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]

Polk Blackstone TL250 Speaker System

Performance Value Build Quality

www.soundandvision.com

Polk Blackstone TL250 Speaker System HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures Satellite Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Center Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the TL2 satellite (purple trace), TL2 Center center channel (green trace), and DSW...

www.soundandvision.com

Review: Polk Audio Blackstone TL350

Since time immemorial (or at least the late 1980s), designers of compact subwoofer/satellite speaker systems have struggled against The Hole.The Hole is the gap between the lowest note the satellites can play and the highest notes the subwoofer can play. The Hole can make voices sound thin, and...

www.soundandvision.com

 

[Mike Up]

Hi, I'm a first time poster but been reading here for a while. I bought the Polk Blackstone TL1600 system which is TL1 satellites and the TL1 Center. These speakers sound really great. They weren't selling the TL2s or TL3s, and haven't for the last year. So if you find them, more power to you. I realize this thread is a a few months old but these TL1 speakers are still sold and sound great. BTW, I found no decent sounding speakers anywhere near the small size of these Polks. They are surely an engineering masterpiece. Even the small Infinity P143 and Entra Point 5 were monsters next to the Polk TL1s.

I actually compared them to several pairs of speakers I had, mostly older speakers. I posted this review on another forum but thought it could help here. So here it is.




I have several pairs. The back to back competition was Infinity Entra Point 5, Infinity Primus p143, Polk TSI100, Polk Blackstone TL1, and the new Elacs Debut 2.0 B6.2 .

Just as I found without back to back but by memory, the Elacs B6.2s were best and the Polk Blackstone TL1s were second best. Then followed by the Infinity Primus P143, then the Polk TSI100s, and then by the Infinity Entra B6.2s.

Back to back gave these impressions:

Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 = Great imaging. Very good tonally. Consistent sound quality at loud volumes. Realistic sounding ( acoustic guitar)

Polk Blackstone TL1 = Great imaging slightly below the Elac B6.2. Tonally good but higher in middle midrange. Consistent sound quality at loud levels, surprisingly! Realistic sounding (acoustic guitar). While these are great speakers, they are very inefficient (~84/85db [email protected]) being less loud than normal size speakers by many decibels and needs a subwoofer that has a frequency range into the higher bass of around 140Hz. They do sound good with my Klipsch R-120sw and R-100sw subwoofers so they go high enough.

Infinity Primus P143 = OK imaging (sweet spot very small where slightly left or right goes to the closest speaker). Tonally a bit brighter than the Elac B6.2 and Polk TL1 but good. Inconsistent sound quality at loud levels with shouty character to sound. Realistic sounding (acoustic guitar).

Polk TSI100 = Good imaging but breaks down off center to the closest speaker (not nearly as bad as the Infinity P143). Tonally the brightest speaker but I've heard much brighter. Inconsistent sound quality at loud levels with shouty character to sound. Not as realistic as the above speakers, acoustic guitar didn't sound like it was in the room as the above others did.

Infinity Entra Point Five = OK imaging (sweet spot very small where slightly left or right goes to the closest speaker). Tonally the darkest speaker by far as treble is very attenuated and can sound forward in the low midrange (boxy sounding?), not very good IMO but OK for a surround speaker. Inconsistent sound quality at loud levels with shouty character to sound. Not realistic sounding at all as acoustic guitar sounded the most reproduced out of all the speakers.

Obviously these are older speakers but many others still have them. The Infinity Entra Point Fives were bought as Back Surround speakers to go with my Denon AVR-3803 back in 2003. The Infinity Primus P143 were bought around 2013 as Side Surround speakers to to be put on the wall so my daughter and animals would not knock them over on the stands. The Polk Blackstone TL1 are still available today and were bought for my smaller media room system. The Polk TSI100 were bought 2 years ago to replace Infinity Reference 2000.4 Tower speakers. Infinity Reference RS1 old surround bookshelf speakers were used temporarily in-between the 2 for a few years. The Elacs were just bought to replace the Polk TSI100 speakers.

 

[Mike Up]

BTW, I cross the TL1 satellite at 150Hz with my living room system's SVS SB2000 (surround speakers only) and at 120Hz with my media room's Klipsch R-120SW (TL1s all the way around). Polk recommended 120Hz crossover with the Polk TL1600 8" subwoofer. The SVS subwoofer goes higher in the bass than the TL1600 sub or Klipsch R-120SW. Not much difference between crossovers with the Klipsch Subwoofer. The Klipsch Sub is at it's -3db point right around 130Hz so 120Hz seemed like the better choice.

 

[mga2009]

Thank for you for your review!

It would be great if someone could send @amirm a TL1 and a TL2 for review! I'm pretty sure they measure well (for their size and with the obvious limitations) and are a great option for small rooms or as an alternative to soundbars.

I am not located in the US, so the shipping is prohibitive.