Introduction In the world of affordable to moderately-priced speaker systems, there are dozens of major players, yet few have a more recognizable name and longstanding reputation for quality sound than does Polk Audio. The reason for this is simple. Polk has been producing great-sounding speakers for better than three decades. You will find Polk speakers in the largest retailers around the world, with a speaker in practically every price class they carry. The review package consists of two Monitor 60s, a four-way floor-standing speaker that I used for the front left and right speaker positions, the Polk CS1 center channel speaker, a pair of Monitor 30s, two-way shelf or stand-mounted speakers that were positioned as surround monitors and the PSW10 subwoofer. This 5.1 package is available in either black or cherry wood grain finishes and sells for $1,330. The Monitor 60 is a floor-standing speaker that measures 37.5 inches tall, seven inches wide, 13-and-one-quarter inches deep ...

Introduction There is no question that flat and wall-mounted HDTVs are driving the home theater market in 2005. Today, a consumer can invest in an under-$2,000 HDTV plasma or fairly large yet thin HDTV and get one hell of a picture. The problem is that the speakers historically best known for recreating the best music and movie soundtracks are not necessarily the best fit in rooms increasingly designed to make your system “out of the way.” Leading the way in the Bose-killer category is Anthony Gallo Acoustics. Their vast array of unique, round and colorful speakers literally fit in places where traditional speakers don’t with a sound that lures in even the most jaded audiophiles, thanks to some very creative engineering, choice of materials and implementation. The Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro speaker system reviewed here is a 5.1 surround sound system for movies and music, comprised of five identical four-inch spheres to use for ...

Introduction Paradigm, as well as their sister electronics arm Anthem, has long been known for producing components that provide high-end sound at relatively affordable prices. Until fairly recently, Paradigm has offered value-oriented products, such as the excellent Atoms at under $200 per pair, up through the Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.3 floor-standing loudspeakers that favorably impressed me during my 2004 review. In the tradition of Anthem and their new Statement Electronics, Paradigm has taken on the risky and bold challenge of entering the ultra-high end loudspeaker arena. I was very enthusiastic when, a few months ago, I received a large pallet at my doorstep containing a full Paradigm Signature 5.1 home theater loudspeaker. This included the top-of-the-line Signature S8 main loudspeakers ($6000 per pair), a Signature C5 center channel ($2800), two Signature ADP surrounds ($2300 per pair) and, finally, a Signature Servo subwoofer ($3200). Description The drivers utilized across the Signature series are very similar to each other ...

Introduction In the heyday of hi-fi, it seemed like there was a wide gap between the highest-end speakers and speakers the masses could afford. Today, things are different in that the budget-minded audio-video performance enthusiast now has the opportunity to buy speakers that can hang with the high-end players at a price that is only fractionally more than the speakers found advertised on TV infomercials, along with noise-canceling headphones. For over 25 years, RBH has been producing a wide range of performance loudspeakers that are designed and engineered from their Utah-based facility. I first became aware of their work four years ago, when AVR editor Bryan Southard invited me over to his home to get a second opinion on the Signature series that he had installed for review. I remember really admiring the fit, finish and workmanship. I was impressed with the solidness of the enclosures and the smooth, refined sound that they produced. One of the ...

Introduction Triad Speakers have been around for more than 24 years, yet many consumers are just starting to hear about the brand as they are primarily marketed to the custom installation market. Triad speakers are quite unique. Unlike almost all other major speaker manufacturers, Triad produces custom installed speakers that are indeed truly custom. Need a narrow center speaker? They can make it for you. Need bi-pole rear speakers painted in sea foam green to match the Dunn Edwards paint being used in the room? They can do it. Refreshingly, nearly every speaker they produce is made to order within 72 hours of when the order is placed. Here's the basic idea behind Triad's lines of speakers. The designs are application driven, with as many as four configurations of each model, for specific installation applications without compromise. Versions typically consist of an InRoom and at least one InWall version, with some having OnWall and InCeiling versions ...