After HT, craving for Stereo

Hi !

Try Denon Amp with KEF Cresta 30 or iQ3 OR Polk speakers. You may be able to find a decent combination in Rs. 35,000 that you have budgeted.

Your next addition should be dedicated CDP (rather than cassette deck).

Regards

Sanjay

Not sure how accurate it is, but the wharfedale site lists the following as a distributor. So maybe you have another good low end choice.

DIGITAL ACOUSTICS
16 F Dover Lane,
Kolkata - 700029.
Tel: 4753677, 4741594

SDhawan schrieb:

Hi ! Try Denon Amp with KEF Cresta 30 or iQ3 OR Polk speakers. You may be able to find a decent combination in Rs. 35,000 that you have budgeted. Your next addition should be dedicated CDP (rather than cassette deck). Regards Sanjay

iQ3 is a Bookshelf. Since I want a Stereo Amp, I specifically want to have tower. Also profx.com do not list anything like Cresta 30. (Can subwoofers be used in Stereo Amps as bookshelfs will require a sub?)

Denon has several Amps. How do the budget ones compare to Sonodyne SiA 102R?

I do not have the price for any other than Sonus 2605 and
Polk Monitor 60. How do these compare? I have heard Sonus 2605 and it had a warmth in sound unlike my Cinque speakers.

Thanks

reignofchaos schrieb:

Not sure how accurate it is, but the wharfedale site lists the following as a distributor. So maybe you have another good low end choice. DIGITAL ACOUSTICS 16 F Dover Lane, Kolkata - 700029. Tel: 4753677, 4741594

Which specific model with which Amp do you suggest in my range. Also, how do the speakers compare with Polk, KEF and Sonodyne.

Thanks

Please don't under-estimate bookshelf speakers (with stands).

Budget for quality and not quantity (here size of speaker).

In a small room (say average Indian room size) floorstanders & subs are not required.

Wharfedale 8.3 or 9.3 would be good alternatives.

Lastly, hear all advices but trust your ears only.

Regards

Sanjay

Here are my 2 Cents.

1. Denon amps are pricey...not an option with this kind of an budget. NAD is certainly a much better option but agin around 20k.

2. If your room is small (say around 120 sqft), bookshelf speakers are good options. But if they are somewhere around 150 sqft or more and you are looking for good deep bass, Bookshelves wont do it. Adding a sub is not easy, integrating the sub is a huge task and it may actually spoil the sound if you dont integrate it well with your bookshleves.

3. Floorstanders like Sonus2605 or Diamond 8.4 are very good choices for all round listening. None of them are boomy, both are warm sounding with tight bass control. You have to listen to them to select between the two. Monitor60 arent that good. They only do Rock well, other genres suffer due to lack in Mids.

4. For amps, check out Pulz, Norge or even the Sonodyne that you have shortlisted. I think you can get Pulz in Kolkatta. Go to their site and you can find the dealer.
Though Sonodyne amp's tonal quality is good, but it looses composure at high volumes. If you listen to music at very volumes then try to get Pulz or even Norge.

I have auditioned all these at various places in Bangalore
and found them to be huge VFM options without any hints like "Imported brands are better".

Doc,
Kef cresta has been stopped quite a few months back. Kef iQ3 is around 27k which would be way beyond the budget.

Though Sonodyne amp's tonal quality is good, but it looses composure at high volumes

Abhi, did u mean the Sonodyne AVR300 or the Pre-Power?

which wud be a better choice-Sonodyne Pre-Power or the Marantz-4500?

abhi.pani schrieb:

Here are my 2 Cents. 1. Denon amps are pricey...not an option with this kind of an budget. NAD is certainly a much better option but agin around 20k. 2. If your room is small (say around 120 sqft), bookshelf speakers are good options. But if they are somewhere around 150 sqft or more and you are looking for good deep bass, Bookshelves wont do it. Adding a sub is not easy, integrating the sub is a huge task and it may actually spoil the sound if you dont integrate it well with your bookshleves. 3. Floorstanders like Sonus2605 or Diamond 8.4 are very good choices for all round listening. None of them are boomy, both are warm sounding with tight bass control. You have to listen to them to select between the two. Monitor60 arent that good. They only do Rock well, other genres suffer due to lack in Mids. 4. For amps, check out Pulz, Norge or even the Sonodyne that you have shortlisted. I think you can get Pulz in Kolkatta. Go to their site and you can find the dealer. Though Sonodyne amp's tonal quality is good, but it looses composure at high volumes. If you listen to music at very volumes then try to get Pulz or even Norge. I have auditioned all these at various places in Bangalore and found them to be huge VFM options without any hints like "Imported brands are better". Doc, Kef cresta has been stopped quite a few months back. Kef iQ3 is around 27k which would be way beyond the budget.

