I was skeptical being that it was polk and gotten these for free from someone who just needed to unload. I hooked them up to my onkyo tx509 and wow you’re right the sound stage really comes to life with the clarity and accuracy in the tweeter you don’t have to crank these to have them shine at all 💯..I even have their matching center speaker too
When I graduated college in 2011, my first big purchases were a Panasonic plasma and a pair of Polk TSi500's. I eventually added these as surrounds. I gave them to a friend when I moved to a place where I couldn't set up surrounds. I just asked, and apparently he gave them to his brother-in-law. I'm happy to hear that they are still in use after ~9 years!
I've always felt the Polk TSi series was a hidden gem that never got much love. I've owned a pair of the TSi300 towers for six years. They've been fantastic. I use them without a sub in a 2.0 stereo setup for our TV upstairs connected to a Denon AVR-X3200W. They're truly amazing for their size. They have a down-firing port and produce usable bass all the way down to 35Hz in our living room. A subwoofer would help at higher volumes, but isn't missed most of the time when watching TV. I highly recommend reviewing them if you get a chance. They're a bargain at the current price of $150/ea IMO. I bought them on clearance at Best Buy for $105/ea just before the mediocre and short-lived TSx series that was intended to replace them was released. I completely agree about getting the TSi's tweeter at the right height. My TSi300 towers sound unclear while standing up from six feet away because your ears are way too far off-axis, but sitting down at 10-12 ft away they sound great. The old TSi300 out classes the other inexpensive towers like the Pioneer SP-FS52 or Sony SSCS3 in my opinion. My go-to audition songs are "Six Blade Knife" by Dire Straits (lots of dynamic range) and the end of the album version of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around...Comes Around" (start it at about the 5:00-5:15 mark).
This channel is taking the audiophiles on the cheap side of the spectrum by storm. The keen interest of advertisers is a telling indication. The rating of the speakers on Amazon is outstanding. Keep it up bro.
I appreciate that. But take the amazon reviews with cautious optimism. The Polk T15 is universally adored and has nearly 5k positive reviews and I use that speaker for a stand for the Tsi 100
@@cheapaudioman I would like to know what tools (other than your ears) do you use to measure speaker capabilities. I see many of you "YT guys" doing "reviews" relying only on what you hear, like if your ears were very accurate and had the right answer and/or explanation on the sound presentation of a given speaker. So by dissing the T series (and at the same time insinuating you'd have done a better job than the Polk Audio engineers), yet your recommendation is to take well praised product reviews with caution but trust yours?
@@acidoom3068 that's a great point. I don't use anything to come up with my opinion other than my ears. And people shouldn't take my word for it. They should come up with their own opinion. That's why I share my playlist and encourage others to listen and decide for themselves. And I don't think the engineers at Polk spent a whole lot of time "engineering" this speaker. I'll tear it apart on a video and just see how much time they put into it. You're absolutely right though. They shouldn't take my word for it.
@@phantasm1004 Exactly! I couldn't agree more! That's what's important: What do you like? I personally think T series sound quality competes with speakers triple their price (I won't name any model or brand) and S series sound quality also competes with speakers triple their price. TSi series is similar to the T series, while S series is also very similar to the "Legend" series. All in terms of sound quality. There are different opinions, but that should never be a gateway to open discussions or disputes. In the end it's what's makes you happy the only thing that matters.
@@cheapaudioman Nor do I think Wharfedale spends a lot of time with their "Diamond" series, with a new model every 2 years...the same for Monitor Audio. There's not much to see inside but $60 is the fair deal. They have their own attitude when it comes to what they like, give them amplification a bit on the bright side of neutral, something like Cambridge and they'll sing you a song.
My wife bought me a 5.1 Polk TSI series home theater package back in 2011 with an Onkyo 7.2 receiver. I replaced several speakers since, but never these.. in fact, in 2019, I added a pair of TSI 100s when I switched to an Atmos system and I needed ceiling speakers. Great job, Polk Audio!
I just bought these (on this recommendation, and your comments that they're better than the Sony SSCS5s at equal money) to pair with a thrift-picked Sherwood RX-4508 receiver. I used a bunch of YouGov-earned Amazon cards for the speakers, so I think I am going to have a decent little foundation for >$20 out of my pocket. I mostly wanted something mid-fi/nice to hook my Fluance RT80 turntable up to, but I will probably get a dac for the TV and a DVD player to listen to CDs. I love your channel and it has helped me a lot.
I was looking for a good pair of rear speakers and was pleased to see a pair of Polk speakers! I have Polk Audio rte1000p speakers for the front and now I just ordered these Polk TSi100 speakers from Amazon for $99! Can't wait to hear my system with them! Thanks for your review!
Ordered these with cherry finish from Crutchfield in Jan 2021 because of this review. Very happy in March 2021. Thanks, they're exactly as you describe.
I've had these for a while. That sound so good. I switched my home theater to all Klipsch but I've recently took these out of my closet and have started using them on my computer.
I bought a pair of these a couple years ago when I built my new PC and and upgraded my stereo to an SMSL AD18 so basically using them as desktops. Great sound, couldn't be happier.
These are one of my favorite little speakers! My wife prefers them over my Wharfedale's, OHM's, Cerwin Vega's, and EPI's. They are warm and revealing, yet not harsh. Seriously great little speakers.
Just received a pair used as rear surrounds. An excellent speaker a great cabinet that includes spacers do it can be used right up against a wall or floor. Great value
Good review... I bought these speakers back in 2014 for $99.00 sale price and they went fast.. I use mine as a B speaker on my 2 channel receiver and they perform great...I do use a sub but I have it balance just right with these...
