Polk Rm 3000 Audio Surround Speaker Setup Diagram
What can I do to ensure the best setup experience for my Polk Omni product? The Home Theater Sound Bar System with Amazon Alexa Built-in.
- Setting Up Your Home Audio. No Polk Audio built-in speaker models need Performance Enclosures to perform at their peak. If you have connected the F/X Wireless transmitter using a speaker wire method, then turn down the level for the rear surround channels in the receiver's setup menu.
- I purchased Polk RM3000 Satellite/Subwoofer system back in the early 90's. Also, I spoke to a local stereo shop and they suggested matching a set of. And it really doesn't dig too deep (-3db@42hz per the manual).
Klipsch Reference R-15m vs. Polk Signature Series S15It's been a long while since there has been a head to head Budget Battle. My previous Budget Champion, the Infinity Primus line, is now discontinued and some very worthy contenders have come vying for position.Over the last few years the entry level speaker market has become one of the most competitive and quickly improving segments there is in home audio. Be it because of trickle down technologies from higher end siblings or fantastic offerings from internet direct brands, it doesn't matter. In the long run we all end up winners here.The Tale of the TapeWe won't be crowning on overall champion, at this price point there are multiple great options that anyone would enjoy.
This time we are going to take a detailed look at two major mass market and easily found products from Klipsch and Polk.Enter Player One: The Klipsch Reference 15m. Released in late 2014 with a MSRP of $249.99. They are the improved successor to the Klipsch Icon line of speakers.Enter Player Two:The Polk Signature Series s15. New for 2017 with a MSRP of $229.99. They appear to be the successor to the Polk TSi line and now appears to sit between the T series and the RTiA series.Both of these speaker are easily found at Amazon, Best Buy and Fry's; which will make in-store and in-home additions all the more easier.Let's start with a breakdown of each pair. Klipsch Reference R-15mBasic front and back shot. Polk Signature Series S15Completely new for 2017, The Polk Signature Series offers a little more than just a black box.
The Polks also get a nice set of magnetic grills that easily pop on and off. Nice rounded edges on the top and bottom. The gloss plastic face plate is a little reminiscent of the Definitive Technology Studiomonitor line.While I didn't experience it, there are reports of the lower part of the baffle vibrating a little bit, so watch out for that.
Good news is that they are removeable so if you do encounter anything, the fix is an easy dab or two of glue away.Album for some additional breakdown and driver photosEasy access to the crossover. Couple caps, couple resistors and a couple coils. Don't know much about crossover design. But it looks like there is a cap, inductor and resistor combo for each driver.Corner braces and the top and bottom, and CENTER BRACING!!!! Something not seen on a many products in that price point.
Looking at you ELAC. Klipsch r-15m Graphs: Close Mic and 1mThe first thing I noticed was just how flat the tweeter output was in the close mic measurements. Within a 1db from 2.3khz to 10khz. The quick roll off and little peak at 14k were present in both the close mic and 1m measurements.The crossover claims seem to be pretty spot on at 1800hz, and rolls off impressively steep with little cone break upEven in the close mic measurements the midrange output gets a bit of a ripple in the 600-1200hz range.It does look like some of the port is tuned to around 60hz, but noise may find its way into the audible midrange output, as both peaks closely match the peaks in the 1m response.Overall the Klipsch r-15m is a pretty well behaved speaker. But the peaks are noticeable in critical listening.Klipsch r-15m Grill vs No grill.The grills to have an measurable effect on the output. Further accentuating the bump at 2k and adding a null at 6k.
I would leave the grills off if possible.Klipsch r-15m: Horizontal off axis response.The Klipsch horn does a great job here. Even very far off axis the output remains smooth, though becomes shoved down as you angle away from the horn. Sitting a little bit off axis shouldn't be too much of a problem in home theater use. The midrange humps remain. I think some minor EQing in the 500-1000hz range could really assist with their performance.Klipsch r-15m: - Vertical off axis response.The speaker is a much less well behaved as the listening axis raises or lowers.
With treble out put getting much more uneven and significant nulls developing. Polk Signature Series S15 - and honest +/- 3db speaker for 70hz to 19khz.1m outdoor gated with averaged and summed below 400hz.Port looks like it is tuned to about 70hz.
Not particularly low for a 5.25 inch speaker. However in listening tests, where the speakers were 5+ feet away from a rear wall, indicated it can get plenty low for just about any music. Lower than the Klipsch often could. Perhaps an effect of the Power Port design?
