Thanks so much. Just trying to keep it real. Some products I get in and listen and then look at other reviews of the product and it's almost like they never even listened to them.
I don't get it when people criticize the presenter "who cares?". You do what you do or how you look or if your having coffee or water...I'm one of those that overlook those things and focus on what your talking about...Your doing great and keep up the fine videos...
Glad to hear this positive review about Polk. Really, I don't think anyone wants to hear that speakers can't be good enough to recommend. And by that I don't mean in the way of "everyone gets a participation trophy," but that it's great when speakers (or any sort of product) are genuinely good enough to enjoy and recommend for whatever reasons it may be.
Seriously people? you had issues with his Metallica poster that clearly has Metallica at the top? you had issues with him drinking coffee? friggin snowflakes, if ya don't like it, don't get angry, just go away. Keep up the great work Randy! Been watching lots of your vids and they are always educational and helpful
I also have a set of S20s since 2017 and enjoying them with Sugden A21Signature amplifiers. They sound fantastic together for my music taste. I love what I hear. I enjoyed watching your video and you enjoy your coffee!
Your reviews are Honest which is why your number of subscribers has grown so quickly. We value your opinion! Your not unkind. So go ahead and drink your coffee. We ain't going no where....
Bought two pairs of these and using three for LCR in my home theater. Of course, I have an extra speaker now and not sure what to do with it. They’re crossed over at 80Hz with lower frequencies sent to a pair of RSL subwoofers. I tested many LCR identical speakers and nothing came close to these in how well they perform. Everything just sounds perfectly balanced and clear at all volumes. Cranked them up to reference level recently on Dune (2022) and couldn’t be happier with how wonderful they sound, even off axis, which is important when a few people are over to watch a movie.
@@lloydhudson9032 They’re excellent and go deep enough for my tastes. I haven’t tried anything more expensive, but have read numerous reviews saying they punch above their price point. After getting them on sets of SVS subwoofer feet their performance increased. The bass tightened and objects in my room stopped vibrating. Not cheap feet but worth it to me.
After auditioning speakers from KEF Q100, Triangle Borea BR03, and the Q Acoustics 3030i...I ended up trying the Polk A20's and absolutely love them! They are matched with an Emotiva ta-100 and wow...what a combination! Found a Dayton 12" sub on Parts Express and dialed in around 50hZ. Very happy!
Excellent review. I own these speakers and was amazed how good they are for not much money. I own speakers that cost five times as much but keep going back to these. I actually bought them because they looked cool, dumb reason to buy a speaker, but glad I did.
Thanks for the very honest review and informative content. I just bought a pair of polk s20 and they sound is super smooth and they pack a heavy punch. They sound like a tower speaker jammed into a bookshelf speaker. Very good channel 😊
yes i have an onkyo NR 676, my sub is really weak and is 50 watts, most of the medium base is handled by these pair and only the very low is done by the sub@@nickp6987
They are high res certified, the power port is worth mentioning, it also has decent internal bracing. I would say the same, yes the mid going into the high range seems a bit veiled. They are super easy to drive though and the bass is very good, due to the power port. The are good for movies, synth, ambient music, classical, anything where the little details that are always too quiet. They seem like they're designed for dialogue in movies.
I have the S20 slaved to a Yamaha A-301S integrated amp & a Polk PSW110 powered sub in a 2.0 system. Awesome sounding! Beautiful imaging & great clarity. Absolutely wonderful.
I just got the S55's really like them, well balanced, slightly bright, lot's of presence and it has tons of clean bass when the media calls for it- IIRC it will hit 33hz- downward fired as well- it will shake the room. (I got them running on a Cheaper Sony DH-790 145W receiver) Got them for $160 a piece. They sound perfect with the Jamos 803's in the back channel.
Thank You for your videos. They are so funny yet so informative. After watching this video I started looking for these speakers and got a pair brand new at half price. They kick ass. Thanks again for the recommendation
I use them for my PC music and games when not on headphones. They're set up angled to me from stands... and I couldn't be happier.. got the s20's and their the best I have owned. I won't claim to be an audiophile, but I am in that territory that says I'm not a Novice either... I don't honestly know what I would replace them with if I didn't want to spend a lot more... But it begs the question... why upgrade when they sound so good to me... I am surprised at how well they handle at low volumes while still feeling so tight. It's like the woofer doesn't even move but you can hear all lows, mids and highs just great... and like you said, at high volumes they can just take it.. I don't play them loud unless I'm not standing at my PC. Great video, I think you're pretty much spot on.