I love your reviews Thank you. So much of the reviews are geared to expensive equipment. You are an inspiration showing what someone can do if they follow their passions or interests! I ordered a set of Polk ES15's and Polk TSi100 and a Aiyima D03. I'll be comparing them. This is for my daughter...hoping to spark a lifelong love of audio!
Results of the comparison? :) just scooped some tsi 100s and 300s on secondary market and awaiting delivery..curious how they AB comparison to the ES 15/20
@@jamessalepe the Tsi100s were noticably better composed at upper volumes and higher resolution- Tsi's way cheaper on, amazon go figure. Go with the Tsi's, you'll be quite pleased at $100 for the pair
Ah, sorry....my findings.....well I compared them for a week. I had no way of instant switching back and forth but I used a variety of song samples in each speaker. I enjoyed the TSI100's more! They seemed to present just as well in the upper frequencies. The vocals were more pronounced which I like. The bass was better too. Overall large pleasing sound. I brought the Aiyima D03 and both sets of speakers to my daughter's apartment to set them up along with all the CD's I tested at home. My daughter liked the looks of the TSi100's more than the ES15's so the decision was made before she heard a sound. Haha So I hooked them up and hung the TSi100's right on the wall and they filled the room beautifully! She was shocked! After years of earbud listening and mobile phone speakers, she entered the world of real audio...mission accomplished.
Just critically reviewed the Polk Tsi 100s on my Freya/Vidar system. What a great speaker these are. Very low distortion. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Very clear hi end. Bass is not too emphasized. The only area I would comment on is that the mid range is a bit scooped out, but other than that these are excellent, especially for the price. Thanks, Randy, for finding these.
I picked up a pair of these for $45 the other day and honestly, to my ears, they sound better than my RTi4’s….. using them nearfield at my desk. These are nice and balanced, and at first I loved the RTi, but after listening to these, the RTi just comes off as bright. They come alive when you feed them power, but I’m not always cranking my speakers.
I picked a set of TSi100 and TSi200's off ebay over 15 years ago for just over $200. Best set I have ever owned for my PC setup, paired them is a CS10 for the Center and one of polks 10" powered sub.
Great review! I've actually been running six Polk TSi100's as F/H/R (with the CS10 TSi series center channel) for 2yrs and couldn't be happier. I paired them with a Klipsch R-120SW and never looked back or elsewhere. I've considered upgrading, but can't justify it; especially since I got all 6 TSi100's (plus a 7th bonus one) for $250 total. I've seen mixed reviews and agree that placement is the biggest key to making these speakers shine. Glad to see them get some earned/deserved love.
Been a Polk fan and owner for awhile. My first bookshelfs were the T15s for the surrounds and they worked decent with my Polk R30 towers when I was made my first home theater setup. Eventually I wanted to buy more quality audio from Polk and made the transition to the TSI Series. made the switch from the T15s to the TSI100s, and like cheapaudioman said, they is a big difference from them.
You can always just turn them upside down so the tweeter is on top like most bookshelf speakers, unless the badge on the grille upside down bugs you, but all speakers sound better with no grille anyway.
Randy, thank you for showing me ways to rebuild a system "on the cheap" but not sacrificing the sound that I enjoy. Polk tsi100, because I had them already. Wiim mini, SMSL SU1, and currently Fosi audio BT20A. Waiting on the BT20A Pro later today for comparison and will likely make the swap. Thanks to the EQ in the Wiim I am pulling out these speakers more than I ever thought possible. They truly are great speakers, at least for Jazz!
Hi, that was a great review! Back in the day, I had a pair of Polk Monitor 30’s powered by a Sherwood 4109. I gave them to my son-in-law for his editing suite. They were really good. Today, in my study, I am using a Cambridge AXA35 amp and a pair of Pioneer BS22 LR speakers. They sound great, but I am a bit queasy about the impedance, 6 Ohms.the Polks are a better match being 8 ohms and are a bit more efficient. Do you think they would be a better choice?
Anyone know if these are actually the same as, or at least very very similar to the Polk Monitor 30 Series II, just with a slightly fancier looking cabinet & the fancy waveguide grills? They look exactly the same other than the piano black top panel. Drivers look the same, binding posts and back of the cabinet look the same, current price point is about the same as what the Monitor 30's sold for when they were still available....
Just ordered a set for my PC desk and will run them from / through a Yamaha RX-550. $99.00 on Amazon Good riddens to the Cambridge little 3" pc speakers with the no-longer-works sub ...bye bye. Thanks for this review ! Great deal and will fit fine on the desk. Maybe I'll make a short pair of stands to get them closer to ear-level. :- )
I am just about to order the tsi 200 pair and I am stoked. Also you should really listen to a heavy metal band The eye of the enemy. Specifically the album the vengeance paradox.
Any recommendations for a center channel speaker to pair with these? I currently have a Polk CSi30 and it sort of sounds a little muddy with my TSi100’s. Max size for my center speaker spot is 20 inch wide and 7 inch tall for my TV stand. Thanks. P.S - I upgraded from Polk T15’s based in this video and Randy’s hatred of the T15 speaker stands, lol.
I am interested in using these for surround and heights What is the low impendence in an impendence sweep? Most Polk speakers fall below 4ohms in the woofer frequency and that is not good for my receiver
I know this goes back to an old video but..... All things aside while I can't afford any normal studio monitors right now..... Do you have an opportunity to get the entire setup of this minus the subwoofer for like 100 bucks.... Do you think this would be sufficient right and left speakers.... For a substitute for studio monitors.....
