I sold them about a year ago. They were MAGNIFICENT but, ultimately, too big for my room. I now have the Polk L200's, which are a better fit. I could not possibly been more pleased with the L800's. They required a fair bit of quality power, to run well, but they are stunning. No shrillness...just very smooth detail, with more than ample bass and on the warm side, which is exactly what I like.
Invested in Sandy Gross Definitive Super Towers back in 2004 BP7001 BP7002 BP7006 with Studio Monitors and CLR2002 Centers. Still amazing today. That said I recently picked up the Polk Reserve R400 Center and wow......R700 Towers in transit. Polk making a statement....never left.
Before I go out of my way to demo these speakers, would you please tell me how these perform at low volume? I'm also curious how they sound at a relatively nearfield listening position. I know it's an odd question, but I'm considering these speakers for an uncommon application. Thanks in advance Just read your comment that you sold them and why and it seems to answer my main question. Cheers
Sorry for the VERY delayed response! I can't really say because I only used them briefly in a surround system (5.1). The L800's image SO well that I definitely didn't miss a center channel! Really, truly remarkable speakers.
@@spyceoflyfe3488 no worries! I bought them and they are fantastic. I have the center channel too. Unreal speakers. These are at least my next 10 year speakers. I see no reason to upgrade. Jaw dropping performance
I almost did not buy the Polk Legend L800 speakers because of the UA-cam Video Reviews. My experience with them only and I cannot speak for anyone else, but my source is Movies on VUDU where I now own 397 Movies the vast majority is in Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio and UA-cam Videos where I have of 1500 Audiophile videos saved in a Folder and The Audio on Movies and UA-cam videos are worth the money Polk is asking for. When I bought theL600 and paired them with the Onkyo TX-NR7100 it was Extraordinary then I replaced the AVR with a Onkyo TX-RZ50 then they went from Extraordinary to Phenomenal and this is in my Guest, Game Home Theater room. So I was going to buy another pair for the living room since I was so Impressed but for some reason Bestbuy on longer had the L600 in Black Ash, the only choice I was left with was the L800 in Black Ash when I got them I paired them with the TX-NR7100 and I could not believe that these L800 are Astronomical they are doing more with less connected to the Onkyo TX-NR7100, I would have totally missed out, I am so happy Bestbuy did not have the L600 in Black Ash and it forced me to buy the L800 in Black Ash the difference was noticeable instantly and the UA-cam review videos would have caused me to miss out on speakers that are Astronomical. I don't have side or rear speakers but these speakers make sound come out the wall not bounce off of the wall but come out of the wall if the audio is there and I can't believe what these speakers can do.
@@robertkiell Polk SDA (Stereo Dynamic Array) technology works by using a second set of drivers, called a "dimensional array," alongside the regular drivers in a speaker to produce a sound wave that cancels out the unwanted "inter-aural crosstalk" signal, resulting in a more accurate and spacious stereo image by minimizing the perception of sound coming directly from the speakers, making it seem like the sound is coming from a wider soundstage directly in front of you. Key points about SDA technology: Inter-aural Crosstalk: This is the phenomenon where sound from one speaker reaches both ears at the same time, which can blur the stereo image. Dimensional Array: The additional set of drivers in an SDA speaker produce a sound wave that is specifically designed to cancel out the inter-aural crosstalk signal. Phase Cancellation: When the crosstalk signal and the cancellation signal from the dimensional array meet your ears at the same time, they effectively cancel each other out due to their opposite phases. Benefits of SDA technology: Improved Soundstage: By reducing crosstalk, SDA speakers can create a wider and more accurate soundstage, making it feel like the sound is coming from directly in front of you. Enhanced Stereo Imaging: Individual instruments and sounds can be more clearly localized within the listening area. Works with any content: SDA technology does not require any special processing of the audio signal and can work with any stereo content.