Wow! Polk redemption! Great to hear. Can't believe the stark difference between these and the S15's. I love seeing the background with all the stereo gear around you. Also, huge congrats on reaching 1k subs. It's because you are awesome and people know it! Keep kicking arse! Hope you review the Node 2i soon! More streamers out there than anything else and WE are the ones watching your wonderful reviews! God bless and happy holidays!
Many, many thanks for this review and for the one comparing the S20 to the Elac, et al. The "punches you in the face" comment made me want to find out just how hard. They did just that, and I'm still recovering (S20 + S10 + Kanto 8 sub, Cambridge Audio CXA61 amp). How great is it to hear new details in music form the late 1960s!
I have owned my S20's for a few years now and have been happy with them, paired up with a set of S55 towers with 4"x2 woofers, I do like the S20's more, and they are all pumped up by a Marantz PM5005 integrated preamp with records spun up on a Sansui SR838 I got on the cheap and slapped a Grado Red on it. For my purposes it all suits my listening needs.
Another great review and video, good job making me forget about other stuff for awhile! So you were asking for sub $300 speakers for review, I'd like to nominate Jamo Concert 9 Series C 91 II, only because I bought their bigger brother awhile ago and I really like them. The 91s are on sale for $300 now, I got my 93s for $350 about 6 months ago and I'm definitely happy with them, especially at that price. I obviously don't know how the 2 would compare, or how they might compare to your other sub $300 guys, but that's my vote, thanks again!
Wharfedale diamond 11.2 I have them, I like them. No one talks about them. Warm sound, fun sound. I run it of a rega brio amp with a dragonfly red. The dragon fly red makes it a bit faster and makes the intro for money for nothin awesome.
Your reviews are great. I really want to get the es55 for my L & R in my 5.1.2 system but I’ll have to move my tv to accommodate them. The es20 will fit no problem but am I going to be happy with them? This is a 18’x14’ room
Just found them “open box deal” $199 at Audiolab. They are on the way. I’m just getting back into stereos after a few years of little bluetooth phone speakers. OMG I missed the sound! I have old Klipsch speakers with no model numbers on them and wanted something more clear. I tried the SSCS5s but even at mid volume I can hear the woofer farting. They’re going back. These sound like exactly what I’m looking for. I watched a bunch of your videos to figure it out. Glad I found you.
I had my eye on the s20's for a long time, but had given up on them after seeing yours, and others, reviews of the s10 and s15 that weren't that great. Thanks for renewing my interested in these. I like the large size, not a problem in my set up. $270 a pair - ridiculous value! How does the tweeter compare to the Rti A3? The A3 can be bright occasionally .
Thanks a lot, I really love your reviews :) Am hesitating between the Wharfedale 12.1/12.2s and these ones or the newer Polk ES20s. Am wondering which ones do you prefer please? Cheers
Gonna order these as soon as I send these other bookshelf speakers back. Wont type any brands because Im not like that. Hopefully they mesh well with my T30 center and T15 surrounds. SVS PB-1000 subwoofer. Denon AVR-S730H receiver. I dont have a dedicated stereo receiver.....yet. But I will continue to check out some of your videos and see what I can come up with. Thanks, brother!!!!
Looking at a budget system considering these or the Elac b6.2. I have a sleeper amp -Harmon/Hardin HK505 from 1979 I believe 60 watts “twin power” wondering if these s20’s would pair well .. I listen to a lot of Jazz and funk vinyl. I love the look of these as well . I want to avoid boomy bass.. and sub just a nice 2 Chanel set up. Current running Bose 901 series v but sound always need adjustment and placement is a pain for my smaller space
cheapaudioman just re-watched one of your Saturday speaker shootouts where you compared these to the elacs and Cambridge audios. Good info in that and all your vids. Appreciate you brother.