Comparison between Sonus 2605 and Diamond 8.4

Sondyne vs Wharfedale
Sensitivity - 89dB vs 86dB
Frequency - 45-22 KHz vs 30-20KHz
Nominal impedance - 8 ohm vs 6 ohm
Woofer - 2+1 midrange vs 2
Weight - 21.5 kg vs NA

On paper Sonus 2605 seems better.

Comparison between Sonus 2605 and Monitor 60

Sonodyne vs Polk
Sensitivity - 89dB vs 90dB
Frequency - 45-22 KHz vs 38-25KHz
Nominal impedance - 8 ohm vs 8 ohm
Woofer - 2+1 midrange vs 2+1 midrange
Weight - 21.5 kg vs 14.06 kg

Sonodyne has a Stereo Integrated Amplifier (SiA 102R) and a dual channel power amplifier (SPA 202). Is a preamp necessary for power amplifier? What's the difference between these?

Thanks

juggy_25 schrieb:

Though Sonodyne amp's tonal quality is good, but it looses composure at high volumes Abhi, did u mean the Sonodyne AVR300 or the Pre-Power? which wud be a better choice-Sonodyne Pre-Power or the Marantz-4500?

I thinks its SiA 102R. Btw, what config do u have. I remember u were interested in Cinque 5.1.

Thanks

Kousik S,

SKS Traders on Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata (opposite to Paddapukur, Beltala) stocks Wharfedale, Dali, Monitor Audio , Nad, Cambridge Audio & Project.
This is the only outlet which has more 2 channel stuff than HT.

myriad schrieb:

Kousik S, SKS Traders on Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata (opposite to Paddapukur, Beltala) stocks Wharfedale, Dali, Monitor Audio , Nad, Cambridge Audio & Project. This is the only outlet which has more 2 channel stuff than HT.

Thanks, didn't knew of that place.

Adding a sub is not easy, integrating the sub is a huge task and it may actually spoil the sound if you dont integrate it well with your bookshleves.

Not really, if you buy a good subwoofer (like Velodyne) and are willing to spend some time (3-4 days) in listening to various sources and adjust.

Bookself + Subwoofer is actually a great option, it saves a lot of space, and you can control the bass to your liking.

- Debu

Not really, if you buy a good subwoofer (like Velodyne) and are willing to spend some time (3-4 days) in listening to various sources and adjust.

Hi Debu,
Its not the sub that spoils the sound, its the room which normally does the damage. If your room doesnt suuport, its no use trying even the best brands. Instead its better to spend some amount on getting your room acoustically treated and then proceeding with a sub or vice versa. People neglect the room to the maximum extent whereas it is has the largest impact on the final sound.

abhi.pani schrieb:

Not really, if you buy a good subwoofer (like Velodyne) and are willing to spend some time (3-4 days) in listening to various sources and adjust. Hi Debu, Its not the sub that spoils the sound, its the room which normally does the damage. If your room doesnt suuport, its no use trying even the best brands. Instead its better to spend some amount on getting your room acoustically treated and then proceeding with a sub or vice versa. People neglect the room to the maximum extent whereas it is has the largest impact on the final sound.

My room (where I will keep the hifi) is a normal living room. Its about 15x11. With a sofa set and other furniture. Its not carpeted as well. So there is not much scope for changing anything. I guess its the same for many of us. Hence, room acoustics is not really relevant for many of us.

kousik_s schrieb:

Hence, room acoustics is not really relevant for many of us.

Relevant: Very!!
Possible: Not always.

Shahrukh schrieb:

kousik_s schrieb: Hence, room acoustics is not really relevant for many of us. Relevant: Very!! Possible: Not always. :(

Relevant: Very
Possible: Mostly (if done intelligently by knowledgable persons)
Cost: Not Cheap...but can be planned.

Shahrukh schrieb:

kousik_s schrieb: Hence, room acoustics is not really relevant for many of us. Relevant: Very!! Possible: Not always. :(

Whatever u say.

Hi Debu, Its not the sub that spoils the sound, its the room which normally does the damage. If your room doesnt suuport, its no use trying even the best brands. Instead its better to spend some amount on getting your room acoustically treated and then proceeding with a sub or vice versa. People neglect the room to the maximum extent whereas it is has the largest impact on the final sound.

You are basically right, but the issues are same with low freq anyway, whether it comes from subwoofer or a floorstander is immaterial.

Actually subwoofer helps here because it is comparatively smaller and you can move it independently keeping the main speakers intact, and you can actually avoid some room deficiencies.

