digicidal
Major Contributor
That brightness is definitely part of the Polk "house curve" - if you could call it that. Every Polk I've owned exhibited it to some extent... although the RTiA1 (which I don't use currently, but will never sell) and LSiM703 (which I'm listening to while writing this) are both rendered quite "tame" once placed 10-15 degrees off axis. I think almost all were designed to still have some treble energy when placed with little to no toe-in - which makes sense considering how many casual consumers set up their home theaters.
I would definitely rather have some "Polk sizzle" which is easier to tame/tolerate than "Klipsch honking" (which is not). I'm sure others might feel the opposite however. Considering these are some of the least flexible designs Polk makes (as far as size/cost/target) - they did pretty well. They definitely do much better when you step up to their higher product lines however.
The fact that they can continue to produce such nice cabinetry for the prices they ask is absolutely stupefying. To be able to pay under $400 (on sale) for a 3-way standmount with furniture-grade real wood veneers is incredible enough... that they sound good as well is completely nuts in this market. Looking at the aforementioned Klipsch brand... how far up their product line until you get something other than a vinyl sticker on the outside?
I would definitely rather have some "Polk sizzle" which is easier to tame/tolerate than "Klipsch honking" (which is not). I'm sure others might feel the opposite however. Considering these are some of the least flexible designs Polk makes (as far as size/cost/target) - they did pretty well. They definitely do much better when you step up to their higher product lines however.
The fact that they can continue to produce such nice cabinetry for the prices they ask is absolutely stupefying. To be able to pay under $400 (on sale) for a 3-way standmount with furniture-grade real wood veneers is incredible enough... that they sound good as well is completely nuts in this market. Looking at the aforementioned Klipsch brand... how far up their product line until you get something other than a vinyl sticker on the outside?