Any info/opinion on Polk TL1, TL2 or TL3 satellite speakers?

[mga2009]

I am looking for a cheap 5.1 small speakers for a room in my house. There are not many alternatives this size (CA Minx, SVS Satellite, MA Radius??) and none have complete specs and measurements (only the Monolith Satellite THX which was properly reviewed).

I bumped into the Polks. In paper they look good, specially the TL3 with a ring radiator mounted in a waveguide Time Aligned with the woofer. I am well aware of the limits of a speaker this size, but I have no real alternative.

Polk TL1

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 135-20,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 89 dB
• handles up to 100 watts
• 1/2" silk dome tweeter
• 2-1/2" Dynamic Balance™ mid/woofer
• aperiodic tuned rear port
• 5-way binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish to complement today's flat-panel TVs
• weight: 1.85 lbs.
• 3-3/4"W x 6-1/2"H x 4-7/8"D
• weight: 1.85 lbs.

Polk TL2

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 125-20,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 89 dB
• handles up to 125 watts
• 3/4" silk dome tweeter
• 3-1/4" Dynamic Balance™ mid/woofer
• PowerPort® technology for better bass response
• steel-plate reinforced cabinet fights internal resonances
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish
• 5-way binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• 4-1/8"W x 7-1/16"H x 5"D

Polk TL3

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 115-28,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 88 dB
• handles up to 125 watts
• 3/4" Ring Radiator tweeter
• 3-1/4" aerated polypropylene Dynamic Balance® mid/woofer
• Extended Linear Motion (ELM) voice coil helps reduce distortion and extend dynamic range
• PowerPort® technology for better bass response
• steel-plate reinforced cabinet fights internal resonances
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish
• 5-way gold-plated binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• video-shielded to prevent magnetic distortion on tube TVs
• 4-1/2"W x 7-3/4"H x 5-11/16"D

Do you have any experience with these speakers? Anyone interested in seeing a Klippel review for them?? (I can buy a pair and send them to Amir).

 

[mga2009]

Other alternatives I found are:

KEF HTS1001 (Coax 3") and HTS2001 (Coax 4") series
Klipsch Quintet V (4")
Klipsch Quintet III (3.5")
Klipsch Reference Theatre Pack (succeeds the Quintet series)
B&W M-1 (4")
Revel M8

I am looking for good directivity and good performance above 150-200Hz, with low THD @ 86db.

Any recommendations?

 

[Putter]

The first recommendation is to use a subwoofer, even an 8 inch cheapie will give a vast improvement. The next thing would be to get the largest midwoofer and enclosure you can find. I might add the pioneer BS 22 to your list if you can find it new or used. Speaking of used, one can often find good to very good used home theater systems with smallish speakers from people who have upgraded or simply replaced them with a soundbar (Oh, the humanity!) . Of the speakers you listed, the Quintet which had reasonable frequency response according to a Sound and Vision review. Small speakers which I have used and been satisfied with, include the aforementioned Pioneers, Infinity Primus 140, Infinity Modulus MS-1, and Boston Acoustics Soundware with 4 inch woofer. The KEF's as a coax speaker would also make sense as it would have larger volume by essentially combining the woofer and tweeter and have generally had good frequency response.

 

[Ellebob]

I like the Paradigm Milenniaone. A little pricey but measures well and has good dispersion. You have to cross it over higher, about 110hz but performs well. I have some in my home and have installed them many times at customers homes. One of my favorites for small speakers.

If you can go bigger the Monitor Audio Apex A10 is also a good choice.

I would pick those over Quintet, M-1, radius and definitely over the Kef HTS series. Haven't had any these to compare side by side for comparison, so going by memory. Haven't used the Polk or others mentioned, so can't comment.

 

[mga2009]

The first recommendation is to use a subwoofer, even an 8 inch cheapie will give a vast improvement. The next thing would be to get the largest midwoofer and enclosure you can find. I might add the pioneer BS 22 to your list if you can find it new or used. Speaking of used, one can often find good to very good used home theater systems with smallish speakers from people who have upgraded or simply replaced them with a soundbar (Oh, the humanity!) . Of the speakers you listed, the Quintet which had reasonable frequency response according to a Sound and Vision review. Small speakers which I have used and been satisfied with, include the aforementioned Pioneers, Infinity Primus 140, Infinity Modulus MS-1, and Boston Acoustics Soundware with 4 inch woofer. The KEF's as a coax speaker would also make sense as it would have larger volume by essentially combining the woofer and tweeter and have generally had good frequency response.

I agree with you. Subwoofer is a must; in fact I have 3x 10" sealed SW for that duty. I will take a look on the other satellites you mention. I think my limit is a 4" mid, bigger than that there are tons of good choices, active or passive... but 4" or lower is quite limited.

 

[mga2009]

I like the Paradigm Milenniaone. A little pricey but measures well and has good dispersion. You have to cross it over higher, about 110hz but performs well. I have some in my home and have installed them many times at customers homes. One of my favorites for small speakers.

If you can go bigger the Monitor Audio Apex A10 is also a good choice.