Polk Audio direct eBay account had these refurbished for $69 a pair in the spring of 2019, still the best deal I’ve ever gotten in my life. And yes they are worth $150 to me as well, I don’t know what happened I guess Covid seems to have shut everything down there
The Polk have moved on but they would win. Much better built and way better bass. The Polk was originally a almost $300 speaker and it shows in the guild and the sound. If you can get the placement right they are exceptional
@@cheapaudiomanI agree totally. I have fairly recently re-entered the hobby in retirement. I am, as I write this listening to Joe Sample with Layla Hathaway about 12 feet from the speakers. Fosi Audio BT 20A, WIIM mini (love the EQ) with a SMSL SU1 in line. Sitting back, closing my eyes (only opening to type😮) and ...just listening. Thanks for the heads up on placement level.
These are on sale for $99/pair right now on Amazon. I just bought a set last night. They might be the best speaker out there right now for less than $200, let alone $100.
@@jamessalepe I can't say for sure because I haven't heard the ES15, but I doubt they're worth paying $200 more for. The specs seem to indicate that the ES15 might have a bit more bass as they're rated to 44Hz instead of 61Hz for the TSI100. Aside from that, I'd bet the overall sound signature is similar because they use similar (albeit, not identical) drivers.
@@stevelouie5928 I've never heard any of that JBL lineup. Based on specs alone, I would buy these Polks. I see that Polk Audio has finally discontinued them after 14ish years. Get them while you can from Amazon.
Just bought them. First thoughts are the mids are a little recessed, treble is not very detailed and while it has bass (for its size) it seems a little loose. Of course comparing them to Jamo C91's which may be unfair. I will take them home and compare to my Pioneer BS21
THX for the reply. Sorry to hassle you BUT I have to ask Are rear speakers really necessary ? Even when I play " Mad Max: Fury Road" there isn' t much coming out of the back speakers, from the surrounds yes. Is it me or are my Missions too old. Secondly after Calibrating the speakers with the Pioneer microphone, I tweeked the back and surround speakers ( putting them a bit louder ) Should all the speakers be at the same sound level ? Thirdly in my original post I goofed. Changing the Missions to the same Missions was a mistake I will be changing them to either the NEUMI BS5 or the SX6 BK Your thoughts ? THX
Neumis are really good. Don’t know about the others. I don’t go crazy on home theater so I’m not the best guy to ask. I just do a 4.1 and I enjoy it as much as an atmos set up
I've noticed that some pairs of TSI100's have dual 5-way binding posts (meaning there are two sets on each speaker) and aren't marked with a country of manufacture. Others have just one set each of 5-way binding posts and are marked "manufactured in China". I am VERY curious what the differences are in manufacture and why.
How do you think these compared to the Sony Sscs5....? I am really enjoying your channel. Thank you so much for doing such awesome work and helping us people out here navigate a sea of junk to find an island of music nirvana. Keep up the great job! Ps... If you say in your video, I apologize, I'm getting ready to watch it next. I'm watching the $200 shootout now.
I’m quite impressed by these little speakers,great imaging and clarity for such a budget speaker,have them pair with a sub. Listened to one of Billie Eilish songs “Billie Bossa Nova”her voice sounds fantastic and it’s such a smooth track.I like these better than my Klipsch 160 s
Very interesting grill cover. Speaking of grill covers Im thinking I need a substantially more robust cover for my RP-6000's. I got a 4 month old and a 3 year old.. Its only a matter of time before daddy's toys get ruined... I am liking the idea of bookshelf speakers simply of the placement opportunities.
I'd put them in like a small dog wire dog cage so their "curious" fingers don't get poky poky. Although, at least the Klipsch are horn mounted and more difficult to get to.
@@tomhamilton6377 Haha I was wondering the same thing.. However, I quickly came to the conclusion that putting the speakers in cages would be pointless. Kids are crafty AF and it is them who need to be corralled. This can only work for a short period of time because their ability to use tools allows for an endless amount of mischievous possibilities.
These are better than the sonys. To be fair, the sony's are half the price when they're on sale and these used to sell for 225 or more, but these are better in my opinion. Way better low end.
after 4 months or so i still wasn't feeling good about these.. i have dual polk psw-10 subs attatched to these. midrange seemed buried and treble sounded messy and the port seemed to cough out bass at roughly ear height..so i flipped them upside down and plugged up the bass port. its actually better now. cleaner highs, better dimensional depth and some proportional present mids. Their intended design may have been meant for a well above ear wall mounting perhaps. but a simple 'placement' adjustment on stands helped me feel better about them. but if i can i will try to get some r100's down the road
Those Polk T15s are getting a lot of use lately. They seem to be the best cheap speaker for making other speakers sound better. Does that mean they're in your keeper stash and not for sale?
yeah. I feel bad for them. Like the kid you didn't like but you kept letting them hang around as long as they'd allow you to bully them because you felt sorry for them.
Even though this is one of your older videos, I still thoroughly enjoy it, so what is your opinion of the speaker versus the stage a 130 for Jbl ? You’re still awesome and you will always be awesome and I love your videos. Thank you so much for being you.
Hey, man. Sorry I haven't been able to answer all of your comments. I really enjoyed talking to you when you were a patron and I'm sorry I haven't been able to get to all of your comments. It's been really tough for me learning how to balance everything.
@@cheapaudioman I understand, I just wasn’t sure if you were aware that there are other people other than myself that have felt the same way, and I know that I’m not your only fan. It was just nice getting responses, even if it was a red heart from time to time to let me know that I’m not one of the little people.
