Review: Polk Audio Monitor 5jr Monitor

Category: Speakers

I got these used for $135 a pair. They were my first "real" hifi speakers, and I still love them. I have since upgraded to B&W DM 605 s2, a much newer, more expensive speaker, but these little polks still stick around my house, because they plain and simple make good music. They are suprisingly capable in the bass region, and overall they exhibit a nice warm top to bottom coherence. They are not by any means the latest word in detail or resolution, and don't really do the "hifi" tricks as well as more recent speakers, but they aren't weak in any area, and really are very easy to listen to. They don't have nearly as much detail or clarity as the B&Ws, but they shouldn't at the different price range. The Paradigms compare nicely, I like both about the same, but the paradigms are a different beast, with more detail on the top end. Compared to the LX-5s, the Polks are faster, richer, and more detailed in the bass/midrange, and rather similar in the treble, though the LX-5s do work better as rear surrounds. If you can find these on the used market, they are well worth the price, as they are truly a musically satisfying speaker. They should be matched with a fairly fast and neutral amp, overly sweet tubes would make these too soft, though my brother's Jolida integrated drove them nicely. I'm very happy with them, and I think that I'll put them in my childs room as a musical pacifier when the kid is born- they are so easy to listen to, you can really relax with the music.

Associated gear
Nad 3155 integrated amp
Sony and/or marantz cd player
PC soundcard

Similar products
Optimus LX-5
Paradigm Monitor 9
B&W DM 605 s2