Selling a pair of Polk R700 floorstanding speakers in immaculate condition. These are part of Polk’s flagship Reserve series and deliver outstanding clarity, deep bass, and a huge soundstage. Perfect for both serious music listening and home theatre setups.
🔹 Condition: Like new, meticulously cared for
🔹 Finish: Walnut
🔹 Includes: Original magnetic grilles
These speakers are highly regarded for their detailed highs, powerful bass, and room-filling performance.
📍 Location: Mordialloc, Victoria
📩 Message me if you’re interested or would like to arrange an audition.
Serious buyers only please. Pick-up only.
Plenty of glowing reviews on Youtube.
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
## Sound Quality
Users consistently praise the R700's sonic accuracy and neutral response. The speaker delivers tight, well-controlled bass without sounding bloated, with one reviewer noting the bass is "incredible, but not fat and bloated. Just really tight, and beautifully controlled." The midrange and treble are described as excellent and smooth, particularly for female vocals, which are characterized as "particularly smooth, with exceptional clarity and without coloration."
However, there is one notable criticism regarding the tweeter. A community member on Audiogon stated that "the tweeter was not great" and described it as "flat," though they clarified it wasn't excessively bright. This appears to be a minority viewpoint, as most reviews emphasize the speaker's overall accuracy and linear response even at high volumes.
## Build Quality and Design
The build quality receives strong acclaim across all sources. Users frequently highlight the speakers' substantial weight (nearly 80 lbs.) and robust internal construction, with one reviewer describing them as "incredibly well built" and noting they feel "built like a tank." The cabinet construction is solid with heavy-duty bracing and a stable metal base, though one reviewer noted the cabinet uses "low cost high density particle board" rather than premium materials—a trade-off that prioritizes internal components over cabinet materials.
The aesthetic design is modern and elegant, with users praising the "sleek and modern look" and "nice black vinyl wrap" finish that is durable and easy to clean. The magnetic grills and rounded corners add to the overall appearance. One user particularly appreciated the down-firing port design, which allows flexible placement without worrying excessively about walls or corners.
## Weaknesses and Concerns
The primary weakness mentioned is the Rhodium-plated binding posts, which one user explicitly criticized as "the worst plating for binding posts and wire connectors" and said was "the only thing I wish I could change on them." This is a notable concern for some users, though not universally addressed in reviews.
Additionally, some users feel the speakers benefit from a powered subwoofer to complement the bass, though others argue that subwoofers are unnecessary given the dual 8" woofers. The tweeter's beaming behavior at higher frequencies means listeners seated at wider angles (past 30 degrees off-axis) may experience a softer presentation.
## Strengths and Overall Reputation
Users and reviewers consistently identify exceptional value for the price as a major strength. The speakers are described as "a lot of speaker for the money" and offer "full range amazingness, saving thousands." The combination of accurate sound, powerful bass, smooth midrange, and robust construction makes them well-regarded for both stereo listening and home theater applications.
The 5-year limited warranty and Polk's reputation for reliability add confidence to the purchase. Community consensus suggests these speakers perform at a level typically associated with far more expensive competitors, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking high-performance floorstanding speakers.
### Price Range by Condition
| Condition | USD Per Pair (Recent Listings) | Estimated AUD Per Pair | Notes |
|---------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------|-------|
| New | $2,000–$2,200 (MSRP/sale) | AUD 3,000–3,300 | Regular MSRP $2,200; sales as low as $1,800 (e.g., Crutchfield). |
| New (Low)| $1,079–$1,800 | AUD 1,600–2,700 | Lowest aggregator price $1,079 (Brown/Walnut); sales common when stocked. |
| Used/Open-Box | $1,000–$1,800 | AUD 1,500–2,700 | Open-box at $899–$1,199 each; user reports praise value in systems. |
Prices are typically quoted per pair in discussions, though some retailers list per speaker (e.g., $899 each on sale).
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition: New retains full warranty (e.g., Polk's 60-day returns); used/open-box drops 20–40% but risks cosmetic wear or missing accessories.
- Finish: Walnut/Brown variants on sale more often (e.g., $200 off each); black may command slight premium.
- Sales & Availability: Frequent 20% discounts when restocked; monitor for events like Amazon Prime competitors. Inflation may raise MSRP.
- Market/Location: US data dominates; Australian prices often 10–20% higher due to import duties, shipping, and local retailer markups (e.g., via JB Hi-Fi or Addicted to Audio).
- Demand: High user ratings for bass/mids in reviews boost resale; pairs in systems (e.g., home theater) sell faster used.
Listings are from 2023–2024; check current Australian sites like eBay AU or Gumtree for real-time used prices, as values depreciate ~10–15% yearly for audio gear.
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