Just hooked up to my Onkyo TX NR595 - whoa, what a great speaker! Shocked- and dropped to $109.00 on Amazon. I paid $119.00 and well worth it. At $109.00 you'd be nuts to pass these up.
it seems like in the 70´s .Lot´s of speakers had a way to be installed against the wall, the reason why i´m watching the video ,if there´s any advantage of installing them against the wall, but i never did that normally with a litle distance from the wall or in a corner of the room the expansion of sound seems better
you GAVE metallica money?!? ;P seriously though thanks for this, I was literally gonna go get some A3's today t o replace my A1s, which also sound pretty damned good. But you reckon these are better than A3s?? The way you described their biggest strength sounds perfect for side speakers! Then my A1's can finally go at the back so all seven speakers are polk :D Dang I can't wait to hear what these sound like!
Based on your review, I just picked up a pair at Goodwill for $70. Generally they sound great to me. I did feel that some of the midrange was missing. I was A/B testing them with some other, much cheaper speakers. When I did A+B i felt like I heard the midrange that was missing. Did you A/B them with anything? I'm curious how they compare to some of the $300 speakers you speak of.
I already own these and love them. Got them for $129 on a site’s daily deal while they last promo. Have them in cherry. I recently picked up the audio bug again now that my kids started sleeping! Both girls and I use that hair detangler( you need it even if you do regularly bath your kids!)I also saw your review on the Wharfedale Diamond 11.2’s. Still at $199. I’ve been jonesin’ for a pair of Wharfdales. Almost bought the Diamond 220’s but that series has disappeared from the market. Would you recommend grabbing these over the polks?....what if I have $199 burning a hole in my pocket? KEF q150/350 also on my radar. Listen to Metallica and other similar metal new and old...no jazz or classical regularly enough to consider. If you read and respond. Thanks ahead of time!!!
I've got a pair of the 12.2's on their way in but they're significantly more expensive. around 200-300 if you're looking for extreme detail look at the Emotiva B1+. they're awesome and as clear as you can get. the kefs q150's are awesome but not as detailed.
Thanks Randy! And so, this is what I bought when I sent the Sony SSCS5s back. Edit, almost bought the Jamo S 803, but the metal connections for atmos takes the stylish speaker and makes it look weird without atmos (plugs Jamo? HELLO!?) and the reviews talking about rest fatigue and bright, the bassness almost got new. I'll hold on to the Sony sub or get another sub to help the TSIs out there. Edit, these speakers are just really, REALLY good. Got to be up there in the best values in speakers (maybe the SSCS5s, but there not in the same league). These tsi are ok without a sub, but the sub really helps them out.
Oh and i stumbled onto some interesting music. A song by the name of Abusey Junction by Kokoroko. Afro beat jazz stuff. interesting sounds coming from that song
I was skeptical being that it was polk and gotten these for free from someone who just needed to unload. I hooked them up to my onkyo tx509 and wow you’re right the sound stage really comes to life with the clarity and accuracy in the tweeter you don’t have to crank these to have them shine at all 💯..I even have their matching center speaker too
When I graduated college in 2011, my first big purchases were a Panasonic plasma and a pair of Polk TSi500's. I eventually added these as surrounds. I gave them to a friend when I moved to a place where I couldn't set up surrounds. I just asked, and apparently he gave them to his brother-in-law. I'm happy to hear that they are still in use after ~9 years!
I've always felt the Polk TSi series was a hidden gem that never got much love. I've owned a pair of the TSi300 towers for six years. They've been fantastic. I use them without a sub in a 2.0 stereo setup for our TV upstairs connected to a Denon AVR-X3200W. They're truly amazing for their size. They have a down-firing port and produce usable bass all the way down to 35Hz in our living room. A subwoofer would help at higher volumes, but isn't missed most of the time when watching TV. I highly recommend reviewing them if you get a chance. They're a bargain at the current price of $150/ea IMO. I bought them on clearance at Best Buy for $105/ea just before the mediocre and short-lived TSx series that was intended to replace them was released.
I completely agree about getting the TSi's tweeter at the right height. My TSi300 towers sound unclear while standing up from six feet away because your ears are way too far off-axis, but sitting down at 10-12 ft away they sound great.
The old TSi300 out classes the other inexpensive towers like the Pioneer SP-FS52 or Sony SSCS3 in my opinion.
My go-to audition songs are "Six Blade Knife" by Dire Straits (lots of dynamic range) and the end of the album version of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around...Comes Around" (start it at about the 5:00-5:15 mark).
six blade knife or other first dire straits Lp are great to test speakers ,all sources of sound in the music seemed well defined
Thank you so much for what you do! got myself a pair and do not regret it! They really sound awesome 🤙🏽
The Ron Swanson of the audiophile world. Love your channel man, delivery is great, and I’m having a lot of fun getting into a new hobby
Really appreciate it.
This channel is taking the audiophiles on the cheap side of the spectrum by storm. The keen interest of advertisers is a telling indication. The rating of the speakers on Amazon is outstanding. Keep it up bro.
I appreciate that. But take the amazon reviews with cautious optimism. The Polk T15 is universally adored and has nearly 5k positive reviews and I use that speaker for a stand for the Tsi 100
@@cheapaudioman I would like to know what tools (other than your ears) do you use to measure speaker capabilities. I see many of you "YT guys" doing "reviews" relying only on what you hear, like if your ears were very accurate and had the right answer and/or explanation on the sound presentation of a given speaker. So by dissing the T series (and at the same time insinuating you'd have done a better job than the Polk Audio engineers), yet your recommendation is to take well praised product reviews with caution but trust yours?
@@acidoom3068 that's a great point. I don't use anything to come up with my opinion other than my ears. And people shouldn't take my word for it. They should come up with their own opinion. That's why I share my playlist and encourage others to listen and decide for themselves. And I don't think the engineers at Polk spent a whole lot of time "engineering" this speaker. I'll tear it apart on a video and just see how much time they put into it. You're absolutely right though. They shouldn't take my word for it.
