Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • The bass plays very cleanly without unwanted muddiness, even in the deep bass range
  • The speaker creates a good soundstage with nice depth of layering in music
  • The Canton tweeter provides crystal-clear and dynamic high frequencies

Product Considerations

  • Bass might not be sufficient for action movies
  • The high frequencies can sound a bit too loud, depending on the music and speaker placement

Takeaway: The Canton C309 is a good entry-level speaker that offers clear sound and a clean bass, making it enjoyable for various music genres and film use. With its design and sound characteristics, it is a typical Canton product.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

C 309

reviews

[{"title":"Günstige CANTON Hi-Fi Lautsprecher C 309 Test | Review | Soundcheck. Was kann der Standlautsprecher?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwFrFCwIGLo","source":"Speakershocker Hi-Fi Mehr als nur Technik","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Acoustic principle: 3-way bass reflex
  • Radiation direction resonator: Frontfire
  • Tweeter quantity: 1
  • Tweeter size: 25 mm
  • Tweeter material: Alu-manganese
  • Midrange driver quantity: 1
  • Midrange driver size: 174 mm
  • Midrange driver material: Titanium
  • Woofer quantity: 2
  • Woofer size: 174 mm
  • Woofer material: Titanium
  • Nominal load capacity: 160 watts
  • Music load capacity: 320 watts
  • Transmission range: 20...40.000 Hz
  • Crossover frequencies: 300 / 3.000 Hz
  • Impedance: 4...8 ohm
  • Efficiency 2.83V/1m: 88,3 db
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 21 cm x 105 cm x 30 cm (24 cm x 105 cm x 31.1 cm with base)
  • Weight: 23 kg
With the C 309, you get great sound for little money: the online-exclusive model benefits from the finest technical components that we borrow from our larger series. Even in this price range, high-quality titanium drivers, clamped in wave surrounds of the latest generation, and our aluminum-manganese tweeter systems ensure unique and unadulterated Canton sound.
3-way bass reflex system 320 watts Titanium technology Metal grid
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Canton's Reference line combines years of experience with advanced computer modeling and a dedicated testing laboratory, resulting in products designed with both precision and innovation.
  • The brand emphasizes high-quality construction, utilizing stiff, multi-layer laminate cabinets with strategic internal bracing to minimize unwanted resonances.
  • Canton's signature sound aims for a neutral and balanced presentation, delivering clear, detailed sound without excessive coloration.
  • They often incorporate advanced driver technologies, such as ceramic-tungsten cones and aluminum-ceramic-oxide tweeters, to achieve optimal stiffness, damping, and dispersion.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
60
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
103
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
69
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Canton
GLE 90 AR
943
943
/
3
Reviews

Our newest member of the large GLE family is a true masterpiece and unique in design: the GLE 90 AR consists of the powerful 3-way floorstanding speaker GLE 90, which we have expanded with a 2-way system ideally matched to it in terms of sound. The result: a shapely and powerful-sounding all-rounder that allows you to play stereo music and Dolby Atmos movie content from just one pair of speakers - ingeniously simple and simply brilliant! At the same time, setting up and commissioning the GLE 90 AR is delightfully uncomplicated. Connected to a multi-channel amplifier, such as our Smart Amp 5.1, the GLE 90 AR will fill your living space with room-shaking Dolby Atmos sound in no time.

Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers powerful, clear, and warm sound.
  • It's a top surround system capable of creating a professional, life-like experience.
  • The GLE 90 AR model with integrated Dolby Atmos technology simplifies home theater setup and saves space.
  • Versatile for both films and music.
  • High clarity presents the entire mid-high range cleanly.
  • Good high-frequency resolution and detail.

Product Considerations

  • The size of the speakers may take up a lot of space.
  • To get the full Dolby Atmos experience, some setup adjustments are needed—speaker positioning and AV receiver settings.
  • Depending on the ceiling, it may be necessary to adjust the level of the height channels.
  • Some might find the design with the angled top takes some getting used to.