I bought the Polk LsiM 5.0 set when Adorama was blowing them out last year. 707 towers, 706 center, and their big surrounds. Beautiful speakers but i was totally underwhelmed. First powered by Crown 1502 then changed to Crown class AB amps then Parasound A51. With the amp changes they got incrementally better but still didnt do anything for me. i think your term "unremarkable" fits pretty well. i never opened these up but it sounds to me each speaker has 50 crossover parts to achieve a flat response. The sound seemed choked off with no real dynamics or excitemnt no matter how much power i applied. They are enormous and gorgeous though. I picked up a set of Klipsch 8000F towers and 504C center and dayum! That's it! May not be a flat response but the fun factor is back!
Interesting. This is the first thoroughly explained critique of the LSiM line. Everything I see especially about the 707's seem to be nothing but glowing. This as of now has been my top candidate to replace my Polk s60s as well as the other LSiM products for the other channels. I'm going to have to continue to dig a little deeper into this. My other thought was the Polk legend series but those towers are too wide for my space constraints.
Great review. I was all set to purchase the Jamo C 93 II speakers because you spoke so highly of them and they have a high spousal approval factor, but now I'm torn. The Polk or the Jamo? How do they compare? Can ya help I guy out? Really anybody?
Of the Polks I've owned, they have all scaled well with better electronics. An example would be the LS90s driven by a Parasound 2250v2 and new classic 200 preamp. The Polk reserve series are next in line.
I want to buy an amplifier under 500$ for my S20e. Yamaha a-s301(or501), Yamaha R-S202, Nad c 316 BEE, Sony STR-DH190, Crown LI800 or another suggestion. Which Amp should I buy?
I was somewhat disappointed with the polk monitor 70's when I purchased them until I connected them to a Crown amp. They really open up when powered properly and sound wonderful now.
Do you have any wall brackets that are adjustable for this speaker you would recommend? I need to set them high then point them down and towards the center of the room too.
@cheapaudioman. Would you consider a Rotel RB-50 to an amp that can improve the midrange resolution of these Polks? Its a pretty straightforward in its output and sound treatment. Honest. If buy them to be a mild upgrade to my Wharfedale Diamond 10.2--I can't belive Im even contemplating it, but I can't help it.
I have the Polk S15s, but they sound kind of muffled for mains. Less efficient than the older Rtia and Rti speakers. Maybe I should get the Parardigm Monitor SE Atoms (which seem like the older Paradigm Performance Series Atoms) or Polk S20s instead?
How about something from Fluance for the shootout? I’m concerned their price is lower than other speakers and that might correlated to performance, but heard they punch above their weight?
@@cheapaudioman I'm skeptical that the base model Jamos will sound good. But may be worth the price. Very affordable. Check out the JBLs too. So many positive reviews. I won't comment on it's pros and cons. I have a huge list for $500 and under bookshelf if you get to those haha
Thank you for reviewing this product. I'm confused about choosing between this product and the Swans HiVi D100 2.0 Professional Ribbon Tweeter. Is the polk s20 still better than the swans D100?
Have you had a chance to check out the newer ES20? I know you have tried the ES15, but I find it interesting that the new ES20 are only rated down to 44 hz, but they are supposed to be an upgrade over the S20? (39hz)
Curious about something @cheapaudioman....I bought a pair of these with the S35 center channel, replacing my Andrew Jones Dolby Atmos speakers front stage setup - now Im thinking about my rear speaker setup and considering either another pair of S20's for the rear or a pair of S15's in front and moving the S20's to the rear.......are the Signature Elites worth the expense to upgrade?
When I was on market for on the stand speakers the Polks were in my short list.Great and versatile speakers. Given the folks that buy budget speakers pair them commonly with cheap integrated amp or even AV Receivers how this budget speaker sound when hooked to that kind of gear should be informative for the eventual buyers. Congrats to cheapaudioman for the reviews of gear that music lover Joe can afford. PS Damn that poster is totally not music related.
Randy, love your videos. Please help me decide between these Polk s20 with s30 center or Fluance reference xl8f's with matching speakers for home theater usage? Please help me decide I am going crazy trying to decide lol. Thank you, cheers to you!
I ended up buying the ES15, the 20 unfortunately wouldn't fit in my bookshelf, happy with the sound! Compared them to wharferdale and q accoustic~ great value!
