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
- Big enveloping sound showed zero, if any, constraints in terms of dynamics, slam, and bass extension
- Very musical and easy to listen to, regardless of content
- Stunning workmanship and attention to every detail
- The main O/Ref/A box has a sensitivity of 98dB/W/m
Product Considerations
- The Orangutan Reference is expensive
- The technology employed does not seem competitive with other speakers in the $85K price range
- The O/Ref will never be profitable for DeVORE FIDELITY on its own
Takeaway: The O/Reference speakers provide amazing sound and are built with incredible care and detail. They represent the absolute limits of what DeVORE FIDELITY can achieve, and will lead to more affordable models to come.
All
O/Reference
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
No items found.
Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Bandwidth: 15Hz-50kHz
- Sensitivity: 98dB/W/m
- Impedance: 12 Ohms
- Dimensions (WxHxD incl stands): 18×35.5×12 inches each
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
The Orangutan O/Reference is a Four-Piece Speaker System representing the ultimate expression of the DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Series. Offering an astonishing eleven octave bandwidth with unprecedented flexibility and customization, the O/Reference can be installed in nearly any size room, and built to fit nearly any decor.
THE ORANGUTAN O/Reference
A Four-Piece Speaker System representing the ultimate expression of the DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Series. Offering an astonishing eleven octave bandwidth with unprecedented flexibility and customization, the O/Reference can be installed in nearly any size room, and built to fit nearly any decor.
THE O/Ref 3
The O/Reference system scaled down to three pieces, utilizing the same main speakers and a single Bassmachine summed to mono for the lowest octave.
O/Reference
THE ORANGUTAN O/Reference
O/Reference A
10" paper-cone woofer with a cast Bronze chassis and an all new woofer motor, fully optimized with a pure AlNiCo magnet, copper Faraday rings above and below the gap, a titanium former, and a machined bronze phase plug resulting in better magnetic and inductive linearity, increased sensitivity, and an order of magnitude lower distortion throughout most of the frequency range.
1" silk dome tweeter loaded by a cast & machined Bronze horn with all new tweeter motor utilizing a large rare-earth magnet and an underhung voice-coil for increased linearity at lower treble frequencies and higher sensitivity.
.75" silk dome super-tweeter with a cast & machined bronze horn and rare-earth magnet.
Solid machined Bronze port tubes and machined brass input-plate are de-coupled from the cabinet to reduce vibration.
O/Reference B
11-inch reinforced aluminum ...
A Four-Piece Speaker System representing the ultimate expression of the DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Series. Offering an astonishing eleven octave bandwidth with unprecedented flexibility and customization, the O/Reference can be installed in nearly any size room, and built to fit nearly any decor.
THE O/Ref 3
The O/Reference system scaled down to three pieces, utilizing the same main speakers and a single Bassmachine summed to mono for the lowest octave.
O/Reference
THE ORANGUTAN O/Reference
O/Reference A
10" paper-cone woofer with a cast Bronze chassis and an all new woofer motor, fully optimized with a pure AlNiCo magnet, copper Faraday rings above and below the gap, a titanium former, and a machined bronze phase plug resulting in better magnetic and inductive linearity, increased sensitivity, and an order of magnitude lower distortion throughout most of the frequency range.
1" silk dome tweeter loaded by a cast & machined Bronze horn with all new tweeter motor utilizing a large rare-earth magnet and an underhung voice-coil for increased linearity at lower treble frequencies and higher sensitivity.
.75" silk dome super-tweeter with a cast & machined bronze horn and rare-earth magnet.
Solid machined Bronze port tubes and machined brass input-plate are de-coupled from the cabinet to reduce vibration.
O/Reference B
11-inch reinforced aluminum ...
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- DeVORE FIDELITY speakers are specifically designed to pair well with low-powered tube amplifiers, emphasizing ease of drive and a forgiving impedance curve.
- The brand's speakers are frequently described as producing a "musical" or "emotionally involving" sound, prioritizing a connection to the performance over purely analytical detail.
