Floorstanding
This product is a vintage Polk model and is not available for sale, but it may still be available in some stores as a closeout or used product. The following text is taken from the original sales brochure for this product and does not reflect current availability. If you happen to have any question or concerns about this product, or any other Polk Audio product, feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm EST
MONITOR10
Classic Polk Loudspeaker, with built-in 10
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The Original, Second Generation Monitor Loudspeakers
"Our advice is not to buy speakers until you've heard the Polks." -- Musician Magazine
It's 1972. The first hand-held calculator costs $395. Mariner 9 sends back pictures from Mars. Nixon goes to China. The Beetle outsells the Model T. THE GODFATHER is released in theaters. "The Price is Right" premieres on TV. "School's Out" wins a Grammy. And Matthew Polk and George Klopfer, fresh out of Johns Hopkins with too much physics and mechanical engineering knowledge for their own good, develop the Monitor 7 Loudspeaker and change the way people think about home audio.
The original Monitor Series raised the bar for home audio sound quality, with 3-dimensional sound that went beyond the speaker box itself. They were highly efficient, and sounded great even on the modest electronics of the time (yet they were able to handle a tremendous amount of power if you had it). They used Bass Radiator Technology, tuned to produce deep, musical bass, giving them a totally realistic, fully dynamic soundstage. And best of all, they were surprisingly reasonably priced. Audiogram Magazine gushed, "we were so impressed we could not believe the prices...they're simply a steal."
So it was with great fanfare that two decades later Polk Audio reintroduced the "Monitor" moniker with the Monitor Series 2. Seven new models, from the compact Monitor 4 to the awesome Monitor 12, all updated the original with a variety of sizes, power outputs and performance levels to match any environment or budget.
"Vastly superior to the competition in their price range." - Musician Magazine
"May well be the best high performance speaker value on the market today." - Off The Record
"This speaker is a real find!" - Audio Alternatives
MONITOR Series 2, circa 1990
Featuring the fluid-cooled SL2500 Tweeter
- Surprisingly open, "boxless," "three-dimensional" sound from a traditional loudspeaker.
- Tuned for flat frequency response, for extended listening pleasure with no fatigue.
- The ability to reproduce difficult transients, for crisp, lifelike clarity.
- Exceptionally deep, tight bass, the kind you can feel as well as hear.
- Wide, realistic dispersion of high- and mid-frequencies, for perfect sound in any listening position.
- SL2500 Tweeter design (Monitor 4.6, 5jr+, 5, 7, 10 and 12): A highly refined, technically advanced high frequency driver. Fluid-cooled with an exotic ULV (ultra-low viscocity) magnetic fluid, this tweeter effortlessly exceeds "normal" listening levels with no loss of performance or reliability. The use of the SL2500 Tweeter gives these Monitor Speakers a dramatic dynamic range, totally unique for speakers in this price range.
- SL1500 Hemispherical Tweeter (Monitor 4): A 1" soft dome driver that delivers superb definition and smooth extended response.
- Larger, internally-braced enclosures, bigger than the previous generation of Monitors, tuned for the deepest possible bookshelf speaker bass response, making them the biggest sounding bookshelf speakers ever. Larger models are capable of filling even the largest spaces with deep, musical bass energy.
- High efficiency, so they sound great even with modest electronics, as well as the ability to handle significant amounts of power, if you got it.
- Reasonably priced high performance audio; they only sound expensive.
- Built to last a lifetime. (And, indeed, Monitor Series 2 Loudspeakers regularly turn up at yard sales and in attics, sounding just as spectacular as they did right out of the box.)
Driver Complement | |
|---|---|
| Tweeter | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Diameter | 1" (2.54cm) |
| Type | Polk SL2500 |
| Midrange | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 6 1/2" (16.51cm) |
| Type | drivers |
| Subwoofer | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Diameter | 10" (25.40cm) |
| Type | sub bass radiator |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Total Frequency Response | 25Hz - 25kHz |
| Upper -3dB Limit | 25 kHz |
| Lower -3dB Limit | 37 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Efficiency | 89 dB |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-250 watts per channel |
Amplifier Specs | |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Type | 0 |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 28" (71.12cm) |
| Width | 15" (38.10cm) |
| Depth | 12" (30.48cm) |
Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Total Shipping Weight | 46.00 pounds |
Specifications, dimensions and features subject to change without notice. For more information call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.
Customer Reviews
59 reviews with an average of 5
Write your own reviewby Ron Skarvan, July 16, 2002
2 out of 9 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Low end bass punch. Sounds best with a 250wpc amplifier.
Weaknesses:
Requires original tilted stands for optimal sound field. They are a little difficult to find.
Review:
Polk's very best monitor speaker ever. Very punchy bass. This speaker is built for hard hitting rock & roll. Exceptionally clean mid-range. Very accurate speaker.
by Brian D. Smith, September 1, 2003
2 out of 9 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Amazingly detailed,natural,transparent highs,great soundstage and imaging, very tight bass with extended low frequency response.
