Monitor 50

by Stubb, April 3, 2007

Strengths:

Clarity. Aggravates the wife. Best value on the market.

Weaknesses:

Funny feet, needs subwoofer for headbanging

Review:

I've had these a year now, paired with a PSW10, and CS1 and Mon 40's for surround (I recommend 30's). I have not regretted for a second the money I spent on these. I've had these nearly a year now and have listened to them in every configuration possible. Jazz Classical, most Rock needs only the 50's in stereo and they literally disappear leaving only the music to be enjoyed. Piano and Cello sound wonderful. Headbanging definitely requires the subwoofer but it can be easily overdone. Just use it to complement the speakers and they sound great. These speakers outperformed everything I could demo them against up to twice their price. The impression is that the music is clear and not colored by the speakers. I've rediscovered how good some vinyl is since getting these. In surround with the whole system and subwoofer cranked up you instinctively duck the bullets and arrows! If you listen to music as much as watch movies, you're better off with a system built with these rather than a tinny surround system.

by JJN, May 4, 2008

Strengths:

Beautiful finish and crisp, clean, tight sound.

Weaknesses:

The dual 5.25" mid-woofers have their limits so these work best with a sub IMO.

Review:

Ridiculous price to performance ratio. I was looking at spending 2-3x as much as I ended up spending for these Monitor 50's. The high's are crisp and clear and the mid's are tight and accurate. I have these with the CS1 all crossed over at 80hz and paired with a BIC H-100 sub. My home theatre absolutely rocks. This is the true sweet spot for price & performance.

by Bobb, February 14, 2007

Strengths:

very clear and pristine which i love. I do have a sub woofer with my kenwood system but soon to upgrade to A Dennon which im sure will make these speakers really run thier full stride.

Weaknesses:

None

Review:

absolutly great. A sales person at another store was trying to talk me into buying eclipse speakers which is a nice speaker but my money limits demanded good sound at an affordable price. so went looking. Cicuit city and was totally amased at the sound quality of theses, Just as good as eclipse.

by Russel, February 24, 2007

Strengths:

Excellent clarity of midrange and highs, especially when biwired.

Weaknesses:

Bulky Feet. Need to provide pointed carpet spikes.

Review:

STRENGTHS: Awesome tower speaker. One of the best in the price range. The heavy MDF cabinet blocks all colorization of sound. Direct radiated sound projects very clearly and smoothly to front. High quality fit, finish, floor spikes and dual biwireable 5-way posts included.

by Brian, March 14, 2007

Strengths:

Clarity and sound stage are excellent. True sound the way it was meant to be heard.

Weaknesses:

None

Review:

There is nothing in the price point that compares. They even sound as good as some other speakers 1 to 2 price points higher(Yamaha, Klipsch). The clarity and sound stage presents is outstanding. No matter what you are listening to they will reproduce it as it was meant to be heard(Theater, Movies, CD, MP3). You could spend more money but why?

by Jason, January 24, 2005

Strengths:

Clear and powerful sound.

Weaknesses:

None

Review:

I auditioned these at a local Circuit City and they sounded great. I compared them to a pair of Infinity and Sony towers of the same price and size and a pair of Bose 301's. The Polks blew the competition away. I think I'm going to purchase them.

by Stefano, December 19, 2005

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Review:

Ottime. Le utilizzo in un ambiente di circa 30 mq, perfette per musica e film, anche senza sub-woofer. Best Regards from Italy!!!!!! [translation: Excellent. I use them in a room that is about 30 square meters, perfect for music and movies, even without a subwoofer.]

by Sebastián, February 3, 2006

Strengths:

Sound, Sound, Sound (And Looks !!!) Crisp Clear Clean at any volumes

Weaknesses:

.....(Not found..) Oh..yes!!!! The user manual is a really junk !!!! and the plastic feet are poor quality (scratch easily)

Review:

