I threw these on my old Marantz in my great room and they are impressive! More than I expected. My son enjoys listening to music with me in a new way and its awesome!
Love these speakers. I'm running them on an old Pioneer VSX-9300 A/V receiver and have a Dayton powered 8" subwoofer along with them in a small family room. They sound fantastic to me. Bought them in October 2020 from Crutchfield when they had them half off. Brand new, delivered for $125. Can't beat that!
Polk entered the market in the late 70's with that goal in mind. Provide as much of a high end sound as possible at the price point. The old Polk Monitor 5 and 10 with a peerless tweeter were a VAST improvement over the mass market thump/screech and sizzle at that price point. My 1st demo on some POLKS was a GRP Jazz cd around 1987. The imaging, transparency, openness and smoothness reminded me of what speakers did costing 3x as much like infinity. For the cost of Monitor 5's, there was not much else that was even listenable, let alone transparent.
Another great video! This is my favorite hifi channel because you cut to the chase and relay the info without a bunch of swollen hyperbole :) Your channel is growing fast, congrats on almost 10k subs!
Hello! How are you? I'll ask you, if you don't mind. I'm going to buy a Marantz M Cr 612 Sintoamplifier for home use to watch movies and music in streaming and also CDs. Do you recommend 4 units of these speakers? Or the SE20 and a couple of these? Or 4 SE15 or 4 SE10? A cordial greeting from Argentina. Keep it up, very good channel!
Word up as Polk being a great audiophile gateway drug. The Polk RTi A1 + a Polk PSW125 subwoofer was my first real system upgrading from the Bose 301. I was very happy with that Polk system for many years. Definitely a fun system! Never had to worry about recordings or the type of music. Polk really makes you feel like you are getting great value, more quality for your money and their "little" bookshelf speakers sound surprisingly bigger than their size. Upgrading to the 2.1 Polk system from the Bose, I got tight punchy bass that was also good for home theater. Great value under $700 at the time.
I have a similar setup in my home office. Rti a1s paired with deftech super cube and Marantz sr7000. I love the sound and although I continue to have an itch to switch them out with something else but their sound, looks and finish/build quality is still pretty amazing (cherry color looks good)...
Good on ya, mate. Total score for the win with those R10 at the price. That is a *very* tidy full-range budget system. Steve Guttenberg has been singing the praises of the R-S202 for many moons. Most importantly, it is enjoyable and makes ya want to sit & listen to music. Cheers.
3:11 My dad got me a set of S15s for Christmas a year or two ago and I will admit that there is absolutely no going back. I am going to add a few more speakers to my collection soon, two more bookshelf speakers and a center.
I bought these with almost a 50% discount 3 months ago. These small speakers sounds extremely good and there is actually good punch in them for the size! Mine are powered by a 2x4 ohm 50watt amp (which would be around 25 watts at 4 ohm).
You've got yourself a new Subscriber here! I'm upgrading from a 2003 Sony 5.1 System to a Onkyo TX-NR686 - S55's Polk Audio setup with the exact same S15's as my rear speakers, and the S35 centre. You just got me excited with this review!!! I can't wait!👌
i just bought s55 with the s35 as my center and the s20s as my rear they sound amazing with movies if your buying them for home theater i would go with the s20 they are worth the extra money. they provide alot more bass and can reach much lower hrz.
Yes, gateway, so important. Gotta be fun and affordable. Exciting first impressions reveal the audio pleasure principal, hearing your rich music in your own space. Grab a taste and you'll want more, the doorways never been wider, $229.00 - $229K its the hunt as well as the feast. Thanks ZF, welcoming all to the table!
Great review. Hadn't caught your vids in a while but used to watch alot of yours 3+ years ago. Nice job. Your reviews are some of the best around because they are "complete" with tech details, competitive comparisons w/ the particular piece, and not stuffed w/ hyperbole. Figured I'd share. Keep up the good work. 👍
The Signature series is used by a lot of People with very high end equipment, usually they use the towers. They are very revealing, with excellent clarity, depth, and soundstage.
I purchased the RT55i's back in 2000. The bookshelf's with 2 6 inch mids. Big suckers. Still have them today. They sound better now than what they did back then. The reason is because i am older and can't hear much above 16khz so they are not bright anymore.
I remember those big mofos. My first set of loudspeakers were the RT2000p's. Ended up trying just about everything from that series short of the 5000 system (3000p towers with the 1000p center). Fun stuff! Got a chuckle out of the hearing comment. I'm sure I'm not too far off from that point as well.
I can go back further. I purchased the LS-90's in 1993 and I still have the speakers. I have Polks powered by a NAD 218 THX amp, just enough power when your in the mood to Rock!
For the 1/2-off sale price they've been running, these have been excellent speakers. Got a pair for my bedroom stereo and a friend bought a pair to start his hi-fi adventure.
I have the Signature Elite ES20 version of these. The treble boost has definitely been dampened and they provide plenty of clean bass. I actually cross them over at 40Hz and run with two subwoofers and they sound great. For some reason speakers always sound better in my room crossed over at least down to 60Hz.
