Buy These Today! The Polk R200 Bookshelf Speaker Review - Polk Aint Playing

Polk R200 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cf5QY9RrLK1
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[@cheapaudioman]

Polk R200 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cf5QY9RrLK1 -----Polk R200 Amazon amzn.to/3rciD8d --------Cyber Monday Crutchfield shop-links.co/cf5QWYf89U1 ------------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P --------------massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman

[@williamnaman3570]

Crutchfield has the Audiolab CDT6000 transport for $80 off. Rare.

[@zedamoca]

Hello Randy have you tried the Heco Aurora 300? If you have the chance try them so i can find what you think about them. Best regards.

[@jamestartaglia7686]

Trenner and friedl ARTS seem to be the model design for these...huh? 😎

[@danielbaldwin8871]

Is the Polk R200 better or worse than the XLS Encore in clarity of mids and highs. Which is a better over all speaker? Thanks.

[@FlyGuy457]

We use the wood glue in our coffee. Fantastic flavor and sticks with you.

[@royaustin5022]

I bought the R200 on the Polk website and got an extra 10% off($566.00) if I signed up for future advertisement. Great deal.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

My original comment about this discount was deleted. Lucky yours stands. A major cashback site also has 15% so if you know how to use that, do it. Mine were around $500 after all discounts. (Polk, Cashback, 5% USB on electronic stores) Pretty good.

[@rotelfan2000]

first time I heard these I was gobsmacked. they literally refired my love for 2 channel audio after a long hiatus with far more expensive speakers. they punch WAAAAy above their price.

[@modernrunner]

Love the channel, bought these the day you posted this vid. Was on the edge of picking them up, your vid pushed me to get them. Keep up the great cheap audio vids!

[@hugobloemers4425]

I am happy to see that Elac is getting some competition. It can only be good for us.

[@glennjones6574]

Elac is sort of losing it's "buzz".. it's good to have interesting competition.

[@mattbyrnes4171]

Polk did a great job this year. I haven't been interested in their speakers in a couple decades, but they released a few models this year, I really want to listen to. They have a mojo about them again, and it's great to see. Their new lines are getting good reviews, and competition is always good for us, the consumers.

[@maxwedge7593]

I couldn't agree more.

[@czguy3045]

Polk isn't historically one of my favorite brands but that may be changing. I went to someone's house to pick up a pair of Paradigms. He had replaced the Paradigms with the $1,500 Polk Legends. VERY impressive. He doesn't run a sub so gravitates towards speakers with plump bottom end and these were quite impressive.

[@charlesking678]

Randy I've been following your channel and your reviews are awesome and your description spot on. After doing research from you and some other KZbinrs, and looking at objective testing from forums like audioscience review, the consensus for best bang for buck bookshelf are the polk r200's and elac debut reference. I purchased both from Crutchfield to test them at home. Both of these are fantastic speakers. Image like crazy and non fatiguing. I'm gonna end up keeping the r200's because while both the speakers are neutral the polks dig deeper with bigger more full bass. I feel the elac's can play well without a sub, but definitely benefit from a sub. The polks I was more than happy without a sub. They are more like baby floor standers. Both are slam dunk choices, but for me it's the r200's! Thanks Randy for the excellent reviews and keep up the good work for the budget audiophiles! We need guys like you.

[@Scious]

Same situation here, been demoing both but in the store the elac's went deeper 30ish Hz vs 40ish for the polk. Very hard to decide. How low did you get your R200's?

[@charlesking678]

@@Scious for me I found the treble and midrange to be about equal. The bass is where they differ. I found the polks have a fuller bass, whereas the elac's definitely need a sub. The polks can go without a sub at moderate levels.

[@Scious]

@@charlesking678 I see, thanks! :)

[@mndlessdrwer]

A video I can really get behind. These are astonishingly good for the money. I've always been biased toward the ring radiator tweeter design that they use in this set and I'm glad that the tuning and woofer choice really back that up and allow these things to really shine. These do sound best on warm/neutral source stacks, but your experience may vary based on your preferences and room configuration. These like to have a bit of distance off the wall and from each other and the tiny amount of treble gain in the "airy and spacious" part of the FR can be attenuated by simply not toeing in the speakers. They're remarkable and , if you're in the market for a new pair of bookshelf speakers, definitely worth a listen if you can find anywhere to demo them.

[@valleyguy633]

Great review. I actually hung on every word, and feel like I have a good understanding of these speakers.

[@PG-rr8lb]

Bought recently the R200's, second hand with 2 months old (450€), and I'm totally thrilled by the sound and their quality for the money. Very well balanced speakers with great bass and a slight warmish presentation as mentioned on the video. If you have a Class D amp like I do that delivers a more neutral and detailed sound that sometimes is a bit fatiguing when using also more neutral speakers this is the right choice for you. I'm very, very happy, certainly will keep them for a few years!

