BUDGET SPEAKER BATTLE, Who Wins? POLK R200 vs POLK S20 w/ Demos!

Let's compare the Polk R200 with the Polk S20, with the help of some sound demos.
🛒 Polk R200 speakers - tinyurl.com/232puf4b
🛒 Tonewinner AD-1PA Amplifier - tinyurl.com/2p8vtaec
🛒 Polk R700 Speakers - tinyurl.com/yjjj8exy
🛒 Polk R600 Speakers - tinyurl.com/yc2wddfe
🛒 Polk R350 Center Channel - tinyurl.com/bdf26xzs
🎈 Join me on Patreon - www.patreon.com/specoftechHey...
Speaker Cables in the Video:
🛒 SKW Speaker Cables - amzn.to/3v6ynLd
🛒 SKW Entry Level Cables - amzn.to/3v2XG0w
🛒 $1395 BUDGET Tonewinner 16 Channel ATMOS Processor:: tinyurl.com/7yrajnmm
Camera used in this video:
🛒 Sony A7C Mirrorless Camera - amzn.to/3G0zSOl
Microphones used in my videos:
🛒 Audio Technica AT-8024 Stereo Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/3f7Jz1r
🛒 Shure MV7 Microphone - amzn.to/3zyQw56
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ULTRA HD MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE OF CHOICE:
🎵 AMAZON Music Unlimited - amzn.to/3Amymn1
🎵 AMAZON Music Unlimited ANDROID - amzn.to/3ArB7mU
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HOME THEATER SEATING IN THE VIDEO:
🛒 Valencia Tuscany - us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
🛒 Valencia Tuscany XL - us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
🛒 Valencia Tuscany multimedia sectional - us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
🛒 Valencia Oslo Console edition - us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
🛒 Valencia Oslo - us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
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00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Sound Demos
05:15 - Build Quality & Aesthetics
06:11 - The Ports
07:25 - Sound Quality Highs
08:36 - Sound Quality Mids
09:02 - Sound Quality Lows
Video Edited with Movavi Video Suite

[@BuildMontage]

Great detailed and thorough review mate. I have to say that sound stage with the LEDs changing colours… 🎉 2:21

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks Tony, I can't wait to do more of these!

[@BuildMontage]

@@SpecOfTech you’re very good at this type of video mate. Look forward to more!

[@Johnnytrades101]

Great video! The transitions between the two sets of speakers is seamless, very well done! can easily hear the differences. I have heard both Polks. The S20s were impressive for the money. But, after a short time seemed scratchy and somewhat vague in the bass, for their price, (a nice dinner out costs more) Polk knows what they are doing. I listened to the R200's in Barrett's room. I was impressed with the sound coming out of the unassuming generic boxes! Clear, and punchy, nothing but goodness! I was impressed. Again, great performance for the dollar. The R200's held their own compared to much more expensive speakers which says a lot about the R series. Great value!! keep the good stuff coming! Cheers!

[@SpecOfTech]

Hey John, thanks for coming by and lending your ear to do some listening. I have to agree, the R200’s really do hold their own, then I think about the price and it makes me wonder how they do it. I can’t wait to put them head to head with some other bookshelf speakers I have in house.

[@Johnnytrades101]

@@SpecOfTech For sure! Cost does not always mean better. The polks crushed a couple of more pricy speakers easily. Saying that, there are a set I really really like! 4 times the price of the Polks, IMO they sound phenomenal and perform above their price point! You know which ones lol

[@doublet147]

A side by side comparison of Polk R700 & Paradigm Premier 800F (both towers) would be very interesting. Both amazing speakers & similar in price.

[@SpecOfTech]

That would be an interesting comparison. If I ever get the opportunity, I will make it happen.

[@Jil8840]

Great test.

[@nicotorres5867]

Hello! Thank you for the video, awesome work! Out of curiosity, what would you say is the next step up to the R200 in terms of similar sound?

[@SpecOfTech]

Oh man, that's a really tough call. The R200's are quite neutral and accurate. Possibly something like the KEF R3 Meta. They are quite neutral, should provide more detail and they are also a step up in the looks department.

[@damianhaber4890]

I own the TSi200 (on sale at $200) and I'm very pleased with them!

[@donjaun540]

Great comparison. I liked those songs too. Shook my TV. 😮🤣 Very cool. 👍

[@susantapaul1118]

Cambridge axr 85 and Polk s20 is good combination?

[@manishmv]

what do you think about multiple edifier bookshelf speakers and connect them to pc that has 7.1 channel soundcard built in motherboard. Do you think it can sound as good as lets say polk speaker setup? I am asking this as I think that i can avoid purchasing an AVR this way.

[@RP-ms7lu]

Nice comparison. I think r200 a bit more transparent.

[@albionmx77]

Hi Barrett, would love to see a S20 vs ES20 comparison vid .

[@SpecOfTech]

Sorry for the late reply, it's been insanely busy. If I ever get the ES20 in house, I'll be sure to do that...cheers.

[@ce386]

ООО да тоже хотелось бы посмотреть!!!

[@Kbaum752]

I noticed the side by side with the focals, are the Polk r200 better?

[@balamuruganj6058]

Looking forward for this response

[@dicmccoy]

I'd like to know how much closer they are to each other after DSP? Flatten the response on the S20 to make a more neutral sounding speaker. Would have been great if you brought that into your comparison reviews.

[@arikononen4022]

You cant make plasticky speaker driver and tweeter in a hollow box sound the same as decent quality ones found from r200.