Weaknesses:
A little fussy about room placement, a TINY bit compressed sounding when pushed HARD(200w!) "Ordinary" looking boxes(tisk,tisk);)
Review:
I am a professional audio engineer and a design consultant for concert speaker manufacturers, as well as(duh, I guess)a bit of an audiophile. For years I had been in love with an OLD pair of Knight/Altec KN3000 electrostatic hybrid speakers that a professional colleague had given to me as a gift, driving them with a tube/solid state exotic preamp and solid state power amp(both of my design-equiv. to audio frontiers, audio research, etc.), and had sworn off "dynamic"(conventional cone-type) speakers forever. Then came THAT DAY that I walked into a GOODWILL Thrift store and saw a pair of Polk Audio whateverthehell model (I had never heard a bad sounding Polk anything!)speakers sitting there for $90 in perfect (appearing) condition, so, I bought 'em, figuring, for that price, why not? I got them home, and other than damage to one terminal on the back of one(fixed in 20 mins.), I was amazed to find them not only working, but embarrassing the hell out of my rare, vintage 'reference' Knights! Well, the electrostats have been in the closet ever since, and these Polks continue to delight me on a daily basis with their detailed, clean, punchy delivery of what ever I put through them while still managing to sound relaxed and effortless.I have spent 20+ years listening to $80,000.00 studio monitor systems and designing pro sound reinforcement speakers at up to 10 grand a box, and while I couldn't say that their response was RULER flat, I believe that whatever slight deviation from it works in these babies' favor in preventing ear fatigue and making the listening experience more involving and pleasant($27,000 UREI time-coherent studio monitors,for example, are VERY accurate, but get a bit clinical or "sterile" sounding after a few hours, which the polks don't!) In short, I haven't heard anything under $3500 that comes close, and not much at any price that sounds much better than these gems! I would really give them 5 of 5 stars for value(I think they retailed for about $400 each in 1990!-amazing!)I only gave them a 4 because I HAVE heard better-but only at many,many,many times the price!
by Rod Fortune, October 2, 2002
1 out of 7 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Wonderful sound from classics to Rock'n Roll. These speakers can deliver when called upon!
Weaknesses:
my wife thinks that they are too wide for our living room, especially for home theatre - what till we move house!
Review:
I purchased my pair of Monitor 10B speakers whilst stationed in Singapore in 1985. Orginally paired with a Yamaha A-1020 amp and Philips CD650 CD player, the speakers have performed faultlessly ever since. Currently in my large office at work since our military house is too small.
by David, February 12, 2003
1 out of 7 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
WEill probably outlive me
Weaknesses:
Arrrrgh...I never got the stands ( but being a woodworker made some nice ones)
Review:
In the 1970's I considered myself quite the audiophile. On one of my scouting trips in NYC's Greenwich Village one day, I had the pleasure of hearing the full line of Polk speakers. I had never heard anything like them before (Magneplaner screens excluded). By 1979 I had bought a pair of 10's for myself and two pairs of 7's for some friends. Through the years they have never gotten old... they sound as awesome now as ever. With all the great technology around I have never once wanted to replace them.
by jerry schneider, March 5, 2013
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clean, powerful, well made
Weaknesses:
not the most attractive design, but i would buy again!!
Review:
After 24+ years these babies are still amazing! I've had them sitting idle for a few years, but decided to revisit them recently. Coupled to a adcom 555 amp. They can really shake the house :}.. Only wish Polk still made them..
by Russell Jozwiak, January 7, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
They have floor shaking base that other speaker's can't produce. I haven't heard life-like perfomances in any other speaker this size or price,PERIOD.
Weaknesses:
The stands are a must. Get them off the floor to make them more life-like and open.
Review:
When I auditioned the Monitor 10A's in 1980, I was considering JBL speakers. The salesmen put the POLK's through their paces and I never looked at JBL's again. As a further testament to the quality and sound reproduction of my speakers, my wife, who I do not consider a stereophile told me after we went to a friend's house who had Bose 901's said that our speakers sounded better than his! Personally, I wouldn;t buy or sell Bose unless I (they) were CLINICALLY DEAF! My 18 year old son brings his friends over to compare and listen to (I can't call it music) RAP. His best friend calls my stereo ("THE BEAST") because it has not been beaten in comparison tests with other systems. They hear things that other speakers can't produce. If you can find them, get them whatever the price.
by Wayne, February 6, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
smooth 3 dimension sound.
Weaknesses:
non
Review:
I bought a pair of polk audio monitor 10's in 1991 and they have been the best speakers I have ever owned. I have thought about upgrading but after comparing the sound with my monitor 10's I always decide to keep them. The best quality of the polk's is the open airy sound and the smooth response. Whether listening to classical or rock they always sound great. If you can locate a pair of these I highly recommend buying them.
by Dimitri Dolgov, February 24, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
very clean
Weaknesses:
not as gutsy as the Canon TLS speakers produced at the same time, but there are no Canon's left, all of the foam has deteriorated! Polk Rules!
Review:
Great speakers. After all these years the Polk 10B still sounds great and the cones are awesome - they don't dry our like most of those others during the time period!
by Wade Price, July 10, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Nice detail. Non-boomy, tight bass. Very well constructed cabinet. Will last absolutely forever, even with abuse :)
Weaknesses:
Large, heavy speakers. Limits placement options.
Review:
I bought these speakers for a home theater in 1991, only on the recommendation of my salesman. They have been playing daily now for 12 years, and sound as good as the day I bought them. They are very accurate, detailed, and will play VERY loud. I have considered replacing them, but I just can't see spending the money for speakers that will just sound as good or maybe a little better. I'm now upgrading my home theater, and these speakers will be the only things that will survive. Outstanding.
by dorokusai, July 15, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Tight bass, strong midrange, crisp highs. The SL2500 tweeter was exceptional.
Weaknesses:
Big, so placement as mentioned has to thought of in advance.
Review:
I no longer own these speakers, but miss them every day. This was the first speaker I ever owned, and it truly was the most fun to listen to. You can drive these speakers to incredible levels and they just keep giving. Tight bass, strong vocals...they really are great. I look forward to picking up a pair of vintage Polk's in the future as they do in fact last foreever it seems.
by Steve S., August 8, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great frequency response, deep rich base, can be run at low levels.
Weaknesses:
A bit too big for my wife's tastes, but I had them before I married her........
Review:
I bought my Monitor 10's in 1982 and have set them up in a room that also has a 40,000 BTU wood stove (~ 4ft. from one of the speakers). The speakers have held up tremendously and have not lost any of their fantastic sound quality. One of my tweeters recently went but by joining the Polk club, I got it for $48.00 and free shipping. I'd recommend Polk products to anyone. Steve S. Oakdale Ct.
by Daniel Phillips, September 14, 2003
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Incredible detail and imaging. Easily handles challenging musical passages. Noticeably better than other products in the mainstream audio world.