@@phantasm1004 Exactly! I couldn't agree more! That's what's important: What do you like? I personally think T series sound quality competes with speakers triple their price (I won't name any model or brand) and S series sound quality also competes with speakers triple their price. TSi series is similar to the T series, while S series is also very similar to the "Legend" series. All in terms of sound quality. There are different opinions, but that should never be a gateway to open discussions or disputes. In the end it's what's makes you happy the only thing that matters.
@@cheapaudioman Nor do I think Wharfedale spends a lot of time with their "Diamond" series, with a new model every 2 years...the same for Monitor Audio. There's not much to see inside but $60 is the fair deal. They have their own attitude when it comes to what they like, give them amplification a bit on the bright side of neutral, something like Cambridge and they'll sing you a song.
My wife bought me a 5.1 Polk TSI series home theater package back in 2011 with an Onkyo 7.2 receiver. I replaced several speakers since, but never these.. in fact, in 2019, I added a pair of TSI 100s when I switched to an Atmos system and I needed ceiling speakers. Great job, Polk Audio!
Do you have the TSi200?
I just bought these (on this recommendation, and your comments that they're better than the Sony SSCS5s at equal money) to pair with a thrift-picked Sherwood RX-4508 receiver. I used a bunch of YouGov-earned Amazon cards for the speakers, so I think I am going to have a decent little foundation for >$20 out of my pocket. I mostly wanted something mid-fi/nice to hook my Fluance RT80 turntable up to, but I will probably get a dac for the TV and a DVD player to listen to CDs. I love your channel and it has helped me a lot.
I was looking for a good pair of rear speakers and was pleased to see a pair of Polk speakers! I have Polk Audio rte1000p speakers for the front and now I just ordered these Polk TSi100 speakers from Amazon for $99! Can't wait to hear my system with them! Thanks for your review!
I purchased these speakers based on your assessment, your absolutely right, they sound great !!!
Ordered these with cherry finish from Crutchfield in Jan 2021 because of this review. Very happy in March 2021. Thanks, they're exactly as you describe.
Do you think these are better than the news s15 and es15?
@@jamessalepe I really wouldn't know
I've had these for a while. That sound so good. I switched my home theater to all Klipsch but I've recently took these out of my closet and have started using them on my computer.
I bought a pair of these a couple years ago when I built my new PC and and upgraded my stereo to an SMSL AD18 so basically using them as desktops. Great sound, couldn't be happier.
I had a set for a couple years. I love them! Sound great!
Do you think these sound better than the news s15 and es15?
I appreciate you for helping the childern, one hair at time.
back-ported and meant to be wall mounted? what's wrong with this picture?
These are one of my favorite little speakers! My wife prefers them over my Wharfedale's, OHM's, Cerwin Vega's, and EPI's. They are warm and revealing, yet not harsh. Seriously great little speakers.
@@ravithompson1082 Denton 80th Anniversary
Good speakers had them some years ago - can be driven to extremely loud levels without losing grip.
Just received a pair used as rear surrounds. An excellent speaker a great cabinet that includes spacers do it can be used right up against a wall or floor. Great value
this speaker has been around a long time for a reason
Good review... I bought these speakers back in 2014 for $99.00 sale price and they went fast.. I use mine as a B speaker on my 2 channel receiver and they perform great...I do use a sub but I have it balance just right with these...
They're great. Pleasant surprise.
I love your reviews Thank you. So much of the reviews are geared to expensive equipment. You are an inspiration showing what someone can do if they follow their passions or interests! I ordered a set of Polk ES15's and Polk TSi100 and a Aiyima D03. I'll be comparing them. This is for my daughter...hoping to spark a lifelong love of audio!
Results of the comparison? :) just scooped some tsi 100s and 300s on secondary market and awaiting delivery..curious how they AB comparison to the ES 15/20
Hi. So, which is better?
@@jamessalepe the Tsi100s were noticably better composed at upper volumes and higher resolution- Tsi's way cheaper on, amazon go figure. Go with the Tsi's, you'll be quite pleased at $100 for the pair
@@Ty-qj6ws I am curious about if the TSI200 Is better than s20 and es20.
Ah, sorry....my findings.....well I compared them for a week. I had no way of instant switching back and forth but I used a variety of song samples in each speaker.
I enjoyed the TSI100's more! They seemed to present just as well in the upper frequencies. The vocals were more pronounced which I like. The bass was better too. Overall large pleasing sound.
I brought the Aiyima D03 and both sets of speakers to my daughter's apartment to set them up along with all the CD's I tested at home.
My daughter liked the looks of the TSi100's more than the ES15's so the decision was made before she heard a sound. Haha
So I hooked them up and hung the TSi100's right on the wall and they filled the room beautifully! She was shocked! After years of earbud listening and mobile phone speakers, she entered the world of real audio...mission accomplished.
Just critically reviewed the Polk Tsi 100s on my Freya/Vidar system. What a great speaker these are. Very low distortion. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Very clear hi end. Bass is not too emphasized. The only area I would comment on is that the mid range is a bit scooped out, but other than that these are excellent, especially for the price. Thanks, Randy, for finding these.
Agree. The EQ on the WIIM mini helps a bit. But overall, wow! Hidden gems for two channel.
Got a used set yesterday. I'm going to use them as surrounds. Though they sounded great when I tried them as fronts. Thanks cheap audioman!
how are these as surrounds? I have a TSi400 fronts, CS20 center, planning on getting a SVS sub.
@@longp6432 They have been great so far for movies, PS5, etc.
damn i didnt expect it to be better than the s15 as well
I picked up a pair of these for $45 the other day and honestly, to my ears, they sound better than my RTi4’s….. using them nearfield at my desk. These are nice and balanced, and at first I loved the RTi, but after listening to these, the RTi just comes off as bright. They come alive when you feed them power, but I’m not always cranking my speakers.