[@madcrabber1113]

@@arikononen4022 I have been surprised by just how much dsp can do.

[@doublet147]

DSP can be an amazing tool, but when you DSP speakers flat (according to your listening space) and compare, you'll still notice differences. Especially if they aren't similar quality of build, materials & price.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Polked in the ears!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Damn - .. they are REALLY close sounding through this recording. That's a tough call. IF anything, I'd say the reserve are a touch more refined.

[@retroforce6919]

How does the Polk R200 compared to SVS ultra bookself speakers?

[@SpecOfTech]

That comparison is coming in the future. I haven't compared them yet, so it's tough to say...just stay tuned on t he channel.

[@jeanmarclillard4992]

Hello, I have a Denon AVC-S660H amp and a Creative AE9 sound card with a 9038 ESS SABER DAC. Is this enough to ride the Polk R200? Thanks :)

[@SpecOfTech]

Yes, absolutely

[@jeanmarclillard4992]

@@SpecOfTech Thank you :)

[@FatFolksProductions]

I would love to see a companion between the L200's and the R200's.

[@SpecOfTech]

Maybe one day I can make that happen…cheers.

[@SpecOfTech]

Me too, I hope I can make that happen one day soon.

[@charlesking678]

I bought the l200 and r200. Played them both in my home. I much preferred the r200's. The legend series has very low sensitivity so you better have a big amp to drive them to get the most out of them. I used a marantz model 30 integrated amplifier and found the r200 much more enjoyable.

[@vgnow6558]

Hello, how would you rate es20 against bronze 100? Is es20 a good choice or should I go with Bronze 100? I want bass and good vocals

[@vgnow6558]

@@SpecOfTech not 200, I was enquiring about bronze 100, which is a bookshelf

[@SpecOfTech]

@@vgnow6558 Sorry, I misread that. I have never heard the Bronze 100, so I can't give an educated answer. Based on their specs only I would assume the Bronze will have better bass with it's 8" cone and rated freq response. For vocals your guess is as good as mine as I never heard the Bronze 100. Based on their specs on paper I would choose the Bronze, personally.

[@rickp6731]

Fischer & Fischer Speakers made out of SLATE gets you the closest to an Live Event than anything else on the planet😇Heaven on Earth🙂 Slate is the very best material for speaker cabinets period

[@tigertom53]

How about the r100 vs s20?😎

[@tigertom53]

I have the s15 but I hear the se versions are much better thinking about upgrading. 🤔

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

Either version of the 20 model would be an upgrade

[@mikelary88]

Got my Paradigm 120H’s in this week. COULDN’T BE HAPPIER!

[@SpecOfTech]

What finish did you get? I'm glad you love them brother, I miss mine.

[@junior-OG]

nice

[@mikelary88]

@@SpecOfTech I went with the black walnut to match my current aesthetics. Since it was going to be a replace over time approach, I wanted the pieces to blend in as I went for each upgrade. If I could have afforded to do a full rip & replace I would have gone with that midnight cherry 🔥

[@susantapaul1118]

Very good

[@Victrola777]

More coloration with the S20's.

[@almadacr70]

That's a easy one even without watching the video R200 all the way

[@billsmith3439]

So.....No Sonetto review then?

[@SpecOfTech]

lol it's coming, I have a lot of content to get through. I was waiting for the final Sonetto speaker to come in, and it will be here this week. I will start working on the reviews now.

[@arikononen4022]

R200 sounds tight and neutral. S20 plastic tweeter is harsh and bass is round and fat

[@SpecOfTech]

You're right about the R200, spot on. The tweeter on the S20 is a soft dome though, not plastic my friend.

[@dperr338]

Sounds very similar but the R200 is more detailed and accurate. ES20 is more warm with a more bloated sounding bass. Those R200s sound great.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

This like hiring Michelangelo to paint your house. Please Perlisten send this artist some speakers commensurate with his speaker review cred.

[@SpecOfTech]

lol WOW, that's some compliment, thanks man. I would love to test out the Perlisten speakers one day!

[@shawnperepelytz6397]

The R200 are on sale for $549 CAD.

[@SpecOfTech]

That is an amazing deal for these speakers!

[@shawnperepelytz6397]

@@SpecOfTech online from Gibby’s in Hamilton.

[@Luke-qs2cg]

Es20 sounds metallic/cheap. You can clearly hear the driver distortion

[@SpecOfTech]

Yeah, they do a good job for their price, but the R200 are just plain better. Polk knocked it out of the park with the Reserve speakers.

[@gaurd3]

If you like boosted treble. Lol. I know people have their preferences but just sounds weird.

[@SpecOfTech]

Lol yeah it does, but a lot of people like that sound.

[@UnitedCanuck]

A smart shopper will gonfor the ES20.

[@eyeshezzy]

Polkamania 😅😂

[@CynicalDad81]

Or we could just listen to nails on chalkboard…

[@SpecOfTech]

That wouldn't be my choice of music, but to each their own.

[@ce386]

s 20 is better than r200 and there is nothing to market here

[@SpecOfTech]

Lol 😆

[@Thehobbyeast]

What centre speaker is that

[@SpecOfTech]

Sonus Faber Sonetto C2

[@cb7pwn]

R200 aren't "budget" lol not many people have 1000bucks for bookshelfs

[@SpecOfTech]

haha, I guess you're right, everyone has different budgets. They won't be budget for everyone.