I’ve been liking this line. Came from the pioneer Andrew jones line, which were my gateway. In my man cave, I now run a pair of s60’s, an s30 center, pair of s20 front heights, a pair of s15 surrounds, and a pair of 15” monoliths. And in the living room a pair of s10’s, a s35 center, and a bic f12. Both setups on Yamaha 581’s, with soundcast I get multiple levels of the house to play music and blend beautifully. The aesthetics keep the wife happy, and the cost and sound keep me more than happy.
how do you think this system compars to the pioneer line just curious because im running the s55 s35 and s20 also and i love them but i was also looking at pioneers andrew jones line before
Good review, I like the way u review equipment in a easy enjoyable way with out all the Garbo , specially for new Comers that don’t understand all the details. 😊
Coming from an old 5.1 samsung home theater in a box... I built a SONY Core series Dolby Atmos system for my home theater (5.1.2) with the Book Shelf, Center, Atmos, and Sub (for an Apartment). I bought a pair of Polk S10 (I needed something smaller) for my surrounds, and I like the crisp sound effects (and I can tone it down a bit if I needed to). However, the coolest thing I ended up doing is I used the Polk S10 in conjunction with the SONY SSCS8 (Center), and because of the higher treble on the Polks, it really gave a lot more clarity on the dialogue while also expanding the center channel sound stage to better match the screen size. I probably wouldn't recommend a Polk setup for every speaker position because of the higher treble, but for center the speech is so much clearer, and for the surrounds it gave plenty of pop to gun shot effects, etc. while still giving good mid range.
I'm quite happy with my Polk Monitor 40 II bookshelf speakers. The drivers are quite good and the crossover doesn't harm the sound. Their downside? In spite of a nice appearance, the cabinets are too thin, and not rigid enough for the two 5.25 inch midbass drivers. When I apply power to really fill the room, I'm hearing cabinet resonance. For the money, they have great sound.
I bought a set of Polk SDA CRS in 1985--These have 2 tweeters per speaker unlike the ones I've seen with just 1 tweeter. After 33 years, they still look like new and sound like new. I have disturbed neighbors 4 houses away, but that was years ago. I have to wonder if a capacitor can last 33 years without leaking. I've put a stethoscope up to all the drivers and there's sound coming out of all of them, so I don't know. But I can tell you that any speaker that can last 33 years has got to be a keeper. I'm considering replacing the tweeters and the crossovers as they are the only parts I would think would be in question. The surrounds on the midrange speakers still looks new. I've also purchased the T-50's, T30 and this morning a set of S15's. I'm a Polk fan, one day I could switch over to Klipsch, if I didn't have so much tied up with Polk.
Smart well done review brother. I love you have chosen a product that looks the business and will give someone new to the hobby pride of ownership, and oh by the way IT SOUNDS GOOD. Won’t break the bank. Good and honest job brother. Keep em comin.
I just got the full 5.1 set-up of Polk's Signature series Polk S55 (Pair) front Polk S35 center Polk S15 (Pair) rear Polk HTS 12 subwoofer I love the set up. They really open up after 40 it so hours.
Am one of those people who first heard a Polk Audio system playing "FM RADIO" at a mass market retail store and made me go - I've never heard anything like this! Is this what Hi Fi is supposed to be like? Someday I'll get myself a Polk Audio stuff. This was a decade ago - am from a Tier 2 Metro city in India. Bose was the only other thing in the world of Hi Fi other than everything else. Polk Audio was my first official introduction, and for that I'll be grateful to them, even though I can today buy a ton of stuff online from almost anywhere in the world.
My 'gateway drug' was the original (OG) LSi series (like 17 years ago) auditioned the LSi7's, LSi9's, LSi25's (much to the dismay of that poor Manager of my local Tweeter Audio Store)... Ultimately, ended up with the LSi15's... Still rockin the LSi15's... Still hold up 17 years later. Don't get me wrong, still bought other speakers/equipment over the years... Gotta say tho, this new Reserve line from Polk, is to me the new modern day equivalent to the OG LSi Series.
Long before you were born, the Polk 10's were the speakers that let me say goodby to my beloved AR3a's. Their base wasn't as deep but their clarity blew my ming. But that was long ago and far away.. I just bought the HS20's for a set up in the country. Original impressions are fine, I'm breaking then in. But those AR3a's are dearly missed. Of course I've spent a fortune on audio and have had many great speakers. Right now my Vandersteens rule the coop. Take care and tante belle cose.
I looked at these, listened to some reviews online and decided to go with the S20's instead combining them with the super slim S35 Center Channel speaker and could not be happier.
So I bought these a few weeks ago and I've been getting some massive headaches. The setup I had before was some tiny htib speakers that were laying around. Those never gave me fatigue like these do. I've also tried hanging blankets on the back wall to see if it was a reflection problem, and that seems to have helped. Might try returning these and grab the ELAC B6s and see how those do.
Always enjoy your speaker reviews. I'm not a fan of the glossy plastic on the baffle. I'd rather just have the vinyl wrap all the way around. That is a cool finish with the grey highlights.
Yea I have the klipsch lineup from 2014 that Best Buy sells. Got everything 50% off during Black Friday. I like the speakers but it’s time for an upgrade. I might go with the svs ultra line since I already own 2 pb2000s. I really like the look of these Polk speakers though
My friend has these and I played Sol Invictus by Audiomachine and a few other epic tracks like creation of earth by Thomas Bergesen (TSFH) and he was convinced to keep them because these tracks have some awesome details that other price conscious offerings have a problem resolving. The bass while not being overbearing busy robust enough... and then the lion roar in creation... he fell in love. All this was after I switched out his amp for something with enough to push these comfortably... his little Lepai... while works wonders for the size definitely short sells the capabilities of this small bookie.
Excelent review! Do you think the Polk S20 should sound as good as the S15? I would like more bass and I think the S20 would provided it. Another question: Do you think the bigger Polk S60 should IMAGE as well as the S15 being a larger speaker? Thank you!