You should revisit these. They're still being sold at $99 on Amazon.
I just saw that. May pick up a pair for my small vacation condo. Should be perfect for it.
@@MSDOGS1976 I just received them ,bought for 99$ what a great pair of small speakers,imaging and mids highs are 👌👌
I picked a set of TSi100 and TSi200's off ebay over 15 years ago for just over $200. Best set I have ever owned for my PC setup, paired them is a CS10 for the Center and one of polks 10" powered sub.
i wish Boston Acoustics was still on the market
I love these speakers.
Wow, that's a nice mug........oh and check out that cup for his coffee.
Great review once again. Have you entertained putting one speaker on a turntable so you can show 360 degree views? Keep up the great work!
I like that idea.
I was going to buy them anyway but you make me crave them now. 🦁
Using 4 of these for surround sound and 2 for front height channels. They work well for that purpose.
I'm glad. They make a heck of a speaker regardless in my humble opinion.
Great review! I've actually been running six Polk TSi100's as F/H/R (with the CS10 TSi series center channel) for 2yrs and couldn't be happier. I paired them with a Klipsch R-120SW and never looked back or elsewhere. I've considered upgrading, but can't justify it; especially since I got all 6 TSi100's (plus a 7th bonus one) for $250 total. I've seen mixed reviews and agree that placement is the biggest key to making these speakers shine. Glad to see them get some earned/deserved love.
Been a Polk fan and owner for awhile. My first bookshelfs were the T15s for the surrounds and they worked decent with my Polk R30 towers when I was made my first home theater setup. Eventually I wanted to buy more quality audio from Polk and made the transition to the TSI Series. made the switch from the T15s to the TSI100s, and like cheapaudioman said, they is a big difference from them.
Hi. Is there resonance in your Polk?
You can always just turn them upside down so the tweeter is on top like most bookshelf speakers, unless the badge on the grille upside down bugs you, but all speakers sound better with no grille anyway.
Randy, thank you for showing me ways to rebuild a system "on the cheap" but not sacrificing the sound that I enjoy. Polk tsi100, because I had them already. Wiim mini, SMSL SU1, and currently Fosi audio BT20A. Waiting on the BT20A Pro later today for comparison and will likely make the swap.
Thanks to the EQ in the Wiim I am pulling out these speakers more than I ever thought possible. They truly are great speakers, at least for Jazz!
the best part is the advertisement attempt 😂😂😂😂
I had these before, they are not bad 👍🏻
Hi, that was a great review! Back in the day, I had a pair of Polk Monitor 30’s powered by a Sherwood 4109. I gave them to my son-in-law for his editing suite. They were really good. Today, in my study, I am using a Cambridge AXA35 amp and a pair of Pioneer BS22 LR speakers. They sound great, but I am a bit queasy about the impedance, 6 Ohms.the Polks are a better match being 8 ohms and are a bit more efficient. Do you think they would be a better choice?
Recommend for test drive: Duende by black light syndrome Great channel!
Another great review...
I got a used pair for $80. Pretty happy with them.
Can you do review of the sound appeals 6.5 bookshelf? Actually now called avx. Kicks butt for surround.
with a powered subwoofer woudl that tricky midrange part be helped?
Anyone know if these are actually the same as, or at least very very similar to the Polk Monitor 30 Series II, just with a slightly fancier looking cabinet & the fancy waveguide grills? They look exactly the same other than the piano black top panel. Drivers look the same, binding posts and back of the cabinet look the same, current price point is about the same as what the Monitor 30's sold for when they were still available....
hello randy, between the polk tsi 100 and the Jamo s803, which one do you recommend? Greetings from Argentina
A great track to check out is:
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
"Take a Pebble"
Ciao Homie
Ooooh. Nice. Heading to the test tracks.
Just ordered a set for my PC desk and will run them from / through a Yamaha RX-550. $99.00 on Amazon Good riddens to the Cambridge little 3" pc speakers with the no-longer-works sub ...bye bye. Thanks for this review ! Great deal and will fit fine on the desk. Maybe I'll make a short pair of stands to get them closer to ear-level. :- )
I am just about to order the tsi 200 pair and I am stoked. Also you should really listen to a heavy metal band The eye of the enemy. Specifically the album the vengeance paradox.
Any recommendations for a center channel speaker to pair with these? I currently have a Polk CSi30 and it sort of sounds a little muddy with my TSi100’s. Max size for my center speaker spot is 20 inch wide and 7 inch tall for my TV stand. Thanks. P.S - I upgraded from Polk T15’s based in this video and Randy’s hatred of the T15 speaker stands, lol.
I am interested in using these for surround and heights What is the low impendence in an impendence sweep? Most Polk speakers fall below 4ohms in the woofer frequency and that is not good for my receiver
Would love a review of the Tsi400. They can be had for under $500 for the pair.
I know this goes back to an old video but..... All things aside while I can't afford any normal studio monitors right now..... Do you have an opportunity to get the entire setup of this minus the subwoofer for like 100 bucks.... Do you think this would be sufficient right and left speakers.... For a substitute for studio monitors.....
These better than the Sony sccs5?
Sorry I see in the chat this has been answered.
Wondering how the older Polk monitor 2, 4 or 5 compare
Polk Audio direct eBay account had these refurbished for $69 a pair in the spring of 2019, still the best deal I’ve ever gotten in my life. And yes they are worth $150 to me as well, I don’t know what happened I guess Covid seems to have shut everything down there
with covid lot´s of 70´s equipment appeared for sale on national sites ,on ebay it´s more or less the same
Polk TSI-100 vs. Sony SSCS-5 budget speaker review. Thanks Randy!
