Q: I missed your annual announcement of the product of the year. What was it?
A: Actually, you didn't miss it. We all know that 2020 was, to say the least, a very unusual year. So even though it's the end of February, I hope you'll understand why I'm just getting around to announcing the Sound Advice 2020 product of the year.
The distinction goes to the Polk Audio Legend L100 speakers (polkaudio.com). Introduced at $1,199 and now available for $999, the L100 is the smallest and least-expensive model in Polk's Legend line. I have not heard the bigger Legend models, and I am sure they are excellent, as well. But the L100 speakers are especially noteworthy because they give owners a taste of what the very best in home audio is capable of for under $1,000.
Many would consider $999 expensive for small stand-mounted speakers, but audiophiles consider that entry-level. Though the Legend L100 might not have an exotic nameplate, the sound quality often outperforms pricey exotic brands while costing far less. In this context, it is not an unreasonable price.
The proof is in the listening. I set up a pair of L100s for a friend, and she literally gasped when the music started playing. She said she had never heard something so beautiful before, saying it was like the orchestra was in her living room. Though small, the L100 speakers deliver solid bass with authority and control, outperforming many larger speakers (including towers) in the process. The richness, detail, purity and effortless way the L100s separate and reproduce different parts of the music, and then present them together as a cohesive whole, must be experienced to be appreciated.
The two pairs of handmade, high-end speakers I use as a reference sell for $5,500 and $6,500, and often when I review less-expensive speakers, I'm happy when I can go back to my fancy gear. When I was testing the Legend L100 speakers, I never felt like I was missing anything in comparison.
More Locast pushback
Q: I think you are giving the Locast local channel streaming service a bum rap. Though $5 is required to prevent interruptions every 15 minutes, it's the best money I spend every month. Locast has a crystal-clear HD picture and an excellent navigation guide. You can watch on multiple devices, and the notebook and phone interfaces are great, too. It is perfect for cord cutters.
A: When I first wrote about "free Locast" I received many e-mails complaining about the constant interruptions asking for "donations." When I followed up two weeks ago and mentioned the interruptions, I received e-mails like yours, praising the service.
I think Locast (locast.org) should set proper expectations and call it a $5 a month service fee instead of "free with a donation." But I appreciate your comments and am happy to pass them along so everyone hears from both sides, satisfied and unsatisfied.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
