From AsciLab dreams to Polk R600 reality: Did I make a solid choice for my first Hi-Fi system?

[Cheeseburger]

Hi everyone,
I’m a total beginner in the Hi-Fi world and I’ve been stuck listening to my TV speakers for far too long. Initially, I had my heart set on the AsciLab C6B. From what I’ve gathered, their price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable—it's almost unheard of to get that level of engineering for that price.
However, due to the ongoing stock issues and shipping uncertainties, my impatience got the best of me. I couldn't wait months anymore, so I just bought the Polk Reserve R600, which is arriving this Thursday.
My plan is to use the Polk for my main TV setup now, and eventually buy the C6B for my PC/other room once the stock situation stabilizes. I know the Polk Reserve series is very well-regarded for its measurements and value, but as this is my first 'serious' system, I'd love to get your take:
Given the AsciLab availability issues, is the R600 a solid 'Plan B' for a first-time buyer?
Technically speaking, am I losing a lot by going with Polk for now, or is the difference small enough for a beginner to still be blown away?
I’m pairing them with a WiiM Amp and a sub (crossed at 80Hz). Looking forward to your expert thoughts!"

 

[Beave]

I haven't seen measurements of the Polk R600 anywhere. We have seen measurements of the R100 and R200 bookshelf models, and the R500 and R700 towers.

Based on those, I'd expect the R600 towers to be pretty good. Not great, not perfect, but pretty good. But that's just a guess based on the results of their other similar models.

For a first system, I'd expect you to think they're good.

 

[Cheeseburger]

I haven't seen measurements of the Polk R600 anywhere. We have seen measurements of the R100 and R200 bookshelf models, and the R500 and R700 towers.

Based on those, I'd expect the R600 towers to be pretty good. Not great, not perfect, but pretty good. But that's just a guess based on the results of their other similar models.

For a first system, I'd expect you to think they're good.

That’s exactly my concern. While the R100, R200, and R700 measured well, 'pretty good' feels like a compromise when I know the AsciLab C6B is engineered for near-perfection in its category.
Since I've already waited this long to build my first real system, I don't want to start with a 'guess'. I’d rather wait a bit longer to get a product where the measurements are proven to be exceptional rather than just settling for what's available right now. I've decided to hold off and wait for the C6B restock. I want my first experience to be great, not just 'good enough'!

 

[Matias]

Agreed, does not look bad at all based on the R500. Maybe EQ that peak on 4 kHz and you started very well.

Measurements for speaker Polk Audio Reserve R500

www.spinorama.org

Edit: I am more patient. I prefer to wait for months and get it right than to rush and get what's available and then regret months later, even worse sell and lose money changing the speakers.

 

[Sokel]

Perfection at speakers only resides in the anechoic realm.
Put them in your room and you have a whole different speaker. Yes, a decent speaker has more chances to stay decent up mid-high but go lower and

What's way more important then the speakers themselves is how you place them, how you use them, etc.

That should be your focus. You adjust a speaker to your needs, not the other way around.

 

[Cheeseburger]

Perfection at speakers only resides in the anechoic realm.
Put them in your room and you have a whole different speaker. Yes, a decent speaker has more chances to stay decent up mid-high but go lower and

What's way more important then the speakers themselves is how you place them, how you use them, etc.

That should be your focus. You adjust a speaker to your needs, not the other way around.

Thanks Sokel, that’s a very fair point. I realize that even the best measuring speaker needs a good room and proper placement to truly shine. Since this will be my first real setup, I’ll make sure to focus on positioning and room acoustics as much as the hardware itself. It’s good to be reminded

 

[Rick63]

To the OP:

Just curious, is there a reason you chose the R600 towers over the R200 bookshelfs? Got a good deal perhaps?

Either way and as others have said, the R600 should be a pretty good entry into the world of hi-fi. Certainly much better than what I started out with around 1978.

And if you ever get to own/hear the Ascilabs, I think you'll probably be very impressed with them in comparison to the Polks.

Good luck in your journey!