Weaknesses:
Hard to find since out of production.
Review:
I'd heard these speakers long ago but at the time, they were out of my price range. Ten years later, someone in the neighborhood was "upgrading" their speaker system and selling their Monitor 10s. Remembering my earlier impression, I auditioned the used Monitor 10s and concluded that they were as good as I had remembered. They're mine now. Recently during a trip to a local audio store, I listened as customers demo'd the new variety of speakers from various manufacturers. It's not even close. Buy the Monitor 10s if you have the space and can find them.
by Wendell Williams, April 2, 2004
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great sound for the money. Incredible durability and product life.
Weaknesses:
The ugly big boxes and the need for stands.
Review:
I can't say enough good things about these speakers. I bought them when I was 16. I am now 40. They still work perfectly and still sound great. Up until about 1 year ago, every component in my system has been upgraded, except for the Polks. They appreciated every component upgrade and sounded even better for it. I now have them in my basement hooked up to the original electronics. They still work great, but boy do I need to get better electronics on them. That is a testament to these speakers that you can appreciate component changes--and they still work perfectly after almost 25 years. By the way, my new speakers were bought from the same dealer that I originally bought my Polks from.
by Daniel Phillips, June 17, 2004
0 out of 16 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Tight bass, detailed midrange, high power handling, nice bass extension, good sound for the money.
Weaknesses:
Far more 'rock and roll', 'please the bass-and-treble-loving public' than Polk's earlier speakers. My RTA-12 series A sound far better and have a much more 'British' (and to my ears, 'correct') sound.
Review:
(I am a different Daniel Phillips than the other guy who wrote his review in 2003...) Speakers are supposed to be transparent audio transducers, so good that you forget you're listening to speakers. These speakers sound great for about 5 minutes before the over-boosted high frequencies, too-strong 80 Hz region, and basic non-flatness of the frequency spectrum ruin my enjoyment of these speakers. I'm upgrading into the stratosphere of audiophiledom with a pair of used B&W Nautilus 802s or maybe some Martin Logans, so I'm pretty picky about the sound quality. Even if you are not so picky, you'll quickly realize these speakers were made to sound like a 'standout' in the retailer's showroom, and not to have the best long-term liveable sound. They don't sound as good as a pair of the mid-line models from KEF, B&W, Mission, Snell, or even NHT for example, but they do have a nice clean, tight sound that puts them out of reach of the mid-rangers and low-ballers like Cerwin Vega, Bose, JBL, and other stuff you'll find at Best Buy. If you listen mostly to rock, rap, country, adult contemporary, and you also throw a lot of parties, you'll really like these. If you like recordings that have a pristine, crisp, highly-engineered quality to them like David Sanborn and other adult contemporary garbage like that, these will impress you on the frist listen. But if you're a very critical listener no matter what you like, and you've spent time listening on the *really* good speakers out there, these will leave you cold. There are better-sounding speakers on the used market that are in this same price range, including, most ironically, the Polk 12, series 'A', which is a very smooth, 'British' sounding speaker with great bass extension and none of the over-powering and tiring 80-100 Hz range that the 10 B has. The 12 A would not get the same attention in the retailer's showroom because they don't jump out at you like the 10 B, but speakers aren't supposed to jump out at you - the music is. But even the 12 A, while very good sounding in their own right and much better than the 10 B, is still no match for the esoteric stuff. Oh yeah, the finish is that brown Walnut that reminds you of cheap apartments and particle-board entertainment furniture. No light Maple or dark Cherry here. My 12 A speakers have a much nicer, more reddish-Cherry type finish that looks much more modern and upscale. But those Martin Logans...now THERE's a pair of speakers... (...and yeah, how about those Wilson Audio Grand SLAMM X-1's...)
by Jerry O'Connor, August 31, 2004
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clean and tight throughout their range. Especially so on the original Polk stands.
Weaknesses:
Kind of boxy by today's standards but heh, when I bought them they were "furniture"
Review:
The first "good" pair of stereo speakers I ever owned. Bought them in 1980 and they still sound as great today as they did when I first took them out of the boxes. (which I also still have) I've owned a lot of different systems and components over the years but have never been "attached" to any like I am my Polk 10s. I'm sure they will be with me for another 25 years. Thanks Matthew.
by David Winikoff, November 8, 2004
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
True, even rich reproduction across the spectrum. They were a little pricey when I bought them (in Canada), but well worthwhile!
Weaknesses:
Hard to find any, but the aesthetic point of view. They are a bit large and boxy, but that is minor.
Review:
I have owned my set of Monitor 10's for around 20 years now and they still sound as good today as they did out of the box. I listen predominantly to classical music and when I first went shopping for speakers I found these to render the richest, flattest reproduction of a very torturous test CD. Virtually every piece of music I play sounds wonderfully full, especially the big, old church organs, with all of their harmonics. I also have sets of Monitor 5's and 4.5's with equally, albeit smaller performance results.
by Duan Bueng, February 28, 2005
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clean, tight bass rubber surrounds, nuetral midrange virtually no transparent highs listening fatigue
Weaknesses:
basic boxy look
Review:
First let me state I am no audiophile. Have owned my Monitor 10's for 16 or 17 years. They still amaze me. Have had several amps and receivers from 35 to 150 wpc driving them. They never sound bad. Have had several other brands of speakers over the years and the 10's are still mains!! Love the rubber surrounds, no repairs or maintenance. Tight bass, awesome mids and bright highs. Cannot beat the sound for twice the money. Hard to abuse unless you drop out a window! Recommend!