[@34332]

I couldn't wait for you to get your hands on these and here it is! 🙌 I bought the white version, no discount, but even for the 'regular' price they are a steal. I can only confirm that your review and impression are spot-on. I would advice a minimum of 50 Watts (good amp) when in a larger room, to compensate for less boosted recordings. Bass is insanely good and fast (Chocolate chip trip, by Tool), where the bassdrum hits you in the chest. I didn't feel the need for a subwoofer at all. I never considered Polk before, but they did an impressive job with their Reserve series.

[@RockCity1111]

I went with the black version of them and they really are incredible for a smallish speaker. I was used to 12 inch jack towers but these R 200s actually hit low. Polk gave me a discount because they canceled my original order and I paid like 560 bucks for mine because they gave me a 10 % discount. The X port cleans the bass up and its so smooth!!

[@34332]

@@RockCity1111 You did quite well bro! That's a give away 😄

[@bearclaw5115]

I listen to these in a small room (9x10 or so), they sound fantastic. Don't hesitate, these speakers are untouchable under 1k. They never irritate me yet are very entertaining.

[@ezeien9]

How did you position in room? I have a 12x12 room these are going in and curious how you managed the bass

[@robladw2332]

These really are good speakers. I have the a Marantz DAC-1 and A Yamaha A-S1200 integrated amp. It is a great combo and they do seem to scale well with decent electronics. This will be the 2 channel system I most likely die with. I have no complaints.

[@RockCity1111]

These are actually sick speakers. The R 200S are even being compared to the Kefs r3 and other speakers in and audio science review recommended the Polk R 200s too.

[@kenmark5676]

How do these compare to the tsi 200?

[@sleekblackroadster]

@@kenmark5676 huge difference. Replaced some similar monitor 40's for these. Those entry level things sound okay and 'clean' if you don't know much about what things are really meant to sound like. These Reserve speakers are measuring about as good as it gets, only real drawback is dispersion maybe. Better everything. They are scientifically closer to something like a Genelec which is an industry standard company, with much higher priced lines of accurate studio monitors.

[@mndlessdrwer]

Their tuning is more akin to the Reference 1 bookshelves, just not quite as good. The R200 is very good for a 2-way bookshelf, but you're not going to beat a 3-way money-pit of a bookshelf speaker. But the tuning is similar. Slight bass boost, slightly warm, overall neutral tuning, and excellent detail retrieval in the treble.

[@nitronamous]

Thanks Randy love your Schiit!

[@bwithrow011]

$917.72 for Sith audiophile wood glue! What a deal! Thanks 👍 Randy!

[@epi2045]

Always been a fan of Polk Audio. When I was a kid I wanted their huge SDA speaker with 8 mids, 4 tweeters, and 15 inch passive radiator. I have owned several of their speakers and have two of their 5b series monitors with their silver line tweeters stored somewhere in the garage. I switched to B&W, Magnepan, Elac, Kef, and other popular brands over the years. I’m thinking of circling back to Polk.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I have the polk lsim 705s and my Maggie's/elacs are in a corner collecting dust. I also would put them against kef r3 - r5 and win. I added aperion super tweeters and they wil give most "higher end" speakers a run for the money . Infact I've seen reviews for the L series vs lsim 703s and some people that had both preferred the older 703s. My 705s with super tweeters are pretty much end game

[@epi2045]

@@ufarkingicehole Man we’re lucky guys to have so much good audio in our lives. I recently received a pair of Zu Audio DW’s in addition to the inventory.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@epi2045 I agree my friend! how are they treating you? What do you have for electronics driving them?

[@epi2045]

@@ufarkingicehole I have a Mark Levinson power amp (pretty hefty at 98lbs) and custom tube amp (EL34 SET) with a Nuprime DAC preamp. The Zu Audio’s work very well with my 3 WPC tube amp. My maggies are collecting dust for now but definitely keeping them. I’ve had owned 3 pairs of Magnepan’s over the years. Really looking hard at these Polks for fun.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@epi2045 they are good. Ypu should Research the lsim series as well. Some reviews choose them over the legend series. Thomas reviewed the lsim.707 a long time ago which drove me to try the 705s.

[@mjw930]

A set of R600’s show up tomorrow to replace a pair of UB52’s. While the UB52’s were everything you said they were I felt they were missing the body and fullness I cherish from my earlier analog days. I’m also a fan of floor standers and with a large, difficult room the UB52’s just didn’t get the job done. The R600’s have the down firing flared port that will help with wall / corner placement issues my room suffers and should generate more sound pressure in the room at the critical mid and mid- base region. Low base will be handled by my Starke Sound SW12’s so I’m hoping I’m good to go. All courtesy of Crutchfield’s 60 day return policy since the days of the local audio stores has long past. Keep on bringing the heat Randy, I’m really enjoying all the neat, affordable stuff you’re showcasing.