I would pick those over Quintet, M-1, radius and definitely over the Kef HTS series. Haven't had any these to compare side by side for comparison, so going by memory. Haven't used the Polk or others mentioned, so can't comment.

Thanks for your reply! I will check the models you point.

Whats your impression on the KEF HTS series? I think a COAX speaker would be good for my purpose.

 

[Ellebob]

I really like coax speakers in general. I have two pairs of coaxials in my house, the Kef LSX II and the Kali IN5. However, if they're not paired with a woofer like the Kef R3 and trying to play the whole frequency range they tend not to have as good dynamics especially with smaller drivers. I find that with the LSX II in my home and I also have the Milenniaone which I like better. I think it asks too much of a coaxial driver. I would use the milenniaone in place of the LSX 2, but convenience wins out. All the connections are in the LSX 2, where the Milenniaone I need amp, receiver, etc.

The egg models in general also tended to have a boost in the high frequencies. You would have to cross them over about 125 Hertz but not a big deal. They will also not be able to go as loud.

 

[mga2009]

I really like coax speakers in general. I have two pairs of coaxials in my house, the Kef LSX II and the Kali IN5. However, if they're not paired with a woofer like the Kef R3 and trying to play the whole frequency range they tend not to have as good dynamics especially with smaller drivers. I find that with the LSX II in my home and I also have the Milenniaone which I like better. I think it asks too much of a coaxial driver. I would use the milenniaone in place of the LSX 2, but convenience wins out. All the connections are in the LSX 2, where the Milenniaone I need amp, receiver, etc.

The egg models in general also tended to have a boost in the high frequencies. You would have to cross them over about 125 Hertz but not a big deal. They will also not be able to go as loud.

Where are you crossing the Milleniaone?? Also, do you have some measurements?

 

[Ellebob]

I cross at 110hz. They are pretty flat with a some elevated highs above 15khz. They havegood horizontal dispersion 60+ degrees. I'm actually headed to Cedia today and won't be back until next week. I purposely didn't pack my laptop so I can enjoy Cedia and not try to get any work done. I can look up the measurements when back next week.

 

[mga2009]

I cross at 110hz. They are pretty flat with a some elevated highs above 15khz. They havegood horizontal dispersion 60+ degrees. I'm actually headed to Cedia today and won't be back until next week. I purposely didn't pack my laptop so I can enjoy Cedia and not try to get any work done. I can look up the measurements when back next week.

Thanks!

Good luck at Cedia!! Have fun!!

 

[beagleman]

I am looking for a cheap 5.1 small speakers for a room in my house. There are not many alternatives this size (CA Minx, SVS Satellite, MA Radius??) and none have complete specs and measurements (only the Monolith Satellite THX which was properly reviewed).

I bumped into the Polks. In paper they look good, specially the TL3 with a ring radiator mounted in a waveguide Time Aligned with the woofer. I am well aware of the limits of a speaker this size, but I have no real alternative.

Polk TL1

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 135-20,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 89 dB
• handles up to 100 watts
• 1/2" silk dome tweeter
• 2-1/2" Dynamic Balance™ mid/woofer
• aperiodic tuned rear port
• 5-way binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish to complement today's flat-panel TVs
• weight: 1.85 lbs.
• 3-3/4"W x 6-1/2"H x 4-7/8"D
• weight: 1.85 lbs.

Polk TL2

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 125-20,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 89 dB
• handles up to 125 watts
• 3/4" silk dome tweeter
• 3-1/4" Dynamic Balance™ mid/woofer
• PowerPort® technology for better bass response
• steel-plate reinforced cabinet fights internal resonances
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish
• 5-way binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• 4-1/8"W x 7-1/16"H x 5"D

Polk TL3

• Time Lens technology aligns the drivers for better soundstaging and imaging
• frequency response 115-28,000 Hz (-3dB)
• sensitivity 88 dB
• handles up to 125 watts
• 3/4" Ring Radiator tweeter
• 3-1/4" aerated polypropylene Dynamic Balance® mid/woofer
• Extended Linear Motion (ELM) voice coil helps reduce distortion and extend dynamic range
• PowerPort® technology for better bass response
• steel-plate reinforced cabinet fights internal resonances
• curved enclosure with high-gloss finish
• 5-way gold-plated binding posts
• includes combination keyhole slot and threaded insert
• video-shielded to prevent magnetic distortion on tube TVs
• 4-1/2"W x 7-3/4"H x 5-11/16"D

Do you have any experience with these speakers? Anyone interested in seeing a Klippel review for them?? (I can buy a pair and send them to Amir).

Have heard all of them, and very impressive clarity and decent sound for such a small speaker.

Even the TL1 was fairly good.
My only issue, not that they "Need" a sub, that is a given of course, but more along the lines, that you can get just as good sound in a slightly larger "Real" speaker, with less of the limitations in the midbass region.

While all the TL series sound good, they are more limited output wise in that small say 110-250Hz region, than a speaker with a somewhat larger "real" woofer.

At lower levels to medium levels may not be an issue at all, but just one thing that limits them to my ears.

The reserve R100 or Signature Elits ES15 might be a better alternative and a better deal overall. (Yes I realize a bit larger than you may need)

 

[beagleman]

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