 

[JSmith]

measurements of the Polk R600

Polk Audio Reserve R600

Američtí Polk Audio nepotřebují mnoho představování, zejména na západní polokouli platí doslova za legendy v oboru, jakkoliv v Evropě jejich výrobky zase tolik vzruchu nezpůsobily. Snaží se o to ale rozhodně nová řada Reserve, jejímž mottem je „Jak zní to lepší“. Protože Polk Audio cílí z větší...

www.hifi-voice.com

The frequency response was measured from a distance of 1 m in the axis between the tweeter and the midrange transducer in a closed semi-reverberant space with a floor area of about 35 square meters, with custom acoustics and Vicoustic panels.

The measurements can be considered 100% credible in the range of 200 Hz and above, in the band 10 - 200 Hz the influence of room acoustics can be seen. It was measured using the Clio Pocket software and a calibrated microphone, the speakers were placed in the listening position evident from the accompanying photos.

The software does not measure the anechoic response, but the frequency response taking into account the energy balance over time.

JSmith

 

[Cheeseburger]

To the OP:

Just curious, is there a reason you chose the R600 towers over the R200 bookshelfs? Got a good deal perhaps?

Either way and as others have said, the R600 should be a pretty good entry into the world of hi-fi. Certainly much better than what I started out with around 1978.

And if you ever get to own/hear the Ascilabs, I think you'll probably be very impressed with them in comparison to the Polks.

Good luck in your journey!

To answer your question Rick63: I originally chose the R600 towers simply because I liked the look and the convenience of a floorstanding speaker for my living room.
However, I've decided to cancel that order and wait for the AsciLab C6B. I’m turning 20, and instead of buying a new phone that comes out every year, I want to treat myself to a real Hi-Fi system. It’s the only thing missing in my living room to finally enjoy my music and movies properly. I’d rather wait for something that lasts for decades than buy a gadget or settle for a compromise now.

 

[Mort]

However, I've decided to cancel that order and wait for the AsciLab C6B

Didn't you just cancel the ascilab?

 

[Cheeseburger]

Didn't you just cancel the ascilab?

To clarify: I did cancel my order for the AsciLab C6B at Audiophonics because of the constant delays since January.
However, since I live in Switzerland, I've realized it’s actually more cost-effective for me to buy them directly from the official AsciLab website anyway, as I have to pay Swiss taxes regardless of the source. I missed the first stock there, so I’m just waiting for the next restock to finally complete my living room setup for music and movies.

 

[Mort]

Try the kef q7s for that price.

 

[Matias]

If I were you, buy your AsciLab now, pair it with an Apollon or boXem amp, and wait patiently months until they arrive. Better to get it right the first time and enjoy for years to come.

 

[Cheeseburger]

Thanks again everyone for the great advice!
Matias, you’re right, I’d rather get it right the first time and enjoy it for years to come. I’ve decided to be patient and wait for the AsciLab C6B.
Regarding the amplifier, I’m planning to pair them with either the WiiM Amp or the WiiM Amp Ultra. My plan is to set a crossover at 80Hz with a subwoofer to relieve the amplifier. For a 20m² room, I think this should be plenty, especially since I won't be asking the amp to handle the deepest frequencies.

 

[RickS]

Polk does pretty well for a mass market brand. JBL has some good values too. There is always going to be the "next great speaker". It is a very competitive market, and we can happily expect solid alternatives.

Ascend Acoustics and Philharmonic Audio have some designs that have measured well and are great values too. No need to chase the latest and greatest tech. Let's remember to consider how well they handle customer complaints and service challenges as well.

 

[Defi]

If it were me I would buy something available now. I am really excited about Ascilab and hope to get a pair myself, but there is no guarantee when they'll be available and I already have speakers in the meantime. If you've never owned speakers before you will have a lot to learn about setting them up right, you can start gaining that experience now and be more prepared for when you can get your "dream" speakers. There are plenty of inexpensive speakers that perform very well especially if high SPL isn't necessary.

I'm playing devil's advocate, everyone is different. If you're okay with waiting for an unknown amount of time then I commend you.