- They often employ a wide-baffle design, a conscious choice to enhance sound projection and create a more coherent and visceral soundstage.
- DeVORE FIDELITY stresses the use of high-quality, carefully selected materials and hand-built construction, with close attention to cabinet resonance tuning for a natural and balanced sound.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every model is built by hand in Brooklyn, and sensitivity from 89 to 98 dB means even low powered tube amps can drive them. The micr/O is the entry, a sealed 10 inch cube with a 7 inch paper woofer that fits a bookcase or desk. The O/93 steps to a 10 inch paper woofer, so it fills a larger room with bass down to 30Hz. The O/Reference adds separate bass cabinets, which frees the main driver for the mids and takes bass to 15Hz.
- Start here. The micr/O suits a listener filling a desk, shelf or small room who wants a speaker built by hand without a big cabinet.
- Sweet spot. The O/93 gives a living room listener a 10 inch woofer and bass to 30Hz, a larger room filling step over the micr/O and O/baby, at a price well below the O/96.
- All in. The O/Reference is priced well beyond the rest of the line and is a four piece system, so a buyer who wants the fullest low end and cleaner mids gets the most complete sound here.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
8
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
202
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
2000
Our take on the brand
DeVORE Fidelity is an American speaker maker, founded in 2000 by John DeVore. Every speaker is built by hand in Brooklyn, New York. The gibbon series goes back to the first designs and keeps the cabinets compact. The Orangutan series raises sensitivity and impedance so that low-powered tube amplifiers can drive it. Many models use a wide front baffle, and the O/93 pairs a 10-inch paper-cone woofer with a horn-loaded silk dome tweeter. The O/96, O/93 and O/baby suit small tube amplifiers and are all on our Best Speakers for Tube Amps list.
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Brand Page
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Used
DeVORE FIDELITY
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
Klipsch
RP-8000F II
749
749
/
9
Reviews
Klipsch's idea is the horn, built on its founder's rule that a more efficient speaker produces less distortion. Paul W. Klipsch started the American company in 1946 with the Klipschorn, and the Heritage models, from the Heresy IV to the Klipschorn AK6, are still hand built to order at his original factory in Hope, Arkansas. Their efficiency makes them a natural match for low-powered tube amplifiers, and the Heresy IV heads our Best Speakers for Tube Amps list. The Fives are powered speakers with a phono input, so a turntable plugs straight in.
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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's idea is the horn, built on its founder's rule that a more efficient speaker produces less distortion. Paul W. Klipsch started the American company in 1946 with the Klipschorn, and the Heritage models, from the Heresy IV to the Klipschorn AK6, are still hand built to order at his original factory in Hope, Arkansas. Their efficiency makes them a natural match for low-powered tube amplifiers, and the Heresy IV heads our Best Speakers for Tube Amps list. The Fives are powered speakers with a phono input, so a turntable plugs straight in.
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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 an American speaker maker founded in 1969 by Jim Winey, the inventor of the Magneplanar. In place of a cone and box, a thin aluminum strip attached by hand to Mylar film drives the whole surface of the film, so the panel radiates front and back as a line source. The 3.7i and 20.7 add a true ribbon tweeter, and every pair is made in Minnesota. The panels act like a simple resistor, a natural match for amplifiers comfortable with four ohms, and the LRS+ heads our All Planar and Electrostatic Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our summary
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 an American speaker maker founded in 1969 by Jim Winey, the inventor of the Magneplanar. In place of a cone and box, a thin aluminum strip attached by hand to Mylar film drives the whole surface of the film, so the panel radiates front and back as a line source. The 3.7i and 20.7 add a true ribbon tweeter, and every pair is made in Minnesota. The panels act like a simple resistor, a natural match for amplifiers comfortable with four ohms, and the LRS+ heads our All Planar and Electrostatic Speakers list.