Hi, I've been so swamped that I've not had an opportunity to post a proper review video. Sounds like an excuse, I know ;) . To be perfectly honest, and after several months of ownership, I can officially say these are the finest speakers I've owned...and I've owned quite a few. B&W 805 and 804 D2's, a bunch of Focals, Klipsch LaScalas, SVS Ultras, Salk Songtowers, even some Wilson Watts. The L800's, being not terribly efficient, do require adequate power to be driven properly and really come alive. In my case, they have been bi-amped utilizing a pair of Anthem MCA 225's. I was equally impressed by the matching L400 center and L200's though I recently sold them because I've determined that what makes me happiest is a 2.2 system consisting of the L800's and a pair of REL S/5 subs. Surround sound...even for movies...just doesn't do it for me. The REL subs really aren't necessary but the low-end is absolutely sublime with them as the RELs are just SO musical and capable. I'm also using an SMSL SU-9 DAC, btw, which can (and does) decode MQA, for whatever that's worth. At any rate...for me, they are my end-game speakers and I genuinely don't see myself buying another speaker to hold on to. Since you're into classic rock, I am confident you'd be incredibly pleased. Hope this has been helpful.
@@spyceoflyfe3488 Thank you so much for the reply and your time. I have a new Yamaha AS3200 integrated amplifier, Not sure this alone will be enough to power the speakers? I currently own the JBL L100 speakers which are very efficient
@@mrrandy1 I wish I could say. "On paper", it looks as though it would do very well, though. I experimented recently by using only my Sonos Amp (125x2 @ 8 ohms) class D amplifier to run the L800's and, surprisingly, it did well (aside from the "class D" sound characteristics). I would wager that your AS3200, being rated at 150w x 2 @ 4 ohms and having class A/B amplification, would do very well. I feel confident you wouldn't much miss the L100's if you replaced them with the L800's. I've heard the L100's once before...very nice but with a considerably lesser soundstage.
QUICK UPDATE: Well...a year (+) later and I thought I should write a follow-up describing my experience with the Polk Audio L800 towers. In a word: magnificent. I actually just sold them BUT not because I didn't like them...they were/are the best speakers I've owned in a sea of speakers ranging from $500/pair to $15K/pair. The only reason I sold them is because my home environment/lifestyle is such that I don't require floor standing speakers and really can't play anything loudly in the evenings (which is 99% when I use them). A few weeks back, I purchased the Polk L200 bookshelves and will be using them with my REL S/5 sub. Just a simple 2.1 system, no big deal. Hopefully the new owner will get proper use out of them because I sure didn't! For anyone considering L800's, you really can't go wrong...they WILL reveal faults in poor recordings, though, so try to play quality source material through them whenever possible! Also, because they are not very efficient (86'ish dB, I think and 4 ohm rated), a multi-channel A/V receiver won't be sufficient to power them (well). Thinking of moving to a nice pair of open-back, wireless headphones for late night, louder listening...
@@jedknutson8373 I don't even know what that means. I was just trying/wanting to provide something useful, here, but it seems there must always be someone posting unhelpful and/or rude commentary. Such is the caveman world, I guess...
@SpyceOfLyfe I think what he meant was that you probably welcomed a newborn into this world (your family got bigger). So he assumed, in order to not make the baby upset with loud sounds, you sold them.
well that makes perfect sense . if we can't use a purchase to its full potential then we have to decide to get rid of them and acquire something we can use . 100% reasonable ! 👍
2 years later and still waiting for your review video of the L800's LOL!
Me too rip
I sold them about a year ago. They were MAGNIFICENT but, ultimately, too big for my room. I now have the Polk L200's, which are a better fit. I could not possibly been more pleased with the L800's. They required a fair bit of quality power, to run well, but they are stunning. No shrillness...just very smooth detail, with more than ample bass and on the warm side, which is exactly what I like.
Congratulations!!! Those speakers are beautiful!! I just imagine listening to music or watching movies with them.
They are fantastic speakers...absolutely.
Invested in Sandy Gross Definitive Super Towers back in 2004 BP7001 BP7002 BP7006 with Studio Monitors and CLR2002 Centers. Still amazing today. That said I recently picked up the Polk Reserve R400 Center and wow......R700 Towers in transit. Polk making a statement....never left.
It's unfortunate there are so many people who are still judging Polk by how they were 10 or 20 years ago.
I finally ordered a pair at a 50% mark down. Can't wait to set these up! :)
Have a pair of polk series monitor 12's. Had them for 30 plus years, they still sound great. But I gotta admit I'm drooling over these bad boys.