A good tip for subwoofer placement is here subwoofewr placement However, if you are confused, here is my simpler guide. Place the subwoofer in one corner in the same plane as front left/ right speakers. If the subwoofer sound is muddy, move the subwoofer one inch at a time from a sidewall till you are satisfied with the sound. This works well for a typical normal room. Then you can further adjust the crossover, volume etc. with a number of CD/ movies till you are fully satisfied.

However, for a bad room (one example is no windows with samll ceiling height), you have to do acoustic treatment to get the sound right, for any speaker system.

- Debu

Got the quotes today:

Stereo Amp:
Sonodyne SiA 102R - 12500 (80W)
Denon PMA 495 R - 18000 (45W)
Denon PMA 700 AE - 25000 (80W)

Floorstanders:
Sonodyne Sonus 2605 - 22000
Polk Monitor 60 - 25000
Polk Monitor 70 - 35000
Polk RTi 8 - 37000

The Sonodyne salesman said that it can drive Polk Monitor 70 (275W), Polk RTi 8 (250W) and Sonodyne Sonus 2605 (200W).

I forgot to ask the price of Sonodyne Avant 345. Has anyone heard that?

KEFs are beyond me.

Monitor Audio - searched their webite and seems to be better than any of Sonodyne or Polk. Anyone has idea about price for their Bronze B6 or Silver RS 8.

I need your help to decide/ shortlist.

Finally, I am confused about AV Receiver, Preamp, Poweramp, and Intergrated amp. Which one to go for stereo. I understand that tuner is additional for AV Receiver. I already have Sonodyne AV 300R. Since Denon amps are so expensive, maybe AV Receiver will be better. Else, I think I will go for SiA 102R.

Thanks

Hi !

Why don't you check with soundnvisionhifi.com Pune ? They could deliver the things to you - may be a NAD amp with Mission or Wharfedale speakers.

From the list that you have mentioned, I suggest:

- Denon PMA 495R amp
- Polk Monitor 60

Just negotiate a good deal & stretch your bedget a little. Believe me we have all sufferred the same fate. What we want is always just a little beyond our reach ???

All the best

Sanjay

Hi Koushik,
As I have already said before, Denon is expensive for what they deliver. If you can get a NAD for the similar price
(around 20k)...you have a much better amp in hand.

For the speakers, whatever little I have analysed, Polk gets good from their RTI series onwards. The monitor series is a coloured speaker and fits mostly for Rock, Metal and some hip-hop. So if your choice of music is mainly Rock, you should definietly try out Monitor60.

Sonus 2605, on the other hand is a pretty good all rounder and does most genres well. It matches most of the amps as well.
They are warme and smooth with all the punch intact. You can live much longer with them IMO.

I would reccomend:
NAD 320BEE amp
Sonus 2605 speakers.

kousik_s wrote:
Hence, room acoustics is not really relevant for many of us.


Relevant: Very!!
Possible: Not always.

Abhi wrote:
Relevant: Very
Possible: Mostly (if done intelligently by knowledgable persons)
Cost: Not Cheap...but can be planned.


Looks like abhi is not married yet!
ckn

Looks like abhi is not married yet!

Abhi is married

But I have seen how basic treatments can be done without affecting aesthetics. Thats why I said:

Possible: Mostly (if done intelligently by knowledgable persons)

We cannot think of converting it to a studio grade listening room as that will cost the hell and would definitely not look like a living room
So, what we can do is normally some essential treatments (depends on your room and system) at a cost not exceeding 15-20% of your system, keeping the aesthetics intact.

That will take the SQ to another level.

Looks like no one like SiA 102R, the cheapest of all. Why?

There is no authorised showroom for NAD here. As mentioned in this thread, SKS Traders stock it. I have no phone no to contact them, so could not confirm. Still, electronics may need servicing, as I found out with my Sonodyne AVR. It went back twice to the Listening Room cum Service Centre. So, NAD 320BEE (20k) may give me servicing worries.

Btw, I have benchmarked that my speaker price would be twice that of amp price (no basis, just to limit budget).

I visited the polk site, and there Monitor 70 is priced $920 per pair as compared to RTi 8 at $840 per pair. But ProFX is selling RTi 8 for Rs.2000 more. From the reviews on that site, it seems Monitor 60 and 70 have tweeter problems though.

Any suggestions on Monitor Audio Silver and Bronze series. I am waiting for quote from the distributor.

Thanks

Monitor Audio Floorstanders are expensive looking at your budget. You can dfinitely check out their bookshelf models if you are thinking of bookshelves.

Sonodyne SiA 102R is good but not in the league of NAD.
They loose composure at higher volumes. At decent volumes it does well. Its tonality is also balanced.
Try to catch hold of the NAD dealer, and see how you like the amp. Try to get the Pulz dealer as well. Pulz is better than Sonodyne but priced around the same IMO.