Searching seems to indicate that you are able to achieve similar tunings with shorter port lengths. Polk Signature Series S15 - Vertical off axis ResponseNegative Horizontal axis measurement are predictable. Once you are getting much more than 15 degrees below the tweeter you will see significant nulls in the crossover region.Positive Horizontal axis measurement are equally predictable. And once you get to 45 degrees off axis you begin to see similar nulls.At the end, if placement needs needs to be compromised, it's better to be above the speaker than below it.This also might be nice carry over to desktop usage, where getting the tweeter at ear level can be difficult.Round Three.FIGHT. Polk Signature Series S15 vs Klipsch r-15mGetting the the results of this epic budget battle. The upper group of measurements are level matched at 1khz (and coincidentally at 500hz where the ground reflections take over).You can see that the Klipsch has a pretty significant 3db peak centered at 650hz and is essentially 2db louder from 1.2khz to 3khz. I think both of these are trouble spots in the midranges performance has a larger party to place in the listening experience then what the tweeter is doing.
The rising rate and the roll off of the treble accelerates a little more quickly too. The horn tweeter was never honky or harsh, what problems exist remain in the midrange driver performance.In the lower direct A/B measurements, the Klipsch is very obviously and expectedly louder/more efficient. Giving a presentation that might seem more exciting if A/B tested in a show room.The Polks have now become a legitimate go to choice and contender for anyone looking to spend in the $250 range for a set of speakers. Not only do they offer something new in looks, but construction is top notch and performance is very good. And in my opinion are better than the beloved ELAC's.Overall both are good speakers and neither suffer from major deficiencies (HTD Level 2) and we are past the era of speakers punching out of their weight class, there are too much great products at this price range now. The Klipsch remains a contender in the class and shouldn't be dismissed without a listen, especially by those who assume they are just a pallet swap of the Icons or by anyone who will be using them in pure home theater application.
But the Polks are just a clear step more refined and a better performing speaker overall and the winner here today. Final Round.FIGHT!Listening ExperienceOverall, in AB testing its like the whole mix of the music changes between the two speakers.The Klipsch r-15m is naturally more efficient, making for a easily louder presentation, vocals tended to be forward and things can be sharp or harsh at higher volumes. They repeatedly had the stronger center image and with the combo of forward vocals or where there was a lot of information in the peaky areas of the response could make that center placement distracting.The Polk S15 had a sound stage far greater than the size of the speakers. Overall a much more neutral and natural presentation but still with a rising rate at the end of the tweeters range. Sometimes the midrange could seem slightly veiled, but always smooth.Guns and Roses - EstrangedKlipsch - Sounds a little hollow.
Like a 'concert hall' effect has been put on the speakers. Very dynamic. Slash is dead center, almost distractingly so. Feeling a little hash.Polk - Bass line is much more obvious. Almost drowned out with the Klipsch. Both handled the piano solos great.Govt.
Mule - John the RevelatorMarked difference in vocal staging. With the Klipsch being forward and Warren Haynes voice little rough. The Polks smoother more natural sounding and were lacking the same strong center image.Iggy Azalea - Black widowHere with the Klipsch you could really notice that vocal fry.
But very dynamic, a great example of a load and fun party speaker, not quite as full or deep in the bass. Pretty much everything the Klipsch got wrong the Polks got right, the played deeper, while you don't miss the technical nuances of Iggy's gangsta impression, the vocals were much smoother without any harsh fry.The Heavy - Short Change HeroI think the mix of this song is not one that lends itself to critical listening. But the Klipsch had a phone in a Red Solo Cup quality. The Polk's didn't fool you thinking you were watching the band live, but pulled the song off much better.The Civil Wars - Billy JeanOne of my favorite test tracks.
The Klipsch repeated their same forward vocals, very obvious due to strong left and right separation in the mix. But things still sounded ok.
With the Polks we had a good example of the slightly veiled upper mid range and were missing some of the dynamics.Dr. Dre - KushThe Klipsch are clearly the party speaker winners here. Bass is a little lean, and Snoop Dogg sounds s little bit too in your face. The Polks were able to play a little deeper, but there was almost a bit of sibilance in T-Pain's hook.That was unexpected and the only time I ever noticed anything like that.Transformers Last Knight AND Justice League trailersThe Klipsch really shine here, more dynamic, even in just a stereo configuration they provided a very strong center image.
