like they might be a nice upgrade for me, which I've been considering for no other reason than I just might like a minor change to my system. Thanks!
Good video👍🏽 question do audiophiles not use the bass and treble knobs? Seems like a couple of simple to the left or right would tame and enhance the bass and high frequencies. Also, could you take a survey of how many bookshelf listening fans out there use a sub? I can't see why anyone wouldn't. Thanks ✊🏽
It’s not a tumor! Not a tumor.
🤣
Definitely better integration with these, although I still think Jamo has done the best job with that on the Studio 8 line.
I bought Infinity Interlude speakers based on trickle down tech from the Prelude and Intermezzo lines of speakers. And i was not disappointed still have them today. Upgrading my components improved the sound. The electronics stand at a Carver AV 705x amplifier, and a Marantz av7005 pre-processor.
Saw this was 20 minutes long and instantly knew Kristi was back. All is well with in the world now! Also, a question: what midrange center speaker would you recommend for a 5.1 home theatre?
I love when one of your review settle things early. That bass issue does it for me. Thank you
Question? Wharfdale EVO 4.2 vs vs Polk R200
To give you an idea on how lasting top line Polks are, I sport a pair of RTA11TL’s I purchased new in ‘88. Still a flagship speaker but not the RTA15
Well done video. Great explanation of what the difference in sound between the polk and comparable other speakers is.
I could almost hear the speakers sound signature as you and Christie went back and forth giving your interpretation of it.
How would you compare these Polk R 200’s to the Focal 806’s that you reviewed a while back?
I am very much satisfied with my Polk RTiA3 pair.
there's nothing wrong with that, it was a solid performing line
I am always into use of the same components in less expensive gear. In this case using the same drivers is a really good value for those chosing the R's.
Enjoyed the discussion between you and Christy..
Hi. Great content as usual. I just want to ask what Subwoofer would you pair with the R200? Thanks!
Kristi is back! I definitely have the same sound preference as Kristi, I love a punchy and fun speaker that gets me moving. Great review!
🙌
I think the reason why Kristi like polk aluminium tweeter is perhaps it is developed for polk, def tech and golden ear by sandy gross. It is a well balanced tweeter that has that little extra crisp to it.
The tweeter was the least favorite aspect of this speaker for her though she does tend to favor aluminum tweeters.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews OH my, i have update my english😕
All good, Niclas.
Excellent summation and review!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you Andrew for your effort to bring us one of the best audiophile review channel !
Perhaps it is time to have a video where you compare your favorite few components in each of three levels of cost, such as budget, intermediate, and cost is no object.
Good solid review! I have been a big fan of Polk especially there vintage Monitor series. They had lost their way a bit in the past 10 years solid budget brand that punched above their price. Based on this review it sounds like they are back!
Hey Andrew,
Huge fan, your content is constantly improving! Would love to see your thoughts on the Arcam, for example - the SA30!
Thanks! I'd love to be able to answer this for you. Kristi has requested it a couple of times but one has not been available.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'll just wait patiently and I'm sure it'll happen
I have the R200 I plan to replace them with the Klipsch 600 i like the sound of the Klipsch better
Tell me if you notice the difference in the tweeters in how they handled the high pitched sounds? I have the small powered R-41PM by Klipsch and the XT20 by Polk. Both do sound different due to their size, but the highs in the Klipsch drive my ears crazy. The Polk seemed nicer, more mellow and don't cause any discomfort?
Really? I am planning to buy one of those and i am still undecided and where i live there are not many places where i can go and try them. What do you like better of the k600s?
Hi, What is the difference between the S series, and ES series?
I have the S60, S35, HTS-10, RM-8, OWM3, and Yamaha RXA-3030
Wish they had a 3-Way center, which is a shame. The reason I returned theses for MA Silver 100 and MA C350. Those MA Silver 100 and MA C350 are just a different animal. These Polks speakers are pretty good from the time I spent with them. These speakers need a true 3-Way for movies to add that sprikle. Great video.