OK. I'm from Argentina (my english is not good..) but i'm proud to say Monitor 50 sound quality is AWESOME. I tested this with JBL E60, Yamaha NS555 and Infinity Primus. The results are: Very superior to Yammies (no comparisson) Superior to JBL (more crisp and clean sound) A bit superior to Infinity (same quality, but Polk is a bit clear) The looks are great, very elegant...solid construction, good warranty and relation price-quality is superb. Very proud with my Monitor 50 (in my country MSRP: 560 U$S)and now, with my Yamaha RXV 657 i complete a fabulous system. In the future, i add a sub and monitor 30 for surround. Recommed highly this speakers...I'm a new Polk fan..same you...Thanks for the quality.

by TW, December 25, 2009

Strengths:

Good surround envelopment, convincing effects, towers in the back of room just looks cool. If you don't mind purchasing online, you can get some amazing deals on the entire Monitor series.

Weaknesses:

Bright. Lightweight for floor speakers. Feet should have been left on the factory floor.

Review:

I'm using these as surrounds, along with an older set of RT1000i's and the CS400i. The timbre match isn't perfect but since they're being used as surrounds, the difference isn't that noticeable. Compared to the warm, laid back sound of the RT1000i and CS400i speakers, the Monitor 50's are rather bright. For surround use, this actually works out well. Surround effects are enveloping and convincing. The only drawback with using the 50's as surrounds is that you need to place them on stands so that the tweeters are above ear level. I haven't hooked these up as mains but I imagine that they would work well enough as front speakers for home theater use - not so much for music, though. For music listening, you might want to up your budget and spring for the RTi's. I have to agree with the other reviewers - the feet are ugly. Luckily, they appear to be removable so if they're too much for you, just find a screwdriver and you're good to go. I'm also somewhat disappointed with the build quality. Being floor standing speakers, they should have a bit more weight to them - I'm afraid that I'm going to knock them over one day because they're so light. To put this perspective, my CS400i weighs more and it's a CENTER speaker. For the price, these are definitely serviceable as home theater speakers. I wouldn't recommend them for music, though. For surround use, I really don't have any major complaints. And for the price I paid, I would have an extremely difficult time finding something that would work as well as these.

by Beloved Console, March 17, 2010

Strengths:

Imaging, vocals (awesome), size, cost, build quality, accurate (but weak) bass

Weaknesses:

weak (but accurate) bass, sonorous, or "woodsy" sounding; yet handled well-- just a surprise, sounds quite different from other speakers in this price range (lo-cost hi-fi).

Review:

I was tempted to give it 4/5 stars because these speakers are somewhat of an enigma to me. They seem too midrangey; colored-- and maybe that's true. But then I think-- if I have to listen to colored speakers (and any $100/each speaker will be) then better these, than anything else. The enclosures of wood seem totally tuned to the drivers, crossover, etc. I don't think there's any sound absorptive materials inside, at all. Yet nothing booms. How they did this in a square enclosure, I assume they have bracing which reduces or nullifies standing waves. The output is fantastic. On a 100-watt amp, I can turn it to 9/10 of power (it's a cheap Pioneer VSX-518), and it's cleaner and louder than I've ever had a 100-watt under-$200 amp drive a pair of $100/each speakers. The output of the mids and highs is so powerful that I can go outside, stand by the wall where the speakers are, and hear the stereo separation. From the middle spot, outside my house. Vocals are incredible; Radiohead's "Exit Music (for a film)" catches every nuance, very loud, very clean, very beautiful. But when the drums and bass kick in... the bass is rendered accurately, but there is no substance at all, and the drums totally lack lower punch. Bass has no substance on any material, on these speakers. Basically you "sacrifice" a full bass sound for clarity, imaging, accuracy (if somewhat colored by the enclosure or cost, but what isn't), and repeated listening enjoyment. But I have been making that "sacrifice" for a few months now, and I continue to feel like for $200/pair there's nothing that can really touch these. They have a very fast (for this price range) transient response; the drivers are light and respond well, creating a more solid imaging experience, and a tighter sound than would typically be expected of speakers of this price range. I also love how at low volumes you can hear everything, because the imaging and speed are amazing for speakers of this price, indicating the raw drivers used are of the best materials and manufacture of this price range. One wonders if Polk has their own "raw driver" shop. The xover filter uses mylar capacitors and this really comes across on transients and loud bits-- the mylar makes the path smooth and buttery (as possible, even when you're over-driving your amp and therefore probably the speakers) whereas an electrolyte (used typically in speakers under $500) would have rendered a sort of tube-like distortion, particularly noticeable at higher volumes; and the common capacitor used in crossover networks (electrolyte=cheap) also tends to add a different EQ frequency spectrum than the mylar, which seems to have a more fluid (it trails the signal like water, as opposed to like, sand) response. More than anything on these, I miss the bass. But to have any more bass would create huge costs in terms of imaging, cost, accuracy, transient response (dynamics), etc. So I intend to add the PSW10 or whatever number it is, subwoofer. It's about $140 but that makes the whole system still under $500 and maybe it will sound like a $500 system but maybe it will sound like a $800 or $1200 system. If the sub can round it out, I feel confident about the mids and highs.