Takeaway: The GLE Series/GLE 90 AR offers a powerful and immersive sound experience, making it a great choice for both movie and music lovers. It is a particularly good option for those looking for a Dolby Atmos setup without the need for multiple speakers.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Canton
GLE 90
629
629
/
1
Reviews

The GLE speakers are technically convincing and visually appealing: thanks to these qualities, the attractive and versatile GLE models have been among the most popular speakers in Europe for many years. We have now completely revised the successful GLE model range - both visually and technically. What has remained is the strong price-performance ratio and, of course, the convincingly good Canton sound. The new GLE 90, a powerful and dynamic floorstanding speaker with a 3-way design that not only boasts outstanding sound characteristics, but also scores points with its attractive, harmonious design. This is ensured by the latest technology, which is allowed to take its place on the slim baffle and creates the unique Canton sound - recently with our outstanding drivers made of titanium, moves into the current GLE series.

Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality and design, described as simple yet modern with a unique structured lacquer on the baffle
  • Features a newly designed titanium midrange driver (174mm) and titanium woofers (192mm) with updated wave surround, whereas previous models used aluminum
  • Neutral sound signature is suitable for all music genres, avoiding artificial bass or treble boosting
  • The tweeter provides direct sound, close to a headphone experience, yet with spaciousness
  • Works well with smaller amplifiers and does not require high volume or power to perform well

Product Considerations

  • Bass performance is significantly reduced when not positioned in the ideal stereo triangle
  • A color called 'Makassar' exists, but the reviewer admits to not knowing what the color actually is, simply stating that it is 'a type of brown'

Takeaway: The Canton GLE 90 is a well-made speaker that delivers a neutral, spacious, and direct sound. It is a good option for those seeking an accurate audio experience across various music styles without needing a powerful amplifier.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Klipsch
RP-8000F II
749
749
/
9
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
  • Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
  • The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
  • Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music

Product Considerations

  • Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
  • The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
  • For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
  • The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
  • Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
  • Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
  • Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
  • Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
  • Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound

Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Magnepan
LRS+
995
995
/
9
Reviews

Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed LRS, the LRS+ takes it up a notch. "This is another slam-dunk POY (Product of the Year) nominee, and, IMO, the best buy (along with the MG1.7i) in an affordable loudspeaker for modest-sized rooms.” 2022 Golden Ear Award. Jonathan Valin, October 7th, 2022

Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
  • Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
  • Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
  • Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
  • Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
  • Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price

Product Considerations

  • Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
  • Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
  • Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
  • The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass

Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Polk
Reserve R500
455
/
Released
2021
Offering a balance of size and power, the R500 loudspeaker is perfect for both listening in a stereo pair or within a surround system. It delivers standout sound from a narrow, elegant cabinet that seamlessly fits into any room.
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Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Sleek design with a balanced aesthetic
  • Big, warm, and muscular sounding presentation
  • Treble response is a little elevated, yet very easy to listen to
  • Midrange has a warm, full-bodied sound with real scale and density
  • Imaging is a strong suit, providing a good locked-in center image and wide soundstage

Product Considerations

  • The speaker can sound shouty in the higher frequencies, specifically around 4-6kHz
  • Bass can be too strong—thick in some rooms, and a subwoofer might be needed for deep bass
  • High frequencies narrow rapidly when not aimed directly at the listener, reducing 'air'
  • The up-firing Dolby Atmos configuration may not be the best immersive experience
  • Dynamic output is okay but not as agile as other speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The R500 has more emphasis in the treble, richer midrange, stronger bass, and better imaging compared to the Elac Debut Reference Series, while the Elac Debut Reference Series is more balanced sounding
  • The R500 is easier to work with, has a fuller mid-range scale, and stronger bass compared to the Wharfedale Evo line, while the Wharfedale Evo line has greater resolution and refinement
  • The R500 is smoother, more forgiving of poor recordings, has a warmer midrange, stronger bass, and superior imaging compared to Klipsch
  • Driver integration and bass are better than the Triangle Borea Series, while the Borea series has a more open and brighter sound
  • The R500 is smoother, more resolute, has better driver integration, a fuller mid-range, stronger bass, and better imaging compared to the Polk Signature Line