This will work in small rooms but will really also work in large rooms. I wouldn't call this speaker laid back but I feel like it has more bass than the Elacs.
@@cheapaudioman Oh cool can't wait for your upcoming video battle. It's so hard to choose the right speakers since all these guys have the same price range.
Any recommendations on something for 5.1 theater and music that’s smallish but with good soundstage and imagining that’s reasonably priced? I have def tech 800’s for my main system but not completely thrilled so I’m looking for something better for my secondary system. Most 6 1/2bookshelve speakers are pretty large for my small room.
I want to set up a desk with some speakers got a polk subwoofer and either getting 4 es110 or 2 es115 and 2 es110 or a pair of the es20 what would be a good recommendation?
Speaker reviews need more King Nothing. Your speaker reviews are so much more useful to people then the audiophile snobbery.
Thanks so much. Just trying to keep it real. Some products I get in and listen and then look at other reviews of the product and it's almost like they never even listened to them.
Don't change to much. Your original content and the way you present it is why I started watching . Keep original
Totally agree with this. There's a reason for the quick rise to 'stardom'! Keep it fresh.
???
I don't get it when people criticize the presenter "who cares?". You do what you do or how you look or if your having coffee or water...I'm one of those that overlook those things and focus on what your talking about...Your doing great and keep up the fine videos...
Thank you, sir
Glad to hear this positive review about Polk. Really, I don't think anyone wants to hear that speakers can't be good enough to recommend. And by that I don't mean in the way of "everyone gets a participation trophy," but that it's great when speakers (or any sort of product) are genuinely good enough to enjoy and recommend for whatever reasons it may be.
Screw them! Do you! I love how you do your videos!
Don’t quite know how to respond to that but thanks?
Slurping coffee, bondage posters from a concert, cheap quality audio equipment. I'm hooked. Keep up the great work, Sir. 👍😂
Seriously people? you had issues with his Metallica poster that clearly has Metallica at the top? you had issues with him drinking coffee? friggin snowflakes, if ya don't like it, don't get angry, just go away. Keep up the great work Randy! Been watching lots of your vids and they are always educational and helpful
If you get angry at other people's comments, just go away. Friggin snowflake.
There is nothing wrong with tying women up every once in a while . It’s good for morale.
Unbelievable 😂 what's wrong with people these days
You're literally angry in your comment about others being angry
@@AndrewB23That’s how I see it. And the whole “snowflake” thing is sooooooo
old. lol. Usually, it tends to apply to the person who says it.
I also have a set of S20s since 2017 and enjoying them with Sugden A21Signature amplifiers. They sound fantastic together for my music taste. I love what I hear. I enjoyed watching your video and you enjoy your coffee!
Your reviews are Honest which is why your number of subscribers has grown so quickly. We value your opinion! Your not unkind. So go ahead and drink your coffee. We ain't going no where....
"You're"..... You wouldn't know I was raised by an English teacher.
@@ginom407 :-)))
You had me at unprepared.
I like the coffee sound bro. Keeps it real.
Bought two pairs of these and using three for LCR in my home theater. Of course, I have an extra speaker now and not sure what to do with it. They’re crossed over at 80Hz with lower frequencies sent to a pair of RSL subwoofers. I tested many LCR identical speakers and nothing came close to these in how well they perform. Everything just sounds perfectly balanced and clear at all volumes. Cranked them up to reference level recently on Dune (2022) and couldn’t be happier with how wonderful they sound, even off axis, which is important when a few people are over to watch a movie.
How do you like that RSL subwoofer?
@@lloydhudson9032 They’re excellent and go deep enough for my tastes. I haven’t tried anything more expensive, but have read numerous reviews saying they punch above their price point. After getting them on sets of SVS subwoofer feet their performance increased. The bass tightened and objects in my room stopped vibrating. Not cheap feet but worth it to me.
After auditioning speakers from KEF Q100, Triangle Borea BR03, and the Q Acoustics 3030i...I ended up trying the Polk A20's and absolutely love them! They are matched with an Emotiva ta-100 and wow...what a combination! Found a Dayton 12" sub on Parts Express and dialed in around 50hZ. Very happy!
You could say that s20 are better than Q acoustics 3030i??
