Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First, don't be mislead by the price. The Polk Monitor 30 has great potenial and a huge bargain at its close out price (replaced by TSi series which is nearly identical). A bookshelf with depth, both in that it protrudes twelve inches from front to rear when placed on a wall, and, also, provides ample bass for its stature. It matches well with Polk's CS1 or CS10 center channel speaker for surround systems as a front and surround channel, or can be paired with the larger M40 bookshelf, or M50 and M60 towers as a surround speaker. It should be able to outperform most satellite speaker systems, but will stand out prominently from the wall when hung from it's bracket. On opposite end of the hanging bracket, short legs keep the speaker evenly spaced from the wall and allow the rear port to breathe.
Since both Polk's Monitor/TSi bookshelf and center channel speakers provide ample levels of bass (55Hz), it offers more flexibility when used with a subwoofer than small satellite speakers. Subwoofer crossover can be set lower allowing the sub to handle the lower frequencies with more detail. While crossover with a satellite speaker generally should be set no lower than the 120-150Hz area, which is at the uppermost range of most subwoofers, the M30 can easily be adjusted down to the 60-80Hz area. Of course the extra speaker size can take more power and produce more volume than satellites, as well.
However, for front channel use the Monitor has limitations. For mid size rooms the Monitor 30 is a bit small as a front channel and noticeably lacking in bass detail no matter what the room dimension. There are bookshelfs that use larger mid/woofer drivers or at least two 5 inch drivers (and one tweeter) that can produce quite a bit more detail and volume in the lower frequencies. However, you'll have to spend at least $300 for such a pair that match the clarity and quality design of the Monitor 30. The other option is to purchase the Monitors for $100 and spend an additional $100-200 on a subwoofer to have even greater range than the larger bookshelfs.
I use four Monitor 30's as surround and rear channels in a fairly spacious room (16x24 & vaulted ceiling) with Polk Monitor 60 towers and CS1 in the front. Though the 30's are much closer to the listener than the fronts, the levels must be adjusted a couple of decibels higher to make surround effects really come out. In fairness, the front channels employ eight 5.25" drivers versus only two to four drivers depending on 5.1 or 7.1 soundtrack. While listening to music, I prefer using Dolby ProLogicIIx (7.1 surround), rather than two channel stereo. Since the Monitor 30's match so seamlessly with the other speakers, the soundstage is opened up and less volume is needed.
Again, don't let the price fool you. There are many steeply priced speakers using same size drivers that will only marginally outperform and sometimes underperform the Monitor 30. The Dynaudio 52SE for example, costing around $1,000, when tested by Audioholics produced great lower bass until it bottomed out due to lack of internal bracing and overall driver design. When given time to break-in, matched appropriately with other speakers, and tuned with the latest A/V Receivers, the 30 can be a very solid performer.
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Back in the 1970's, Polk's Monitor speaker series put Polk Audio on the map. Universally acclaimed by audio critics, the Monitor series became known as an acoustically transparent speaker - a concept that audiophiles search for - with beautifully accurate sound reproduction. Here we are, nearly 2 generations later, and the Monitor is being re-introduced so you can experience this great sound fresh and new. Dual Five-Way Binding Post Connectors, allowing for more secure hook-up options, as well as bi-wiring and bi-amping flexibility Monitor Series speakers aremodern living accessoriesthat make a stylish statement in Cherry wood grain finish, with Titanium faces Magnetically shielded for safe placement on or near TVs and video monitors with no risk of video distortion Built-in keyhole wall mounting brackets for strong, secure on-wall mounting with no added brackets to buy.Critically Tuned Flared Port minimizes port noise ( chuffing ) for good low frequency extension with low distortion, resulting in natural, full-bodied sound with rich bassCabinet Size 11 H x 7 W x 8-3/8 D (27.94cm H x 17.78cm W x 21.27cm D)Mounting Options on-wall with built-iin key hole slot Enclosure Type Vented via rear panel flared portEach speaker weighs 9 pounds 2 Speakers in package for left and right channel stereo or for front or rear channel in home-theater mode Cherry Finish
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