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I highly recommend this combination if you have room for the speakers. These are not quite as efficient (not as loud at the same volume setting) as a pair of Yamaha speakers I have and like, and a little less emphasis on the bass, but overall probably cleaner and more accurate.I combined these speakers with the subwoofer on my Logitech Z-2300 (replaced the Logitech satellites with these speakers) so that I could keep the handy desk control which also has quick sub control and headphone access. The sub drives the Polk Audio speakers and does a nice job of it. The Logitech+PolkAudio combination is great at a total price of about $200.
Great balanced sound. I also ordered some wall mounts and when they arrive I will be able to free up more space on my desk area. These speakers have a MUCH fuller sound in both highs and lows that the Logitech Z-2300 satellites. Low price.
I use them for computer speakers where I do most of my listening. If you like (or have) Logitech Z-2300 but are not satisfied with the satellites, try this combination -- it rocks. Availability of speaker mount bracket is nice. All it took was a pair of 18gauge speaker cables with RCA connectors (cut one end off) from Radio Shack.
I got these M30's for $120 on amazon. I'm scratching my head trying to figure out why I paid $2k for my home speakers when these little guys put such a smile on my face. Wanted to get away from the sat/sub PC-speakers I had.
I was wrong. These are for my office at work so I need to be careful about playing them too loud but towards the end of the day I can let loose a bit with anything from 80s Metallica to Daftpunk. The combo of a solid,warm,robust sounding amplification setup paired with these Polks really does the job.
Needed a pair of decent bookshelf speakers for my office at work. They just needed to sound marginally better than the PC-speakers. It all sounds great.
Had an old Carver preamp & power amp pair taking up space on my basement shelf. I really didn't expect much at this price.
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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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). 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.
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 many steeply priced speakers using same size drivers that will only marginally outperform and sometimes underperform the Monitor 30. 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. 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. While listening to music, I prefer using Dolby ProLogicIIx (7.1 surround), rather than two channel stereo. Subwoofer crossover can be set lower allowing the sub to handle the lower frequencies with more detail. In fairness, the front channels employ eight 5.25" drivers versus only two to four drivers depending on 5.1 or 7.1 soundtrack. 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.
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. 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. It should be able to outperform most satellite speaker systems, but will stand out prominently from the wall when hung from it's bracket. 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.
Removing the grill and overall, looks great.But it was testing the speakers for 7.1 and under Dolby TrueHD and see if I can hear the difference utilizing Blu-rays such as "Quantum of Solace" and "Transformers" and definitely enjoyed the sound coming from the rears surround.Now, I'm so convinced that I may order another pair to replace my rear channel speakers. And the fact these are offered as pairs and not singles.So, for its price, I purchased the 30's for my rear surrounds and they are beautiful speakers. Polk Audio quality, great sound and very affordable. Originally, I was looking towards a Polk 40 for surround rears but noticed many home theater enthusiasts (more towards the budget-conscious) were taking advantage of the great price offering of the Polk Audio Monitor 30's. The biggest selling point was the fact I can hang them on my wall, where the 40's needs a stand.
My center channel's got amazing highs, and my sub takes care of the lows. They are too expensive to justify for all of the speakers in my house, though :)Can't speak much to the highs and lows. These complete the surround, and I have no issues with what they produce. Polk audio is excellent sound for price. I have smaller Klipsch speakers that produce better sound, in my opinion.
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