Polk Audio R30 or Athena AS-B2 speakers ?

[markw]

Why are you comparing a floor standing speaker to a bookshelf speaker? What's your goal?

Two and a half years ago when comparing COMPRABLE Polk and Athena speakers, I found the Athena's to have a more "pleasing" sound to my ears when it came to both bass and high end smoothness and imaging.

Since you are choosing to compare different classes of speakers, YMDWV

[bacchanal]

What's the problem with comparing different classes of speakers. To me there are two classes of speakers. The kind I'm interested in, and the kind I'm not interested in. Each speaker has strengths and weaknesses that can be compared to eachother, and may or may not fall in a given price range.

When I bought my mains I was looking at only floorstanders. Then I looked at the Paradigm Studio40s. Guess what, I ended up buying stand mounted speakers. It's a good thing that I compared apples to oranges!

My opinion: If you're not planning on gettting a sub I'd go with the polks. I like the athena line quite a bit, but I don't know if the AS-B2s would be enough by themselves. If you're planning on building up, the Athenas would be a good way to go.

[NickWH]

Well, it's easier to comment when you are comparing similar class components. It puts things in perspective.

From my perspective, the initial poster should go to the nearest BestBuy and pickup the Athena Audition AS-F1 towers for $300/pair. This, IMO, represents the best bang for the buck in that price bracket.

[markw]

What's the problem with comparing different classes of speakers. To me there are two classes of speakers. The kind I'm interested in, and the kind I'm not interested in.

Any comments or opinions about a Mazda Miata sports car and Buick LaCrosse Sedan are appreciated.

I'll even give you as much clue as to what I want and need as he did.

In any case, I offered my opinion on his original question although I think Nick may have given a better answer, although it didn't answer the actual original question..

[sip]

MarkW,

Like Bacchanal said what's wrong with comparing floor standing with book self. I bought both and I have a hard time selecting which one to keep. Athena ASB2 is louder and brighter than Polk R30. Polk has little more bass. These sepakers are not radically different. This is not a Miata vs Buick comparison. If I did a blind test, I would have thought Athena is floor standing because it is louder. I posted this question hoping a more experienced and knowledgeable person who have actually listened to both the speakers would offer an opinion. BTW, It is difficult find Atena ASF1 in Canada as Athena's major Canadian retailer, Future Shop does not carry it. Its sister company, Best Buy Canada does not carry any Athenas at all.

[markw]

...and you don't trust your own judgment? Why would you trust a strangers over your own. Sometimes ya just gotsta pays yer money and takes yer choice.

You seem to have a pretty good grasp on how they both sound. The decision should be a no brainer. If you prefer the sound of one over the other, then there's your answer. If you can't tell which ones you like better then simply go for the less expensive of the two. Will others opinions be able to sway which ones you like? Then simply read the adverts or scan the reviews either here or http://www.audioholics.com.

As for anyone who has actually taken the time to compare side by side both of them, well, you severly limit your responses there. And, to find one of those few who actually share your own preferences limits the validity of said responses even more.

You may find that most people looking for bookshelves confine their search to bookshelves and vice versa for floorstanders, though.

And, for all intents and purposes, it IS a Miata to a Buick comparison, particularly when you neither stated your wants and needs.

Actually, with your attitude I'm sorry I even bothered to answer you in the first place. I actually shared my experience with these two brands along with my question which seems to have offended you.

I thought you were just ignorant but I guess I was wrong. We all live and learn. ...enjoy

[bacchanal]

Actually, with your attitude I'm sorry I even bothered to answer you in the first place. I actually shared my experience with these two brands along with my question which seems to have offended you.

Then you go and call the guy ignorant. Well, I fail to see where you have demonstrated your vast knowledge on the art of comparison...I'm sure you're well versed in logical, rhetorical thought. And it's nice that you try to bring the rest of us up to your level, but if you can't stand how foolishly some can ask a simple question without divulging a lot of information, then ignore it and move on with your life.

If someone were to compare a miata to a buick, why not say well one is for old people and the other is for people in a midlife crisis instead of "well, that's apples to oranges." In fact oranges are soft and have a nice citrusy taste, while apples crunchier and are generally a more mellow fruit, but come in a variety of different types. Also you don't have to peel apples before you eat them, an advantage for some....both work fine in a fruit salad.

[Geoffcin]

Hey guys, let's stay on topic.

[markw]

Then you go and call the guy ignorant. Well, I fail to see where you have demonstrated your vast knowledge on the art of comparison...I'm sure you're well versed in logical, rhetorical thought. And it's nice that you try to bring the rest of us up to your level, but if you can't stand how foolishly some can ask a simple question without divulging a lot of information, then ignore it and move on with your life.

If someone were to compare a miata to a buick, why not say well one is for old people and the other is for people in a midlife crisis instead of "well, that's apples to oranges." In fact oranges are soft and have a nice citrusy taste, while apples crunchier and are generally a more mellow fruit, but come in a variety of different types. Also you don't have to peel apples before you eat them, an advantage for some....both work fine in a fruit salad.

But, from his rather heated response to my question to him, it was the least I could do.

One good question deserves another and, if you recall, I at least offered some insight as to his original query, at least as far as brand signatures go, without a hostile attitude. I was merely questioning his logic. You and he are the ones that got your collective panties in a bunch.

By the same token, you could just as easily have either ignored my response ofr simply answered his question, no?

At least we both agree that it was a foolish question asked foolishly.

So, what's your take on his original Athena/Polk question?