Check this out:
http://www.pulzaudio.com/contact.htm

abhi.pani schrieb:

Check this out: http://www.pulzaudio.com/contact.htm

The website is under development. The home hifi section is blank. Nevertheless, I emailed them.

But abhi, what about servicing these without full fledged set up in Kolkata (like showroom/ service center)?

Thanks

They are quick prompt and very friendly. They dont give you the chance for complain. Nevertheless, you call them up and ask all your questions....if you find their solutions to be friendly then you can go ahead. what they commit, they do.

kousik_s schrieb:

Got the quotes today: Stereo Amp: Sonodyne SiA 102R - 12500 (80W) Denon PMA 495 R - 18000 (45W) Denon PMA 700 AE - 25000 (80W) Floorstanders: Sonodyne Sonus 2605 - 22000 Polk Monitor 60 - 25000 Polk Monitor 70 - 35000 Polk RTi 8 - 37000 The Sonodyne salesman said that it can drive Polk Monitor 70 (275W), Polk RTi 8 (250W) and Sonodyne Sonus 2605 (200W). I forgot to ask the price of Sonodyne Avant 345. Has anyone heard that?

Regarding the floorstanders i had got the following quote here in Delhi when i was doing my research on them.

Sonus 2605 - 20K
Avant - around 40K (approx.) check with abhi he has listened to them.
Monitor 50 - 17.5 K
Monitor 60 - 23 K
Monitor 70 - 33 K
Wharfedale Diamond 8.3 - 20.5 K
Wharfedale Diamond 9.4 - 28 K

The dealer was ready to give an additional discount of 8 - 10% on Wharfe's and Monitor's.

I had listened to the sonus 2605, diamond 8.4 and monitor 50. sonus 2605 and diamond had all the punch which i was looking for, but the diamonds lacked a little crispness (which i was looking for)which was there in the sonus. on Bass both were equal (have tighter bass).

I finally bought the Sonus 2605 and am not regretting my decision.

Just listen to them first.

You are in Kolkata so i think you should get better prices for the Sonus.

Abhi,

How do you rate Sonodyne Avant. It costs nearly same as Polk RTi 8.

I was really drawn towards Monitor 70 with all those 5 woofers/mids. Looks intimidating.

On Saturday, planning to visit ProFX.

Thanks

Monitor70 is good but its 35k...If you are willing to spend that much then you can check out other options also..within that 35k.

Avant is OK for stereo...its mainly for HT...so for that kind of price you better stick to pure stereo speakers since you are looking for stereo.

For 37k, Kef iQ5 is much better than Monitor70...so now you are getting into that vicious circle

abhi.pani schrieb:

...so now you are getting into that vicious circle :KR

Yes truly said.

abhi.pani schrieb:

Monitor70 is good but its 35k...If you are willing to spend that much then you can check out other options also..within that 35k. Avant is OK for stereo...its mainly for HT...so for that kind of price you better stick to pure stereo speakers since you are looking for stereo.

I thought so. Because its has 2 130 mm woofer and 1 100 mm midrange and comparatively low sensitivity at 88dB. Its got good looks though.

Pure stereo speakers is that I want. KEF does not seem VFM to me. Also iQ 5 is not their premier model. I think iQ 7 is better, but didn't ask price. Will do when I visit the showroom.

I thought its better to go for premier models of budget companies.

Seems like to get out of the vicious circle, I have 2 options:
1) Budget: Sonodyne SiA 102R with Sonus 2605 (35k)
2) High: NAD C320BEE/Denon PMA 700 AE with Polk Monitor 70 (55-60k)

My other half has agreed to donate 25k to my cause.

kousik_s schrieb:

Pure stereo speakers is that I want. KEF does not seem VFM to me. Also iQ 5 is not their premier model. I think iQ 7 is better, but didn't ask price. Will do when I visit the showroom.

Listen and learn, I say... listen and learn!! The iQ5s have a price:performance ratio I am yet to hear elsewhere!

As an aside (and this SHOULDN'T EVER be your criteria to buy speakers), the iQ5s are What HiFi's current PRODUCT OF THE YEAR in STEREO SPEAKERS!!

Shahrukh is right buddy...
In real hifi, number of drivers and the size of the drivers doesnt matter much....you would be amazed with the kind of sound a tiny speaker would produce putting big floorstanders to shame...it happens in hifi

Now..the most important thing that you should never forget is to "listen". Listen then decide.....all other things like Looks, Specs, Reviews comes only after listening test is passed. iQ5 is a very good speaker buddy....a highly reccomended speaker in budget audio category so before concluding on its VFM, listen once. BTW I would again say, for 35k Monitor70 is just average. I auditioned them 1 year back and then it was 30k, I found them to be good for that price but 35k is a bit steep.