Quick question. Hopefully it gets answered. I'm setting up a home theater system. I got one hell of a deal on a Yamaha RX-V479 (so you know what I'm working with for an amplifier). I'm also just wanting to get my fronts and rears matching. All 4 speakers preferably the same. I'm looking at the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, also the B5.2. What I'm trying to make a choice between the Elacs and the Polk Signature S20 and S15. I already have a BIC V-1220 sub. I love music and like it loud (mostly modern rock, but some hip hop type stuff too), but also watch a lot of movies. My audio source is the HDMI output from a high end Nvidia graphics card in my $4,000 USD custom built computer. I've heard great reviews on both the Elac Debut 2.0 and the Polk Signature Series. I know it's still all subjective still, but I'm just trying to get some feedback. Thank you in advance. I love a full sound of highs, mids and lows. The lows are obviously covered with the BIC V-1220.
I recently purchased the S20s and the S10s for my Yamaha 383 to replace the factory plastic surround system, I absolutely love these speakers, I grew up listening to the huge solid pioneers and Marantz and custom hand built infinitys, Polk has stepped up finally, I'm soon adding the S35 sub and the S15s and upgrading to a new Marantz receiver amp... PPS...I like to listen to Solar echoes Really loud ☠ I don't get Headaches 😎🍺
Excellent and understandable review, ZF. I think this review connects with lots of viewers. And many thanks for T50/S15 bonus section. Out of curiosity, have you listened to the S15s with your Vista Spark? If so, could you share your thoughts?
Thanks. So the Spark / S15 pairing is interesting. I'd only recommend it for desktop use, as the Spark doesn't really have enough cajones to drive them to loud volumes. That said, the pairing itself is fairly good. The Spark cleans up their midrange, tightens the bass, and makes them sound more like a proper set of hi-fi loudspeakers. A good match for somebody who plans on listening at low to moderate volumes, or with fairly simple music.
Interesting...thanks. I really appreciate your answer. FYI--I don't see the S15 currently listed on Polk's website (only the S10 and S20). I wonder: Is the S15 discontinued?
I bought these and the Sony Cores s5's that where also reviewed . I will make it short .. the Sony's out of the box are great where as the S15's would sound better and better after hours of play. The Sony's sounded the same after hours of play, so I stayed with the Polk's. They also reminded me of my old NHT ones that I bought like fifteen years ago. Those where the best speakers I ever owned.
I got to sample a good klipsch system in a customer's home a few days ago. and I was wowed by them big time. I have some polks and I'm seriously thinking of going klipsch
Hey Sean, great review as always. I actually have a pair of these S15's sitting in my living room, yet to be unboxed for the last 2 months. I need same small stands for them and seeing the ones you are showcasing your pair on look PERFECT! Please tell me what those are and where to find them..6" elevation it looks like..perfect for my desk. Thanks in advance & please keep the reviews coming!
Hey Mark. Awesome stuff! You need to free those Polks! #freethepolks. As for the stands: I made those things many years ago, so I'm afraid there's nothing like em' on the market! You could check out options from IsoAcoutics though.
Ok guys.....wil follow your recomandationes about S20es....with stereo reciver which deliwers 100Wats per ch. on 8 ohms and questione? do they sound so nice and full in a low levels of listening thanks
@@ramondelgado6778 ah...at the end... I bought..Yamaha As 100, and Creek A100 ,amplifires JAMO C93...and ATC SCM 7 speakers Have some deacent Klipsch sub and 2×RELs Tzeros All conected trough Rega Dac .... From computer...trough Tv....and then with optic cable...on Rega Dac
Hey Simon. My very first review on this channel as on the Zensor 1. Check it out if you have the time and patience. The nutshell summary is this: The Zensor 1 has an extremely quick, light, and agile sound. On the right gear and music, they sound killer for the money! That said, I think the larger Zensor 3's have a fuller (albeit slower) sound that more people will enjoy.
I'm a big fan of your channel, but I have to ask a silly question. On the polk audio t50 should I cut bass port in front of the speakers? Because I'm using them for screen room. I have placed far corner of the room. Your opinion and comments are respected and appreciated.
Like the review. Just bought the polk bundle with s60,s35,s20 and hts12 with yahmaha 2070 receicer (2800.00$)on AMAZON. Cant find a review of any sort on the full bundle. Only been able to to view one or two videos on just 1 speaker (signature speaker) review. Haven't been able to set my system up yet due to my house is not finished yet(fire). Dont know what to expect. Whats your thought
Should I get these or the Kanto YU Passive 6? Almost same price. I primarily listen to rock and like a detailed bottom. Not boomy but detailed. I have a sub I will pair them with.
I have a pair. I must not have them set up right. They sound great, but I'm laking mids. Just seems like I'm not getting enough fullness in the middle frequencies. I'm using an Onkyo TX SR393 and a Polk Audio PSW108 sub. Maybe I have the cross over set wrong maybe speaker placement is wrong, I'm just not sure. The room is about 15 x 17 with one wall open to the kitchen standard townhouse living room.
I'd put them on some kind of a stand. Sitting any speaker flat on a desk is a recipe for disappointment. The good news is that the S15's are good for nearfield listening. In that environment, I tend to prefer their sound with the drivers more or less facing out directly into the room.
If you could choose the Polk audio LSIM 707 tower speakers or the Polk audio RTIa9 tower speakers witch one do you think is more worth the money. And what's the best and clean and detailed to hear everything? What sounds better then the 707s for less money ?
Good review. I've been looking , haven't seen many reviews from the 'usual suspects' on Utube for what I would consider 'upper middle' priced bookshelves ( I come from an ERA where AR5 & even Advent were 'bookshelf'.... tests of say the NHT C3 ($900. or so per pr ) Polk LS 703 ( $ 1500. pr ) compared to say Buchardt which seems the new fave.