by kara menzel, July 17, 2004

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Review:

these are awesome

by Damiano, September 30, 2004

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Review:

Assolutamente perfette per ambienti medio/piccoli.

by Joel, November 26, 2004

Strengths:

Everything.

Weaknesses:

None.

Review:

Nice, clear sound. A real treat for my ears.

by Kirk, January 22, 2005

Strengths:

Clean open sound. No need to have the sub cranked any more.

Weaknesses:

none

Review:

I no longer have to have my amp on 6 channel stereo to rock my livingroom. I listen to every thing from classical to heavy metal and it all sounds great. Bravo

by RAY CHEN, February 16, 2005

Strengths:

Outstanding value for the price. Excellent stereo imaging in 2 channel mode

Weaknesses:

Bass isn't exactly thunderous, but then again, there are only 2 drivers-but then again, given the size and price, entirely acceptable

Review:

Armed withe a limit of $400, and an edict from my wife that the speakers had to be no more than 10" wide, I hunted far and wide for the right pair. Well, a mere $350 later, I was the proud owner of a pair of M50s. Do I wish I had a pair of RT or LS? Of course, but in terms of what you get for your money, you can't really ask for more. I'm using R15s (again, a bargain at $120 a pair)for surrounds, a Cerwin Vega center, and a Yamaha 5750 receiver, and the performance of my low-cost system is outstanding.

by Tim Menz, March 2, 2005

Strengths:

High end is clean as a whistle Mid-bass is tight

Weaknesses:

Requires a powered sub, but who doesnt have one of those these days

Review:

Dont waste your money with anything else. I have the whole voice match set of m50's, m30's, CS1, and psw 10, my home theater can rival anyone i know. There is no reason to step up to the rt series unless you are running seprate amplifiers for you home theater, so I would recommend any one to buy a set of these monitors. Doesnt matter which ones you get, or how you make your system. The whole series is voice matched, no one speaker over powers another which is so great. The only change I will be making is stepping up to the psw 12 when I get the money. I have nothing but good things to say about this monitor series. Thank you Matt Polk for making affordable speakers that put everyone else to shame.

by Thomas S, March 23, 2005

Strengths:

They are great butt kickers if you have the right receiver.

Weaknesses:

Pretty narrow, if that's anything bad. I worry about it being knocked over quite easily.

Review:

Damn good speakers. Heard things I never knew existed in my DVD movies before. Coupled with a CS1 center, a perfect combination.

by Dezi, April 5, 2005

Strengths:

Highs and mids are nicely balanced. Nice and full-sounding, without being overpowering. Sound much better than the Monitor 70s.

Weaknesses:

None. The bass is fair, but doesn't "thump". However, I didn't expect them to. Anyways, isn't that what subwoofers are for?