by Bob Lanford, June 6, 2005
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Superb clarity and bass reproduction Built like a tank; will probably outlast the house
Weaknesses:
Two words - BIG BOX! also very heavy (but solid)
Review:
Ive had these speakers for 23 years and have no intention of ever replacing them. I used to use them solely for audio CD's, but I recently extended their use to home theater. No need to buy a sub-woofer with the surround sound set-up; these speakers shake the whole upstairs with great, clear sound. I had to downsize my HD television size expectations in order for the speakers and TV to fit in a dedicated recessed area, but it was worth it to have a sound that cannot be duplicated from another speaker this size.
by Paul Walsh, August 20, 2005
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Acoustic bass reproduction superior to all
Weaknesses:
Very heavy? (devil's advocate, had to put something here)
Review:
GOD BLESS POLK!!! I own and operater a professional recording and mastering facility and over my 20 years of audio experience have only found monitors that (at much higher prices ie: Genelec, Yamaha, Mackie) can match their overall performance. But certainly nothing quantifiably superior. If you find them, BUY THEM.
by Eric Walters, September 4, 2005
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Durability, excellent bass and midrange reproduction!
Weaknesses:
Not as bright in the high end as I like-compared to my Polk Rsi 8's. I also have a moderate hearing loss in the high end-so some might find the 10B's perfect.
Review:
I've been using my Monitor 10B's since 1985. They still work perfectly! I've currently got them right next to my brand new Polk Rti8 towers as dual front speakers for my surround sound set up. The deep clean bass complements the superior highs of the Rti's and seems to blend nicely with the Polk surround set up. I have two Polk Rti 8's, a CS1 center and two Monitor 30 surround speakers.
by Jeffrey Campbell, February 3, 2006
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
They sound at least as good as anything I've EVER heard
Weaknesses:
They're big and heavy (but I'll never get rid of them)!
Review:
I've had my pair since 1988, and they've never failed. The cones are still great, and they sound as good today as when they were new. It doesn't matter what I put through them - the highs are high and clear, and they have as much low end punch as you want to give them. I have these and a pair of monitor 4's (AWSOME on their own), and I'm I really happy camper.
by TIm, April 19, 2006
0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Good sensitivty, good imaging, good highs and lows and decent mids for its price.
Weaknesses:
Compared to speakers in its price range? None. Compared to Thiel 7.2 that I auditioned with my ARC gear? Well, I still have the monitor 10B.
Review:
In my system connected with Nordost Valhalla, Audio Research Preamp, VT200 Amp, CD2, PH3 and Rega P9. These babies sing and sing and sing. I am beginning to wonder if big name fancy expensive speakers are really worth that much. Bought these in 1990, paired with Denon Amp and Phillips CD and Technics Turntable at the time. Sounded nice with the turntable but hurt my ears when playing CD. Could never listen for more than 15 minutes before fatigue set in, so I blamed the "cheap" speakers. Never used them again for years. Boxed them up and nearly threw them out in 2000 after only at most 10 hours of total play time ince 1990. Then had an opportunity to throw out the old Denon, Phillips and Technics and upgraded to tube gear (ARC) after a long search in 2001. Decided to just try the 10B while searching for a real "audiophile" speaker system. WOW!!! the search ended right then. Just to show how good the speakers are for their price once we upgraded to the ARC components: I ran Monster cable at first, sound was mashed and soundstage was limited to between speakers in height and width. It is sound, not music with soul. Switching to Nordost SPM opened up the soundstage and instant details. But was still not realistic enough, like I am listening to the music from outside the concert hall or the far back corner of the auditorium. I blame the "cheap" speakers yet again. Then a friend loaned me a pair of Valhalla and the world changed. Well recorded violin concerto and sonatas played with soul, I could hear each instrument in space with dense body around it. My wife, not an audiophile, stopped in her tracks and sat down to listen for an hour. First time she did that. The rest is history. My point is that the speakers were sensitive enough to change and improve with component upgrades and later, cable upgrades. If not for this pair of speakers, I never would have believed tube amps are really worth anything and I never would have believed that a pair of lamp chords is really bad for music.
by Scott, July 7, 2006
0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Frequency Response, Clarity
Weaknesses:
Tweets sometimes cut out during extended high volume while listing to audio only I assume due to thermal overload.
Review:
Monitor 10 -- Finest speaker pair I have ever owned. Superb sound, excellent imaging, fantastic reliability! I am the second owner of these speakers and have pounded them first in a stereo application then home theater for 8 years. I will not buy another pair of front speakers until these babies expire. Liked them so much I now use Polk speakers exclusively in my home.
by georgeb, July 15, 2006
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Accurate bass response, very detailed mids, clear highs.
Weaknesses:
Big! Not magnetically shielded (picky I know)
Review:
I have owned my monitor 10s since 1991 and I still love them. They are quite large for my home theater setup, but no other speaker I have tried sounds better for both music and movies.
by D Wilson, September 14, 2006
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Fantastic sound regardless if listening softly or pounding.
Weaknesses:
ocasionally the tweeter will kick out.if to much treble.
Review:
I have had these speakers stored in a corner in my bedroom closet, owned them since 1991. my Wife has been on my case to get rid of them, so I brought them down and hooked them up again (was going to sell on ebay). Wow! I cant beleive the sound. I replaced them 2yrs ago with a set of jbl's when we upgraded our reciever. I am listening to the polks now (Correction Rockin!)Trying to think up how I am going to explain to the wife that the newer Jbl's are the ones going!! Man I forgot how great these sound. So if you see a guy walking down the street pulling a wagon with a nice set of series 10's you will know how the talk went with my wife! Chow
by Larry, October 8, 2006
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Amazing lows and highs Good imaging Prices are a steal considering the quality of sound!