Excellent review. I own these speakers and was amazed how good they are for not much money. I own speakers that cost five times as much but keep going back to these. I actually bought them because they looked cool, dumb reason to buy a speaker, but glad I did.
How much did you pay for them
@@MasterManWithThePlan on sale for 220. Canadian$.
Thanks for the very honest review and informative content. I just bought a pair of polk s20 and they sound is super smooth and they pack a heavy punch. They sound like a tower speaker jammed into a bookshelf speaker. Very good channel 😊
did you have a subwoofer along with these pair? and may I ask what is your amp? thanks!
yes i have an onkyo NR 676, my sub is really weak and is 50 watts, most of the medium base is handled by these pair and only the very low is done by the sub@@nickp6987
Coffee is real, coffee is life. Long live the sound of real coffee!!!!
Yo LOL 😆 ... I LIKE THIS GUY 👍🏾 slowly becoming my new fav 😁 organic and off script 💯✔️
They are high res certified, the power port is worth mentioning, it also has decent internal bracing. I would say the same, yes the mid going into the high range seems a bit veiled. They are super easy to drive though and the bass is very good, due to the power port. The are good for movies, synth, ambient music, classical, anything where the little details that are always too quiet. They seem like they're designed for dialogue in movies.
I have the S20 slaved to a Yamaha A-301S integrated amp & a Polk PSW110 powered sub in a 2.0 system. Awesome sounding! Beautiful imaging & great clarity. Absolutely wonderful.
i have the polk s20 to with cambridge receiver axr-100 sound and imaging are so good the polk s20 is a very good speaker excellent.
@@mark17840 I was interested in getting that same setup! Do you think they would need a sub ?
@@danielacosta1998 yes you will need a subwoofer if you want to use 1or two
This guys intros are so damn funny .. Keep up the good work... You got a new fan this week.
I just got the S55's really like them, well balanced, slightly bright, lot's of presence and it has tons of clean bass when the media calls for it- IIRC it will hit 33hz- downward fired as well- it will shake the room. (I got them running on a Cheaper Sony DH-790 145W receiver)
Got them for $160 a piece.
They sound perfect with the Jamos 803's in the back channel.
$160 a piece! Jesus christ i just paid $349 a piece 3 days ago
Where did you buy them at?
@@MrGambino13 Direct from Polk, but only the white ones were on sale.
You got a good deal. I paid $500 for a pair couple of years ago. Enjoy them!
I liked the coffee sounds it makes it very working class relatable , happy new year
I will listen to you half an hour whatever the topic is. My favorite new channel.
GR Research actually said Polk did a good job on the crossover and speakers as a whole! I like your reviews keep it real!!
Thank You for your videos. They are so funny yet so informative. After watching this video I started looking for these speakers and got a pair brand new at half price. They kick ass. Thanks again for the recommendation
they are brutes and can still be audiophile at the same time. great choice
I use them for my PC music and games when not on headphones. They're set up angled to me from stands... and I couldn't be happier.. got the s20's and their the best I have owned. I won't claim to be an audiophile, but I am in that territory that says I'm not a Novice either... I don't honestly know what I would replace them with if I didn't want to spend a lot more... But it begs the question... why upgrade when they sound so good to me... I am surprised at how well they handle at low volumes while still feeling so tight. It's like the woofer doesn't even move but you can hear all lows, mids and highs just great... and like you said, at high volumes they can just take it.. I don't play them loud unless I'm not standing at my PC. Great video, I think you're pretty much spot on.
Another Great review , get ur coffee back ! Part of what makes you -you. Just adds that touch of relaxation and kick back vibe you have.
Dude have another beer 🍺 nice review
I had polk speakers back in the 1980s brings back memories.
Wow! Polk redemption! Great to hear. Can't believe the stark difference between these and the S15's. I love seeing the background with all the stereo gear around you. Also, huge congrats on reaching 1k subs. It's because you are awesome and people know it! Keep kicking arse! Hope you review the Node 2i soon! More streamers out there than anything else and WE are the ones watching your wonderful reviews! God bless and happy holidays!
BULLSHIT 🤥REVIEWs I have the s15 & s20 saund the same I little y bass everything else is the same
Many, many thanks for this review and for the one comparing the S20 to the Elac, et al. The "punches you in the face" comment made me want to find out just how hard. They did just that, and I'm still recovering (S20 + S10 + Kanto 8 sub, Cambridge Audio CXA61 amp). How great is it to hear new details in music form the late 1960s!