Review:

Nice and balanced Written by Dezi, Chino Hills, Ca. on March 29, 2005 Let me start by saying that I really wanted to purchase the Monitor 70s instead of thes 50s. I listened to them in two different Circuit City's. One of the CCs had two different listening rooms, so I actually listened to them 3 times head-to-head against the Monitor 70s. No contest. The 50s sounded so much livelier, and much more balanced than the 70s. The 70s sounded too bottom-heavy (too much bass). The bass drowned out the mids and highs. The 50s sound just right. I also got to compare the 50s against some Infinitys and Sonys (the only other speakers in the listening room). The 50s are just so much more balanced (I know I keep repeateing myself). What I can I say? Obviously, the only "drawback" I can see is they lack the bottom end, but I have a Velodyne sub to handle those duties. I also compared these head-to head with some Klipsch Synergy F-2. However, I had already bought these, so this competition took place in my home! No comparison. the smaller, less expensive speaker took down the bigger, more expensive speakers. This is my third set of Polk's (RTi-28, RTi-38), and I doubt I will ever own another brand of speaker. Way to go Polk!

by Spike, October 14, 2005

Strengths:

ottime prestazioni ad un ottimo prezzo

Weaknesses:

leggerissima mancanza di bassi

Review:

Rapporto qualita prezzo ottimo! Ottime per ambienti medio\piccoli!Perfette con un buon subwoofer!!Ciao greetings from Italy

by Simon Ramon, October 30, 2005

Strengths:

crystal clear sound,(although not very good for lows, but that is what subwoofers are for,rite?)

Weaknesses:

none really, jus for the fact that they are slim and im a little scared of them tippin over. But besided the fact that they are slim they are THE BEST!!!!!

Review:

omg....to any one who is planning on buying these speakers, you will not be disappointed. They are the best sounding speakers i have ever heared in my whole life(yes, my life). if you are looking for a good sounding speaker for the price, I highly reccomend these.

by Kenneth, November 2, 2005

Strengths:

Crispy, Tight, Balanced tone.

Weaknesses:

None.

Review:

I have been closely listening to the Mon50's along with a set of P250's from Infinity. I must say that the Polk Mon50's sound so much cleaner. They are crisp, they are warm, and the low end is very balanced. I work at a major electronics retailer and have had the opportunity to listen for a long time before purchasing. I let my ears conform to everything in our store. These Mon50's definitely outperform everything in our store. My ear which is more tuned for higher frequencies, like these better than the RTi8's. Might sound crazy but these speakers are extremely well balanced. Add the CS1, and Some Mon30's ands you are set. Not sold on the matching sub yet. (PSW10,12), clean but too much "Chuff". Maybe they would sound better if the port was moved to the back as to not fight back pressure? Purchased Energy 10 to handle the lows...

by Cody, November 24, 2005

Strengths:

Sound Quality Great 10 out of 10. Has Clear Sound Will Take Heaps Great for movies and audio cd's

Weaknesses:

No Weak Points

Review:

Great Sound Verry Loud Must Have In All Homes. Clear Sound No Problems.Wouldn't mind a pair i my home.

by Derek Skinner, December 16, 2005

Strengths:

Loud, clean for movies and music.

Weaknesses:

Not enough bass....

Review:

Really good speaker for music and movies. My surround sound speakers is all polkaudio. PSW 12, Monitor 50 front, monitor 30 rear, CSi 3 center, as well as rear center on a 6.1 channel Yamaha stereo system....... Very happy with set up other than the rears. (if you look at my review in monitor 30s.

by Josh, December 20, 2005

Strengths:

Good and clear sound.

Weaknesses:

None at all.

Review:

I have used these speakers for many purposes and I especially love the matching sound from both speakers and the bass. What I dont like is that well never get an Onkyo TX-8511 Amp. because well it has worked perfectly on high and low volumes but has now when I turn up the volume all the way can only hear a very small sound and i know its not the speakers because have tried them on a diff amp but this Amp just blew up or something like that I dono im going to complain to Onkyo and then get a better Amp but these speakers are the BEST!!

by Tina, January 2, 2006

Strengths:

Awesomely impressive sound quality for both high and low frequencies!