Thank you for the comment...they punch WAY above their $6K/pair retail price point!
Polk Audio Legend Series L800 Pair With Anthem STR Series STR Integrated Amplifier 💟☮️
Absolutely...a great pairing!!!
Aren't there grills that go on the top as well?
Wooov what a beautiful speakers Enjoy with them. I have signature s60 i love Polk audio
Definitely a Spice of Life.
I always used to open the top of the box, flip the box upside down, and pull the box off the speakers with the box still intact.
Sound advice. I've done that before...just not this time (obviously lol).
Before I go out of my way to demo these speakers, would you please tell me how these perform at low volume? I'm also curious how they sound at a relatively nearfield listening position. I know it's an odd question, but I'm considering these speakers for an uncommon application. Thanks in advance
Just read your comment that you sold them and why and it seems to answer my main question. Cheers
They are excellent at low volume as long as they are supplied with ample power of high quality, definitely.
How do these work in a home theater application? Does the center channel mess with the effect?
Sorry for the VERY delayed response! I can't really say because I only used them briefly in a surround system (5.1). The L800's image SO well that I definitely didn't miss a center channel! Really, truly remarkable speakers.
@@spyceoflyfe3488 no worries! I bought them and they are fantastic. I have the center channel too. Unreal speakers. These are at least my next 10 year speakers. I see no reason to upgrade. Jaw dropping performance
I almost did not buy the Polk Legend L800 speakers because of the UA-cam Video Reviews.
My experience with them only and I cannot speak for anyone else, but my source is Movies on VUDU where I now own 397 Movies the vast majority is in Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio and UA-cam Videos where I have of 1500 Audiophile videos saved in a Folder and The Audio on Movies and UA-cam videos are worth the money Polk is asking for. When I bought theL600 and paired them with the Onkyo TX-NR7100 it was Extraordinary then I replaced the AVR with a Onkyo TX-RZ50 then they went from Extraordinary to Phenomenal and this is in my Guest, Game Home Theater room. So I was going to buy another pair for the living room since I was so Impressed but for some reason Bestbuy on longer had the L600 in Black Ash, the only choice I was left with was the L800 in Black Ash when I got them I paired them with the TX-NR7100 and I could not believe that these L800 are Astronomical they are doing more with less connected to the Onkyo TX-NR7100, I would have totally missed out, I am so happy Bestbuy did not have the L600 in Black Ash and it forced me to buy the L800 in Black Ash the difference was noticeable instantly and the UA-cam review videos would have caused me to miss out on speakers that are Astronomical. I don't have side or rear speakers but these speakers make sound come out the wall not bounce off of the wall but come out of the wall if the audio is there and I can't believe what these speakers can do.
looking at them... how does sda works?
@@robertkiell Polk SDA (Stereo Dynamic Array) technology works by using a second set of drivers, called a "dimensional array," alongside the regular drivers in a speaker to produce a sound wave that cancels out the unwanted "inter-aural crosstalk" signal, resulting in a more accurate and spacious stereo image by minimizing the perception of sound coming directly from the speakers, making it seem like the sound is coming from a wider soundstage directly in front of you.
Key points about SDA technology:
Inter-aural Crosstalk:
This is the phenomenon where sound from one speaker reaches both ears at the same time, which can blur the stereo image.
Dimensional Array:
The additional set of drivers in an SDA speaker produce a sound wave that is specifically designed to cancel out the inter-aural crosstalk signal.
Phase Cancellation:
When the crosstalk signal and the cancellation signal from the dimensional array meet your ears at the same time, they effectively cancel each other out due to their opposite phases.
Benefits of SDA technology:
Improved Soundstage:
By reducing crosstalk, SDA speakers can create a wider and more accurate soundstage, making it feel like the sound is coming from directly in front of you.
Enhanced Stereo Imaging:
Individual instruments and sounds can be more clearly localized within the listening area.
Works with any content:
SDA technology does not require any special processing of the audio signal and can work with any stereo content.
I enjoyed the unboxing. I want a pair :)
Have you purchased a pair? If not, you should ;) ...
very good buy.. wow
They are, to this day, the best speakers I've tried under 10 grand (new).