[@yuckysamson]

The ares2/akitika/r200 system seems like a fantastic $2500 system package. You're really doing some great system matching.

[@christopherbadgley]

Great speakers. Got them on-sale, plus an additional 10% off for signing up to Polk’s email list. Best $600 I’ve spent in a long time. Long time Polk fan, going back to SDA-1As that are still in service. Got these speakers for a mid-size listening room and like the review, they have plenty of bass. The tweeters are quite directional, so I have them on 26” stands, slightly toed-in. Sound fabulous. Buy these! Now!

[@RockCity1111]

I bought them right when they released and they're killer

[@theedgeofbreakup5192]

What stands recommended for these? What did you purchase. Thx

[@christopherbadgley]

@@theedgeofbreakup5192 I purchased the Kanto SX 26. They put the tweeter at the correct height for my seating position and worked out perfectly. They are expensive, but worth it. I filled the bases with sand to remove any resonance. They are rock solid.

[@sleekblackroadster]

Grabbed 2 pairs of these open box for $550 a pair from Audio Advice. A pair for PC speakers and using the other pair with an LSiM706 center for 3 channel bedroom TV speakers. Already have full LSiM range 7.2.4 in living room. Great stuff.

[@calvincurry8496]

If you have the Lsim 703 s How does the R200s compare to the lsim 703s?

[@snakeobias]

I was tossing up between these and the KEF Q350. In the end I went with the KEFs, but those Polk R200s are fantastic value. I'd be keen to hear the Legend L200s though. Apparently unreal sound!

[@dougg1075]

Love ring tweeters. Have them on my LSA signatures.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Great review as usual Randy! I a headphone user, has a few DACs, Head Amps which can be pre-amps. I am a dummy on speakers Hi Fi setup and was considering the R700 but don’t have the space for it (my Work Room space is 3.65 L x 2.51 W x 2.48 H in meters or 11’11” L x 8’2” W x 8’1” after deducting the rows of book shelves and my work desk at the end of the room) so I am recommended the R200. All reviews I saw are favorable for this speaker. This pair of speakers will be on my new work desk in my Work Room at home first for music listening purposes, I may add a subwoofer or 2 as I like soundstage, musically clear and warmer sounds. My LG sound bar is not meeting expectations so if the R200 can fit the little space I have on each side of my tv and can be placed on the console, that’s when I’d consider making it into a home-theatre-like setup. I will then get the Centre, upward firing Atmos and surround speakers for a Home-Theatre-like setup. To anyone who can help me, I need your advices for these questions: 1. R200 with 1 or 2 subwoofer? Brand and model please? 2. Amplifiers and/or other equipments for the above? 3. Which Centre and surround speakers to get if turning into a Atmos/DTX-S “Home-Theatre” (it’s just or living room, not a dedicated big room for real Home Theatre)? 4. Which amplifier, brand and model should I get if I am doing (1), (2), and (3) above? 5. What other equipments do I need? Too bad I live in a country where I can’t just purchase something and then return because I don’t like it.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I really like these too. (from what people have told me) The Black Friday sales are a great time to get these. I've got to get to a shop to listen to them.. Not many have them on display anymore. Klipsch takes up too much floor space. Thanks Randy !

[@psyphonyxaudio]

" Tur- bine " ... like .. Tur(n) - (P)ine ... A Turbn is the head-wrap worn by Sikhs ( religion )

[@andrejensen7837]

I knew the guy that invented the ringradiator tweeter. Scanspeak stol it from him and patented it . By the way the original inventors name was Steen Duelund ,

[@jdavis234]

I bought the r100s because the size fits better for my space. With a sub, I’m hoping it will come together nicely.

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks Randy, great review of the R200. Good to see Polk stepping up their range of speakers to compete in the market. Now where did I put those T15 speaker stands.

[@ginom407]

😆😆😆

[@decoryder]

I bought these the day they came out - these speakers are stupid good, both in terms of sound and build quality. The tweeter is pretty much unrivaled, even at priceranges twice of what these cost, only my Dynaudio Evoke 20's do (somewhat) better. I agree with Randy - if you want better, you'd have to build it yourself, and even then it's questionable if/how much better you'll get - the ring radiator tweeter is just that good.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I ordered the smaller R100 on open box special a few days ago!

[@tpn8402]

Nice, I feel like you're getting more concise with your descriptions 👍 I loved my Debut Reference and appreciated the bass comparison to these. How would you say mids, treble, overall tonality, soundstage and imaging compare?