Cool. I may actually get these to replace the Polk T15 that I'm using as desk speakers. The T15s have a couple of annoying spikes, especially the one around 130hz lol. I've EQd it out as much as I can but meh, It's still there lol.
Funnily enough, I have the Pioneer BS21's on hand. As good as they are, the Polk S15's represent a huge step up. I cannot comment on Elac's latest Debut series, but I certainly think the S15's more than hold their own against the original Debut bookies.
I just asked the same question..LoL. This I do know... No speaker in the $200 a pair range matches ELAC's bass output. Also, the ELAC's crossover network is superior according to Crutchfield magazine & live Chat. I asked the question live & the expert at Crutchfield said the ELAC B5 were in a different league than Polk Sig 15. Pol Sigs are prettier tho, that's for sure. But, for real, 3D sound & bass as well, ELAC wins easily. I'm waiting to see Zero Fidelity's review on the new ELAC upgraded B5 called the ELAC 2.0 I believe Zero Fidelity's in for a game change all around this time. POLK's beginning to lose the race in the bargain market. ~ peace
I've been to Crutchfields HQ multiple times. While I respect the company, I have a feeling that whoever you interacted with had just wrapped up ELAC product training. As good as the original ELAC Debut monitors are for the money, they neither sound more realistic than the S15's, nor are they capable of laying down a bigger soundstage. It's actually a pretty even matchup. Now having said that, perhaps the new 2.0's change the game. All told, I welcome the competition. Having lots of kick ass speakers at an affordable price isn't exactly a bad thing!
I very much appreciate all of those responses. I think having all these choices is getting hectic. Ya know what I figured out while I was waffling for so long? I just want something that sounds good. I grew up on 70's era equipment and and just want something to turn on and sound good.
I am confused between Polk s15 ,q aucoustics 3020i and elac debut2 b5.2 for my 5.1 setup for my room size 15x16.i will also buy the matching centre from same brand . Please reply because I can’t audition where I live. Also my avr would be denon x1600h and my movie : music ratio is 70 : 30. Thank you in advance . Ps: I am going to buy denon x1600h as my avr .
Polk still does a lot right. Especially for the money.
The Best for the price better than klipsch
I threw these on my old Marantz in my great room and they are impressive! More than I expected. My son enjoys listening to music with me in a new way and its awesome!
Love these speakers.
I'm running them on an old Pioneer VSX-9300 A/V receiver and have a Dayton powered 8" subwoofer along with them in a small family room. They sound fantastic to me.
Bought them in October 2020 from Crutchfield when they had them half off. Brand new, delivered for $125. Can't beat that!
Polk entered the market in the late 70's with that goal in mind. Provide as much of a high end sound as possible at the price point. The old Polk Monitor 5 and 10 with a peerless tweeter were a VAST improvement over the mass market thump/screech and sizzle at that price point. My 1st demo on some POLKS was a GRP Jazz cd around 1987. The imaging, transparency, openness and smoothness reminded me of what speakers did costing 3x as much like infinity. For the cost of Monitor 5's, there was not much else that was even listenable, let alone transparent.
Another great video! This is my favorite hifi channel because you cut to the chase and relay the info without a bunch of swollen hyperbole :) Your channel is growing fast, congrats on almost 10k subs!
Thanks for the kind words!
Hello! How are you? I'll ask you, if you don't mind. I'm going to buy a Marantz M Cr 612 Sintoamplifier for home use to watch movies and music in streaming and also CDs. Do you recommend 4 units of these speakers? Or the SE20 and a couple of these? Or 4 SE15 or 4 SE10? A cordial greeting from Argentina. Keep it up, very good channel!
Word up as Polk being a great audiophile gateway drug.
The Polk RTi A1 + a Polk PSW125 subwoofer was my first real system upgrading from the Bose 301. I was very happy with that Polk system for many years. Definitely a fun system! Never had to worry about recordings or the type of music.
Polk really makes you feel like you are getting great value, more quality for your money and their "little" bookshelf speakers sound surprisingly bigger than their size. Upgrading to the 2.1 Polk system from the Bose, I got tight punchy bass that was also good for home theater. Great value under $700 at the time.
Right on man. Polk gear has been responsible for many hours of fun here at Casa Del Zero!
I have a similar setup in my home office. Rti a1s paired with deftech super cube and Marantz sr7000. I love the sound and although I continue to have an itch to switch them out with something else but their sound, looks and finish/build quality is still pretty amazing (cherry color looks good)...
Good on ya, mate. Total score for the win with those R10 at the price. That is a *very* tidy full-range budget system. Steve Guttenberg has been singing the praises of the R-S202 for many moons. Most importantly, it is enjoyable and makes ya want to sit & listen to music. Cheers.
I am very happy with this speakers. Great job Polk..
Fantastic you're running it with about $10,000 worth of equipment love that that would bring out the best in any speaker
I have a Yahama amp and they sound great until I turn the volume up a bit. Theres a little too much treble, but at medium volumes they sound amazing.
3:11 My dad got me a set of S15s for Christmas a year or two ago and I will admit that there is absolutely no going back. I am going to add a few more speakers to my collection soon, two more bookshelf speakers and a center.
Those are exactly the same speakers that got me hooked.
I bought these with almost a 50% discount 3 months ago. These small speakers sounds extremely good and there is actually good punch in them for the size!
Mine are powered by a 2x4 ohm 50watt amp (which would be around 25 watts at 4 ohm).