I have owned my S20's for a few years now and have been happy with them, paired up with a set of S55 towers with 4"x2 woofers, I do like the S20's more, and they are all pumped up by a Marantz PM5005 integrated preamp with records spun up on a Sansui SR838 I got on the cheap and slapped a Grado Red on it. For my purposes it all suits my listening needs.
Awesome Video. I just stubbled on your channel and I'm enjoying your attitude / humor.
Absolutely loving your videos!
Jajaja
Another great review and video, good job making me forget about other stuff for awhile!
So you were asking for sub $300 speakers for review, I'd like to nominate Jamo Concert 9 Series C 91 II, only because I bought their bigger brother awhile ago and I really like them. The 91s are on sale for $300 now, I got my 93s for $350 about 6 months ago and I'm definitely happy with them, especially at that price. I obviously don't know how the 2 would compare, or how they might compare to your other sub $300 guys, but that's my vote, thanks again!
I have these s20, s55 & the s35 love them.
I was wondering about the poster. Thanks for the review,
Enjoyed review. Was on the fence re: S20's but not now. Planning on pairing with the Marantz PM 8006 Int. Amp. thank for the review....
I watched the whole video in 2x speed and then sounded normal to me 😁
Wharfedale diamond 11.2
I have them, I like them. No one talks about them.
Warm sound, fun sound. I run it of a rega brio amp with a dragonfly red. The dragon fly red makes it a bit faster and makes the intro for money for nothin awesome.
Think this would be a great one to review.
That or the new Diamond 12 would definitely be a good one.
11.2's on their way. Just ordered them.
Your reviews are great. I really want to get the es55 for my L & R in my 5.1.2 system but I’ll have to move my tv to accommodate them. The es20 will fit no problem but am I going to be happy with them? This is a 18’x14’ room
Just found them “open box deal” $199 at Audiolab. They are on the way. I’m just getting back into stereos after a few years of little bluetooth phone speakers. OMG I missed the sound! I have old Klipsch speakers with no model numbers on them and wanted something more clear. I tried the SSCS5s but even at mid volume I can hear the woofer farting. They’re going back. These sound like exactly what I’m looking for. I watched a bunch of your videos to figure it out. Glad I found you.
I had my eye on the s20's for a long time, but had given up on them after seeing yours, and others, reviews of the s10 and s15 that weren't that great. Thanks for renewing my interested in these. I like the large size, not a problem in my set up. $270 a pair - ridiculous value! How does the tweeter compare to the Rti A3? The A3 can be bright occasionally .
Thanks a lot, I really love your reviews :)
Am hesitating between the Wharfedale 12.1/12.2s and these ones or the newer Polk ES20s.
Am wondering which ones do you prefer please? Cheers
I have a pair that is still in the box waiting to set up my system andd thanks for the review.
3rd video in... I'm starting to appreciate your format. Good on ya bro, do you.... eff the haters
Gonna order these as soon as I send these other bookshelf speakers back. Wont type any brands because Im not like that. Hopefully they mesh well with my T30 center and T15 surrounds. SVS PB-1000 subwoofer. Denon AVR-S730H receiver. I dont have a dedicated stereo receiver.....yet. But I will continue to check out some of your videos and see what I can come up with. Thanks, brother!!!!
Polk audio RTi series vs Signature series, which is better... For example RTi A9 or Signature S60... Please reply me...
Looking at a budget system considering these or the Elac b6.2. I have a sleeper amp -Harmon/Hardin HK505 from 1979 I believe 60 watts “twin power” wondering if these s20’s would pair well .. I listen to a lot of Jazz and funk vinyl. I love the look of these as well . I want to avoid boomy bass.. and sub just a nice 2 Chanel set up. Current running Bose 901 series v but sound always need adjustment and placement is a pain for my smaller space
Great Review...... i have a set ordered.....👍👍👍👍 Polk 20s
I went to the Metallica Guns and Roses concert my mom brought me when I was 13 am 38 now 25 years ago at the Boston Garden
Would love to see you revisit these now that you have a lot more speakers under your belt Randy.