[@wonderwing5139]

I've always had a love for Polk. My HT is still M4's. M3's, Cs100, M&K Sub and ES Sony and 38" Sony 38" retro cathode. It's all about to change less the sub. But even to this day the best speakers I've ever owned are Polk M7's and 10's with SDA crossovers and Silver Dome tweets.

[@jeffjefferson7384]

Good idea having a mini preview at the start

[@NeilBlanchard]

I like dual ring tweeters - they have a larger surface area than many tweeters, so they can play somewhat lower frequencies - but at higher frequencies they act as a point source. This is going to help keep wider dispersion up higher than a dome tweeter. The little point is on the fixed center, and it is a phase plug, I think?

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

Sorry bro, 630 is to much for me, but I did order 2 sets of Sony SSC5 for my wife and daughter, Merry Chrismas my friend!!! This make 4 sets of Sonys, total one for my desk, one for home TV center, very happy with Sonys so far.

[@sieuguo]

I also love your Saturday shoot out.

[@myplaguesify]

im so impressed with your music reference \m/

[@MilanSavicDrums]

Just ordered these. My first speaker purchase. I’ve been using some hand-me-down Jamo cornet IV’s. Interested to see how much better the R200’s will sound 🤞

[@DougMen1]

The R200, and the KEF Q350, are the 2 best under $1k speakers, IMO. On sale at $629 and $499, they're both a steal. There are lots of great sale prices on many bookshelf speakers at Crutchfield, including the new Polk XT series, the R100 and R200, the MA Bronzes and Silvers, the Elac B 5.2, 6.2, and UB52, the KEF Q150 and 350, Dynaudio Emit 10, as well as some others, including some Jamo and Klipsch models. Other great speakers in this price range ($500-700) are the Elac UB52 and DBR62

[@34332]

Good times 😄

[@xyz1663]

The Kef Q350 has no life. No detail imo. Sounds like an entry level $150 speaker to me on a Denon $700 int amp.

[@mbagus7151]

have you tried wharfedale evo 4.2? many said it's really good

[@harveylin3548]

The other day me and my friend stopped by BestBuy and heard the new Polk monitor XT series on the floor. Their now on sale $250 floorstanding speakers sounded as good as the $1500 a pair Kefs in their show rooms. I wish I was moving this year so I can buy those. Looks ugly but sounds extremely nice for the price asked.

[@charlesking678]

I ordered these polks and elac debut reference both because of your reviews. I can't wait to get them and test them.

[@Scious]

Which did you keep? I'm in the same boat.

[@charlesking678]

@@Scious the polks. They are more similar than different. The bass is where they differ and the polks have more/better bass.

[@Scious]

@@charlesking678 cheers! You're the second one who says that, does it go down to 30hz?

[@scottross9327]

I kept the r200 and sent back the elac uni 2.0 in 52. And first I had the Polk es20. They were awesome just missing something. The price kept changing on the elac.

[@scottross9327]

Ub52

[@skmzwanke]

These are $600 on Crutchfield right now. Just grabbed a pair.

[@JR-lc1dv]

I got the R600 for 850 Euros on a special offer. I don't need more speaker. Highly recommended. But keep in mind they need 50-100 hours burn in time. Hope you can test them. If I wanted to upgrade I would have to spend more than 5 times the money. But I'm happy with these speakers.

[@paulallen9518]

How do you like them still? I have going back and forth between these or the r500/r600.

[@EnriqSandoval]

Love the "leathery hammer" reference. Makes me thinks of thugs leather "sap". Has a soft thump in the movies.

[@Ghost_moto_WPN]

A mate and I stumbled across polk in search of a full replacement home theatre from his decade old baby lifestyle system. After looking at a 5.1 system by our homegrown Aussie brand Krix for $7k AUD, we really needed something to impress us to compete and boy did polk deliver with The reserve series. While we wouldn’t say for a purpose-built cinema they were better than the Krix they were only 10% off. In the smaller room they going into they were a better fit for a similar price. For the same 7K we landed on a 5.2.2 setup consisting of: R600 fronts, R350 centre and for the surrounds and Atmos two pairs of R900s. (He will go 2 more pairs when he gets into the bigger room), rounding that out where 2x definitive technology DN10 sealed subs. All driven off a Denon AVC-X3700. For the 8 x 10‘ room it’s in it’s probably a bit of overkill but sounds just right at a bit lower volume with a few sound panels on the wall. The intended room for these when he bills will be 13 x 18 to 20 feet. We think the system will really come into its own when those front towers have a bit more room to breathe. Overall having good history with polk car audio we really were happy to find a local retailer in Brisbane that we can listen to this new reserve series by Polk, i’m hesitant to call them budget because 7K is a lot of money, but while these were the same price as the exceptional Krix mentioned above you needed a $4000 AUD amplifier to support those properly and to achieve the same sound we listened to when testing. The sound the polk deliver running off the much smaller Denon was only slightly less and included 4 Atmos speakers and an extra subwoofer, having these speakers definitely hitting above their price tag, the ring radiator tweater might just be the game changer, that impressed us the most.

