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Polk Audio vs Focal (JM Lab) vs PSB

V

VinylHead542

Active Member
Hi everyone, I would like to get your thoughts on 3 speakers: PA TSi400, JM LAB Cobalt 816, and PSB Image T6. I mainly listen to rock, but I will listen to just about any other genre. Also, where can I purchase Focal Speakers online? All thoughts/opinions are welcome!:yes:
 
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I don't have enough experience to give a definitive answer. I have heard speakers from all three makes, but there is a lot of variation.

But that's never stopped me from giving it a shot....:D

I haven't heard anything special about contemporary Polk speakers, which appear to be made for the home theater market. Scratch the Polks. I have heard contemporary Focal, and though there are a lot of good things to be said about them, I found them to be a bit bright and revealing of source. Exactly what you don't want in a Rock & Roll speaker. I think you will find it painful to rock out on these speakers. PSB is a great company with a consistently good reputation and a very neutral sound. I have really liked every PSB speaker I have heard regardless of where they sat in the line up. Of the three, I believe that PSB will be your best bet.

Have you considered Energy speakers? I have been hearing lots of good about them lately...
 
Isotonic said:
I don't have enough experience to give a definitive answer. I have heard speakers from all three makes, but there is a lot of variation.

But that's never stopped me from giving it a shot....:D

I haven't heard anything special about contemporary Polk speakers, which appear to be made for the home theater market. Scratch the Polks. I have heard contemporary Focal, and though there are a lot of good things to be said about them, I found them to be a bit bright and revealing of source. Exactly what you don't want in a Rock & Roll speaker. I think you will find it painful to rock out on these speakers. PSB is a great company with a consistently good reputation and a very neutral sound. I have really liked every PSB speaker I have heard regardless of where they sat in the line up. Of the three, I believe that PSB will be your best bet.

Have you considered Energy speakers? I have been hearing lots of good about them lately...
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Thanks, I've never heard any other these speakers either. I'll scratch the Polks, but I've heard from others who say the Focals are outstanding. Most people I've talked to have said that PSB is a good speaker and it seems they might have the best price/performance ratio in this case. How is the quality of the PSBs? Also, what is the difference between the PSB Image T6 and the Image T?
 
If you are able to get them at the same price I'm very curious to know where you can get the other two at the price level of the Polk (for reference, I am talking about the price level of the polk at newegg.com ;) .

The JMlab and PSB are in a higher class as stated before in this thread, dunno how they stack up to each other though. I'd give those two a listen in a shop when possible. :yes:

Reviews;

http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/psb_image_t6_loudspeaker/index.html

(translate screws up the make-up of the website and there are some odd translations, but the idea comes through;)

http://translate.google.com/transla...fi.nl/recensies/1448/JM-Lab-Cobalt-816-S.html
 
botrytis said:
I feel JM Labs is a much higher quality than PSB, in my opinion. I have a pair of Focal (JM Labs was the old consumer name) and thye are top notch, even though this is one of their lower lines.

That said, if you like PSB then great. It depends on what YOU like not what us 'arm chair quarterbacks' like.
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I lolled botrytis, but I do take everyones' opinion with a grain of salt. I'm yet to find a place where I can sample both or just one in general. Also aside from the quality, how would each of them due for my tastes in music described earlier? Btw I'm in a 10x10 room, but I don't want bookshelf speakers.:no:
 
VinylHead542 said:
Hi everyone, I would like to get your thoughts on 3 speakers: PA TSi400, JM LAB Cobalt 816, and PSB Image T6. I mainly listen to rock, but I will listen to just about any other genre. Also, where can I purchase Focal Speakers online? All thoughts/opinions are welcome!:yes:
Click to expand...

That is an odd set of picks since the costs for each new span $600/pr (Polks), $1200 (PSB), and $3k (Focal).

Since you are looking to buy on-line, does that mean you are only interested in buying new or are you considering used as well?

Just saying, I'd approach it from what my budget is and then picking the best I can afford - new or used.
 
The newer model high end Polks, not the ones you picked but some others, have been getting amazing reviews and the ones I've heard run in the $660 ea and above completely surprised me. I have not heard the PSB's so I can't say but they do have a good reputation for quality build and good sound. The Focals I have heard are around this point but not this specific one. All of them sounded much better than many others in their range. They will however reveal badly produced records or CD's in a heartbeat if you have good sources in the chain. If you enjoy vinyl this doesn't seem to be as much of a problem but on many of the newer rock CD's they will show them for what they are.