Weaknesses:
Fairly large and heavy (I'm just being picky)
Review:
What an amazing pair of speakers! After purchasing the Monitor 5's I was on the market for a pair of 10's and I managed to stumble across a good deal. I knew they'd be good but not THIS good! The amount of bass these things put out of two 6.5" Woofers is amazing, but I guess the PR helps in that aspect. They are very balanced speakers as well. They have great highs, but are also able to reach low notes without a subwoofer. They are also great at imaging. I've been listening to them almost every day for the last 3 months and I still cant believe how great they sound. If you can find a set of these, buy them! You won't regret it!
by Paul Beck, October 13, 2006
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Biggest,Best complete sound for the price range
Weaknesses:
Drivers seem to cut out quick, but thats why there still going strong after 16 years
Review:
I've had my 10B's since 1990-Power them with a NAD 3400 Amp, They spent 4-6 years stached in the basement while my three daughters grow thru their play with everything stage. Now the wife and girls and me continue to LOVE them.
by BigwaveDave, February 6, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Breathtaking lows, and crisp clear highs at all volumes.
Weaknesses:
They don't make them anymore.
Review:
I have owned my monitor 10's since I conned my brother out of them in 1979. They have been powered from various Yamaha receivers from a CR420 (22WPC) to a CR3020 170WPC)and have performed with clarity you would expect from speakers costing 3 times as much. I don't think you will find a better speaker for the money.....anywhere. Too bad they still don't sell them. After my initial use of these speakers, I was so impressed with Polk products, I now have in my home and garage, 16 total Polk speakers.
by Michael Carter, April 11, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Full, rich sound that lends itself to an enjoyable music listening experience.
Weaknesses:
Size because speakers now are typically much smaller with great sound quality. Not a typical surround sound speaker.
Review:
I have had these speakers for almost 17 years and they still sound great.
by rdbussman, August 30, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Incredible highs and very tight bass. Clarity clarity clarity!
Weaknesses:
Pretty hefty and bulky but for that sound, I could care less!
Review:
Being new to the world of audio and wanting to get into it, i went off of the opinion of a trusted friend and, as he suggested, went with Polk. I purchased my Monitor 10s online a year ago (a steal i realize in retrospect!). When i hooked them up to my Yamaha HTR-5930 i was stunned by the clarity of the sound especially the highs although I did notice they lacked bass. This was obviously due to their severe lack of power (only about 115W) This problem was taken care of by the use of a Crown COM-TECH 400 amp. Wow. These speakers produced some of the cleanest, tightest bass I've ever heard! Movies are a blast to watch even on my little 23" HD screen. Video gaming couldn't be more fun (and scary depending on the game!!) due to these speakers. If you have any chance to get your hands on these I say go for it! You won't be disappointed.
by Matt, October 1, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Huge soundstage, pleasant treble, beautiful midrange. Overall a great sounding musical speaker that makes you want to listen to music.
Weaknesses:
Instruement placement in the soundstage is a little scattered.
Review:
I have the original monitor 10's with the brown face and the peerless tweeters. They don't look as nice as the later ones with the black fronts. I paid $150 for these used and would have paid double that for them. The imaging is amazing. After about 30 seconds of listening to these in the shop, I had a huge grin on my face and could not wait to get them home. The imaging is amazing and the treble is detailed yet smooth and never fatiguing. The best thing about these is the midrange and they way they produce vocals, especially female. The tone of these is just "right", and after you listen to these, you can really point out other speakers that don't have a natural tone. The only sonic weakness is that there is a limited "sweet spot" of where instruments are places in the soundstage. Sit dead in the middle and everything is where it should be, but move over a few inches and you'll perceive an instrument or voice that is panned dead center to be panned more towards whatever speaker you're closer to. All speaker systems do this, but it seems more noticable with the Monitor 10. These speakers are so easy to drive. I am running a "class t" amplifer that is rated at 11 wpc into the Monitor 10's 6 ohm impedence. I rarely turn my volum knob past 9 o'clock. I wasn't sure how this little amp would drive these, but it is easily capable of driving them loud enough to piss off the neighbors. These are one of the best values on the used market. For the price, you will be amazed at the sound quality.
by JERRY , October 1, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Listen to Rock, Jazz, Classical or just Home Theater System, they're GREAT!!
Weaknesses:
Large and heavy, but who cares because they sound so good.
Review:
I purchased a pair of 10B's in 1980 and they have out lasted 4 receivers over the years. I shopped for new speakers every time I bought a new receiver, but never found anything to replace them with! They sound great no matter what you play through them.
by Will, December 29, 2007
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Loud, Long Lasting, Clear Highs and Lows.
Weaknesses:
Heavy! At least 40 lbs!!!
Review:
I love these things. I am borrowing them from my uncle. they were sitting in his basement in a half foot of water or more. the sub and half of the mid ranges were under water, but they still sound good! even with the box partly rotted! His model was made in 1988. I unscrewed the sub from the box and to my surprise, it had no magnet on it. Im no expert, but i kinda thought that was strange. With no coil or magnet, the sub must make sound from the vibrations made by the Mids.
by delmore jones, January 10, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
great natural sound with lots of air; tight base; gains with a subwoofer; classical, jazz, & rock sound good on these speakers
Weaknesses:
big, boxy, & fugly. Mine has fake brown veneer in vinyl! UGH!!! looks esp. bad next to my noguchi table
Review:
I've had my monitor 10s since my college days (bought the pair in 1988) and they've always sounded great with good highs & tight base. Along the way I added a velodyne subwoofer and even my snooty audiophile friends have to admit that these speakers sound pretty good. Occasionally have thought about upgrading but cannot honestly find better speakers costing under $3,000. I have to say they're an absolute boxy eyesore & ruin my mid-century modern decorating style but I put up with this because of their sound.
by Larry Valadez, February 2, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Tremendous sound. I listen to rock, jazz, and latin music.
Weaknesses:
My wife thinks they're big and ugly.
Review:
I've had my Monitor 10Bs since about 1985 and can't say enough good things about them. I bought them in a previous marriage and my current wife says they're too big and obtrusive for our living room. Guess it's time to let them go. Anyone in the market to buy them? They're in great shape.
by Mike Kozakiewicz, February 13, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clear highs, good tight bass, great imaging
Weaknesses:
Not too many on the market, hard to find.