[@ac7183]

Great review as always. Are you planning to review the Monoprice Encores? Either bookshelf or floorstanding.

[@bobbubevski2719]

bought R200s last week in white AUD$700 (demo/floor stock) wow......sound amazing with my Marantz PM6000 & SR7002. If space is an issue go with the R100, the R200 have a lot of bass

[@ruley73]

Those woofers remind me of those old school Kenwood blue tornado car subwoofers from the late 1990s/early 2000s.

[@edcolston2769]

Thanks Randy, been into audio since the mid 70s have learned a lot from watching your videos. I have 11 klipsch speakers in 2 separate systems. Been wanting to try Polk for a while, looking at xt20, s20, and es20 which would you recommend of these?

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

I bought the Amazon HD Music through your link.

[@andreassouth1523]

Happy New Year Randy!!Excellent video.If you like you can test the new Mission LX-3 MΚII 350 euros.Mission is sister company (IAG) with wharfedale and this new speaker was designed by Peter Comeau who i think also design the wrfs 225s and 11.2s!! CHEAP AND GOOD.

[@stevengoodman3636]

I've had the Polk R200 since April 2021. They're in my bedroom and I have really enjoyed them. For most of that time I've connected them to the Emotiva BasX TA-100 stereo receiver which puts out 50 wpc into 8 Ohms. They sounded good and got to the volume level I wanted but I thought more power would help (it worked for Tim Allen). I recently got the Emotiva BasX A2 stereo power amplifier which puts out 160 wpc into 8 Ohms. I now use the TA-100 as a preamp hooked up to the A2. I feel that the speakers have opened up when connected to the A2. The soundstage and imaging is more three dimensional. I haven't plugged them back into the TA-100 to test that out and don't want to go through that hassle.

[@Bigheadedwon]

How big is your bedroom? I don’t know if I should get these or the 100s for mine

[@darkpatches]

I like when you tap on the woofers. Best way to tell how well they're braced. ;-)

[@abhinavchikara]

Randy, great review but you really should have included you thoughts on R200 vs KEF Q350!

[@notwilson395]

I just got me some Python on sale too. Great stuff.

[@naastradamus]

Thanks for this Randy! Did you happen to try driving this with the Aiyima A07?

[@KeyBored101]

What a great discount on the Sith wood glue

[@maxwedge7593]

Polk has a very good chance of getting a new audiophile market now that Elac has ended it's long run with A.J. The company seems to lauch something interesting about every 6 months but now it's affordable!

[@cheapaudioman]

I agree. I think there is going to be some even greater things coming out of polk

[@theconquerer9452]

I just subscribed because I need the discount on the Phyton Wood Glue! What a stunning save!

[@timmanwell2538]

I *really apprecate your channel. I'm currently in a speaker quandry. I'm giving up my tried/true Paradigm Reference Studio 60 speakers in the front room, and trying to figure out what to replace them with. Whatever I choose will have to sit on a long/low table in front of the front window, 18inches high. I strongly prefer to avoid a subwoofer. So, I'm looking at "big" bookshelf options. I do have a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 20s in my den, but I'd prefer to keep them where they are. In a perfect world, I *think I'd go for the Warfdale Linton. I love the retro look, and it seems like they'd have the BIG sound I want. Problem is, they also have the BIG pri$e. Wondering if these Polks might be the better option, and how they'd stack up against the [granted much older] Reference Studio 20s from my den that I *could use.

[@flyin99]

Hey Randy. Great review! Do these have anything for the SVS Ultra bookshelf spks, or is that asking too much of the R200? Thank you!

[@Luke-qs2cg]

Beats them handily

[@thanoswow]

The bass at 51 hz is at -3dB. Here is correct bass rating from Polk website. Overall Frequency Response 39Hz - 50kHz Frequency Response (-3dB limits) 51Hz - 38kHz

[@daveduncan9369]

Greetings from wine country in British Columbia, Canada. How would this compare to the Klipsch RP-600m? I would love for you to review a speaker I love. It's the active Vanatoo Transparent 1 Encore. I know it's a different type of speaker but I love it with a subwoofer in our townhome. I really enjoy your refreshing videos. You are a natural.

