Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsBest Speakers I've Ever Had!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2014
I gave this a five star rating because the sound is crystal clear and the bass hits so hard that action movie explosions can be felt in my stomach at 3/4 max bass and 40+ volume (will explain later). Ran these through my Sony DN840 receiver, for what that's worth. I'm no audiophile, just go for what has the best ratings for the price. Down to business.
On a volume scale of 1-60 at 3/4 bass through the DN840 (may have to scale, depending on your volume capacities):
1: mute
10: lowest comfortable listening level in a quiet room
25: average listening:
50: will sound like you're in a movie theater.
60: you will unintentionally jump at every loud noise in a scary movie. Could possibly damage hearing over time.
They get louder, but I've not dared to test the integrity of my ear drums. Even at 60 there was no distortion in the sound.
The bass is incredible even at 1/2 max volume, controlled by a knob on the back of the bass enclosure. At 3/4 bass we're talking solid vibration in the floor, couches and anyone resting on either. Perfect for suspenseful effect. Any higher and it just gets ridiculous. I don't need my ears to vibrate when something explodes on screen.
The finish is a beautiful black piano gloss for the speakers and a slightly flatter-toned black bass enclosure. All speakers were packaged in a felt type of cloth to prevent scratches. They arrived flawless. The speaker cover is a soft satiny material, though caressing the speakers randomly may appear a bit odd to visitors. Best get it out of the way while installing and leave them alone ;). These puppies were solid! They have enough weight to feel very high quality but still light enough to not burden a properly installed mounting bracket.
Installation was a cinch. Instructions weren't needed, but were included for those less versed in audio set up. Positive out to positive in, negative out to negative in. It was more difficult figuring out the mounting plates, AM-20 Pinpoint Mounts (sold separately), to get them into the ceiling.
Overall, I love the speakers and enjoy every moment of audio that comes from my tv now. The sound envelops the listener and pulls them into the artistic experience of movies and music. If there is a better listening experience out there, it's really not necessary if you have the Polk Audio TL1600 Speaker System paired with a decent receiver.