Review:
I bought a pair of Monitor 10s on eBay and I am very impressed. They are among the purist and clean sounding speakers I have ever heard. They are large, but remeber these are 24 year old speakers, big was in back then. They do sound better than speakers many times their price and I would recommend them to anyone who is serious about music reproduction.
by Angelo J Cioffi, March 15, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Very lifelike sounding . When paired with a good receiver and monster cables they are hard to beat .
Weaknesses:
They dont make them anymore
Review:
I bought a pair of Monitor 10b"s back in 1985 for $850.00 on sale , what a bargain that was . My brother in law who has $4000.00 worth of Bose speakers is in awe of my Polk's . Everyone who has heard them compliments me on them . they are the most lifelike speakers i have ever heard . whether i play music or listen to movies , they "ROCK" . If you can find a pair buy them no matter hat the cost is , they're worht it !!!
by Scott Martin, June 2, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Better than Excellent sound quality Unmatched longevity & durability: "I've gone through more cars and houses than I have speakers, and I've never even had to replace a driver!" Unbelievable value Easy availability of exact-match replacement drivers means that even if you do somehow blow a driver, you can replace it quickly and affordably.
Weaknesses:
Tweets cut out at extended high musical volume. While this is annoying, they always come back on once they've cooled off a bit. Bass response needs help if they speakers are not placed in corners (as expected of most speakers).
Review:
I lucked into these speakers about 12 years ago, while in college. A friend of my parents (we're talking retirees here) had purchased them new many years before (1980's I believe), and had decided to "upgrade" to something smaller. I got the phone call that they were simply giving some old speakers away and decided to check out the menu. I saw the name Polk and thought to myself "free? They must be blown!". Well I assumed wrong! I have blasted these things at college parties, and have run through various recievers and other components, essentially replacing every component in my home theater in the past 10 years twice or thrice over EXCEPT for these hosses. I have been so pleased with these speakers over the years that almost every speaker in my home now carries the Polk name. PS, I have an audiophile friend with a "listening room" in his house and a couple of GIANT Klipsch speakers that probably run $20 large for the pair, and probably weigh in excess of 500 lbs EACH. Even HE has commented to me, rather reluctantly I think, as to how good these vintage Polks sound when paired with a sub. I now run a Marantz db 6.1 reciever driving approx 110 WPC (RMS) to these Polks, along with newer Polk front & rear center channel speakers and surrounds. To fill in the lows, I have a small Carver TFM6CB bridged mono into a 2 ohm load driving 3 JL Audio 10" subs with something approaching 480 watts RMS. I know you think bridging an amp at a 2 ohm load is crazy, but that's what Carvers are legendary for! I tell you, it is one of the most impressive movie going (not to mention audio only) sound experiences I have ever heard outside of the theater or concert hall...to be honest I PREFER it over going to the theater! And the main speakers are almost as old as I am! Wow!
by Mike, August 10, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound Great. Very realistic highs and mids.
Weaknesses:
Need a little help on the low end with heavy rock.
Review:
Bought mine new in 1987 while in the Army. Absolutely love the lifelike sound. Due to their size, they (and I) have been moved to the basement but now I can can crank 'em up. Buy a pair if you can find some, you won't be disappointed!
by Tony Anzalone, September 1, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clean musical and voice reproduction. Tough design allows clear & clean high audio volumes that you can not achieve with most other speakers in its price range
Weaknesses:
30+ years and still pumping.. what weakness?
Review:
I purchased my Monitor 10's new in 1977. I was the envy of everyone that heard the great sound and musical ability that the 10's cleanly deliver. I played them hard through the rest of the 1970's, 80's, & 90's. But unfortunately then less and less over time, due to the responsibilities of running too many businesses. After years in storage I set them up again just recently. The sound and performance of my original OEM 10's still make people do a double take. Now they are over 30 years old and sounding great! Polk's = a great product! PS: I am still using the original 1977 "Audio Research SP-5" pre Amp & "Quad 405" Dumping amp. 100w RMS. Yes, I gave them the maximum rating! Tony Anzalone
by Tom, October 9, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Clarity, especially in the bass. A Hofner sounds like a Hofner, a Rick sounds like a Rick; not just thump, thump, thump. Brilliant highs.
Weaknesses:
A tad middy, and they will tend to get a muddy if not on the Polkstands. Paper rosewood finish, although pristine, is cheesy. I was a kid when I bought them, so did't want to shellout for wood cabs.
Review:
After my 10's were stolen in '87, I immediately replaced with 10B's. If I recall, the tweets on the B's offered a little more dispersion. Running on a NAD 7155 (55wpc). They sound (and look)like new on the original Polkstands.
by Greg Glaza, November 1, 2008
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Absoltely the best sounding speakers I've ever heard in a home, and a good friend has a $5000 Bose 7.1 System w/ bluray. Mine is CHEAP(these speakers free) but better
Weaknesses:
a bit large for my room, but its a small room
Review:
One of the perks of being a mover is all the free give aways you stumble across. My coworkers have been givin free big screen tvs, washers etc. So far my shining moment has been this pair of speakers. They replaced my front surround speakers from a cheap home theater in a box($250 for rcvr,dvd,& 6 spkrs). As soon as I cranked them I knew I had something special. Considering what they replaced, a tiny wall mount no larger than a coffee mug, I knew they'd sound better, but wow! In the same system with a center channel, passive sub, and two surrounds these babys make my system actually sound good. I can't wait to get a real reciever and better matching speakers to compliment these beasts.
by Phil Harris, March 22, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Bass response with accuracy from a modest power amp.
Weaknesses:
Parts are no longer available. Need a new driver MW 6500. One is blown. Open voice coil.