In real hifi, number of drivers and the size of the drivers doesnt matter much....you would be amazed with the kind of sound a tiny speaker would produce putting big floorstanders to shame...it happens in hifi

You are wrong

A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf. Yes number of drivers do make an impact.. listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep..remember you can never beat the laws of physics..

I thought so. Because its has 2 130 mm woofer and 1 100 mm midrange and comparatively low sensitivity at 88dB.

You are in the right direction by considering all these factors and yes you have to be to get what you want..or else you will be a mere passengar in audio world just nodding your head to what others beleive in and utterly dissatisfied, so be aware of all specs and listen if the sound lives upto those specs..and that sound is what you are looking for ........Good Luck

well.. a big driver will always produce more "Moving air" than a small driver.. it is mechanics/Physics.

some speakers are designed to go lower by designing the post/enclosure well enough..but expecting a well designed bookshelf to beat the bass response of an equivalent Floorstander is asking too much ! the floorstander will always have a better SPL level. unless it has been designed not to enhance it.

Although, the midrange on the bookshelf may be better as you are asking less of the same driver

Although, the midrange on the bookshelf may be better as you are asking less of the same driver

You wag

SUB_BOSS schrieb:

In real hifi, number of drivers and the size of the drivers doesnt matter much....you would be amazed with the kind of sound a tiny speaker would produce putting big floorstanders to shame...it happens in hifi You are wrong A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf. Yes number of drivers do make an impact.. listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep..remember you can never beat the laws of physics..

Floorstanders and bookshelves, IMO are apples and oranges. Each has its pros/cons. My point was Price:Performance. Compare similar speakers in a similar price range and make your choice.
Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 37K KEF iQ5 is a good idea.
Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 30K Quad 11L won't help you makea good choice.

That said, I feel the Polk Monitor series SUX!!! Big time!!

Comparison of woofer driver and sensitivity:

Sonodyne Sonus 2605 - 2x6 + 1x5.25, 89dB
Polk Monitor 50 - 2x5.25, 89dB
Polk Monitor 60 - 3x5.25, 90 dB

Polk Monitor 70 - 4x6.5, 90 dB
Polk RTi 8 - 2x6.5, 90dB
KEF iQ5 - 2x5.25, 88dB
KEF iQ7 - 2x6.5, 90dB

So many to choose from.

SUB BOSS, if I go for speakers >30k, I HAVE TO go for SiA 102R as amp. In such a scenario, what do u suggest.

SUB_BOSS schrieb:

In real hifi, number of drivers and the size of the drivers doesnt matter much....you would be amazed with the kind of sound a tiny speaker would produce putting big floorstanders to shame...it happens in hifi You are wrong A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf. Yes number of drivers do make an impact.. listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep..remember you can never beat the laws of physics.. I thought so. Because its has 2 130 mm woofer and 1 100 mm midrange and comparatively low sensitivity at 88dB. You are in the right direction by considering all these factors and yes I was clear about them too, so be aware of all specs and listen if all they live upto those specs.. Good Luck

well.. a big driver will always produce more "Moving air" than a small driver.. it is mechanics/Physics. some speakers are designed to go lower by designing the post/enclosure well enough..but expecting a well designed bookshelf to beat the bass response of an equivalent Floorstander is asking too much ! the floorstander will always have a better SPL level. unless it has been designed not to enhance it. Although, the midrange on the bookshelf may be better as you are asking less of the same driver

Wait wait wait....where did I say that a bookshelf can beat a Floorstander's Bass response exactly?? All I am saying is size of the driver and number of driver shouldnt be the criteria to conclude which speaker is better. A well built bookshelf speaker does have the capability of giving better "presentation" than a equally priced Floorstander (if not as well designed). Please dont confuse bass response to "presentation" here.

I have heard the Polk Monitor70, it has 3 bass drivers and a dedicated mid a tweeter....Alongside was Kef Q5 and Q7..each of them had just 1 bass driver and 1 mid-bass driver...they were comfortably beating the Monitor70 in bass department.
Just that Monitor70 was more upfront...but couldnt match even the single bass driver from Kef Q5/7.

Another example, Jamo E855 with just 2 5.25" mid-bass driver was easily beating the Jamo E670 which had a 8" bass driver dedicated for Bass and a seperate mid driver. Both are priced almost same...but you would be amazed with the kind of bass response those 5.25" drivers were producing. Even in specs they go lower.

There are just too many examples out there to prove that its not the number of driver or the size of the driver which can be used to conclude A > B...

A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf.

Please..this is too rigid a statement. Time and again they are compared and according to the requirements, listening preference, room size, price point and actual speakers in consideration, one of them is selected. It depends on the listeners preference, whether he is interested in absoulute bass quantity or is he looking at the overall presentation.
Its all about design that dictates the Sound quality, not the "absolute" number and size of the drivers. So one needs to do oneself a favour of listening to the speaker and then deciding.