Weaknesses:

None that we can think of!

Review:

My husband and I just bought a pair of Monitor 50 speakers, as well as Polk Audio subwoofers, here in Canada this December 2005! We attached it to our Sony amplifier/receiver that supports our karaoke/DVD/CD machine, as well as our TV set with a Digital Cable Terminal. We are proud to say that we are extremely pleased with how wonderful the CD/digital music sounds like, using our karaoke/CD machine! Likewise, the sound effects from watching movies in our TV set with cable is soooo awessomely clear, crisp and sensurround-like-- that we feel like we are watching the movie inside a theatre! Plus the fact that we actually placed the Monitor 50 speakers and subwoofers beside the TV set, and never distort the video images...is truly IMPRESSIVE!!! My husband and I categorically rate Polk Audio speakers and subwoofer as A+, and we highly recommend it for anyone who wants to experience a truly outstanding audio quality at a very reasonable price--beats BOSE and other high-end speakers hands down!

by Daniel Wilson, February 7, 2006

Strengths:

beautifully accurate, bright sound PERFECT for tv/movies at any volume.

Weaknesses:

weak low end, not good for music, hissy s's

Review:

I have monitor 50 fronts, cs1 center, and old technics 3-ways for rears driven by a onkyo 602b 70 watt/channel receiver also 2 12" kicker comp subs driven with 300watts rms in large (500sq ft) room w/10ft ceilings (poor acoustics). The combination is fantastic for movie and tv watching, however no matter how loud I crank it the mid-bass kick is missing when listening to music (rock, rap of course sounds great with these subs). I don't know if they would be adequate in that area given a smaller room. I am considering upgrading to monitor 70s for this reason. Also, the s sound can be a little hissy this also might be due to the room acoustics as I have laminate floors and 10 ft ceilings.

by Gonzalo, February 20, 2006

Strengths:

Todas, "the best of the best... "

Weaknesses:

Ninguna !

Review:

El único problema son mis vecinos...a los q' les gusta mi música...me piden los CD's y a los q' no...me odian. El sonido es simplemente ES-PEC-TA-CU-LAR !!!!!

by mike, March 11, 2006

Strengths:

crisp clear sound you feel like you are in the theater or concert hall.

Weaknesses:

None really, except if you count neighbors complaining.

Review:

I have been comparing speakers for a few months now and I purchased a pair of Monitor 50's just 2 days ago and I'm loving them. Great sound for movies as well as music. To really hear what you have been missing hook them up Bi-wired they are really clean and crisp you hear things you did not know where there in some songs.I have them hooked to an onkyo TX503 reciever 75 watts/channel they work great

by Andy., April 27, 2006

Strengths:

Clean clear sound without freq exageration at all volumes needed.

Weaknesses:

Ugly cheap looking feet... for lack of anything else to mention.

Review:

I've had the 50's for a month now and have enjoyed them tremendously. I was putting together a medium/moderate volume system for 2.1 channel stereo mainly but also for DVD/TV. At the same time I got a DSW10... to make sure I could cover all the bases for what I expected to listen to with this system. I knew the freq responce of the 50's well ahead of time so I will not call the need for the subwoofer as a 'weakness'. I listen to mainly mainstream jazz now and these Monitor 50's reproduce the sound cleanly and precise without added 'color'. I use an Onkyo TX-8511 as my 'amp' and use a Panasonic DVR for my CD and DVD's, a Yamaha CT810 tuner and digital cable for my sources.

by Claudio Puyssegur, May 27, 2006

Strengths:

Great Sound, what a diffence, crisp and clear. can now turn up the volume and still get crystal clear sound, bautiful highs. Great for home theathre too, you can hear everything.

Weaknesses:

None really, if you want alot of bass, I recommend a bass driver. I don't really care for alot of bass.