Takeaway: The Polk R500 is a good speaker overall and offers a big, warm sound that works well with most music. It's a stylish speaker that offers great value and ease of use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Polk
Monitor XT60
249
/
Released
2021
Monitor XT60 maximizes the enjoyment of movies, music, and gaming, with energetic and dynamic, high-resolution sound featuring effortless bass. Ideal for front left and right, or as side or rear surrounds in your high-performance home theater, MXT tower loudspeakers provide more bass and depth of sound than bookshelf speakers and are the best choice for serious movie and music enthusiasts.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good neutral response top to bottom
  • Detailed and articulate treble response without being too forward or bright
  • Excellent soundstage and dynamics for the price
  • Bass is weighty and deeper feeling than its measurements convey
  • Nice looking exterior, especially for the price

Product Considerations

  • Bass requires a subwoofer for full-range playback
  • Tweeter can lose composure at high volumes
  • Can require more volume than some other speakers
  • With aggressive music, mid-range and low frequencies can sound like a traffic jam
  • Grills are thin and flimsy

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Klipsch R800F, the Polk XT60 is better, the R800F has messier bass, cabinet distortion, and port noise
  • Versus Polk R700, the R700 is a demonstrably better loudspeaker with better bass, a better ability to handle volume and dynamic swings, and unflappable high frequencies

Takeaway: The Polk XT60 is a great entry-level tower speaker that offers surprisingly accurate sound and good performance for the price. It's a solid choice for building a home theater system or enjoying music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Polk
Monitor 60 Series II
189
/
Released
The reborn monitor Series is classic Polk: a quality-built, affordable line of high-performance loudspeakers for music and Home theater. They are highly efficient, so they can be driven easily by unpretentious receivers, and they are voice matched for lifelike surround sound.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good, solid build quality
  • Wide dispersed soundstage
  • Good bass, and a subwoofer is not usually needed
  • Punch higher than their price should be
  • The drivers are specially designed for the mid-century to reproduce its noise, in addition to a more significant dispersion

Product Considerations

  • The crystal clear and sharp noise is insufficient for the complete noise operation
  • To receive the optimal adventure, one ought to use a surround sound installation having a subwoofer, rear or front
  • Clients that are searching for an entire audio performance aren't advocating this item
  • Amazon alone urges mixing the speakers together with all the Polk Audio PSW10 10-inch Driven Subwoofer, and also the Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker
  • Polk Audio does not sell these anymore

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series 2 had a more neutral—balanced sound than Klipsch speakers

Takeaway: The Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series 2 speakers sound very good and look stylish, making them a great option for people on a budget or with smaller rooms. They offer good quality audio for everyday use and fill the room with sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Yamaha
NS-777
479
/
Released
Enhance your home with the NS-777 high performance home theater floor standing speakers.
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Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Super attractive and beautiful to look at
  • Hard hitting speaker
  • A lot of mid-bass, very authoritative
  • Very strong bass
  • Good efficiency

Product Considerations

  • Piano black finish is a fingerprint magnet and prone to micro scratches
  • Vocals aren't the last word in clarity
  • Not an audiophile speaker
  • Highs were ok, but metallic

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Faithfulness to horns is not as good as Klipsch
  • Doesn't have the same instrument separation as Polk

Takeaway: The NS-777 speakers are beautiful and fun to listen to, especially for rock and hip-hop music, because of their hard-hitting sound and strong bass. They are efficient and provide a satisfying musical experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
Monitor XT70
349
/
Released
2021
The highest performing loudspeaker in the Monitor XT line, the MXT70 maximizes your enjoyment of music, movies, TV and gaming. With its dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and 8" passive bass radiators, and Hi-Res Audio certified tweeter, the MXT70 will fill your home with powerful, high-resolution sound with crystal clear highs and deep, effortless bass.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Ample sub-bass response eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer
  • Performs very well in movies, providing a cinematic experience
  • Sounds natural with ample clarity for vocal separation when used for movies

Product Considerations

  • The veneer finish looks basic and somewhat cheap
  • When the volume is pushed, the bass becomes more bloomy, and the mids become slightly more confused—mid performance and bass are areas of weakness
  • It isn't geared toward audiophiles looking for pure fidelity, and other speakers may outperform it in detail retrieval and technical aspects for music listening

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Polk ES60: The Polk ES60 has a far more stylized housing
  • Vs Emotiva B1+: The Emotiva B1+ significantly outperforms it in detail retrieval and technicals for music listening

Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT70 is a versatile speaker, great for both movies and music, especially because it delivers a powerful bass response. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to simplify their setup and enjoy an immersive sound experience without needing extra equipment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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