I actually just sent out these to a viewer. Solid speaker though.
cheapaudioman just re-watched one of your Saturday speaker shootouts where you compared these to the elacs and Cambridge audios. Good info in that and all your vids. Appreciate you brother.
@@cheapaudioman debating between these or JBL a130 thoughts?
I bought the Polk LsiM 5.0 set when Adorama was blowing them out last year. 707 towers, 706 center, and their big surrounds. Beautiful speakers but i was totally underwhelmed. First powered by Crown 1502 then changed to Crown class AB amps then Parasound A51. With the amp changes they got incrementally better but still didnt do anything for me. i think your term "unremarkable" fits pretty well. i never opened these up but it sounds to me each speaker has 50 crossover parts to achieve a flat response. The sound seemed choked off with no real dynamics or excitemnt no matter how much power i applied. They are enormous and gorgeous though.
I picked up a set of Klipsch 8000F towers and 504C center and dayum! That's it! May not be a flat response but the fun factor is back!
Interesting. This is the first thoroughly explained critique of the LSiM line. Everything I see especially about the 707's seem to be nothing but glowing. This as of now has been my top candidate to replace my Polk s60s as well as the other LSiM products for the other channels. I'm going to have to continue to dig a little deeper into this. My other thought was the Polk legend series but those towers are too wide for my space constraints.
I totally agree with your comment. Absolutely no instrument separation, everything sounded muddy. Cheap Micca MB42x sounded way better!
Could you try the Polk TSi-200 from Crutchfield? Thanks
I think the could be ideal for smsl vmv a1 class A amp!!!!!!! Good review Randy !!!
Great review. I was all set to purchase the
Jamo C 93 II speakers because you spoke so highly of them and they have a high spousal approval factor, but now I'm torn. The Polk or the Jamo? How do they compare? Can ya help I guy out? Really anybody?
This is really helpful. Thank you so much!
Hi Randy. Can I get good sound from the S20's with the Sony STRDH190 Receiver?
Of the Polks I've owned, they have all scaled well with better electronics. An example would be the LS90s driven by a Parasound 2250v2 and new classic 200 preamp. The Polk reserve series are next in line.
Jbl Studio 230. Great speakers in my opinion, which go for $199 on jbl very often.
I’ll check them out.
I have these & The s15 they sound good together
I just picked these up for $200 new. What a steal. Will these work as near field speakers? If not I can always move them back a bit.
Good Review. I have a pair of the S20's sitting on top of my Polk S60's. Talk about a wall of sound.
I want to buy an amplifier under 500$ for my S20e. Yamaha a-s301(or501), Yamaha R-S202, Nad c 316 BEE, Sony STR-DH190, Crown LI800 or another suggestion. Which Amp should I buy?
I was somewhat disappointed with the polk monitor 70's when I purchased them until I connected them to a Crown amp. They really open up when powered properly and sound wonderful now.
Do you have any wall brackets that are adjustable for this speaker you would recommend? I need to set them high then point them down and towards the center of the room too.
@cheapaudioman. Would you consider a Rotel RB-50 to an amp that can improve the midrange resolution of these Polks? Its a pretty straightforward in its output and sound treatment. Honest. If buy them to be a mild upgrade to my Wharfedale Diamond 10.2--I can't belive Im even contemplating it, but I can't help it.
Would these speakers match better with a Yamaha or Cambridge Audio amp. I'm thinking you would say Yamaha as they tend to be "brighter".
Thank you, great review and made me to go for es20 over es15 or Sony sscs5.
I have the Polk S15s, but they sound kind of muffled for mains. Less efficient than the older Rtia and Rti speakers. Maybe I should get the Parardigm Monitor SE Atoms (which seem like the older Paradigm Performance Series Atoms) or Polk S20s instead?
How about something from Fluance for the shootout? I’m concerned their price is lower than other speakers and that might correlated to performance, but heard they punch above their weight?
Definitely go with the Cambridge Audio SX-60 with 6 inch woofer. If you are still reviewing 5 inch woofer bookshelf, Jamo S803 and JBL Stage A130.
think I can get the Jamos in. Waiting on a refund from amazon and then I'm going to pick those up.