The Polk have moved on but they would win. Much better built and way better bass. The Polk was originally a almost $300 speaker and it shows in the guild and the sound. If you can get the placement right they are exceptional
@@cheapaudiomanI agree totally. I have fairly recently re-entered the hobby in retirement. I am, as I write this listening to Joe Sample with Layla Hathaway about 12 feet from the speakers. Fosi Audio BT 20A, WIIM mini (love the EQ) with a SMSL SU1 in line. Sitting back, closing my eyes (only opening to type😮) and ...just listening. Thanks for the heads up on placement level.
What do you think about the energy bookshelf speakers ? 5.1 gloss black
These are on sale for $99/pair right now on Amazon. I just bought a set last night. They might be the best speaker out there right now for less than $200, let alone $100.
Hi. Do you consider these are better than the Elite Signature?
@@jamessalepe I can't say for sure because I haven't heard the ES15, but I doubt they're worth paying $200 more for. The specs seem to indicate that the ES15 might have a bit more bass as they're rated to 44Hz instead of 61Hz for the TSI100. Aside from that, I'd bet the overall sound signature is similar because they use similar (albeit, not identical) drivers.
@@ruley73 I understand. Thanks.
Would you rather buy this or the JBL A120 at the same 99 dollar price tag?
@@stevelouie5928 I've never heard any of that JBL lineup. Based on specs alone, I would buy these Polks. I see that Polk Audio has finally discontinued them after 14ish years. Get them while you can from Amazon.
Check out their big brother the TSI 200. Got a pair in my man cave and my monitor 70’ in the living room. They are available for about $200 now
Hi. What about the bass?
Just bought them. First thoughts are the mids are a little recessed, treble is not very detailed and while it has bass (for its size) it seems a little loose. Of course comparing them to Jamo C91's which may be unfair. I will take them home and compare to my Pioneer BS21
Just found a pair of these for $40!
Are those the same drivers and tweeters as the monitor 60 floor standers?
I love this channel lol
Suggestion for an interesting comparison, these to the Kef Q-150, in theory, it should not even be close, right?
But, in reality?
THX for the reply. Sorry to hassle you BUT I have to ask Are rear speakers really necessary ? Even when I play " Mad Max: Fury Road" there isn' t much coming out of the back speakers, from the surrounds yes. Is it me or are my Missions too old. Secondly after Calibrating the speakers with the Pioneer microphone, I tweeked the back and surround speakers ( putting them a bit louder ) Should all the speakers be at the same sound level ? Thirdly in my original post I goofed. Changing the Missions to the same Missions was a mistake I will be changing them to either the NEUMI BS5 or the SX6 BK Your thoughts ?
THX
Neumis are really good. Don’t know about the others. I don’t go crazy on home theater so I’m not the best guy to ask. I just do a 4.1 and I enjoy it as much as an atmos set up
most mooving speakers are my vintage tesla and right after are my klipsch r51m😜
I've noticed that some pairs of TSI100's have dual 5-way binding posts (meaning there are two sets on each speaker) and aren't marked with a country of manufacture. Others have just one set each of 5-way binding posts and are marked "manufactured in China". I am VERY curious what the differences are in manufacture and why.
Hey bro
Isn’t that speaker rear ported? Hanging on the wall with a rear port would create issues wouldn’t it?
How do you think these compared to the Sony Sscs5....? I am really enjoying your channel. Thank you so much for doing such awesome work and helping us people out here navigate a sea of junk to find an island of music nirvana. Keep up the great job!
Ps... If you say in your video, I apologize, I'm getting ready to watch it next. I'm watching the $200 shootout now.
Just pulled the trigger on these for 99$ can’t hurt for a tv/audio system for a country house.
I’m quite impressed by these little speakers,great imaging and clarity for such a budget speaker,have them pair with a sub. Listened to one of Billie Eilish songs “Billie Bossa Nova”her voice sounds fantastic and it’s such a smooth track.I like these better than my Klipsch 160 s
Can you review the TSi series from Polk. They can be had for pretty cheap now, less than $500-600 for the entire 5.0 setup.
Nice. I have one and this really sound better than s15.
Agree.
Very interesting grill cover. Speaking of grill covers Im thinking I need a substantially more robust cover for my RP-6000's. I got a 4 month old and a 3 year old.. Its only a matter of time before daddy's toys get ruined... I am liking the idea of bookshelf speakers simply of the placement opportunities.
I'd put them in like a small dog wire dog cage so their "curious" fingers don't get poky poky. Although, at least the Klipsch are horn mounted and more difficult to get to.
@@cheapaudioman I'm confused, are you putting the kids in the cage or the speakers?
@@tomhamilton6377 Haha I was wondering the same thing.. However, I quickly came to the conclusion that putting the speakers in cages would be pointless. Kids are crafty AF and it is them who need to be corralled. This can only work for a short period of time because their ability to use tools allows for an endless amount of mischievous possibilities.
@@tomhamilton6377 either way. The important thing is that the speakers are safe
Would these work well as surround speakers?
I forgot to ask, which do you like more, these or the Sony Core SSCS5?
These are better than the sonys. To be fair, the sony's are half the price when they're on sale and these used to sell for 225 or more, but these are better in my opinion. Way better low end.