You've got yourself a new Subscriber here! I'm upgrading from a 2003 Sony 5.1 System to a Onkyo TX-NR686 - S55's Polk Audio setup with the exact same S15's as my rear speakers, and the S35 centre. You just got me excited with this review!!! I can't wait!👌
i just bought s55 with the s35 as my center and the s20s as my rear they sound amazing with movies if your buying them for home theater i would go with the s20 they are worth the extra money. they provide alot more bass and can reach much lower hrz.
Classic. Love the review Sean, I just bought some Polk's (RTi A3's) for all the reasons you said one buy's entry level Polk's. Thanks!
Super review. You explain audio (which is always tricky with words) fantastically. Thanks.
Thanks!
Yes, gateway, so important. Gotta be fun and affordable. Exciting first impressions reveal the audio pleasure principal, hearing your rich music in your own space. Grab a taste and you'll want more, the doorways never been wider, $229.00 - $229K its the hunt as well as the feast. Thanks ZF, welcoming all to the table!
Great review. Hadn't caught your vids in a while but used to watch alot of yours 3+ years ago. Nice job.
Your reviews are some of the best around because they are "complete" with tech details, competitive comparisons w/ the particular piece, and not stuffed w/ hyperbole.
Figured I'd share. Keep up the good work. 👍
The Signature series is used by a lot of People with very high end equipment, usually they use the towers. They are very revealing, with excellent clarity, depth, and soundstage.
I purchased the RT55i's back in 2000. The bookshelf's with 2 6 inch mids. Big suckers. Still have them today. They sound better now than what they did back then. The reason is because i am older and can't hear much above 16khz so they are not bright anymore.
I remember those big mofos. My first set of loudspeakers were the RT2000p's. Ended up trying just about everything from that series short of the 5000 system (3000p towers with the 1000p center). Fun stuff! Got a chuckle out of the hearing comment. I'm sure I'm not too far off from that point as well.
The RT55s is still a great speaker.
I Still have a pair of Rt2000ps and a CS1000p in my workout room. I can’t let them go.
I can go back further. I purchased the LS-90's in 1993 and I still have the speakers. I have Polks
powered by a NAD 218 THX amp, just enough power when your in the mood to Rock!
Tony Robinson
I also have a pair of LS-90s too. Great speakers.
I also have a pair of RT16s.
I rotate the extra speakers in my office every 6 months.
RT55s 1998 (non i) were my first speakers and still have them in my office as part of a 5.1
For the 1/2-off sale price they've been running, these have been excellent speakers. Got a pair for my bedroom stereo and a friend bought a pair to start his hi-fi adventure.
I have the Signature Elite ES20 version of these. The treble boost has definitely been dampened and they provide plenty of clean bass. I actually cross them over at 40Hz and run with two subwoofers and they sound great. For some reason speakers always sound better in my room crossed over at least down to 60Hz.
I’ve been liking this line. Came from the pioneer Andrew jones line, which were my gateway. In my man cave, I now run a pair of s60’s, an s30 center, pair of s20 front heights, a pair of s15 surrounds, and a pair of 15” monoliths. And in the living room a pair of s10’s, a s35 center, and a bic f12. Both setups on Yamaha 581’s, with soundcast I get multiple levels of the house to play music and blend beautifully. The aesthetics keep the wife happy, and the cost and sound keep me more than happy.
how do you think this system compars to the pioneer line just curious because im running the s55 s35 and s20 also and i love them but i was also looking at pioneers andrew jones line before
Good review, I like the way u review equipment in a easy enjoyable way with out all the Garbo , specially for new Comers that don’t understand all the details. 😊
Thanks!
Coming from an old 5.1 samsung home theater in a box...
I built a SONY Core series Dolby Atmos system for my home theater (5.1.2) with the Book Shelf, Center, Atmos, and Sub (for an Apartment).
I bought a pair of Polk S10 (I needed something smaller) for my surrounds, and I like the crisp sound effects (and I can tone it down a bit if I needed to).
However, the coolest thing I ended up doing is I used the Polk S10 in conjunction with the SONY SSCS8 (Center), and because of the higher treble on the Polks, it really gave a lot more clarity on the dialogue while also expanding the center channel sound stage to better match the screen size.
I probably wouldn't recommend a Polk setup for every speaker position because of the higher treble, but for center the speech is so much clearer, and for the surrounds it gave plenty of pop to gun shot effects, etc. while still giving good mid range.
I'm quite happy with my Polk Monitor 40 II bookshelf speakers. The drivers are quite good and the crossover doesn't harm the sound. Their downside? In spite of a nice appearance, the cabinets are too thin, and not rigid enough for the two 5.25 inch midbass drivers. When I apply power to really fill the room, I'm hearing cabinet resonance. For the money, they have great sound.
Thanks for the review I'm definitely gonna get the Polk s20
Man those are some great looking speakers! Awesome price point. Love that they have magnetic grills. Great review as always!
Thanks. Yep, Polk did a great job with em'.
The sheep realy complemented this excellent video. Thanks for your hard work.
Great review. Have these as computer speakers and quite happy with them.
I bought a set of Polk SDA CRS in 1985--These have 2 tweeters per speaker unlike the ones I've seen with just 1 tweeter. After 33 years, they still look like new and sound like new. I have disturbed neighbors 4 houses away, but that was years ago. I have to wonder if a capacitor can last 33 years without leaking. I've put a stethoscope up to all the drivers and there's sound coming out of all of them, so I don't know. But I can tell you that any speaker that can last 33 years has got to be a keeper. I'm considering replacing the tweeters and the crossovers as they are the only parts I would think would be in question. The surrounds on the midrange speakers still looks new. I've also purchased the T-50's, T30 and this morning a set of S15's. I'm a Polk fan, one day I could switch over to Klipsch, if I didn't have so much tied up with Polk.