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Dynaudio
Emit 30
849
849
/
9
Reviews
Dynaudio's idea is to make its own drive units, from diaphragm to magnet, even for its entry-level speakers. The Danish company was founded in 1976 and builds its Heritage Special and Contour Legacy by hand in Skanderborg. The flagship Confidence range uses the Esotar 3 tweeter, whose Hexis inner dome damps resonance. Reviewers hear a smooth sound that suits long listening sessions. The Core and LYD ranges are studio monitors. The Emit range shares MSP cones with Evoke and suits smaller rooms, and the Special Forty is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynaudio's idea is to make its own drive units, from diaphragm to magnet, even for its entry-level speakers. The Danish company was founded in 1976 and builds its Heritage Special and Contour Legacy by hand in Skanderborg. The flagship Confidence range uses the Esotar 3 tweeter, whose Hexis inner dome damps resonance. Reviewers hear a smooth sound that suits long listening sessions. The Core and LYD ranges are studio monitors. The Emit range shares MSP cones with Evoke and suits smaller rooms, and the Special Forty is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list.
Product Page
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Acoustic Energy
AE109²
999
999
/
8
Reviews
The AE109² is designed to offer effortless, room filling performance from a slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker in much the same way the world acclaimed original AE109 did 20 years ago. To do this, two 130mm paper drivers utilising an ultra-high force motor system are used in partnership with a 25mm soft dome tweeter. The 2.5-way crossover features a unique topology allowing integration and power handling previously un-achievable from this type of speaker. Particular attention has been paid to the phase and time alignment for the most cohesive performance possible. Like the AE100² stand-mount speaker, the driver and crossover are housed within a substantial 15mm HDF cabinet that takes styling cues from the award winning 500 Series. The result is an audio product with clean and uncluttered lines that can still deliver the thrilling and powerful presentation Acoustic Energy owners have come to expect. Black and walnut vinyl veneer finishes are available.
Acoustic Energy is a British loudspeaker maker, founded in 1987 by Phil Jones. Jones designed the AE1 as a monitor for his own recording studio, using drivers he made himself, with aluminum cones. The 300 and 500 Series cabinets use a resonance suppression composite called RSC with strategic bracing, and the 500 Series uses carbon fiber for both tweeter and mid/bass drivers. The AE1 Active has Class A/B amplifiers built in, so it connects straight to a DAC or preamp, and it is on our Best Active Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Acoustic Energy is a British loudspeaker maker, founded in 1987 by Phil Jones. Jones designed the AE1 as a monitor for his own recording studio, using drivers he made himself, with aluminum cones. The 300 and 500 Series cabinets use a resonance suppression composite called RSC with strategic bracing, and the 500 Series uses carbon fiber for both tweeter and mid/bass drivers. The AE1 Active has Class A/B amplifiers built in, so it connects straight to a DAC or preamp, and it is on our Best Active Speakers list.
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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.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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 idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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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.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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 idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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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.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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 idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Yamaha
NS-777
479
/
Released
Enhance your home with the NS-777 high performance home theater floor standing speakers.
Yamaha brings its instrument making to hifi, aiming for what it calls True Sound, with instruments and voices reproduced as they were meant to sound. The Japanese company was founded in 1887 and still makes pianos and other instruments. Many of its amplifiers and receivers keep phono stages next to modern features, and MusicCast links its components into a wireless multi-room system. The MusicCast Vinyl 500 turntable adds streaming for listening in other rooms. The HS8 heads our Best Studio Monitors for Listening to Music list, with the HS5 and HS7 right behind.
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 brings its instrument making to hifi, aiming for what it calls True Sound, with instruments and voices reproduced as they were meant to sound. The Japanese company was founded in 1887 and still makes pianos and other instruments. Many of its amplifiers and receivers keep phono stages next to modern features, and MusicCast links its components into a wireless multi-room system. The MusicCast Vinyl 500 turntable adds streaming for listening in other rooms. The HS8 heads our Best Studio Monitors for Listening to Music list, with the HS5 and HS7 right behind.
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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.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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 idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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