But again the bass impact was missing. The Polks kept their smoother characteristics, were able get a little closer to the bass depts of a Michael Bay explosion. Overall the sounded a bit fuller and the sound stage while not as laser focused in the center was much wider. Polk Signature Series S15 vs ELAC B6The ELACs have been a widely touted budget speaker since even before their release. While the hype has cooled, they remained a worthy choice. It's my opinion that Polk has usurped the former Budget King. Be it a case of economies of scale and being able to afford to build better cabinets, or design philosophies that didn't subdue the treble response.
The Polks in my opinion best the ELACs in all but bass extension.For a mass market speaker with easy access, the Polk Signature Series S15 is a major winner. The ELACs have been a widely touted budget speaker since even before their release. While the hype has cooled, they remained a worthy choice. It's my opinion that Polk has usurped the former Budget King. Be it a case of economies of scale and being able to afford to build better cabinets, or design philosophies that didn't subdue the treble response.
The Polks in my opinion best the ELACs in all but bass extension.For a mass market speaker with easy access, the Polk Signature Series S15 is a major winner.Nice thorough job. Thanks for the review! I bought the Icon's and matching center and then sold them for these R-15M's and matching center.
I could hear a small difference in clarity and presence between the two, with the R-15M's sounding better. Not a huge difference but noticeable.Everyone has their tastes, and for me, after comparing both these Polks and Klipsch speakers at BB, I preferred the brighter sound of the Klipsch. I could tell how some would say it could sound a little on the harsher side compared to the Polks in some of the demo content, but I preferred their sound overall since the Polks seemed just a tad on the muddy side for me and the brightness of the Klipsch's made them sound clearer and more present overall.
Plus the Klipschs toned down in my living room making them sound perfect, and since I have them paired with dual SVS PB-2000 subs, I couldn't be happier with the sound for the class they are in. I have them crossed at 80hz and 100hz for the center, and have them running through my Denon s920w AVR.
This center is awesome. I got it accomodation from Polk, so price was not a factor for me. I wanted to clear up that it is bi-ampable and you do not need a y-apater for the center pre-out connection that someone previously posted. If you want the specs for this unit, check out their site, but if they are in limited supply these days as they are a little older model. I got it to fit with my little older system, and it impresses me most importantly and anyone else who sees it. My system is:Hitachi 53SWX10B Projection TVPioneer Elite DV-37 DVD PlayerPioneer DX-608 Receiver (To be replaced)Polk Audio RT55's Front R/LPolk Audio CS1000 CenterPolk Audio F/X1000 Surround R/LNo sub since I live in an apartment, probably add a Velodyne later.
I use system for home theatre primarily, but it is good musically too. This center is awesome. I got it accomodation from Polk, so price was not a factor for me. I wanted to clear up that it is bi-ampable and you do not need a y-apater for the center pre-out connection that someone previously posted.
If you want the specs for this unit, check out their site, but if they are in limited supply these days as they are a little older model. I got it to fit with my little older system, and it impresses me most importantly and anyone else who sees it.
My system is:Hitachi 53SWX10B Projection TVPioneer Elite DV-37 DVD PlayerPioneer DX-608 Receiver (To be replaced)Polk Audio RT55's Front R/LPolk Audio CS1000 CenterPolk Audio F/X1000 Surround R/LNo sub since I live in an apartment, probably add a Velodyne later. I use system for home theatre primarily, but it is good musically too. This big unit is a must for anyone who is serious about their speakers, the sound quality is very superior. I paid $850 for this baby, which is kinda pricy, so those who are on a budget, I recommend the polk 400i center (which in performance is just a tad under the cs1000p and you'll save about $400-500 dollars, which you can use on the polk fx500's). This baby comes just a tad under 60 pounds, so get some help from your friends carrying it those stairs. The measures of this baby is 34'W x 8-5/8'H x 14'D, thats just a tad under 3 feet in width, so it won't fit 'most' entertainment sets and you wont be able to place in on 'most' standard television sets, which is bad because you wont be able to place it inline from the place where you are watching the movie (I had to place mines on top of my entertainment set, which is about 2.5-3.0 feet above ear level, sound quality was still good, but not as good if you can position it inline with your ears when your sitting down watching it).