I am however getting to be much more a fan of Energy speakers like Isotonic mentioned especially these http://www.energy-speakers.com/products/medium-rooms/?sku=V-6-3-T as they just amazed me how revealing yet forgiving they were. The Focals will go that extra detail that can make some things seem harsh. It's not the speakers, it's the source. These got the detail right, snappy and tight but being a little more smooth overall. They are intended for rooms a tab bit bigger than yours but will work very well in smaller rooms as well. If you really enjoy your rock but want something that will make the most of anything you feed them I'd give them a serious consideration. They are also tall and thin enough to not take up much space for the sound they'll give you. You can get them on line at Vanns or Crutchfield. Amazon has some of their other models as well. I think the Veritas 6.3's are in the 2k range for a pair. I am a vintage Infinity fan but I will say their PS 363's for around $400 a pair have gotten quite the following among the SET tube crowd for getting great sound out of their 3-5 watt per channel amps. And they work extremely well in smaller rooms with plenty of bass and will rock hard. Their midrange so liquid, with that snappy top hat and a cymbal ride like few have been able to get right. I made it a point to listen to a pair recently as someone in another thread was considering them and I had heard an older version. They just blew all the other Klipsch, Bose, Polks and were smoother than the Focals. For the price it's just stunning what you get. I'm seriously considering selling my $1300ea Paradigm Studio 60's to get a pair. They're that good.
 
I own a pair of Cobalt 816s, and I love them, but rock is not the main thing I listen to. That said, they rock out pretty well - but I also have a sub I use with them.

I used to sell both Focal/JMLab and PSB, and for your listening it's possible the Image might be a better choice. Although they're not in the same class as the Focals, they punch far above their weight. I probably sold more Image and Stratus than anything else (and I owned a pair of Stratus before I got the Cobalts).

Polk? Meh...

As always, just my opinion, YMMV.

PS: You can't buy current Focal online, it's prohibited by the importer. Discontinued and used of course, from the usual suspects.
 
Erik Tracy said:
That is an odd set of picks since the costs for each new span $600/pr (Polks), $1200 (PSB), and $3k (Focal).

Since you are looking to buy on-line, does that mean you are only interested in buying new or are you considering used as well?

Just saying, I'd approach it from what my budget is and then picking the best I can afford - new or used.
Click to expand...

I was looking at possibly used Focals or ones around the $1100 - $1200 mark. I agreed though, I'm looking for the best bang for buck that will play rock especially well and anything else I throw at them.:yes:

Love-Vinyl said:
The newer model high end Polks, not the ones you picked but some others, have been getting amazing reviews and the ones I've heard run in the $660 ea and above completely surprised me. I have not heard the PSB's so I can't say but they do have a good reputation for quality build and good sound. The Focals I have heard are around this point but not this specific one. All of them sounded much better than many others in their range. They will however reveal badly produced records or CD's in a heartbeat if you have good sources in the chain. If you enjoy vinyl this doesn't seem to be as much of a problem but on many of the newer rock CD's they will show them for what they are.

I am however getting to be much more a fan of Energy speakers like Isotonic mentioned especially these http://www.energy-speakers.com/products/medium-rooms/?sku=V-6-3-T as they just amazed me how revealing yet forgiving they were. The Focals will go that extra detail that can make some things seem harsh. It's not the speakers, it's the source. These got the detail right, snappy and tight but being a little more smooth overall. They are intended for rooms a tab bit bigger than yours but will work very well in smaller rooms as well. If you really enjoy your rock but want something that will make the most of anything you feed them I'd give them a serious consideration. They are also tall and thin enough to not take up much space for the sound they'll give you. You can get them on line at Vanns or Crutchfield. Amazon has some of their other models as well. I think the Veritas 6.3's are in the 2k range for a pair. I am a vintage Infinity fan but I will say their PS 363's for around $400 a pair have gotten quite the following among the SET tube crowd for getting great sound out of their 3-5 watt per channel amps. And they work extremely well in smaller rooms with plenty of bass and will rock hard. Their midrange so liquid, with that snappy top hat and a cymbal ride like few have been able to get right. I made it a point to listen to a pair recently as someone in another thread was considering them and I had heard an older version. They just blew all the other Klipsch, Bose, Polks and were smoother than the Focals. For the price it's just stunning what you get. I'm seriously considering selling my $1300ea Paradigm Studio 60's to get a pair. They're that good.
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My source will be vinyl because it simply sounds better.:D My setup will be: Thorens TD160 Super -> Marantz Model 24 Pre/Tuner -> Marantz Model 32 -> Speakers. I will look into those Energy Speakers, you gave them a stunning review! Focals might not be the best option, but I just wanted to know where they fall in with everything.

1tumbleweed said:
I own a pair of Cobalt 816s, and I love them, but rock is not the main thing I listen to. That said, they rock out pretty well - but I also have a sub I use with them.

I used to sell both Focal/JMLab and PSB, and for your listening it's possible the Image might be a better choice. Although they're not in the same class as the Focals, they punch far above their weight. I probably sold more Image and Stratus than anything else (and I owned a pair of Stratus before I got the Cobalts).

Polk? Meh...

As always, just my opinion, YMMV.

PS: You can't buy current Focal online, it's prohibited by the importer. Discontinued and used of course, from the usual suspects.
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Since you sampled both brands, was their one model you found that might fit my tastes in music well? Also, it sounds like the Polks just can't compete from most of the comments/advice so far.:scratch2: So if I can't get them online, are there special retailers from whom I can buy Focals if they're the option in the end?
 