Do a sound demo!!
I wish I could but I sold them and don't have proper recording equipment...just a nice cell phone with a weak mic lol.
Ok, so how do you like the Polks after spending some time with them? I listen to classic rock, how would they sound with that?
Hi, I've been so swamped that I've not had an opportunity to post a proper review video. Sounds like an excuse, I know ;) . To be perfectly honest, and after several months of ownership, I can officially say these are the finest speakers I've owned...and I've owned quite a few. B&W 805 and 804 D2's, a bunch of Focals, Klipsch LaScalas, SVS Ultras, Salk Songtowers, even some Wilson Watts. The L800's, being not terribly efficient, do require adequate power to be driven properly and really come alive. In my case, they have been bi-amped utilizing a pair of Anthem MCA 225's. I was equally impressed by the matching L400 center and L200's though I recently sold them because I've determined that what makes me happiest is a 2.2 system consisting of the L800's and a pair of REL S/5 subs. Surround sound...even for movies...just doesn't do it for me. The REL subs really aren't necessary but the low-end is absolutely sublime with them as the RELs are just SO musical and capable. I'm also using an SMSL SU-9 DAC, btw, which can (and does) decode MQA, for whatever that's worth. At any rate...for me, they are my end-game speakers and I genuinely don't see myself buying another speaker to hold on to. Since you're into classic rock, I am confident you'd be incredibly pleased. Hope this has been helpful.
@@spyceoflyfe3488 Thank you so much for the reply and your time. I have a new Yamaha AS3200 integrated amplifier, Not sure this alone will be enough to power the speakers? I currently own the JBL L100 speakers which are very efficient
@@mrrandy1 I wish I could say. "On paper", it looks as though it would do very well, though. I experimented recently by using only my Sonos Amp (125x2 @ 8 ohms) class D amplifier to run the L800's and, surprisingly, it did well (aside from the "class D" sound characteristics). I would wager that your AS3200, being rated at 150w x 2 @ 4 ohms and having class A/B amplification, would do very well. I feel confident you wouldn't much miss the L100's if you replaced them with the L800's. I've heard the L100's once before...very nice but with a considerably lesser soundstage.
QUICK UPDATE: Well...a year (+) later and I thought I should write a follow-up describing my experience with the Polk Audio L800 towers. In a word: magnificent. I actually just sold them BUT not because I didn't like them...they were/are the best speakers I've owned in a sea of speakers ranging from $500/pair to $15K/pair. The only reason I sold them is because my home environment/lifestyle is such that I don't require floor standing speakers and really can't play anything loudly in the evenings (which is 99% when I use them). A few weeks back, I purchased the Polk L200 bookshelves and will be using them with my REL S/5 sub. Just a simple 2.1 system, no big deal. Hopefully the new owner will get proper use out of them because I sure didn't! For anyone considering L800's, you really can't go wrong...they WILL reveal faults in poor recordings, though, so try to play quality source material through them whenever possible! Also, because they are not very efficient (86'ish dB, I think and 4 ohm rated), a multi-channel A/V receiver won't be sufficient to power them (well). Thinking of moving to a nice pair of open-back, wireless headphones for late night, louder listening...
shit dude sounds like you had a baby enter the world unexpectedly....
@@jedknutson8373 I don't even know what that means. I was just trying/wanting to provide something useful, here, but it seems there must always be someone posting unhelpful and/or rude commentary. Such is the caveman world, I guess...
@SpyceOfLyfe I think what he meant was that you probably welcomed a newborn into this world (your family got bigger). So he assumed, in order to not make the baby upset with loud sounds, you sold them.
@@spyceoflyfe3488wow dude you're getting offended at literally nothing!
well that makes perfect sense .
if we can't use a purchase to its full potential then we have to decide to get rid of them and acquire something we can use .
100% reasonable ! 👍
Man these are going for 3k new on ebay in 2023 what a deal imo.
Morons always buy newest first same like cars
WOW
A man of (less than a) few words...I like it ;) !
Wished I had $6,000 to get a pair myself. 😉
It's a bitter pill to swallow, for sure, but I was actually able to get them from my local Polk dealer for $4,200.