You still have the monitor audios
I think my rti a 1's are better because I already have them. Is that a good reason 🤔 I don't know
Polk has long been a company that trickled down its tech. In the mid-90s every audio magazine carried the Polk ad with those giant 8-midbass speakers sat atop their companion subwoofers, for those who wanted Stonehenge in their living rooms. A couple of years later their driver design ended up on Polk's middle lineup. So I'm not surprised to see them still doing it. I'd say if you bought the more expensive speakers, make them your new killer surround speakers and get a pair of the new ones for up front.
I just took my Polk rta 11t's after 40 years. I hope they still work.... :-D
Nice to hear you Kristi :D
🥰
@Douglas Blake If by true you mean on camera, it's probably not going to happen. Even less likely after the recent events. I was smart to guard myself.
I can only hope you're able to give the GoldenEar BRX bookshelf a listen one day.
I'm with Kristi on the topic of sound , there is no better sound for me than that of monitor audio punchy and lively
Oh i sold my silver 50 s because they were harsh like the b and w they just reviewed
@@russellparker4568 It depends on which amplifier you used
i have the bronze 100 with marantz 7005
and its a wonderful pair .
I also heard the marantz with the silver 100 and now i want the silver 100
@@vitalizu1 yeah i have a musical fidelity m2si and its known to be a bit bright and edgy. Are marantz fairly smooth up top? I might have a look at swapping to something like that.
@@russellparker4568 unfortunately i unfamiliar with m2si,
and yes marantz smooth up top ,at least for me.
But I would suggest you in any case listen to the combination before purchasing ,every man to his taste.
Interesting review and a great example of how people’s opinions of speakers can differ due to their taste in speaker voicing. Speaking of ELAC, I just got an email from ELAC America’s that prices will going up an average of 15% due to freight prices that they claim are up 400 - 500%. Prices will increase August 15.
That's happening a lot of places right now. Already did with Klipsch.
Thanks for another excellent review. I really enjoy y'all's channel.
Super interesting, love the detail you put into this review
Thanks Andrew , Me been a polk fan for a long time ! Zero Fidelity really likes this model also by polk . I have the lsim 703s but theit a double edge sword meaning you can get a great deal on them but they like entry level power and an amp that can tame the treble , The treble isn't the most refined with 703s but my Yamaha As-1100 and My Doge 10mk2b and my Audiolab 8300xp tamed the 703s but all of them are north of 2 grand 😥 but amp is not cutting it !
Hmm now I wonder how the r700 would sound like, cause they both use the same tweeter.
Hey Andrew! Congrats on 200k and growing!!! Thoughts on the Klipsch 600m? I'm actually looking to use as rear surrounds. Compared to these Polk's. Thanks brother!
Great review as always 👍👏👏👏👏👏
What brand are your speaker stands and where to buy?
Please refer to the description box.
I don't remember the name of them but they did state what they were in the recent video about the sweepstakes.
It's noted in the description box.
Still running Polk Lsi9 daily. Never can bring myself to do the crossover upgrades. Would love to eventually grab a pair of the r200 to do a side by side comparison. More modern Polk vs some pushing 20 years old, or even against my Polk sda 1c.
If they work, no need to fix 'em. Don't do crossover mods, that stuff isn't worth it.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I can't say with absolute certainty as to what other people have measured post mod to see if on paper that it's truly any better or not. All that's ever mattered to myself is what my ears say is good 👍
Andrew can you please review the monolith THX-460T THX tower speaker.
I have been following feedback on these since last year and the response has been incredible so far.
Andrew, how do these compare to the REVEL M16's?
I'm still aiming towards the klipsch 600M bookshelf speaker.. Polk never really impressed me. Plus I think matched with my denon the klipsch will be monsters!!!
Speakers are getting better and cheaper
love the candid reviews!!!
Andrew, I've been following you for about 8 months and going to start my HiFi/AV system from scratch. I see you are a fan of the SVS 3000 micro and was wondering if you have or have ever thought of reviewing the SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers or the Prime Pinnacle Towers. Love your channel and thanks great all around info. Jim.
We reviewed the Prime Satellite system (ua-cam.com/video/ibiYGfgp8LY/v-deo.html). Honestly, SVS doesn't pull enough views to warrant a lot of videos. Great brand though.
