Polk Monitor 5 vs. Kef C55

[halo71]

I recently picked up both pairs for $75 locally. These are internet photos I posted here for those not familiar with the C55. I almost snagged a set of DCM TF-600's but they had some issues, tweeter not working, something rattling around inside one cabinet etc.

Anyway...I hooked both pairs up in the store just to make sure they worked, all drivers seemed good.

I had never heard either of these models. Didn't take but a few minutes to figure out the Monitor 5's were the clear winner. The Kef's are not bad at all. More bass than the 5's but more up front in you face sounding too. Which I didn't really care for. The 5's are so much more laid back sounding to me than the C55's.

So kids.....stick with the Polk's!

Yeah I know...****ty review...just wanted to share. Gotta love consignment stores!

[Polkersince85]

So kids.....stick with the Polk's!


Sounds like you learned something last year. Good grab. Congrats

[halo71]

Yeah, that I still like my Monitor 10's better! :tongue:

[tonyb]

I'd take the 7's over either one.

[halo71]

I'd take the 7's over either one.

This particular store had a paid of SDA's listed just a few days ago. They were gone but I couldn't pass up these. They also had DCM TF's, TW's, some rather large JBL monitors, denon poa3000z (at $995 ), old Technics. But no SDA's left.

[scottyboy76]

halo, any reason in particular you didnt pick up the time windows, did you listen and not care for them, always wanted some.

[kawizx9r]

I almost snagged a set of DCM TF-600's but they had some issues, tweeter not working, something rattling around inside one cabinet etc.

halo, any reason in particular you didnt pick up the time windows, did you listen and not care for them, always wanted some.

Congrats on the Monitor 5's!

I've yet to find any vintage monitors out here, other than the overpriced pair 1hr away from me.

[halo71]

halo, any reason in particular you didnt pick up the time windows, did you listen and not care for them, always wanted some.

Scott, when the store keeper called the owner and let them know about the problem with the TF's. He wouldn't budge off the price then said he would come get them and try to fix them himself.

The TW's I am not familiar with at all really. Plus ya can't inspect the drivers on either. So I was a little hesitant. I took that as a sign to stay away from them at that point!

[dorokusai]

Not a huge surprise since the tweeters are totally opposites by design. Thats a great pair of KEF....wanna get rid of them?

[Tony M]

I've owned some of the c series and still do, and I liked them alot. The Polk 5's are nice but can't believe they sound better than those C55's. Maybe a close match but man, my KEF's sound nice, and that's with delaminating tweeters.

Anyway, GREAT finds on both and for a great spot to pick from.

[halo71]

Thats a great pair of KEF....wanna get rid of them?

Whatcha got in mind? Trades? I didn't take actual pics of mine, I can though. Mine have the light birch colored vinyl.

[halo71]

I've owned some of the c series and still do, and I liked them alot. The Polk 5's are nice but can't believe they sound better than those C55's. Maybe a close match but man, my KEF's sound nice, and that's with delaminating tweeters.

Anyway, GREAT finds on both and for a great spot to pick from.

Tony, the only reason I say that is because the Kef's just don't have the clear upper end the Polk's do. Maybe I need some more listening time with them though.

[dorokusai]

Whatcha got in mind? Trades? I didn't take actual pics of mine, I can though. Mine have the light birch colored vinyl.

Are they mint or beat up?

[halo71]

I would not say they are mint, but they are in very good shape. No dings or dents to the cabinets, drivers clean. Really the only drawback is they did not have the grills.

I will take some pics of them tonight and post in this thread.

[dorokusai]

I'll pass but it's a cool speaker.

[halo71]

lol....that is cool Mark. So what was it....no grills or the cabinet finish?

[dorokusai]

Both really. I've owned enough loudspeakers in my travels that unless they're mint I don't bother anymore. I would just part them out personally....much like I do to most of the SDA and such that I come across.

[halo71]

I understand.


Not sure but I think those grills are magnetic? If they are I may try and make something to appease the wife.

[halo71]

The Kef's. I need to build some stands! lol I listened to these last night for several hours and must admit that my initial view of their sound has changed. I think I will be holding onto them for a while.

Looks like the 5's are going to my daughters room. She says the Mirage speakers in there are too big.

[dorokusai]

KEF images like a champ and are one of the few manufacturers that actually make an Al dome tolerable. Big fan of them....now that's vintage KEF. The only newer version that really stand out for me are the very expensive models.

The Q series is ok...kinda like Dali. When Dali was only high end, they were awesome but when they trickled down and made the more affordable series, I lost interest and they didn't sound that great to boot.

[newrival]

The TW's I am not familiar with at all really. Plus ya can't inspect the drivers on either. So I was a little hesitant. I took that as a sign to stay away from them at that point!

If the sock is still flexible on the TW's and hasn't become brittle it is possible to inspect the woofers. Also, If they are the origianl TW's ripping off the sock isn't a bad idea; DCM changed materials because they found that the foam-like grilles were highly flammable. But as far as the drivers go, they have butyl surrounds, so if they sound like they're working well, it is likely they are in good shape.