Review:

I just bought a pair of M50's at Video only in Beaverton, Oregon Got a great deal for the pair Hooked them up with Monster 16 gage speaker cable Replaced a pair of Yamaha tower speakers that were 10 years old

by Bill Green, May 28, 2006

Strengths:

Clean, open sound. Accurate base. Balanced response.VERY reasonable price.

Weaknesses:

None

Review:

The best audio money I have ever spent. I can't believe these are “economy” speakers. The sound is open and crystal clear. There is more response base than I would expect. The base is tight, realistic base, not the hollow, booming stuff many people call base these days. These are simply amazing speakers. Music I have listened to for years now sounds “all new” again.

by Timothy Hill, July 14, 2006

Strengths:

Excellent range of sound, highs, lows and mids, all produced beautifully.

Weaknesses:

Weaknesses? I can't believe you guys actually have this as an option! There are none!

Review:

I just purchased a pair of these beautiful speakers. I miss no detail in my music, or in movies with these. Everything is crystal clear, with no hissing or popping at high volume levels. This is an excellent choice, especially for the nice price tag. Used with my Onkyo TX-SR504, I've never heard anything so brilliant. Detailed highs, and pretty decent lows. Recommended for all.

by Michael, January 9, 2007

Strengths:

Great clean crisp sound, just what you would expect from a company like Polk.

Weaknesses:

None!!!

Review:

These are great, purfect for surround speakers or any spot in your home theater set-up. I have mine used for my surround sound speakers and they are outstanding. I would highly recomend them to anyone.

by Daryl H, January 13, 2007

Strengths:

Very strong sensitivity even at lower levels. Stunning low-frequency performance.

Weaknesses:

"Fake feet".

Review:

Overall, a wonderful balance between all frequency levels! After a few weeks of break-in, they amazed my wife and me with their clarity. Exceptionally strong performance in theater mode! Great bass response; no need for a sub! Good slim footprint that doesn't crowd the room. (We won't talk about the feet - grin.) You absolutely can't go wrong purchasing a pair of these.

by Rod Richards, January 15, 2007

Strengths:

Very clear and full high and mid range.

Weaknesses:

Depending on preference or music genre - bass could be a bit boomier - so if you like that get a sub. For reggae - the sub just brings it out - very pleasing even at low volume.

Review:

It didn't take much time to pick these out. My system was a Sony STR DE 675 100W/Channel Surround Sound with JBL Center, JBL Floor Speakers and Definitive Technology Pro80 Rear Surrounds. The JBLs, 15 years old, had finally cracked. Little did I expect to come home with a PSW10 subwoofer - it was free with the floor and center purchase. I was concerned about size - but it worked out very well! The Monitor 50s sound wonderful on their own. But this system, all together - well, on reggae, flamenco, baroque, and even Madonna, all are coming through reproduced wonderfully!

by Sameer Vaishampayan, March 27, 2007

Strengths:

Vocals sound superb.

Weaknesses:

Would agree with most of the views mentioned here, the base could have been better. Unfortnately tht Monitor60 also dont deliver the base one would typically desire.

Review:

I recently bought the Monitor 50 had compared them to the Monitor 60, but believe me the sound that Monitor 50 delivers in incredible. If you are of the types who listens to Hindustani Classical then this is exactly the pair of speakers you want to own. Perfect reproduction of vocals, it cant get crisper than this.

by David Claunch, August 13, 2007

Strengths:

bright, crisp sound on music and movies

Weaknesses:

Bass is a little muddy, if you want to rock out figure on buying a subwoofer to pair with them.

Review:

I will agree with most of the reviews here in that the Monitor 50's provide a crisp, bright sound. The bass is a little muddy which is why i went back to Ciruit City the next day and bought the PSW10 subwoofer, this allowed the Monitors to really shine!!! Another great speaker from Polk!

by David, September 5, 2007

Strengths:

Crips and clean!

Weaknesses:

None! I just need to buy more speakers to complete my Home Theater!!!!