@@KristiWright That is one of the most honest replies I've ever heard and it makes sense. I would guess that views come from casual listeners of music and even though SVS and Paradigm are well known in audiophile circles they are not a name known by the layman, which known brands attract more of an audience. You have substantiated my subscription to your channel again. I wish you did review those speakers but I understand it and appreciate the honesty.
Nice review as always! Have you heard the Signature series? I was looking at the S55 for audio and was wondering your thoughts?
It's been years.
Hello I'm going to bye a bluesound n330 witch speaker should I have for that?
best regards
Nice looking speakers. Dope review.
Thanks for watching!
what are you using to display art?
What did you pair it with? Any amplifier tip for a Klipsch 8000f owner, currently driven by a cheap Pioneer reciver.
Love the channel!
Links are in the description.
would you say that it would be usable in a big desktop setup? are there other speakers in the 400-600$ pricepoint that would fit better in a desktop setup? and whats a fitting speaker size for a desktop setup?
some of these questions may seem stupid but im not very experienced with desktop sound system's so i dont really know
You could although I'd probably start here for desktop - amzn.to/2VyLeqk. As for what is a fitting size, I typically don't go over a 5". driver for desktop.
Also consider that you may have to place them closer to the wall, depending on where your desk is. My rear ported desktop speakers only sound good if I cover the bass port.
Yes, @J Bernhardt makes a great point - front ported speakers definitely help on most desktop setups with bass I highly recommend amzn.to/3damM5r if you can get them in stock.
I’m thinking I’m going with the Debut Reference for 100 bucks less. Maybe less than that if I troll a while for refurbs/OB. Is there something about these Polks that should be more compelling?
Great video as always. Idk what it is about Polk. I want to like Polk, but I can’t get into them. Haven’t heard these yet though...so 🤷🏻♂️
Check them out if you get the chance.
Love the review of these speakers. Thinking of going with the R700 and 400’for my LCR. Which would be better for my rear speakers these R200 or the R600 towers? Planning on doing a 5.2.4 system
Try the R200s first and see what you think.
Will try this option first
Some people say the sweet spot is r100.. 😏
looks bloody good, thanks Andrew
No comparison with the Denton 85th Anniversaries? Too much price difference?
Correct.
Purchased a Fluance RT85 turntable based off your review along with what others had to say. My issue is now which route to go along with speakers and amp. If I go powered I’ll probably go Kanto YU6 or if I was to go passive my question would be to would I go Cambridge AXR85 with what speakers under $300-400? Or would just getting a pair of Kanto YU6’s yield better results. I would pick the Cambridge AXR85 only because it’s a cleaner look in the area vs having a separate pre out and getting a dedicated amp but I don’t think I would be able to tell the difference all that much.
Andrew, would you be willing to review the Klipsch R-51M? I think it would help people understand more of the base line Klipsch sound for an entry level price. That being said, I know from personal experience that the RP line is a nice jump up in sound quality from the R line. I would just like to know your opinion. Personally I daily a stereo setup of RP-8000F-PB, but again, that being said, I did start many years ago with R-15M speakers which sold me enough to upgrade to RP-260F, and now the 8000s. So it could be a significant impact.
Thank you, Aaron
I have the R15M speakers, then tried T15 (muddy crap) and now using micca MB
The tweeters look almost identical to Scan ring's - licensed or ..? Either way v good looking speaker
I don't believe Polk is manufacturing these, so they likely from another manufacturer like Scanspeak.
Andrew and Kristi's consistency in these is crazy! I'd be lost if they weren't here to cut out all the gimmicky language used by most people describing the sound profiles
Thank you so much David. I really appreciate that. We do our best to break this stuff down and make it more approachable for everyone!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks for the reply! Any recommendations on a Hifi shop here in Austin or somewhere to listen before you buy?
I'm bummed our Fry's closed down
@@davidtester863 Whetstone Audio is run by a very nice guy and has some great higher end brands. Living in Stereo for vintage. Definitely say no to A&B TV. Total a-holes.
@@KristiWright That's great to know! Thanks a bunch.
Hopefully when everything opens back up I'll run into y'all one day and buy you a beer/coffee/whatever for creating a great channel
hey i really love your review, i'm thinking to buy evo 4.2, which one is better, Wharfedale Evo 4.2 or Polk R200? and why you recommend them?
