Price Paid:  $200.00 from HH Greg

Summary:
I simply cannot afford high end anymore.I've never owned Polk .Decided to try out this very affordable speaker.As usual the components are sub par in the crossover network-this applies to any low end speaker okay.These sound alright in the highs and mids but base was lacking including good overall resolution.This to be expected from a 5 1/4" woofer. I decided to replace all the stock capacitors with decent polypropylene caps and POW ! Just what the doctor ordered, NOW WERE TALIKING HERE !

Strengths:
With the upgraded crossovers,the base is fast ,tight,and much more prominent.The mids have really smoothed out and things like acoustic guitar,wind instruments, female vocalskeyboards, etc... sound more forward and clear. The highs originally had a constant ssssshhhhh sound with no distinction between cymbals or other instruments. Now,I can actually hear more detail and the tweeters actually add more clarity.I am pleased for a small modest investment. I have to be careful and not turn these up loud because they are so much cleaner sounding as I live in an apt.Kudos to Polk Audio !

Weaknesses:
Weak base,distorted highs,slightly recessed midrange--as to be expected from a small woofer with the crossovers in stock form.Still,these are very capable speakers for the low price.

View Comments (1)

Would you like to Comment?
Join audioReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Price Paid:  $300.00 from store in singapore

Summary:
Was recommended by a store to 'have a go " at the monitors. Was attracted by the looks. Traded in the Whaferdales Delta 30 for the polk 30. The Delta 30 sounded very clear and clean at the expense of lack of any real bass,whereas the Polks are much richer and warmer. If you are talking a one on one there is really no competition between the two! The Polk are ' more audiophile" Strong suggestion for all would -be owners run them in well ..and please remove those dreadful shorting links ..they sound absolutely horrible! Do a proper bi-wiring

Strengths:
Great classy contemporary looks,solid built,beautiful cherry finish (better than the Dynaaudio 122 which is my other speakers,,honest looking x-overs I have seen much worst ones at even 4 times the price DCM Time Window series foe example

Weaknesses:
Bass can be slightly boomy if not set-up correctly, careful matching of cables are called for to contain the tizzy highs ...thats about all

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha NS1000, DCM Time Window(terrible built and horrible craftmanship), NEAR 40ME (very flawed design) Dynaaudio (they really earned their reputation..easily the best I have so far)

Price Paid:  $226.00 from AV Corner

Summary:
I bought this Polk M30 three weeks ago. At first I was very disappointed with the sound. Thin, too bright and couldn't get the details that I'm looking for. But after several days of breaking-in and employed the bi-wire capability. The sound of this small speakers became amazing, clear and detailed plus the craftmanship and built...I mean rocksolid for the enclosure.

Strengths:
Clear and detailed sound, craftmanship and price.

Weaknesses:
Will take several days or weeks to break-in and tuned this speakers to get the right sound. Lack of bass, but hey...these are bookshelf speakers that's why I have my power sub. Overall, it's worth the price I'd paid for.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz
Bose
JBL
Pioneer
Sony
Paradigm

Price Paid:  $130.00 from Frys

Summary:
I listened to a variety of speakers and for price-performance I could not find anything to compare. Hooked to my new HK AVR235 receiver also with CS1 center & PSW 202 subwoofer. This system sounds very good for a really great price!

Strengths:
Sound stage, overall response, musicality & they don't take up a lot of space.

Weaknesses:
No super low frequencies, But thats what the sub is for!

Similar Products Used:
Polk SDA 2B's