I agree. I have a pair of Polk SDA2B's that I bought in 1988 and they still sound fantastic.
@@michaelvanbuskirk8845 I just found that a thousand dollars in 1988 would be 2300.00 today in today's dollars, go figure.
Great review man, as always! 👍🏻
Smart well done review brother. I love you have chosen a product that looks the business and will give someone new to the hobby pride of ownership, and oh by the way IT SOUNDS GOOD. Won’t break the bank.
Good and honest job brother. Keep em comin.
Thanks man! Yep, Polk did a fantastic job with these speakers.
Zero Fidelity keep it up! The hobby needs guys like you.
I just got the full 5.1 set-up of Polk's Signature series
Polk S55 (Pair) front
Polk S35 center
Polk S15 (Pair) rear
Polk HTS 12 subwoofer
I love the set up. They really open up after 40 it so hours.
nice review Sean, thank you, will pay attention on them in the next few months. Nice contrast at the end with the T50, thank you.
Am one of those people who first heard a Polk Audio system playing "FM RADIO" at a mass market retail store and made me go - I've never heard anything like this! Is this what Hi Fi is supposed to be like? Someday I'll get myself a Polk Audio stuff. This was a decade ago - am from a Tier 2 Metro city in India. Bose was the only other thing in the world of Hi Fi other than everything else. Polk Audio was my first official introduction, and for that I'll be grateful to them, even though I can today buy a ton of stuff online from almost anywhere in the world.
My 'gateway drug' was the original (OG) LSi series (like 17 years ago) auditioned the LSi7's, LSi9's, LSi25's (much to the dismay of that poor Manager of my local Tweeter Audio Store)... Ultimately, ended up with the LSi15's... Still rockin the LSi15's... Still hold up 17 years later. Don't get me wrong, still bought other speakers/equipment over the years... Gotta say tho, this new Reserve line from Polk, is to me the new modern day equivalent to the OG LSi Series.
Long before you were born, the Polk 10's were the speakers that let me say goodby to my beloved AR3a's. Their base wasn't as deep but their clarity blew my ming. But that was long ago and far away.. I just bought the HS20's for a set up in the country. Original impressions are fine, I'm breaking then in. But those AR3a's are dearly missed. Of course I've spent a fortune on audio and have had many great speakers. Right now my Vandersteens rule the coop. Take care and tante belle cose.
I find that the S20s are even more fun.
I looked at these, listened to some reviews online and decided to go with the S20's instead combining them with the super slim S35 Center Channel speaker and could not be happier.
So I bought these a few weeks ago and I've been getting some massive headaches. The setup I had before was some tiny htib speakers that were laying around. Those never gave me fatigue like these do. I've also tried hanging blankets on the back wall to see if it was a reflection problem, and that seems to have helped. Might try returning these and grab the ELAC B6s and see how those do.
Always enjoy your speaker reviews. I'm not a fan of the glossy plastic on the baffle. I'd rather just have the vinyl wrap all the way around. That is a cool finish with the grey highlights.
Could you review s60 tower speakers?
Yea I have the klipsch lineup from 2014 that Best Buy sells. Got everything 50% off during Black Friday. I like the speakers but it’s time for an upgrade. I might go with the svs ultra line since I already own 2 pb2000s. I really like the look of these Polk speakers though
Great review as always! I see that you have new Halo amps. I would like to hear your thoughts on those amps in the near future.
Good eye. The latest JC-5 is killer. This is one of those rare times when I'm in NO rush to send a review sample back.
Nice speaker review! Can you tell me were to pick up the speaker stands in the video! Been looking for them. Thanks!
My friend has these and I played Sol Invictus by Audiomachine and a few other epic tracks like creation of earth by Thomas Bergesen (TSFH) and he was convinced to keep them because these tracks have some awesome details that other price conscious offerings have a problem resolving. The bass while not being overbearing busy robust enough... and then the lion roar in creation... he fell in love.
All this was after I switched out his amp for something with enough to push these comfortably... his little Lepai... while works wonders for the size definitely short sells the capabilities of this small bookie.
He still wants me to build him some speedsters (DIY Paul Carmody design) but these will be fine until he gets his hands on those little wonders!
Use these in my movie room and absolutely love them.
Did you use these as your mains and a sub?
Yes. I've got now s20e. It's Fuc...great with onkyo TX 8250
Excelent review! Do you think the Polk S20 should sound as good as the S15? I would like more bass and I think the S20 would provided it. Another question: Do you think the bigger Polk S60 should IMAGE as well as the S15 being a larger speaker? Thank you!
Hello, I would love you to review the Fluance SX-6. Thank you for all the information you share. Love your content
Thanks for the suggestion and the positive vibes! Will see if I can make it happen.
Hey man where did you get those small speaker stands ?
justun chan Sorry for late reply, but you can find various styles of speaker stands on Crutchfield.com
Did you ever figure out exactly where the speaker stands came from?
Quick question. Hopefully it gets answered. I'm setting up a home theater system. I got one hell of a deal on a Yamaha RX-V479 (so you know what I'm working with for an amplifier). I'm also just wanting to get my fronts and rears matching. All 4 speakers preferably the same. I'm looking at the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, also the B5.2. What I'm trying to make a choice between the Elacs and the Polk Signature S20 and S15. I already have a BIC V-1220 sub. I love music and like it loud (mostly modern rock, but some hip hop type stuff too), but also watch a lot of movies. My audio source is the HDMI output from a high end Nvidia graphics card in my $4,000 USD custom built computer. I've heard great reviews on both the Elac Debut 2.0 and the Polk Signature Series. I know it's still all subjective still, but I'm just trying to get some feedback. Thank you in advance. I love a full sound of highs, mids and lows. The lows are obviously covered with the BIC V-1220.