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You want to compare some Polks to that look at the LSiM 703s

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/bookshelf.php#lsim Even though they're bookshelves, they will surprise!

I, personally love the Focal inverted tweeter, but I have not heard the lower version, only the Profile series which is a 4K a pair tower. Bright? NO way! Truly "holographic" and room filing. Trounces a lot of speakers in its class.

PSB make good speakers, but they're not my cup of tea!

cnh2
 
cnh2 said:
You want to compare some Polks to that look at the LSiM 703s

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/bookshelf.php#lsim Even though they're bookshelves, they will surprise!

I, personally love the Focal inverted tweeter, but I have not heard the lower version, only the Profile series which is a 4K a pair tower. Bright? NO way! Truly "holographic" and room filing. Trounces a lot of speakers in its class.

PSB make good speakers, but they're not my cup of tea!

cnh2
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I guess one of the biggest problems I have about considering buying bookshelf speakers is that the price/performance isn't there. Those speakers are $750 each, so why would I spend more for less if I can get a pair of PSB Image T6 for around or less than the same price?:dunno:
 
Depending on the size of your room, of course. The Polk bookies can punch out some rather surprising bass for their size. And are probably a lot "cleaner" and "tighter" than the larger PSBs!

Worth a listen, at least, unless your room is too big!

cnh2
 
VinylHead542 said:
I was looking at possibly used Focals or ones around the $1100 - $1200 mark. I agreed though, I'm looking for the best bang for buck that will play rock especially well and anything else I throw at them.:yes:

Since you sampled both brands, was their one model you found that might fit my tastes in music well? Also, it sounds like the Polks just can't compete from most of the comments/advice so far.:scratch2: So if I can't get them online, are there special retailers from whom I can buy Focals if they're the option in the end?
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In the current line, the Chorus 816s come closest to my Cobalts. You might want to investigate the Chorus 716s also, very close in sound at a considerably lower price. As for a dealer near you, I'd suggest you call the importer, Audio Plus Services, at 800.663.9352. They can steer you to a qualified dealer where you can audition them. Bear in mind, those folks are French (well, French-Canadian, anyway), so they can be a bit...er...abrupt. Just grin and bear it and pretend you're talking to people in NYC.

(No offense intended to either Les Francais, les Canadiennes, or New Yorkers. Merely highlighting cultural differences.:thmbsp:)
 
Don't let the detractors deter you too much. Polk makes an exceptional stereo speaker, especially the towers. Yes, they do cater to the HT market, but why is that a bad thing? HT tolerances set the bar for current manufacturers. I think bang for the buck, my money's on the PA's.

Also, why not consider brands like KEF (point source), or the NHT Four?
 
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I can't find the delete button, it double posted by accident. Please ignore the second post or help me find the delete button lol.
 
baco99 said:
Don't let the detractors deter you too much. Polk makes an exceptional stereo speaker, especially the towers. Yes, they do cater to the HT market, but why is that a bad thing? HT tolerances set the bar for current manufacturers. I think bang for the buck, my money's on the PA's.

Also, why not consider brands like KEF (point source), or the NHT Four?
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Since I'm still relatively new to all of this, what is the HT market? Also, I've been steered away from KEF and B&W (not familiar with NHT though) because I was told they produce an "English Sound", which is better for playing classical and everything else, except for the way rock was intended to sound. Originally the flip side/comparison was to buying a speaker that produced "American Sound", which could be attained by buying a North American speaker (usually vintage) such as a JBL or Altec, etc. because they reproduced rock the most accurately. Everyone feel free to throw your thoughts/comments/suggestions and opinions out there, everything is helpful to me.:thmbsp:
 
I'm not as familiar with NHT's current line-up, but I remember about 15 year ago, NHT was a very reputable, hi-performance speaker. They had a clarity that was unmistakable. And they could rock. The NHT 2.5 was an amazing performer. And dead sexy too. This was the speaker that first inspired me to design my own when I was 15 or 16 years old.
http://gallery.audioreview.com/showphoto.php?photo=2201&size=big

I'm not sure I agree with the KEF comments either. The KEFs I've heard do well with all kinds of music, including rock. And they are easy to listen to, not tiring. I think the point source design, which has been surprisingly unique to KEF, makes the most sense, intuitively, if you believe in psychoacoustics.

And like I said, don't rule out the Polks. Find a pair of older S8s or S10s and go to town. My folks still have a pair of S6s in their living room that absolutely sing with some latin jazz or classic rock. They could use a sub, but even without, they are impressive. Very smooth, even highs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-S10-Main-Stereo-Speakers-/380434288995#ht_3499wt_1398
 
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B&W, KEF and Tannoy can rock for shure.
Imho kind of music does not really matter, an audio enthousiast concerned about sound quality just wants models as totl as possible. BUT it is important to know how bass response is for certain kinds of music, for instance, the smaller Tannoy 609 (bass reflex enclosure) works better for my tastes (alternative, rock, electronic music) than its bigger 611 (closed box) brother, which would have needed an additional sub to please me.
 
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