[@DougMen1]

Today (Monday) is the last day for the sale prices at Crutchfield on the Elacs and KEFs, and maybe some others too, and the sale prices on Klipsches end on the 30th

[@Mark198d]

I have been on a standmount speaker journey over the past 2.5 years and have gone through many of the popular options up to $1500: KEF LS50, Q150, Quad S2, Triangle Genese Trio, Borea, Wharfedale Evo 4.1, Denton 80th, Diamond 225, Klipsch RP-600M, Polk LSiM703, JBL Studio 530, ELAC Uni-fi UB5, Uni-fi UB52, Debut Reference DBR62, and now Polk R200. I think I can finally stop the merry-go-round with this speaker. I probably won't because I'm nuts, but I could stop now and be happy. The Polk R200 is the most well-rounded speaker I've ever owned. With every other speaker I've had, I always thought, "I wish this had more bass", or "I wish this wasn't so bright/fatiguing/sibilant" or "The midrange sounds too thin", etc. I have no complaints with the Polks. They just give me whatever the recording is putting out and even smooths out less-than- stellar recordings without sounding rolled off. They're really good.

[@higobatman]

How do the R200 behave in relation to the Elac Debut Reference DBR62? And what is your integrated? The R200 with the Rotel A11 Tribute is excellent. The DBR62 are better with the Audiolab 6000A.

[@Mark198d]

@@higobatman In my setup, the DBR62 is warmer and laidback compared to the R200, which sounds closer to neutral while still being slightly warm. Bass response is stronger and more tight with the R200. Both have good detail without being bright, but I feel the treble "sparkles" a bit more with the R200. I use an early 2000's era Denon PMA-2000IVR integrated and have no experience with the Rotel or Audiolab amps.

[@pjo1964]

Comparison with lsim703?

[@Mark198d]

@@pjo1964 It's been a while since I owned the LSiM703, but from memory they are pretty similar in that they both have strong bass and warm midrange, but R200 has more extended treble where the LSiM703 seems to roll-off sooner. So the LSiM703 has a slightly darker presentation in direct comparison. R200 sounds more neutral. Build quality of the LSiM703 is better though, more comparable to the Legend Series with better materials/fit and finish.

[@colinchang1543]

@@Mark198d Hey there, how would you compare the R200 to the Denton 80th?

[@WVMUSIC_NL]

Question - I just bought a secondhand str-de 197 and coupled it with my tannoy PBS’s 6.5 Ii ( which I bought years ago, secondhand as well). Is this speaker better? If you are on a budget?

[@stephenburling3625]

Hi Randy, Great review. I’ve got the R200s on order along with the R350 & R900. Don’t suppose you have any comments on this set up, as appreciate your thoughts ? Cheers Steve

[@tabdougherty8549]

I think you could just as easily review wine LOL! A slight leathery hammer in the back of your tongue. I really enjoy your work and information Thank you

[@ramin3080]

Hi there many thnx for the review . what do you think Bronze100 VS Polk R200

[@RileytheBunny]

Would the SMSL AO200 ( I purchased along with the Geshelli J2 based on your reviews) be able to power the R200s. Crutchfield says 75 watts min, so wondering if I should upgrade to Cambridge audio AXR85 and use the SMSL in another listening room.

[@eliothillis535]

Thanks for this! How would you say these compare to the SVS Prime or Prime Ultra Bookshelves?

[@rosswarren436]

Do they sound "full" at lower volumes or do they need to be "cranked" to wake them up? Thx! Very glad that Polk is "back" to being audiophile grade at their price points. It's all good! I'm looking for some "end game" speakers for my living room to just buy and be done with it. Was looking at the KLH Model 5, but man, the Polk R600 or R700 (at their current discounts) might be the better buy. Happy this year to get the Diamond 12.2 for my den thanks to your review. Thank you very much!

[@34332]

At low volumes they stay quite consistent. If you can get or audition the R700, please do!

[@rosswarren436]

@@34332 there's a place (bricks and mortar store) in Charlotte called Audio Advice that has them. I need to get down there and audition them for sure! And thanks for the low volume answer! Many speakers only sound good at moderate to loud volumes but I need some that can play at 75 dB or so and still sound good for late night and "just chillin'" times.

[@34332]

@@rosswarren436 I was quite surprised they sounded that full at around 75dB and less. Keep in mind that your amp also play a big part in it. I use a modest amp, the Audiolab 6000a (50Watts), but even at bare minimum listening levels, there's bass, never thrill or only tweeters. I'm quite jealous re. the R700, you won't be disappointed 😉

[@rosswarren436]

@@34332 those will be my "end game" speakers for the living room, if I get them. I'm happy to have bookshelf speakers in my den (Diamond 12.2) with a small Polk sub, and in my computer office (ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2). Got both on great sales.