Review:

I bought these to start building my Home Theater. I was going to go with a well-known brand that I use to have. But after reading reviews I decided to go with Polk. I never will buy from any one else! The first night I had them I was up well after the wife had gone to bed watching all my favorite action movies! Great speakers!!!

by Martin, December 18, 2007

Strengths:

Great sound for DVD movies. Very afforable floor standing speakers. Solid construction, nice finish and good looks.

Weaknesses:

Very bright and harsh sounding when listening to music. Flat mid-range. Lower frequencies are very subdued. You will need a sub with these speakers.

Review:

Setup: Denon 2308 AV Amp Oppo 980 DVD player Polk Monitor 50's with CS1, PSW10 and M30's Bought a speaker package deal (M50's, M30's, CS1 and PSW10) for NZ$1,000 which, despite the weaknesses, is very good value. Would recommend these speakers when used in conjuction with a sub for movies. Look elsewhere if you listen mostly to music.

by Al Sadelski, December 21, 2007

Strengths:

Best speaker on the market for under 800$...BY FAR and way cheaper than rival competitors. Excelent warranty.

Weaknesses:

Who dosent own a powered sub? Most speakers now are ment to provide the mid range to the highs. Buy a PSW-110 to match to these perfectly. I have two audiobahns, a psw110, and an onkyo 12...the sound is pristine with these bad boys....plan to buy monitor series for the surrounds in the rear soon.

Review:

Absolutly amazing speakers.....DO NOT DOUBT once that you will regret buying these....Fantastic crisp highs. Amazing mids. ON ALL DAY AND KEEP KICKING LIKE A MULE!!!. I play the heck out of these and they handle 110W like a champ.

by Shawn, January 10, 2008

Strengths:

Very clear power rating very accurate.

Weaknesses:

Nadda.

Review:

I have these hooked up to a Denon AVR-1507 75 wpc reciever. Nice clear sound. Very sturdy. Also have CS-1 with M10's for rear channel. Bass was not bad, will reach down to the specified freq. range. Have a cheap MTX downfiring subwoofer that has been gutted and loaded with a 400 watt Pioneer sub. Have that connected to a Dayton APA150 power amp. This setup will jiggle your eyeballs man. Who needs a movie theater!

by marcelo, January 20, 2008

Strengths:

no words...

Weaknesses:

Review:

No words... Thanks for this product. Pls, Keep manufactouring products in this way.

by jhousek1, February 24, 2008

Strengths:

Very clear sound reproduction, nice slender cases.

Weaknesses:

Bass seemed to be lacking but a PSW111 cures that!

Review:

I had to replace a pair of Advent LegacyIIs and unlike when i purchased them, i am on a budget now. I figured why not Polk because I have heard their center channel blow away Bose. I have them hooked up to a brand new Sony DG-STR810 home theater reciever with only 110watts per channel and i will tell you what....They sound incredible for 199.99 each. My Advents were well over 1000 and couldn't touch these.

by Sy, March 1, 2008

Strengths:

Clarity is amazing.

Weaknesses:

Lacks low-end bass... but that's what a sub is for.

Review:

Absolutely amazing clarity. These are my first pair of Polk's and happy with the choice.

by leroy scarborough, March 29, 2008

Strengths:

sounds great and did i mention they sound great.

Weaknesses:

not for the price

Review:

Great product. I also own the RM 705 sat. speakers and they sound great as well. You can not go wrong with POLK. Quality and reasonable.I purchased the monitor 50's , cs2 for the center, psw125 for the sub , and monitor 30's for the rears.

by Alan Nava, August 1, 2008

Strengths:

Claridad

Weaknesses:

Ninguna

Review:

Muy claro el sonido que emiten estas bocinas, muy buenos agudos y definidos ademas de un buen medio, grave aceptable.

by joe in PA, August 3, 2008

Strengths:

Great sound at a great price, cool looking.

Weaknesses:

No real weakness.