Koushik is a newbie and its very easy to get strayed into looks, finish, number of drivers for deciding a speaker rather than the sound quality...he has already committed a mistake of underestimating Kef iQ5 just going by its driver size and things like that. Its not the right approach IMO.
Moreover there are salesmen waiting there to bias him more.
Cmon buddy, listen to as many speakers as possible then come to a conclusion.

remember you can never beat the laws of physics..

Oh I cant challenge that...but speaker design is not as simple as following a law...infact everyone follows them but each of them reach to a different sound finally. Thats because you have to put in a lot of your own design and innovation to get a "good" sound. At the end, you have to hear it to conclude.

You are in the right direction

Except that you have to listen more than you see..

Floorstanders and bookshelves, IMO are apples and oranges. Each has its pros/cons. My point was Priceerformance. Compare similar speakers in a similar price range and make your choice. Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 37K KEF iQ5 is a good idea. Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 30K Quad 11L won't help you makea good choice.

Exactly...
Thats the reason both exist...
I guess there would be many more audiophiles vouching for a Quad than a Polk (models in question)...there must be some reason.
Same would be the conclusion if you compare a Cadence Arita to Polk RTI-10. They are small, but they can definitely put the larger floorstanders to shame in some scenarios.

Try listening to Jagjit Singh through a Quad 11L and then listen him thorugh Monitor70.....you would just run away from that place..thats it. There are many such scenarios which are not even debatable...so one has to find the balance which suits his or her kind of music and listening requirements.

Floorstanders and bookshelves, IMO are apples and oranges.

No you are wrong...

FLRS are like apples and book shelves are like gherkins...

Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 37K KEF iQ5 is a good idea. Comparing the Rs 35K Polk Monitor with the Rs 30K Quad 11L won't help you makea good choice.

yes good analogy dear Shahrukh.. BTW you seem to be seen with Karan Johar nowadays...

Jokes apart

That said, I feel the Polk Monitor series SUX!!! Big time!!

Not too much and it does suck a bit...


Kousik whats your budget for amp??

Another example, Jamo E855 with just 2 5.25" mid-bass driver was easily beating the Jamo E670 which had a 8" bass driver dedicated for Bass and a seperate mid driver. Both are priced almost same...but you would be amazed with the kind of bass response those 5.25" drivers were producing. Even in specs they go lower.

I wrote :

so be aware of all specs and listen if the sound lives upto those specs..and that sound is what you are looking for

Did you read this?? you know I have asked him to warrant the specs to sound and I know that there are many stupid specs in market, so he should listen to conclude...

i wrote :

A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf.

Abhi Pani wrote :

A well built bookshelf speaker does have the capability of giving better "presentation" than a equally priced Floorstander (if not as well designed).

Does my statement do not carry the same and it's understood that mediocre level BS's are priced equalinet at entry level FLRS..

Please..this is too rigid a statement. Time and again they are compared and according to the requirements, listening preference, room size, price point and actual speakers in consideration, one of them is selected. It depends on the listeners preference, whether he is interested in absoulute bass quantity or is he looking at the overall presentation.

You are misleading people by writing that FLRS are for Bass and BS are for better presentation???. You mean FLRS aren't good at overall presentation??

AB wrote :

Its all about design that dictates the Sound quality, not the "absolute" number and size of the drivers. So one needs to do oneself a favour of listening to the speaker and then deciding.

I wrote :

listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep..

Please read my post compleletly before you jump..see I have made a comment that a good array..good is good engineering and good components FYI...And talking of favour by listening thats what I have very breifly put in my post to kousik that he has to listen and then decide what specs are for???and do those specs make sense to his prefernces.

Cmon buddy, listen to as many speakers as possible then come to a conclusion.

what makes you think that I didn't ask him to do this and infact asked him to take a better approach with specs..

Except that you have to listen more than you see..

Kousik you do a better thing by trying to buy whats suits your taste.

Same would be the conclusion if you compare a Cadence Arita to Polk RTI-10. They are small, but they can definitely put the larger floorstanders to shame in some scenarios.

Dude what is that you wanna write???????

You are repeating the same analogy which has been put so briefly in my post...and which FLRS are you talking here when we talk of cadence??? ..lets compare cadence FLRS then it makes total sense..and Polk RTi - 10?? lets have the same series FLRS to get .. the sound is almost diffrent as day and night..

... cheers

There has been a lot of interest shown online for the sonic impact T-amp. (its a pure digital amp) If you have anyone residing in US, you can ask them to get one for you for 30 bucks...

PS: I have no idea how it sounds. However, there are people who have compared it with 1000$ amps...