Another bad point is that you cant biamp these babies to your fronts, so those who are looking for this option, I suggest getting the polk 400i. There are two options for wiring on this baby, first option is to just plainly wire it to/from the speaker to the receivers center wire output. Second option is to use a RCA cable from the speaker to your receiver's pre-out (this also requires you to keep the original wiring in option 1, so you'll have to have two wires going to/from your receiver). I currently have it setup using option 1, if anyone knows it option 2 (using the RCA cables/Receivers Pre-out) is better, let me know. This unit does not come with a RCA cable, and requires you to purchase both a standard RCA cable and a Y Connector (I did'nt want to spend anymore monies than necessary so I opped for option 1).
This baby is also powered by its own AC cord, which is three pronged, so that the speakers are properly grounded (for those who care).To Sum up.Negatives include1) cant bi-amp2) requires Y-cable if you choose to use your receivers pre-out.3) To wide for a center, unable to place it inline with your ears. A little under 3 feet from left to right.4) Heavy, unit stands at 60#'s5) Price, would anyone pay $850 for these? NOT, I think the polk 400i is a better buy.Positives include1) Excellent Sound quality (however you might get the same quality with the polk 400i).2) 'Voice' quality out of these babies are superior, you wont have to say 'What the hell did he say?' Bose vcs103) Heavy, 60#'s hard (but possible) for someone to steal from your house.4) Three pronge AC Wire for proper grounding.5) also forgot this baby can handle up to 250 watts, I was blasting both my music and playing dvd's (not at the same time) at a pretty high level and this baby didnt even flinch. I didnt see any difference in Sound quality when playing regular cd's or listening to the radio, its only when playing dvds in 5.1 or dts when you really notice the difference.Note: Bose sucks big time, dont be fooled.
If your on a budget, go with Bose and Sony (they are made for each other, i.e. If you have money to spend and a audio freak, go with polk and denon (they are made for each other, i.e. Both go hand in hand together).Thank you for taking time to review my review.If you have any feedback, feel free to message me on this board topic so that every can know the real truth and not the over rated hype bose and sony gets. This big unit is a must for anyone who is serious about their speakers, the sound quality is very superior. I paid $850 for this baby, which is kinda pricy, so those who are on a budget, I recommend the polk 400i center (which in performance is just a tad under the cs1000p and you'll save about $400-500 dollars, which you can use on the polk fx500's).
This baby comes just a tad under 60 pounds, so get some help from your friends carrying it those stairs. The measures of this baby is 34'W x 8-5/8'H x 14'D, thats just a tad under 3 feet in width, so it won't fit 'most' entertainment sets and you wont be able to place in on 'most' standard television sets, which is bad because you wont be able to place it inline from the place where you are watching the movie (I had to place mines on top of my entertainment set, which is about 2.5-3.0 feet above ear level, sound quality was still good, but not as good if you can position it inline with your ears when your sitting down watching it).
Another bad point is that you cant biamp these babies to your fronts, so those who are looking for this option, I suggest getting the polk 400i. There are two options for wiring on this baby, first option is to just plainly wire it to/from the speaker to the receivers center wire output.
Second option is to use a RCA cable from the speaker to your receiver's pre-out (this also requires you to keep the original wiring in option 1, so you'll have to have two wires going to/from your receiver). I currently have it setup using option 1, if anyone knows it option 2 (using the RCA cables/Receivers Pre-out) is better, let me know. This unit does not come with a RCA cable, and requires you to purchase both a standard RCA cable and a Y Connector (I did'nt want to spend anymore monies than necessary so I opped for option 1). This baby is also powered by its own AC cord, which is three pronged, so that the speakers are properly grounded (for those who care).To Sum up.Negatives include1) cant bi-amp2) requires Y-cable if you choose to use your receivers pre-out.3) To wide for a center, unable to place it inline with your ears. A little under 3 feet from left to right.4) Heavy, unit stands at 60#'s5) Price, would anyone pay $850 for these? NOT, I think the polk 400i is a better buy.Positives include1) Excellent Sound quality (however you might get the same quality with the polk 400i).2) 'Voice' quality out of these babies are superior, you wont have to say 'What the hell did he say?'
Bose vcs103) Heavy, 60#'s hard (but possible) for someone to steal from your house.4) Three pronge AC Wire for proper grounding.5) also forgot this baby can handle up to 250 watts, I was blasting both my music and playing dvd's (not at the same time) at a pretty high level and this baby didnt even flinch. I didnt see any difference in Sound quality when playing regular cd's or listening to the radio, its only when playing dvds in 5.1 or dts when you really notice the difference.Note: Bose sucks big time, dont be fooled. If your on a budget, go with Bose and Sony (they are made for each other, i.e.