Which do you pick and why Robinson team? Evo vs Polk
@@TheJohnnyNeat in my country evo 4.2 and r200 just 100$ different, thats why I asked
@@bbg619 interesting
Is the Polk Legend gone? Also, is that ONKYO 5100 up for future review?
Yep!
So, these or the Klipsch RP 600M for music?
You call that cheap? Why don't u try the Polk TSI 200? That's cheap but good.
Ok
2M Bronze sounds glorious 👍😀
"when have you ever know an audiophile to admit being wrong"
hahahaha
Where's the lie? LOL.
@@KristiWright None detected
Any comparisons with the Focal Chora 806s? :)
None. The Chora is more in line with the Lumina II, so you can draw a similar conclusion between it and the Polk.
Andrew, can you please give me the make & model of the book shelf stands you have with the Polk's? Thx K
Should be noted in the description
@@andrewrobinsonreviews thank you!
My stands are bolted to the floor at a distance of about 39 inches from the front and side walls. That's a bizarre thing to do, at first read, but those positions are consistent with the Cardas speaker placement formula, and in my experience any speaker that "needs" to be somewhere else, is compensating for its own frequency response issues or other design limitation. I listen to piano jazz trios and quartets and some romantic-period classical music with a very occasional movie and even more occasional "big" movie. Not mouse-fart quiet but let's call it "companionable" levels. Imaging isn't the top priority -- I'd be happy to trade that for low-volume PRAT. I live in Cambodia, so my speakers right now are Onkyo D-062a's which are fine for what they are, but obviously not a long-term solution. I'd want to keep my SMSL AO300, however.
So what's the better option for a person who doesn't listen at Polk R200 levels, doesn't listen to very many movies, and is running a scrappy but ultimately small SMSL class-D amp?
Elac B6.2.
You should also unbolt your speakers since you are not getting 10K plus dollar speakers they will be compromised and that position on the floor wont be right for them and its dumb anyways considering all rooms are the different
@@user-jm8ky1kn2t They're placed for the room using the Cardas speaker placement formula and -- controversial opinion incoming -- in my experience, a speaker that doesn't sound its best in that position is one that doesn't sound as good as one that *does* sound its best in that position. (That would be how it came to be a formula.)
As for dumb, yes, absolutely -- but a *little* less so when one factors in six omnicidal cats, twice-a-month air conditioner servicemen, and a cleaning woman who seems to do every job in the whole place while walking backward and talking on her phone. :D :D :D
Andrew if you see this, which height Solidsteel stand do you have?
these bit.ly/3I9Xa5W
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Wow, they are a bargain 🤣
Hi Andrew,
Polkr200, Wharfedale 12.2 or Klipsch RP600M. Out of these 3 what would you recommend?
I would put them in the order you just listed.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews you are awesome. Thanks 😊
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hi Andrew, I’m constantly trying to decide whether or not to replace my Polk Lsi9’s. They still look and sound beautiful to me. Would you consider Polk R200s or Bowers and Wilkins 606 an upgrade?
@@jceribello I would get the R200. B&W sounded too harsh for me
@@lpmax3991 thanks
Strange, you seems positive on these but not nearly as much as the r700....I would expect they are very similar?
Both are good. R700s were simply more of a surprise.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews For 2 ch music and some movies I use dual 12" subs for 80hz down crossed over to help relieve the mains and not just supplement, would the R200 sound as good as the R600 or the R700 towers knowing that the low end from 80hz down is handled by the subs? Thanks
Are you and Kristi going to review the Dynaudio Evoke 20 soon? I am wondering what will Evoke 20 bring to the table at 3x price of Polk Audio R200 in similar size speaker box and drivers. Thanks.
In the coming months yes.
Really digging the R200, been considering ordering them, but most of my listening will be at lower volume so I don't tick off the neighbors. that said, any suggestions? would like to find speakers that sound good at low volume. my living room is about 300 square feet, $1200 a pair is bout my limit
699....
taiwan retial price about US$1000
I know home audiophiles got money to blow but let me know when that tech trickles down a little further, lol
B&W better?
If you want the sparkle of the tweeters then yes but if you want something more non fatiguing go for the Polk