Review:

Awesome is the only word to describe these, I'll definitely be buying Polk again.

by Rafeal Lanier, November 24, 2008

Strengths:

power handling, clarity, mids, highs

Weaknesses:

none really. bass isnt the best, but thats why subwoofers are made.

Review:

these speakers are great. i spent 2 months comparing different speakers in circuit city, sound advice and best buy. the monitor 50s are superb!!!! clarity, crisp, strong mids - you name it, its there! bass is low so i paired them with a 650 watt klipsch subwoofer in the den and a PSW111 in the living room. it sounds like i am in a club. all my friend love having parties here.

by scott mccarvey, January 11, 2009

Strengths:

Mids and highs spectacular. Clarity of music

Weaknesses:

Feet are ugly. That's the only weakness.

Review:

My 601 bose do not even come close to producing the clarity that the polks do. I am convert to polk. After that revelation went and purchased my first subwoofer psw110. Together with my carver tfm24 amp the polk audio sound is amazing.

by Patricio Landeros, April 6, 2010

Strengths:

SONIDO IMPRESIONANTE

Weaknesses:

CASI NADA

Review:

EXCELENTE SONIDO, LO TENGO CONECTADO A UN SISTEMA ONKYO HST-680 TENGO EL CENTRAL CS Y DOS MONITORES 50 FRONTALES, EL SONIDO ES ESPECTACULAR, NO ES NECESARIO SUBIR EL SUBWOOFER PARA DISFRUTAR AL MAXIMO SU POTENCIAL, 100% RECOMEDABLE

by Akoch, April 20, 2010

Strengths:

An amazing speaker!

Weaknesses:

Can't think of any...really!

Review:

Monitor 50's driven by Denon AVR-485S. 75 watts per channel at 8ohms. These speakers are excellent. High range is clear, not to bright. Mid range is "punchy" and dialed in. Even at 75 watts, the lows are deep, and clear. Impressive. (Have even removed powered sub from setup) A CS2 is installed as he center channel. The CS2 with the Monitor 50's is a great combination! Think of a "wall of audio" when listening to a movie or concert decoded in DD, or DTS. Audio moving from each of the front speakers sounds "seamless, and fluid" To say my family has enjoyed listening to our media through these speakers is an understatement! For the dollar, Polk Audio has delivered a truly fantastic line of speakers that will make anyone giggle with glee while listening to all their favorites!

OnSpeakers.com
2007

"Wow. The Polk Audio Monitor 50 speakers are a fabulous addition to any home theater system. They are powerful and the sound is so real and rich that they will literally transform the way you feel about watching television at home, not to mention the effect they will have on your movie watching tendencies. The sound is amazing, especially when it comes to watching those big action packed blockbusters—with each bass rumble, you feel like you are actually in the movie."

[ Open Review ]

What Hi Fi? (France)
July 2007

"The immediate striking impression regards the mid-range, which is absolutely magnificent. Let us simply list the adjectives that came to mind throughout the listening sessions: luminous, transparent, open, ethereal, unbelievably natural, spontaneous, smooth. And lots of others as well.........and the corollary of this being the dynamics, which seemed positively excellent- all the more so as the little Polk doesn't dislike high volumes- and the stereophonic image is sometimes staggering.

So, have we discovered the little marvel able to ridicule loud-speakers costing ten or twenty times its price? When it comes to the mid-range we must say that The Monitor 50 has all it takes to be compared to really high-end speakers!"

For:
Superb mid-range/ open, natural, lively ; fantastic reproduction of voices; sound constantly spontaneous and dynamic; very good respect of rhythm; stereo stage very well-focused; nice presentation.

Against:
No extreme low-range; high-range can be insistent with certain sources or miss-marriages; fragile, un-adjustable feet.

Verdict:
Considering its price, this loud-speaker is without any doubt one of most wonderful discoveries of the last few months. The radiance and precision of the mid-range allow it to reach Excellency!"

(Translated from the original French text)

[ Open Review ]