Anyone else taking note of the test music tracks he is talking about? (it would be great if thery were listed in the description) :) Great video btw
All of the new videos have a link to the test track playlist and if you don’t have a lm Amazon hd account there’s a link to try it for free
after 4 months or so i still wasn't feeling good about these.. i have dual polk psw-10 subs attatched to these. midrange seemed buried and treble sounded messy and the port seemed to cough out bass at roughly ear height..so i flipped them upside down and plugged up the bass port. its actually better now. cleaner highs, better dimensional depth and some proportional present mids. Their intended design may have been meant for a well above ear wall mounting perhaps. but a simple 'placement' adjustment on stands helped me feel better about them. but if i can i will try to get some r100's down the road
So, the TSi200 is better than the S20? Maybe the ES20 too?
Those Polk T15s are getting a lot of use lately. They seem to be the best cheap speaker for making other speakers sound better. Does that mean they're in your keeper stash and not for sale?
yeah. I feel bad for them. Like the kid you didn't like but you kept letting them hang around as long as they'd allow you to bully them because you felt sorry for them.
Oh and for Detanglers.. we are an Original Sprout family.. lol
Is monitor 30 same speaker???
Even though this is one of your older videos, I still thoroughly enjoy it, so what is your opinion of the speaker versus the stage a 130 for Jbl ? You’re still awesome and you will always be awesome and I love your videos. Thank you so much for being you.
Hey, man. Sorry I haven't been able to answer all of your comments. I really enjoyed talking to you when you were a patron and I'm sorry I haven't been able to get to all of your comments. It's been really tough for me learning how to balance everything.
@@cheapaudioman I understand, I just wasn’t sure if you were aware that there are other people other than myself that have felt the same way, and I know that I’m not your only fan. It was just nice getting responses, even if it was a red heart from time to time to let me know that I’m not one of the little people.
Love ya dude! What are your go to speakers so far?
The ones I really like are the Elac debut b6 (1st ones), Debut Reference, Klipsch RP600M, Emotiva B1+, and the KEF Q150 all are very special speakers.
i had the tsi 400s and cs10. now in my fireplace. The center was doo-doo
I use Donald Fagen's Morph The Cat cd for bass evaluation...2nd to none
Just hooked up to my Onkyo TX NR595 - whoa, what a great speaker! Shocked- and dropped to $109.00 on Amazon. I paid $119.00 and well worth it. At $109.00 you'd be nuts to pass these up.
On Amazon for $99 right now. Should I pick them up?
@@NAdamO-xt4ht Absolutely!
@@Audiomainia2310 Thanks. I went ahead and picked them up. Not a bad little speaker. Can't beat it for the price.
@@NAdamO-xt4ht Nice speakers for the money, right?
@@NAdamO-xt4ht $99.00 now - guess I should have waited?
How do these compare to the Sony Cores?
Which Sony speakers are you referring to?
it seems like in the 70´s .Lot´s of speakers had a way to be installed against the wall, the reason why i´m watching the video ,if there´s any advantage of installing them against the wall, but i never did that normally with a litle distance from the wall or in a corner of the room the expansion of sound seems better
I wonder how would they compare with the ELACs in that price range?
These are very very good for $150
I pick up a pair of tsi 100 cherry color for $15.00 dollars at the goodwill in excellent condition .
Wow!
you GAVE metallica money?!? ;P
seriously though thanks for this, I was literally gonna go get some A3's today t o replace my A1s, which also sound pretty damned good. But you reckon these are better than A3s?? The way you described their biggest strength sounds perfect for side speakers! Then my A1's can finally go at the back so all seven speakers are polk :D
Dang I can't wait to hear what these sound like!
Based on your review, I just picked up a pair at Goodwill for $70. Generally they sound great to me. I did feel that some of the midrange was missing. I was A/B testing them with some other, much cheaper speakers. When I did A+B i felt like I heard the midrange that was missing.
Did you A/B them with anything? I'm curious how they compare to some of the $300 speakers you speak of.
That Coffee is 90 Proof ☕️ 🤪👍 #intox
I already own these and love them. Got them for $129 on a site’s daily deal while they last promo. Have them in cherry. I recently picked up the audio bug again now that my kids started sleeping! Both girls and I use that hair detangler( you need it even if you do regularly bath your kids!)I also saw your review on the Wharfedale Diamond 11.2’s. Still at $199. I’ve been jonesin’ for a pair of Wharfdales. Almost bought the Diamond 220’s but that series has disappeared from the market. Would you recommend grabbing these over the polks?....what if I have $199 burning a hole in my pocket? KEF q150/350 also on my radar. Listen to Metallica and other similar metal new and old...no jazz or classical regularly enough to consider. If you read and respond. Thanks ahead of time!!!
I've got a pair of the 12.2's on their way in but they're significantly more expensive. around 200-300 if you're looking for extreme detail look at the Emotiva B1+. they're awesome and as clear as you can get. the kefs q150's are awesome but not as detailed.
@@cheapaudioman thank you sir!!! Good luck with the channel!
I like this channel :)
Thanks Randy!
And so, this is what I bought when I sent the Sony SSCS5s back.
Edit, almost bought the Jamo S 803, but the metal connections for atmos takes the stylish speaker and makes it look weird without atmos (plugs Jamo? HELLO!?) and the reviews talking about rest fatigue and bright, the bassness almost got new.
I'll hold on to the Sony sub or get another sub to help the TSIs out there.
Edit, these speakers are just really, REALLY good.
Got to be up there in the best values in speakers (maybe the SSCS5s, but there not in the same league).
These tsi are ok without a sub, but the sub really helps them out.
Looking forward to tomorrows shootout
It’s a good one. I go on a few rants.
Oh and i stumbled onto some interesting music. A song by the name of Abusey Junction by Kokoroko. Afro beat jazz stuff. interesting sounds coming from that song
Dove by Cymande came first and its pretty cool
I feel like you’re making up words.
@@cheapaudioman It's completely normal...like the tingle, it's how you know it's working.