[@rosswarren436]

@@34332 well, I missed the boat on getting the R700 for the special price of $879 each. Rats. Oh well, I'll definitely keep them in mind on this journey and see what turns up next year. In the meantime I'll get by with some ancient JBLs in the living room, but will likely listen to the den system with the Wharfedale 12.2 mostly. Enjoy those R200 for sure!

[@pjo1964]

Sith wood glue works well for dentures too!!!

[@exvan3571]

Hoodleydaddle!!

[@Doughny]

How would you compare the mids of the R200 compared to the buchardt s400 mk2? Tried the UBR62 but disliked the mids due female vocals being a bit too shouty for me. Both the Buchardt's and Polks have a more warm midrange which I prefer, and despite the big price difference I'm debating between the two since I can get the buchardts used for half the price .

[@bradhughes510]

overall freq response is 39hz to 50khz and if you throw a multimeter on them, they are 3.8ohms, I have these here and have checked

[@wymotome]

That's my problem with them....4 ohms. Seems a lot of companies are going that route recently with their sub $1k speakers and I'm not exactly sure why they are choosing to design like this.

[@garyps01]

Randy I have 2 Polk RTI8s driven by a Marantz sr5011 would the R200s be a good replacement for the RTI8, I also have a Polk sub woofer PSW 404

[@tomh5656]

I have a pair of 20 year old Polk RTi38s that still sound great. Do you think it's worth it to upgrade to the R200s? I'm thinking the ring tweeter might make the largest improvement as the bass is quite good on the 38s. I have a 95w/channel Denon AVR-S960H. Do you think that would be enough to drive the L200s if I went that route? Love your reviews!

[@RockCity1111]

The R 200s tweeter is going to have more detail I think. Even though I've not heard the rti38s but I do own the R 200s. I have a 110 watt Yamaha but the R 200s could actually use more power.

[@pgansz]

This series is more power hungry than I think you let on. I bought the 100's and Denon S760H couldn't power them properly. Polk lists minimum impedance at 3.8ohm on their website. I had to upgrade to an Onkyo 6100 for 100W/ch and legit 4ohm compatibility.

[@mohitkatta3031]

I have denon x2700h 95watt/ch what do you think is it enough to drive them loud in 16x,16 dedicated ht for movies

[@chrissergeant7798]

How about these Polks for classical music, as in large scale orchestral music?

[@normrubio]

Have ya heard the Goldenear BRX or the One.R's?

[@vannk73]

Random question, Randy. To what extent do you believe that speakers can be "fixed" with EQ? I know that at some point it will be worth it to upgrade to speakers with better drivers, cabinets, and crossover components as those things are always last in the signal chain. However, one can perhaps shape the sound with EQ or DSP to breathe a bit of new life into cheap or old speakers. There's a guy that I used to read called the "NOAudiophile". He usually publishes a DSP correction when he reviews cheap speakers, and in some cases it seems to make a huge difference (his words). What are your thoughts?

[@cheapaudioman]

yeah. I wouldn't say the speakers need to be fixed. any of them. I think they can get better. but if one wanted to change the sound to something that they prefer then go for the EQ

[@donhensley403]

Can you please advise what camera and lens you are using to shoot your video

[@johngreek]

I have the Q3030i , and I want a step up alternative speaker is this Polk better especially in soundstage scale and depth?

[@rabit818]

Jim Hopper dyed his beard I wonder if the new range of Polk speakers has bright tweeters. I had an older Polk bookshelf that I replaced w Paradigm and Canton

[@mbagus7151]

hey i really love your review, i'm thinking to buy evo 4.2, which one is better, Wharfedale Evo 4.2 or Polk R200? and why you recommend them?

[@ollejzon2367]

Would you recommed the Elac uni-fi reference or the Polk R200? The price is pretty much the same here in Sweden. I got the debut reference and i love them, the only thing i would want more of is a bit more dynamic sound and some more clarity, do you think the Uni-fi ref has that? The debut reference is really amazing value and i'm in no hurry to upgrade them. Thank you for making awsome reviews!

[@eniojurko]

look at his review for r100, he directly compares them to unifi non reference(audioscencereview and somewhere else bashed unifi reference, some stated that regular unifi was better, price or tonality wise i dont remember). and the r200 is better speaker then r100..

[@Mark198d]

@@eniojurko I haven't seen ASR or anyone say they prefer the original Uni-Fi UB5 over the Uni-Fi Reference bookshelf. Erin's Audio Corner (a member of ASR who has a Klippel NFS) reviewed the Uni-Fi Reference and results were generally positive in measurements and subjective listening tests. I think you might be talking about the Uni-Fi 2.0. Those measured pretty well, but Amir of ASR heard a "squeak" occur while listening to an Eva Cassidy track so he gave it a poor review stating that the design is flawed. A couple other owners heard the squeak as well, but not everyone could re-create it. I owned the Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 before these R200 and I could not re-create the squeak with my pair. I thought they sounded good, but build quality and aesthetics (plain black vinyl box, no magnetic grills) left much to be desired for me.

