R50 vs. Monitor 50

[MedfordDawg]

I have the RM6750 set up and would like to upgrade. I have found similar deals on Monitor 50s and R50s, which is the better way to go, and why? Also, I think the CS1 center would suffice for either tower speaker, am I right or wrong? Thank you for any responses.

[dborzz]

I would go for the M50 out of those two. I may get the M50 or M60 but I really wanna hold out for RTI A5s.
Some people don't like the look of the silver outline on the Monitors but it's not bad I think. I have the CS2 with my R30 fronts and M30 rears(just added owm3's today) and it sounds amazing......so I would think although the CS1 is smaller it will match up great either way you go. But people always tell me to go for the bigger center if you can, it really seems to open things up.

[Menasor]

Medford what's a reasonable budget for you? Out of those it would be the Monitor 50

[cnh]

In my second system I run M70s/CS2/M30s Boston 300 watt sub. I auditioned the M50s, TSI400s (like the M60s) and the M70s. The M50s sound about as good as you can ask for in their price range. The main difference between the M50s and my M70s are in the lower frequencies and somewhat better detail and power but you won't notice that unless you push the M70s with a good amp that pushes 130 watts/channel or more. With modest power the differences are less noticeable and if you add a GOOD sub those M50s will sound quite good!

M50s yes. Good detail, great mids, clear clean sound. Get a sub and sit back.

CS1 definitely a good match for the M50s. But the CS2 is one of the best centers in its price/class!

What will you use as a receiver. I'd recommend a good Denon or Onkyo?

cnh

[nooshinjohn]

monitor 50's have served me well for about 4 years... just upgraded to sda1c's

[MedfordDawg]

Thanks for the responses. It seems like I can get a pair of M50s on the Ebay store for about 150 +/- and then a CS1 for a little less than 100(?). I found a deal on craigslist for two R50s and a CS1 for 200. So, just didn't know which was the better speaker (or even the difference to be honest). I would like to get two fronts and a center for as close to 300 as possible. I have a denon avr888 that I just set up tonight along with a new tv. I am a movie/tv person and my girlfriend likes the music, so trying to keep a good all around system. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[wutadumsn23]

Not a huge diff. between the two that I can see, except the M50's have two 6 1/2" woofers and the Monitor 50's have two 5 1/4" woofers. That may make a bit of a diference, but the overall frequency response, upper and lower db rating, recommended amplifier power, and even the actual size of the speakers are fairly similar. The R50 weighs about 10 more pounds than the Monitor 50, but I'm sure you knew all this already, lol. I have the Monitor 70's and love them, can't wait to get an amp so I can see what thye can really do. I however, would go with the CS2, if you can get ahold of one. If not I'm sure the CS1 would work well too. Long story short I would recommend the Monitor's, and the CS2.

[NewHTguy]

I ran R50's and a Cs2 and found that they matched very well (similar drivers). Btw, Frys.com periodically runs specials on R50's so they can be had for about $150/pair shipped. They are a great value, but also tend to leave a lot of people wanting a little more. I suspect that fewer people with monitors feel the need to upgrade right away.

If you are a bit of a perfectionist, I'd strongly suggest just waiting for a nice deal on Rti8s. From there you will not likely think about upgrading for a while. The only catch is that the 8's will want a strong receiver (for example, Onk 805/6), whereas the r50s can be driven much more easily. I thought all this talk about power was BS, until I moved from a Onk 605 to an 875. Power matters.

This is a great hobby, but hold on to your wallet!

[xcapri79]

For a while you could purchase the R50's for about half the price of the M50's, and some people liked the sound of the R50's over the M50's. I have one bedroom with a R50 setup and another with a Monitor setup. Personally I like the sound of the R50's over the M50's a little better, but definitely prefer the look of the Monitors. I find many seem to underestimate the sound of the R50's. Yes, they are not LSi's or RTi's, but they hold their own and are good for their price range.

The R50's are the top of the old R series whereas the Monitors have higher models such as the Monitor 60's and 70's. Overall you can have a better system with using the Monitors 50's as surrounds and the Monitor 60's or 70's up front.

[swapna81]

Would it be good to put together r50 as surrounds and monitor series as fronts??

[cnh]

That would work too? You've got a lot of possibilities there. All you need to worry about is matching the 3 front speakers, the rest are fine. And even on this, a number of our senior members would retort. If it sounds good to you it's GOOD!

cnh

[jacob.simpson]

Would it be good to put together r50 as surrounds and monitor series as fronts??

I personally liked the R50 for fronts, i auditioned both and bought R50,
Just test with a good Music and a Movie and swap the speakers, with same music and Movie, which ever is good to you stick to that setting.

[jacob.simpson]

Thanks for the responses. It seems like I can get a pair of M50s on the Ebay store for about 150 +/- and then a CS1 for a little less than 100(?). I found a deal on craigslist for two R50s and a CS1 for 200. So, just didn't know which was the better speaker (or even the difference to be honest). I would like to get two fronts and a center for as close to 300 as possible. I have a denon avr888 that I just set up tonight along with a new tv. I am a movie/tv person and my girlfriend likes the music, so trying to keep a good all around system. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Buy from eBay only if its Polk direct eBay store other wise its a risk, and also Polk will not honour any warranty if they are not authorized dealers, if you want a good pricing on M50 or M60 www.newegg.com anc in search enter polk audio filter on floor standing speakers great prices and very fast shipping, they are authorized dealers for polk. Currently there is M50 for 99 each with free shipping......check for more options. And very soon you will be afflicted with upgraditi bug:D

[swapna81]

That would work too? You've got a lot of possibilities there. All you need to worry about is matching the 3 front speakers, the rest are fine. And even on this, a number of our senior members would retort. If it sounds good to you it's GOOD!

cnh
I havent listened to both of them..it will be a starter setup i have an Onkyo s780 htib.. and I have two options.
1. monitor 50's as fronts. and rest of the upgrade later. ($99 each)

or
2.R50's ($69 ea + shipping) as fronts with cs2 ($120) center .. (will replace fronts later with a monitor series..keeping the r50 as rears/surrounds)

Of these which will be a better option to go.

[cnh]

Option #2 sounds like the most bang for your buck right now and sets you up for the future upgrade. You can simply run it with the rest of your home theater speaks and it would sound fine...

cnh

[swapna81]

Thanks a lot.