Polk Audio L800 Loudspeaker Review

ReviewLoudspeaker

Feb 28

Polk Audio L800 Loudspeaker REVIEW

This week’s video focuses on the Polk Audio L800 Loudspeaker. Polk Audio has been making loudspeakers for decades and while they may be more well known for their affordable designs and mass-market appeal, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been more than a few higher end loudspeakers from the brand over the years.

SDA Technology

Polk Audio made a name for itself years ago by utilizing its patented SDA technology. Some of the brand’s most iconic loudspeakers have been built around this unique design. It’s been 25 years since Polk’s last SDA-equipped loudspeaker was available for sale, but now in 2020 they’ve decided to bring the technology back with the introduction of their flagship L800 floorstanding loudspeaker.

I reviewed the L800 floorstanding loudspeaker form Polk Audio and found it to be equal parts impressive…and troubling. At nearly $6,000.00 retail (USD) the L800 isn’t cheap, but then again if the SDA technology does what Polk claims, the speaker’s asking price could be seen as a relative bargain.

Problem is, it doesn’t -or at least the SDA doesn’t consistently “work”.

Polk Audio L800 Loudspeaker review - Shop the L800s HERE

Living with the Polk’s Legend Series L800

In truth the L800 is a difficult loudspeaker to live with, both in terms of its physical girth as well as equipment and source material demands. It is not a speaker for everyone, or even everyday. If you’re a true audiophile and like a challenge then the L800 is for you, and it WILL reward you for all your hard work and effort to give it (the speaker) the very best. But if you’re looking for a more casual, or good/great speaker that won’t require you to move heaven and earth, then look elsewhere -maybe even to other models in Polk’s Legend Series of loudspeakers.

POLK L800 VS L100

The Polk L800 is a great sounding speaker, or at least it can be at times, but more often than not, it’s more confusing than anything. Is the smaller Legend bookshelf, the better speaker to buy? Watch my review of L100 from Polk HERE.