@@cheapaudioman I'm skeptical that the base model Jamos will sound good. But may be worth the price. Very affordable. Check out the JBLs too. So many positive reviews. I won't comment on it's pros and cons. I have a huge list for $500 and under bookshelf if you get to those haha
You say you're unprepared but you did prepare your coffee.
Awesome review bro I have these speakers awesome sounding and imaging
Thank you for reviewing this product. I'm confused about choosing between this product and the Swans HiVi D100 2.0 Professional Ribbon Tweeter. Is the polk s20 still better than the swans D100?
@ 2:20 in I’m fascinated, whilst very little has been said about these phenomenal speakers. 😋
These vs jamo c93ii? What would you buy?
Have you had a chance to check out the newer ES20? I know you have tried the ES15, but I find it interesting that the new ES20 are only rated down to 44 hz, but they are supposed to be an upgrade over the S20? (39hz)
Unscripted and unprepared..I love it!!
Curious about something @cheapaudioman....I bought a pair of these with the S35 center channel, replacing my Andrew Jones Dolby Atmos speakers front stage setup - now Im thinking about my rear speaker setup and considering either another pair of S20's for the rear or a pair of S15's in front and moving the S20's to the rear.......are the Signature Elites worth the expense to upgrade?
When I was on market for on the stand speakers the Polks were in my short list.Great and versatile speakers. Given the folks that buy budget speakers pair them commonly with cheap integrated amp or even AV Receivers how this budget speaker sound when hooked to that kind of gear should be informative for the eventual buyers. Congrats to cheapaudioman for the reviews of gear that music lover Joe can afford. PS Damn that poster is totally not music related.
More poster comments... It's a Metallica poster. Very musical. It's the lady from And Justice for All. I've got a lot of comments on the poster.
This polk💪 is better than the klipsch 600m
@@cheapaudioman In the video post i could see only the bottom half and it looked a bit weird . Not familiar with the album though.
pls compare to Diamond 12.2
Hey buddy I love you video's keep your video's coming
Have you had a chance to check out the ES20?
"Bare knuckle boxing. It's good for the kids." LMAO
Randy, love your videos. Please help me decide between these Polk s20 with s30 center or Fluance reference xl8f's with matching speakers for home theater usage? Please help me decide I am going crazy trying to decide lol. Thank you, cheers to you!
Using four of these for my surrounds and the S60 towers and S35 Center Channel. Replacing my @ 30 year old Polk RT55 / CS400 set-up.
Nice how does everything sound for home theater? Does the center channel work well being so small?
@@XxRyAlxXisryan
Yes the center channel is mostly vocal ranges and they sum up to a decent surface area.
Got to give you a like for " unprepared"!😅
Who Is a expert on Polk? If somebody maybe tell me which is better, the S20 or the TSI200. Thanks.
Hi, polk s20 or sony ssc5?
Hi! Would it be better to get these with polk audio hst10 Sub than pair of polk audio signature elite s60?
Korn yes. But the sound also depends on production of music
I ended up buying the ES15, the 20 unfortunately wouldn't fit in my bookshelf, happy with the sound! Compared them to wharferdale and q accoustic~ great value!
Is this good for small rooms? Also is the sound signature laidback(warm) compared to the elac b6.2?
This will work in small rooms but will really also work in large rooms. I wouldn't call this speaker laid back but I feel like it has more bass than the Elacs.
@@cheapaudioman Oh cool can't wait for your upcoming video battle. It's so hard to choose the right speakers since all these guys have the same price range.
Gracias por las especificaciones, me ayudo a comprarlas. Tengo las S20 con un NAD T760. Saludos desde Perú.
Good review! 👍
Any recommendations on something for 5.1 theater and music that’s smallish but with good soundstage and imagining that’s reasonably priced? I have def tech 800’s for my main system but not completely thrilled so I’m looking for something better for my secondary system. Most 6 1/2bookshelve speakers are pretty large for my small room.
How Do The Polk S15 Compare To The S20 Bookshelf Speakers?
Would you buy these or the Dali Spektor 2
I want to set up a desk with some speakers got a polk subwoofer and either getting 4 es110 or 2 es115 and 2 es110 or a pair of the es20 what would be a good recommendation?
Will Loxjie A30 to get good sound from them?