[@RedSinter]

FYI Randy yesterday the Golden Ear BSX or R.. What ever Danny, John Darko etc discribe a really Top Shelf Speaker supposedly $1500 a Pair so unless l miss read Crutchfield's statement they are selling them for $800. Just saying.

[@jonuiuc]

Hi Randy, I'm picking up some $200ish speakers, do you still like the Fluance Signature (not reserve) more than the Elac b5.2? - They are the same price now. Or should I be looking at the JBL Stage A130s etc.

[@cheapaudioman]

Lots of options there my friend. Elac, Stage, the New Polk ES15, Sony SSCS5, and the Emotiva

[@dougg1075]

I like it

[@snowfiend_8062]

Alrighty. This is my next stand-mount speaker. I'll be hooking these up to a Denon PMA-600NE. It's going to rip.

[@leninreddy]

Hi Randy, can you suggest an amplifier for this speaker around/below 500$

[@XpertJoey]

Great review as always. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Micca OoO Bookshelf Speakers in a future video. Keep up the good work.

[@JukeboxAlley]

Have you heard the Legend series bookshelves? Big price difference though, was wondering how big of a difference there was in those models. Can these give the xls encores a good run for their money?

[@cheapaudioman]

I haven't heard the legends at all. too rich for my blood

[@osas180]

I'm still debating between the R200 and the Wharfedale Evo 4.2. The Wharfedale Evo 4.2 (~600€) is actually cheaper here in Europe than the Polk R200 (~700€). Can you maybe point me in one or the other direction?

[@alm5693]

Question: How small is too small a room for these speakers? The room I would put them in is 11'-4" front to back and about 14' total across, but one side wall is all record shelves and the other side wall is all CD storage and doorways. I can't re-orient the room so the long dimension is front/back. I can get the front of the speaker about 2' from the front wall before they start to get in the way. If you have a Target red card, you can pick up the 200s for $598 at the time I posted this comment.

[@cheapaudioman]

you're good. My office was the small room that I was talking about

[@34332]

If I may add, every room is different (room modes), so your experience may be quite different. This also goes for large rooms, where good speakers can sound crap due to room modes or other influences. Make sure to audition and have some kind of return policy. I have a large room, well dampened, but if my R200's are less than 1.5 feet from the wall or too close to corners, bass is quite present.

[@xavierloh6715]

Any amps recommendations for this speaker? I currently have this and I am running it off SMSL SA300. Someone told me it is underpowered for POLK R200. I prefer something cheaper than the speaker itself. Small room, desktop setup.

[@lencycler1]

went with the signature elite es20's....I foolishly sold my emotiva b1+s but these polks sound similar...just bigger. very happy with them.

[@davids2214]

Curious to hear more about your impressions of the reserve vs the emotivas lencycler

[@lencycler1]

@@davids2214 Wish I had the Reserves instead of the Signature Elites... I honesty began within a few days to despise the Elites for their 'shrill and fatiguing' treble. A term I'd heard before but never really experienced. Returned the Elites and almost bought another set of B1+s but ended up with the Wharfedale 12.1's which I'm very happy with....just slightly more neutral then the Emotiva's which is what I was hoping for.

[@ericr78]

Hi Randy (or anybody else reading this), would you recommend these for use with a dedicated sub? Or is there something thats better in the higher frequency detail, vocals, imaging and soundstage for use in movies and music?

[@34332]

For music you don't necessarily need a sub, as they hit punchy and deep (the specs don't do justice, as Randy also pointed out). I also like to add that the bass is well controlled, not boomy or vague. However, there's no real substitute re. HT use and a sub. Roomsize, distance to walls and corners, also play a big part in bass output, although they easily fill a medium to large room. I use the R200 for movies too (without sub), and there's no lack of clarity, voices are clear, and low bass effects are authoritative (you can also feel them). Dynamics are strong too, jumpscares included, but likely depending on the AV/amp used. They do a good job with Jurassic Park, still, a sub can't be beat. Btw, there's also an option for Atmos modules on top. For music, EDM, HM, Jazz, all genres, they perform fine without sub, unless you really need the full spectrum. So, if you are serious about bass and HT, get a sub 😄

[@ericr78]

@@34332 Thank you sir! I actually just decided to order the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0's because of the sale price right now. Seemed like a no brainer. I currently have an SVS sealed sub that I think will match nicely. I'm a bass player and enjoy a well defined low end. I'm still interested in the Polk R200's though. I still have a pair of old school RT16's and RT12's. Question, do these Elac's really need to be broken in much or is it more of a relearning of the brain? Or maybe a little of both?