Good looking speakers for the price point.
Yeah man. They really do stand out. Especially in a retail environment like Best Buy.
I recently purchased the S20s and the S10s for my Yamaha 383 to replace the factory plastic surround system, I absolutely love these speakers, I grew up listening to the huge solid pioneers and Marantz and custom hand built infinitys,
Polk has stepped up finally,
I'm soon adding the S35 sub and the S15s and upgrading to a new Marantz receiver amp...
PPS...I like to listen to Solar echoes
Really loud ☠
I don't get Headaches 😎🍺
incredible video friend. You are very very well spoken. Keep up the good work.
Nice review.. Will you be reviewing the SVS satellite speakers 🔊 or center channel? Thanks amigo 👍🏼🙏🏼✌🏼
Excellent and understandable review, ZF. I think this review connects with lots of viewers. And many thanks for T50/S15 bonus section. Out of curiosity, have you listened to the S15s with your Vista Spark? If so, could you share your thoughts?
Thanks. So the Spark / S15 pairing is interesting. I'd only recommend it for desktop use, as the Spark doesn't really have enough cajones to drive them to loud volumes. That said, the pairing itself is fairly good. The Spark cleans up their midrange, tightens the bass, and makes them sound more like a proper set of hi-fi loudspeakers. A good match for somebody who plans on listening at low to moderate volumes, or with fairly simple music.
Interesting...thanks. I really appreciate your answer. FYI--I don't see the S15 currently listed on Polk's website (only the S10 and S20). I wonder: Is the S15 discontinued?
Go figure--now the S15 is visible (and available) on Polk's website. On sale!
I bought these and the Sony Cores s5's that where also reviewed . I will make it short .. the Sony's out of the box are great where as the S15's would sound better and better after hours of play. The Sony's sounded the same after hours of play, so I stayed with the Polk's. They also reminded me of my old NHT ones that I bought like fifteen years ago. Those where the best speakers I ever owned.
Thank you! This was exactly was I was looking for! Also, the Polk's are rated at 8 ohms so my amp will run happier.
Some says that speaker doesn't actually break in, but the other way around with the listener getting used to the sound lol
Where did you get the stands! They look great
I got to sample a good klipsch system in a customer's home a few days ago. and I was wowed by them big time. I have some polks and I'm seriously thinking of going klipsch
Hey Sean, great review as always. I actually have a pair of these S15's sitting in my living room, yet to be unboxed for the last 2 months. I need same small stands for them and seeing the ones you are showcasing your pair on look PERFECT! Please tell me what those are and where to find them..6" elevation it looks like..perfect for my desk. Thanks in advance & please keep the reviews coming!
Hey Mark. Awesome stuff! You need to free those Polks! #freethepolks. As for the stands: I made those things many years ago, so I'm afraid there's nothing like em' on the market! You could check out options from IsoAcoutics though.
Zero Fidelity Damn, those stands are beautiful! Thanks man, will free them soon #FreeThePolks LOL!
Incredible speakers!
I have the s20
Hello, do you recommend the S20s for music or are they designed and voiced for home theatre? Thanks
@@MrAlvarochahin yes!
They sound great to everything
Ok guys.....wil follow your recomandationes about S20es....with stereo reciver which deliwers 100Wats per ch. on 8 ohms
and questione?
do they sound so nice and full in a low levels of listening
thanks
@@zorankalina4399 what kind of receiver do you have? not all watts are the same. make and model # please.
@@ramondelgado6778 ah...at the end...
I bought..Yamaha As 100, and Creek A100 ,amplifires
JAMO C93...and ATC SCM 7 speakers
Have some deacent Klipsch sub and 2×RELs Tzeros
All conected trough Rega Dac ....
From computer...trough Tv....and then with optic cable...on Rega Dac
Articulate and knowledgeable. Good review. Any opinions on Dali Zensor 1?
Hey Simon. My very first review on this channel as on the Zensor 1. Check it out if you have the time and patience. The nutshell summary is this: The Zensor 1 has an extremely quick, light, and agile sound. On the right gear and music, they sound killer for the money! That said, I think the larger Zensor 3's have a fuller (albeit slower) sound that more people will enjoy.
Zero Fidelity. Thank you.
I use these as monitors for my studio (long story and alot of wires lol.) and they kick ass!
Polk audio sound is awesome.
I'm a big fan of your channel, but I have to ask a silly question. On the polk audio t50 should I cut bass port in front of the speakers? Because I'm using them for screen room. I have placed far corner of the room. Your opinion and comments are respected and appreciated.
Would be nice to see you review the signature series tower speakers
Amazing video! What do you think about the signature s60??
Like the review. Just bought the polk bundle with s60,s35,s20 and hts12 with yahmaha 2070 receicer (2800.00$)on AMAZON. Cant find a review of any sort on the full bundle. Only been able to to view one or two videos on just 1 speaker (signature speaker) review. Haven't been able to set my system up yet due to my house is not finished yet(fire). Dont know what to expect. Whats your thought
Hello mr, very nice review! How does this compare to klipsch r51m? Thanks!!
Should I get these or the Kanto YU Passive 6? Almost same price.
I primarily listen to rock and like a detailed bottom. Not boomy but detailed. I have a sub I will pair them with.
