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Polk or Infinity?

F

Funky_Junk

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 1, 2005
Messages
353
Im shopping for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my computer setup. So far I've narrowed it down to two speakers:
the Infinity Primus 150
the Polk Audio R15
Im using these to listen to all sorts of music but I want Bob Dylan to sound especially good. Im leaning strongly towards the Polk's because of their smaller size. Still, I want to know which one sounds better in your opinion, or if a non audiophile would even be able to tell the difference. Thanks.
 
You've tried the Best Buy Insignia's right?

Also do you need a sub?
 
If you want your music to sound good without spending /tons/ of money, I have to ask if you have a good pair of headphones? I'd look at that first, if not.

I've heard good things about the R15's for the price, as I'm a Polk fan, when it comes to their LSi series anyway. Never really been impressed by Infinity, but as you hinted, at this pricepoint I doubt you'll hear much of a difference.
 
Personally like the primus 150's over the polk R15's here and yes they do sound noticeably different. Though they are larger i also recommend you try out the bestbuy Insignia's while you're at it.
 
About the headphones---I already have good headphones, I want speakers now :)

About the Insignias, Do you think those would be anywhere in the league of the Primus 150 and the Polk R15?
 
Funky_Junk said:
About the headphones---I already have good headphones, I want speakers now :)

About the Insignias, Do you think those would be anywhere in the league of the Primus 150 and the Polk R15?
Click to expand...

Yes...haven't seen any of the other threads eh?

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1106998&highlight=insignia
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1080124&highlight=insignia
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=690556

Try them out in person, different amps will effect quality though of sound.
 
The polks are nice... that ws until I heard the insignias. There are also another pair that are supposed to be better than both.. i 4got though, sorry.
 
Funky_Junk said:
About the headphones---I already have good headphones, I want speakers now :)

About the Insignias, Do you think those would be anywhere in the league of the Primus 150 and the Polk R15?
Click to expand...

The question should be "do you think the primus 150 or the polk R15s are in the league of the insignias". They are very nice speakers.
 
I'm a Polk fan too but I wouldnt buy the R15 for a PC, they're over-qualified for that. They'd be good in a small room for critical listening to music, not inches away from your face in a PC rig. For the price of the Polks (400-500?) I'd get dedicated PC speakers, like Logitech Z-5500's or something, speakers designed to optimally work in a very close sound field.
 
amenx said:
I'm a Polk fan too but I wouldnt buy the R15 for a PC, they're over-qualified for that. They'd be good in a small room for critical listening to music, not inches away from your face in a PC rig. For the price of the Polks (400-500?) I'd get dedicated PC speakers, like Logitech Z-5500's or something, speakers designed to optimally work in a very close sound field.
Click to expand...

The 5500s sound like crap compared to bookshelf speakers.

Polk's here are $80 for a pair. http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Two-way-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B00006I5O4

The Infinitys are about $80 for a pair at CC.

The Insignia's are about $40-50 for a pair at BB.
 
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The Polk R15's have been on sale for $40/pair @ Outpost a few times, be patient and save yourself some money.

Awesome bang-for-the-buck speakers.
 
Not to take away from OP but this just got me curious, would these sound alright if I replaced my Z-5500 speakers for these and still use the amplifier and control pod? meaning just take out all four logitech speakers and replce them with two pairs of these and get a center channel?
 
Viper16 said:
Not to take away from OP but this just got me curious, would these sound alright if I replaced my Z-5500 speakers for these and still use the amplifier and control pod? meaning just take out all four logitech speakers and replce them with two pairs of these and get a center channel?
Click to expand...

They won't sound as good as a dedicated reciever/amplifier.
 
JaYp146 said:
The Polk R15's have been on sale for $40/pair @ Outpost a few times, be patient and save yourself some money.

Awesome bang-for-the-buck speakers.
Click to expand...

Have you tried the Insignia's?
 
I have tried Infiniti bookshelves, at Best Buy...didn't impress me very much. Polks have that rich, warm sound and produce an even tone (though they work best with a subwoofer).
 
Funky_Junk said:
Are you guys serious that the Insignias are better than the Polks and Infinity's?
Click to expand...

Yeah seriously go try them out with a good reciever.
 
aznx said:
Yeah seriously go try them out with a good reciever.
Click to expand...

I have. They sounded like crap. I'll take my Polks (granted a step or two higher than what he's talking about here, but worlds above any BB branded speakers) any day.
 
i64X said:
I have. They sounded like crap. I'll take my Polks (granted a step or two higher than what he's talking about here, but worlds above any BB branded speakers) any day.
Click to expand...

How much did your Polk's cost again? :rolleyes: Also, they're rebranded Radiients or the like, which aren't bad at all.
 
I guess you haven't heard the R15s then.

I am not a fan of any of these speakers, so I can be a more balanced ear.

I find the polks to have more bottom end, the Infinity's to be the driest, and the insignias to have a good sense of both worlds, but with a bit more color in the sound. Some will like that because it brings up the midrange, but some won't (like me).

I thought the Polks were the best of them all, but still not great. However in that pricepoint, I think these might be the best out there easy to purchase. For my money however I would put away a few more pennies and look at other speakers.
 
A few weeks ago I was considering the Insignia' and the Infinity's. I ended up getting the Insignia's because they were

1. Cheaper
2. Cooler Looking
3. A rebranded Radiient speaker (not a typical Insignia product)
4. Good low end

I went to audition the Infinity Primus 150's and they only had one in the whole store and it was because they were on clearance because Infinity was bringing out something to replace them. Hate to say this, but if you are dead set on getting the Infinity's you probably can't get them unless you have a CC warehouse next to your house.

I'm happy with my Insignia's until I can save up enough money to buy some nice Monitor Audio's or something higher end. I'm still looking to my options.

Hope that helps.

Ryan
 
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