Its surely in my wishlist.

kvish schrieb:

There has been a lot of interest shown online for the sonic impact T-amp. (its a pure digital amp) If you have anyone residing in US, you can ask them to get one for you for 30 bucks... PS: I have no idea how it sounds. However, there are people who have compared it with 1000$ amps... Its surely in my wishlist.

I have it.. its wonderful for its price (in fact more than wonderfull !). noise leve is the lowes i have heard in any amp.

problems are with treble not being very smooth (Apparent during female vocals).

And of course it cannot drive just about any speaker..so matching that is important

SUB_BOSS schrieb:

Another example, Jamo E855 with just 2 5.25" mid-bass driver was easily beating the Jamo E670 which had a 8" bass driver dedicated for Bass and a seperate mid driver. Both are priced almost same...but you would be amazed with the kind of bass response those 5.25" drivers were producing. Even in specs they go lower. I wrote : so be aware of all specs and listen if the sound lives upto those specs..and that sound is what you are looking for Did you read this?? you know I have asked him to warrant the specs to sound and I know that there are many stupid specs in market, so he should listen to conclude... i wrote : A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf. Abhi Pani wrote : A well built bookshelf speaker does have the capability of giving better "presentation" than a equally priced Floorstander (if not as well designed). Does my statement do not carry the same and it's understood that mediocre level BS's are priced equalinet at entry level FLRS.. Please..this is too rigid a statement. Time and again they are compared and according to the requirements, listening preference, room size, price point and actual speakers in consideration, one of them is selected. It depends on the listeners preference, whether he is interested in absoulute bass quantity or is he looking at the overall presentation. You are misleading people by writing that FLRS are for Bass and BS are for better presentation???. You mean FLRS aren't good at overall presentation?? AB wrote : Its all about design that dictates the Sound quality, not the "absolute" number and size of the drivers. So one needs to do oneself a favour of listening to the speaker and then deciding. I wrote : listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep.. Please read my post compleletly before you jump..see I have made a comment that a good array..good is good engineering and good components FYI...And talking of favour by listening thats what I have very breifly put in my post to kousik that he has to listen and then decide what specs are for???and do those specs make sense to his prefernces. Cmon buddy, listen to as many speakers as possible then come to a conclusion. what makes you think that I didn't ask him to do this and infact asked him to take a better approach with specs.. Except that you have to listen more than you see.. Kousik you do a better thing by trying to buy whats suits your taste. Same would be the conclusion if you compare a Cadence Arita to Polk RTI-10. They are small, but they can definitely put the larger floorstanders to shame in some scenarios. Dude what is that you wanna write??????? You are repeating the same analogy which has been put so briefly in my post...and which FLRS are you talking here when we talk of cadence??? ..lets compare cadence FLRS then it makes total sense..and Polk RTi - 10?? lets have the same series FLRS to get .. the sound is almost diffrent as day and night.. ... cheers

Sub,
Please dont jump guns....
Looks like you are in a hurry...
Here is a newbie who is going through all our posts and I can understand how it can play on his mind. I was there where he is, not too long ago hence I feel I can read his mind a bit.

You have replied to my statements but, sorry to say most of your replies are for the wrong statements. Just take a look:

I said

Another example, Jamo E855 with just 2 5.25" mid-bass driver was easily beating the Jamo E670 which had a 8" bass driver dedicated for Bass and a seperate mid driver. Both are priced almost same...but you would be amazed with the kind of bass response those 5.25" drivers were producing. Even in specs they go lower.

Because:
Arj wrote:

well.. a big driver will always produce more "Moving air" than a small driver.. it is mechanics/Physics.

This statement gives an impression (to a newbie) that bigger the driver, better the bass....and I just wanted to clarify that its not that way in hifi.
Your reply does not seem to be in that direction at all.

I said:

A well built bookshelf speaker does have the capability of giving better "presentation" than a equally priced Floorstander (if not as well designed).

because you wrote:

A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf.

and Arj wrote:

but expecting a well designed bookshelf to beat the bass response of an equivalent Floorstander is asking too much ! the floorstander will always have a better SPL level. unless it has been designed not to enhance it.

This very easily provokes a newbie to think that any floorstander at any price point is always better than a Bookshelf speaker. Which is grossly WRONG. Such kind of mind set can easily mis-guide him, which I wanted to clarify.
Hence I gave this example:

Same would be the conclusion if you compare a Cadence Arita to Polk RTI-10. They are small, but they can definitely put the larger floorstanders to shame in some scenarios.

These are both priced around the same (50k), one being a big floorstander while the other being a TINY bookshelf (as you say it) but still these tiny things do have the capability to put the larger ones to shame...does that mean RTI-10 is not well built ? No, its just about design. People would be there from both camps...but there is no thumb rule like:

A floor stander should never be compared to a tiny speaker and talking of putting floor standers to shame it should've been some real entry level crap to get beaten by a tiny book shelf.