How do these pair with a NAD C 316? Which btw I just bought after watching your review 👍🏻
I have a pair. I must not have them set up right. They sound great, but I'm laking mids. Just seems like I'm not getting enough fullness in the middle frequencies. I'm using an Onkyo TX SR393 and a Polk Audio PSW108 sub. Maybe I have the cross over set wrong maybe speaker placement is wrong, I'm just not sure. The room is about 15 x 17 with one wall open to the kitchen standard townhouse living room.
Nice review! Could you also review the S10 and S20? Also please review the NHT Super zero 2.1 and Super one 2.1?
Polk were my first nicer speaker besides my energy take classic. Definitely started it all.
Great job bro! How about the Klipsch The Sixes Powered Monitor or the KEF LS50 Wireless? thanks for your help
Wish I could help! I haven't had the chance to experience The Sixes, so I have no idea how they stack up the wireless LS50's.
what if you had to chose to review one? ;-)
Would likely opt to review the LS50's. :)
I love Polk I’ve had tsi300 tsi400 monitor 65 and 75 my favourite have to be monitor 65
Well done video, I just bought a pair!
Are they any good on a desk? I have Cambridge Audio SX50 and they just don't work on a desk. I have to be all the way back in my office to have bass.
I'd put them on some kind of a stand. Sitting any speaker flat on a desk is a recipe for disappointment. The good news is that the S15's are good for nearfield listening. In that environment, I tend to prefer their sound with the drivers more or less facing out directly into the room.
Which is better wharf 225 or polk s20? for punchier bass and crisp highs? thanks
You should do a review on the Polk audio s20 love videos like this
Thank you for this video and what stands are those?
Just some wooden stands that I made a long, long time ago.
i used to have a pair of polk rt1000p speakers. i had to get rid of them and i miss them so much.
If you could choose the Polk audio LSIM 707 tower speakers or the Polk audio RTIa9 tower speakers witch one do you think is more worth the money. And what's the best and clean and detailed to hear everything? What sounds better then the 707s for less money ?
Thanks mate, very informative!
Good review, as usual.
Good review. I've been looking , haven't seen many reviews from the 'usual suspects' on Utube for what I would consider 'upper middle' priced bookshelves ( I come from an ERA where AR5 & even Advent were 'bookshelf'....
tests of say the NHT C3 ($900. or so per pr ) Polk LS 703 ( $ 1500. pr ) compared to say Buchardt which seems the new fave.
what do you think i should get for my tv?
polk s10 with a subwoofer (psw10)
or just the T50's?
Best Buy has some speakers for sale just not on display for listening! They have tons of sound bars though!
Polk S15 vs Pioneer BS22... which one would you pick?
Cool. I may actually get these to replace the Polk T15 that I'm using as desk speakers. The T15s have a couple of annoying spikes, especially the one around 130hz lol. I've EQd it out as much as I can but meh, It's still there lol.
I've moved on the micca MB speakers from T15
Would you recommend using it as a rear speaker?
I'd like to know also. Need to add to my new Kef 950's
Can you let me know if there is a machine screw in the bottom for mounting on a stand or tripod?
Honest product for the money. The lsi9 had a nice tweeter, but meh on the rest. $1800 a pair was absurd.
I just want to know whats with the sheep? 😮
I'm addicted to Polk!
Can you please recommend the most accurate sound for the money, at this size(bookshelf) and price range($230)?
Jack Flank I like Anwser as well
Probably the wharfedale diamond 225
Are those any good for listening to classical music?
The Pioneers got me.
Are these the next step, or the Elacs?
Funnily enough, I have the Pioneer BS21's on hand. As good as they are, the Polk S15's represent a huge step up. I cannot comment on Elac's latest Debut series, but I certainly think the S15's more than hold their own against the original Debut bookies.
I just asked the same question..LoL.
This I do know...
No speaker in the $200 a pair range
matches ELAC's bass output.
Also, the ELAC's crossover network is superior
according to Crutchfield magazine & live Chat.
I asked the question live & the expert at Crutchfield
said the ELAC B5 were in a different league than Polk Sig 15.
Pol Sigs are prettier tho, that's for sure.
But, for real, 3D sound & bass as well, ELAC wins easily.
I'm waiting to see Zero Fidelity's review on the new ELAC upgraded B5
called the ELAC 2.0
I believe Zero Fidelity's in for a game change all around this time.
POLK's beginning to lose the race in the bargain market.
~ peace
I've been to Crutchfields HQ multiple times. While I respect the company, I have a feeling that whoever you interacted with had just wrapped up ELAC product training. As good as the original ELAC Debut monitors are for the money, they neither sound more realistic than the S15's, nor are they capable of laying down a bigger soundstage. It's actually a pretty even matchup. Now having said that, perhaps the new 2.0's change the game. All told, I welcome the competition. Having lots of kick ass speakers at an affordable price isn't exactly a bad thing!
I very much appreciate all of those responses. I think having all these choices is getting hectic.
Ya know what I figured out while I was waffling for so long?
I just want something that sounds good.
I grew up on 70's era equipment and and just want something to turn on and sound good.
This should be easy. What's your budget, what music do you (mostly) listen to, and what gear do you currently have?
I am confused between Polk s15 ,q aucoustics 3020i and elac debut2 b5.2 for my 5.1 setup for my room size 15x16.i will also buy the matching centre from same brand . Please reply because I can’t audition where I live.
Also my avr would be denon x1600h and my movie : music ratio is 70 : 30.
Thank you in advance .
Ps: I am going to buy denon x1600h as my avr .
Whats a good amp to pair with these, I was considering an AMP100 or Emotiva A100? Any suggestions within that price range?
In this "mass market" and similar price category, how do you feel about the Pioneer SP-FS52?