So help me out with a speaker choice

lupodwdm · « **on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:28 am »

I'm looking to replace my Polt RT5 monitors with something a little updated. I have been pleasently suprised over the years on how much these speakers (bookshelf's on heavy stands, part of a full polk 5.1 system) have been able to hold up to the higher end systems I have heard. I'm driving these with a Sony DA5ES receiver and using a Denon 2910 universal player for a digital source. The polks are starting to show their age and I want to start building a new 5.1 system, starting with a new pair of front mains. I have heard KEF's and like the sound, but they seem to lack some of the punch that the polks have. I have not heard B&W's but I have heard good things about them. I'm looking to spend around $600 for the fronts. What would everyone suggest? I listen to EVERYTHING from classic rock to modern rock to electronica (Bjork, AIR, KMFDM, etc.) The polks seemed to give me a nice balance of good imaging with nice punch. What do you all think would be the best fit for my needs? I have also heard good things about GR research and like the openness of the electrostatic tweeters, but I would want to get a matching center channel eventually so I can use these for home theater use also. I guess I'm looking for imaging/soundstaging most, but a little punch would be nice.

Thanks for the help everyone! BTW....I would be intrested in towers also, if the sound/price is right.

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:34 am »

If you don't have a subwoofer, spend the $600 on that first.

lupodwdm · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:39 am »

I have a 350 watt polk sub, just looking for opinions on the front main speakers.

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:42 am »

Well then I don't think you'll like my next response....save up more money and enjoy the Polks in the meantime..

lupodwdm · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:45 am »

So am I right to say that there is no other pair of speakers I can get for around $600 that will give me an increase in performance over the Polks?

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 12:48 am »

It is my opinion that you should save up more money and get more of an increase than what I think you could get for $600.

I'm sure you could find a pair of speakers that in some ways would better the Polks for $600, but if you saved up to say $1000 or more, you could get a much bigger increase in fidelity.

Music Maven · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Apr 2005, 02:36 am »

Read through the thread on this board about the Montreal show...someone reports there on pretty nice speakers for about $350 or less, Canadian, but I've never heard of the speakers. That doesn't mean they can't be good tho.
Good luck.

Jerry

bundee1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Apr 2005, 03:19 pm »

PSB 4t towers on closeout should work nicely with the Sony. They ususally have a warmer sound yet keeps all the details.

rmihai0 · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Apr 2005, 03:20 pm »

I will try the JM Reynauds Twin MK3.