If you have money to spend and a audio freak, go with polk and denon (they are made for each other, i.e. Both go hand in hand together).Thank you for taking time to review my review.If you have any feedback, feel free to message me on this board topic so that every can know the real truth and not the over rated hype bose and sony gets. I don't think I can give a review about a speaker without mentioning the receiver used to drive the speaker and the other speakers used in the setup first.My Setup:Denon 3801 ReceiverFront: 2 Polk Audio Signature SDAs (1990)Rear: 2 Polk Audio RT800iSub: 1 Polk Audio PSW250 (came free with the CS1000p)You may notice that I'm using two of the Polk Signature Reference System speakers (these are the old ones with 8 midrange, 4 tweeters, and a 12' sub).
Polk Rm 3000 Audio Surround Speaker Setup Diagram System
I bought the CS1000p to keep up with those two monsters. It has handled everything I've thrown at it flawlessly. DVD's with 5.1 channel output are when this speaker really shines. There is a surprising amount of special effects that are played on the center channel and having the dual subs in the center channel speaker will not let you miss out on anything.
Voices from TV and video have a very realistic sound quality. I couldn't tell you how the speaker sounds with other receivers, but I love the warm, natural sound produced from the Denon 3801/CS1000p combo. 105w @ 8 ohms is plenty of power. (Remember there are built in powered subs so the speaker has a lot of its own power- the speaker plugs into a wall outlet)Polk Audio doesn't make crappy products. My SDAs that I'm using with this speaker are over 10 years old and sound better than ever. I expect the CS1000p will have a long life as well.You would almost defiantly want a big-screen TV for this bad-boy to sit on unless you have a big wooden entertainment center that can hold the speaker.
It is about 60 pounds, a yard long, and 8 inches tall! It is like a floorstaning speaker turned over on its side. I always say Bose speakers are for guys with small d.cks who say 'size doesn't matter'! -This is a speaker for guys who know size DOES matter and why! (But my girlfriend doesn't think so, she hates my setup, she says it is all too big.big speakers must be a guy thing)It is just an intimidating speaker and sounds bigger and better than it looks! That is what I was looking for so 5 stars all the way!E-mail me or IM me if you want to ask any questions or just to talk about stereo stuff. I don't think I can give a review about a speaker without mentioning the receiver used to drive the speaker and the other speakers used in the setup first.My Setup:Denon 3801 ReceiverFront: 2 Polk Audio Signature SDAs (1990)Rear: 2 Polk Audio RT800iSub: 1 Polk Audio PSW250 (came free with the CS1000p)You may notice that I'm using two of the Polk Signature Reference System speakers (these are the old ones with 8 midrange, 4 tweeters, and a 12' sub).
I bought the CS1000p to keep up with those two monsters. It has handled everything I've thrown at it flawlessly. DVD's with 5.1 channel output are when this speaker really shines.
Polk Audio Tower Speakers
There is a surprising amount of special effects that are played on the center channel and having the dual subs in the center channel speaker will not let you miss out on anything. Voices from TV and video have a very realistic sound quality. I couldn't tell you how the speaker sounds with other receivers, but I love the warm, natural sound produced from the Denon 3801/CS1000p combo. 105w @ 8 ohms is plenty of power. (Remember there are built in powered subs so the speaker has a lot of its own power- the speaker plugs into a wall outlet)Polk Audio doesn't make crappy products. My SDAs that I'm using with this speaker are over 10 years old and sound better than ever.
I expect the CS1000p will have a long life as well.You would almost defiantly want a big-screen TV for this bad-boy to sit on unless you have a big wooden entertainment center that can hold the speaker. It is about 60 pounds, a yard long, and 8 inches tall!
It is like a floorstaning speaker turned over on its side. I always say Bose speakers are for guys with small d.cks who say 'size doesn't matter'! -This is a speaker for guys who know size DOES matter and why! (But my girlfriend doesn't think so, she hates my setup, she says it is all too big.big speakers must be a guy thing)It is just an intimidating speaker and sounds bigger and better than it looks! That is what I was looking for so 5 stars all the way!E-mail me or IM me if you want to ask any questions or just to talk about stereo stuff.