Review:
I've been running the Monitor 10's since 1977. Through thick and thin these have performed in three completely different listening environments and a series of different amps! I raised kids with these and all of their current heavy bass music sounds clearer and better on the Polk Monitor 10s than anything else they have tried including most sub-woofer setups. The kids are grown and no longer living at home but they still come over to pop in a new CD and listen to their latest CDs on the Polk Monitor 10s.
by Brad Shaddick, April 20, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound. Simple as that!
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately have replaced the tweeters twice. Too loud and they will blow.
Review:
Like many others, I have had my 10's for 31 plus years. Bought them my first year of university in London, Ontario, Canada. They have been set up in more locations than I care to admit but have been great speakers. They have been hooked up to an all Technics system from the late 70's (SU8099 AMP) with equalizer. Countless hours of enjoyment for friends and family. Roxy Music live LP, Jealous Guy, cranked, is a killer. Many ask, why do you have those old big ugly things? Once they listen, they understand.
by Stanton, May 22, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Amazing sound for the price
Weaknesses:
Don't make them anymore
Review:
I have had four of these in my 5.1 setup (the center channel "speaker" is a pair of Monitor 4's) for almost 20 years: two 10A's and two 10B's. I bought the original pair in the mid-80's (fresh out of college) for stereo listening and have never found anything better. No matter what other components I upgrade, I'll always have my Polk's.
by Mike, June 4, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Durable, full sound; a couple of real warriors.
Weaknesses:
The tweeters kick a little too easy, but as I mentioned in review, thats probably saved them from going out. They are easy to reset.
Review:
Like others on here, I have had mine for many years, 25 to be exact. They have outlasted other components of my system and I even had to go back to them after the tweeters went on my newer Polks,RT20P's. The tweeters kick out a little easy at higher volume, but I guess that has probably saved them over the years. I believe the model I have were the first year of the circuit breaker replacing the fuse.
by JR Marks, June 28, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Durability. Frequency Response. Clarity. Power Handling Capability.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
I have owned my Monitor 10Bs for twenty-three years. I bought them brand new in 1986 with a matched Yamaha component stereo system, with a Yamaha A720 amplifier. They have been placed and listened to in many different rooms in several different houses we have lived in over the years and always reproduce the music we have listened to faithfully without a flaw. The Yamaha A720 amplifier was replaced in 2005 for a Yamaha HTR-5890 home theater amplifier / reciever. At that time we added Monitor 40s, a PSW12, and CSi3 to upgrade to a 5.1 speaker system. The Monitor 10Bs just sound fantastic, as do all the other Polk speakers in the system, at all power / volume levels. I thank Polk Audio for many years of pure listening enjoyment.
by Joe Pollard, July 21, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Accuracy, tight bass, clear highs without being too bright. Great Old-School look and durability.
Weaknesses:
No longer available.
Review:
I absolutely love them. They are by far the best speakers I have ever owned. I have a lower budget, so for my money, I can't think of a better value for clarity and response. I have a Denon AVR-587 powering these and even at 70 Watts, they sound amazing. I want to step up to separates so I can really hear what they can do. they sound great for my movies and music. The imaging is perfect. I tried it out watching a movie once and the speakers virtually disappeared as all the dialogue and a lot of the sound effects were placed where they were supposed to be. I love these and will keep them for the long run.
by Malaka, November 6, 2009
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
2-way design with passive radiator; non-fatiguing sound; timbral accuracy; accurate bass; revealing; aesthetically a gorgeous speaker to behold!
Weaknesses:
Honestly, I cannot think of any, all things considered.
Review:
Matthew Polk should be VERY proud of his 'Monitor Series' transducers, as they are responsible for turning huge numbers of music lovers into bona fide audiophiles! I can remember when I picked up a pair of these in the mid 80's, and had friends and family over to listen to various CD's. Many many jaws dropped! Many of these folks went out and subsquently purchased a pair! When I first hooked these up to my Marantz and Pioneer stereo receivers (they made quality equipment back then), I can recall being literally moved to tears by certain artists in my collection. All of a sudden, the music sounded so real and present and beautiful... so detailed... with so much air and instrument separation, with a huge soundstage! MY GOD... what had I been missing all these years listening to 'Realistic' and 'Cerwin Vega' speakers, I thought! I still have my original Monitor 10's, having 'babied them', in mint condition. I will NEVER part with them, because I still enjoy them greatly to this day. Even though i've owned/own Magnepan, B&W, Rogers, JBL, Canton, Pro-Ac, 3A, and Dahlquist. They sound THAT good! Long live the classic Polk Audio 'Monitor Series'!
by hugh parker, February 1, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
The overall sound, high, lows, mids, are exceptional, especially for the price. And you can go loud if you want, if, that is, your preamp and amp are any good. (I hope "preamp" is not lost on you.)
Weaknesses:
They're giant ugly boxes, but you should love them anyway. Stands make them look less bad.
Review:
I've had my Polk 10Bs since 1983, and I started worshipping them at the same time. Yes, I built little alters and praised the Lord for them, especially since they sounded better than other speakers I considered buying for much more money. The Lord admires a good buy. So-called friends have tried to cheat my out of my 10Bs. One had some McI's (2500/pair, 1987), and he wanted an even trade. Another with a pair of 901s did the same: even trade. I lost respect for them back then. Over the years, however, I have foregiven them, even though they have approached me with the same absurd deal more than once. I don't know why they can't just buy some 10Bs of their own, with all that money--except that those of us who own 10Bs won't let them go, and the biggest mistake Polk ever made was to stop making them. If you have a pair of 10Bs, and you're not worshipping them at least as much as I am, then I'm ashamed of you.
by powerguymark, February 6, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Modern sound equivalents will cost at least $1000 more to match 10A's - even MORE to surpass them.
Weaknesses:
Polk should re-issue!!!!