Its an extreme statement which is not even debatable.

You are misleading people by writing that FLRS are for Bass and BS are for better presentation???. You mean FLRS aren't good at overall presentation??

Sorry dude....I cant disagree more..
Instead you are misleading people by writing extreme statements as above, which does nothing but create an impression that if it has to be good, it has to be a floorstander...its just too biased a statement. I am just trying to balance it out by saying that, dont go by size and looks...instead listen because:

A well built bookshelf speaker does have the capability of giving better "presentation" than a equally priced Floorstander (if not as well designed).

He has already committed a blunder by underestimating Kef iQ5 just going by the number and size of the drivers, look at this:

KEF does not seem VFM to me. Also iQ 5 is not their premier model. I think iQ 7 is better, but didn't ask price. Will do when I visit the showroom.

He didnt even hear them once...
I can understand him a bit because I have been through the same process not so long ago(a year and half back). I would get excited by bigger looking speakers and drivers, a bit of extra boom and tizz would excite me and I would post my views on this same forum. Then I would be advised by the forum members not to get swayed away and look at the smaller but a more matured speaker from the same brand....to my surprise they were actually better than what I had already shortlisted. Very soon I understood that in hifi looks and size can be decieving...hence dont believe anything without listening. Thats the same I am trying to convey Koushik.

I wrote:

Its all about design that dictates the Sound quality, not the "absolute" number and size of the drivers. So one needs to do oneself a favour of listening to the speaker and then deciding.

Sub_Boss wrote:

listen to a good vertical array and it's dynamics you'll take a fortnight to get good sleep..

I have listened to Vertical Array and they were good. But they are totally out of context here. They are a totally design at a different price point. We are talking about entry level Floorstanding and bookshelf speakers where things are much more messy. Each manufacturer uses its own tricks to cut cost...one has to be very aware to seperate the crap from the good ones.

what makes you think that I didn't ask him to do this and infact asked him to take a better approach with specs..

I didnt say that you are stopping him from listening....but if you look at his analysis he is too much into specs and less into listening...see this

Sondyne vs Wharfedale Sensitivity - 89dB vs 86dB Frequency - 45-22 KHz vs 30-20KHz Nominal impedance - 8 ohm vs 6 ohm Woofer - 2+1 midrange vs 2 Weight - 21.5 kg vs NA Comparison between Sonus 2605 and Monitor 60 Sonodyne vs Polk Sensitivity - 89dB vs 90dB Frequency - 45-22 KHz vs 38-25KHz Nominal impedance - 8 ohm vs 8 ohm Woofer - 2+1 midrange vs 2+1 midrange Weight - 21.5 kg vs 14.06 kg

Sonodyne Sonus 2605 - 2x6 + 1x5.25, 89dB Polk Monitor 50 - 2x5.25, 89dB Polk Monitor 60 - 3x5.25, 90 dB Polk Monitor 70 - 4x6.5, 90 dB Polk RTi 8 - 2x6.5, 90dB KEF iQ5 - 2x5.25, 88dB KEF iQ7 - 2x6.5, 90dB

I thought so. Because its has 2 130 mm woofer and 1 100 mm midrange and comparatively low sensitivity at 88dB.

Just see how many speakers did he actually hear (and for how long). How many has he shortlisted on the basis of sound ????? If you go through the thread you would hardly find 1-2 comments related to actual listening experience. And you say:

You are in the right direction by considering all these factors and yes you have to be to get what you want..

I strongly disagree man....not at all the right direction.
Yes you have to get what you like....but to get what you like, you have to go around and listen and then again listen and then you might have an idea which you actually want to own....shortlisting on the basis of such heavy pen-paper work may can be very mis-leading at times.

lets compare cadence FLRS then it makes total sense..and Polk RTi - 10?? lets have the same series FLRS to get .. the sound is almost diffrent as day and night.. ... cheers

I am talking about speakers at similar price points dude...

BTW I am also from the floorstander's camp. I have spent more than a year looking for a good floorstander within a budget (60k). After listening to all my shortlisted speakers 4-5 repeatedly. I could only choose 2-3 out of them, which I thought were good to buy. There were many which impressed me in the first listen but didnt sound good the second time or during extended listening. Polk was one of them.

When you listen to a speaker more number of times and if it sounds good to you everytime, its only then you can say it matches your taste. Mainly because, most of the newbies upgrade from mini compo so even a mediocre sounding system will thrill them, hence to get your ears trained a bit, you need to go around and listen and then if you repeatedly find a likeness towards a speaker, you are sure that its the ONE.