Review:
I have samples dozens of speakers over the years. Polk 10A's are simply the best in their price range. Just re-purchased a set on ebay and, God willing, will never part with them. Have incorporated them into my 7.2 home theater, with Polk R50's as the surround L/R. I've ended up turning the subs almost completely down. COMPLETELY content with the results. Just for kicks, I'll listen to digital music channels in 2.0 - The 10A's create an enveloping sound stage as the best 7.2 musical setting & create far less ear fatigue!!!!!
by SeaJay, July 4, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Ultra reliable. Superb frequency response across the whole range.
Weaknesses:
OK the're just plain, big, heavy and ugly.
Review:
Used these speakers for 25 years with Rotel RB-880 amp. Just modernised with Mirage OS3 surround system and Yamaha RX-V1900 amp. This amp lifted the polks to performance levels that just astounded me. My intention was to replace them but now I think I will either integrate them or use them in a second zone.
by stereorob, August 27, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
satanic loudness, the cabinets are built to survive an atomic blast.
Weaknesses:
the front logo badges are a little cheezy. and they freak out on bass below 25 c.p.s.
Review:
wow! talk about a KILLER set of vintage speakers!! screaming, crisp highs! liquid midrange, and earth shaking bass!! a set of these speakers were donated for "the project" by a buddy of mine, ive used these every day with my marantz 2270 and at full tilt, they STILL sound incredible!! these vintage treasures are a must have for ANY vintage audio buff or music lover!!
by Scott Taylor, September 4, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Excellent sound reproduction throughout the listening range. Efficient and durable.
Weaknesses:
We wife would love to sell them and buy a less obtrusive, cheezy Bose surround system, but her musical experiences are stunted by growing up influenced by 80's hair bands.
Review:
I went to Johns Hopkins (his mother named him "Johns"; don't drop the "s") in the 70's and was surrounded by dormmates who owned these speakers. I was able to pick up a pair used a few years later for $250 from a BSO musician who was moving to a smaller apartment. Best audio deal I have ever made. I have owned them for 25 years and would never part with them. I have used them as standalones and as part of a surround package. There is nothing more enjoyable that turing the lights off in the eveing, pouring a good scotch and sitting back to enjoy passages I never hear elsewhere in my music. Buy a pair if you can find them, but don't come looking for mine!
by scott, September 19, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Voice reproduction is sweet, easy on the ears even at high volume, nice range, and I think they look better than some modern tower speaker honestly.
Weaknesses:
Not many as far as I can tell
Review:
I rescued these speakers from the dump recently and hooked them to my onkyo amp also rescued from destruction. I emidiately realized I had stumbled across something special,so I took my new klipsch tower speaker and packed them away. I love the fact that these speakers were manufactured in the USA. These are the nicest speakers I have ever owned and they were free, gotta love it.
by GeoffD, October 15, 2010
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Durability. Availability of used spare parts and capacitor upgrades on the secondary market.
Weaknesses:
Vinyl faux wood on the cabinets
Review:
I have owned a pair of Monitor 10's since the early 1980's and never felt compelled to upgrade them. I'm using them to anchor my 5:1 home theater these days with some CraigsList 10A's as my rears and an eBay Monitor 7 as the center. New almost 30 years ago, they were marketed at an entry level audiphile price point. They sound as a $600 speaker from 1980 should sound. Not perfect but a fairly accurate reproduction on most kinds of music. On the used market, they are a fantastic value since they hold up so well.
by Carl J., July 14, 2012
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Chrystal clear highs Tight, powerful low-end.
Weaknesses:
Big for the classification of bookshelf speakers
Review:
I purchased a pair of Monitor 10B at New London Audio, New London, CT. Bought them new after hearing Steely Dan's "Gaucho" album as the audition source. The Polks were pushed along on a Macintosh power amp and a Thorens TD-125 TT with a Shure SME tonearm. It didn't take long for me to drop my jaw at the sound and reach into my pocket for my wallet. I totally loved those boxes.
by Kevin Aylward, September 24, 2012
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Ability to produce open accurate sound with subtle nuances and clear tones. Able to produce that sound at incredible volume levels, even with a modest amplifier. Ability to stand the test of time. 40 years of abuse throughout a lifetime is proof enough for me!
Weaknesses:
Large, heavy space greedy monsters. LOL
Review:
I purchased my Polk 10 monitors way back in 1973 while still in high school. Ran them with an old Pioneer SX1050 receiver, and used a turntable with a very nice stylus. Never touched the surface of my vinyl, and cleaned them with every use. Main reason is that these speakers would let you hear the difference, and back then, that was rare indeed! They have the most open and accurate sound I have ever heard from a speaker in this class, bar none! The bass is solid, yet smooth with no hint of being a boom monster like many of the speakers of their time. Transition along the frequency range is smooth and accurate, if a bit bright in the high end. The finish was a bit cheap (imitation rosewood vinyl), with high density particle board construction. You won't want to move them around too often, but the heft of the box served to isolate the sound very well. I also have the factory stands for them, and they do make a big difference in the way they project the sound. The theory was that tilting the speakers backward slightly made the bass reflect off the floor more effectively, and delayed the high frequency. This resulted in the sound frequencies arriving at the listeners ears at the same time. Don't know much about theory, but the effect worked! These speakers have been through too many hours of very loud rock music to count after 40 years. Yet I can still play a subtle piece of classical, and hear every subtle sound from a REAL analog source. Anyone who knows music, knows that analog is capable of producing subtle nuances that digital will never replicate. And these speakers can still reproduce it accurately after 40 years. Enough said
Vintage Product
This product is considered a "Recent" or "Vintage" Polk Audio model. It is not a part of our current product lineup. It may still be available in some stores as a "close out" or "used" product. Information provided here about this product may not reflect current realities and does not imply availability. If you happen to have a question or concern about this product, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 M-F 9am - 5:30pm EST. Chances are we remember it.
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MONITOR10 Literature
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