Auditioning Lsi15s

OldSchoolPolk

What should I look for in auditioning them. I've got a line on a pair and need to jump soon.

Is there a 2nd version (maybe made in Chine vs Mexico) and how do you tell the diff? Is one better than the other and are drivers still available like the Monitors from Polk.

tonyb

The second part of that, I don't believe there are different versions and I do believe Polk still has parts for them.

The first part.....take notice what the guy is driving them with. If he doesn't have them on a separate amp, chances are he's been under powering them for a while. These are 4 0hm speakers, you'll need a separate amp for these yourself. Listen carefully to make sure both tweeters are good, make sure there are no rips in or around the woofers. Look for any signs of abuse. Make sure all the drivers are original, ask if anything has ever been replaced and if so, was it with Polk parts or aftermarket parts.

Bring some of your own music to play on them too, so your ears have some comparisons your familiar with.

dromunds

Polk no longer has the MW 5534 drivers

tonyb

dromunds wrote: »

Polk no longer has the MW 5534 drivers

Didn't know that....is there a listed aftermarket replacement ?

EndersShadow

As a FYI I've been told there are no more midrange drivers for any of the LSi series. Maybe they have some of the sub drivers, or you can source the db840 drivers, but the mids are gone.

So for me unless I buy em from someone I know took care of em, or got em at a HUGE STEAL, I'd be paying attention to what they are being driven with, the volume levels at which they were listened, etc.

tonyb

Apparently, Polk has been clearing out inventory of LSI parts. What parts if any they plan on keeping in stock I don't know but as of now it appears....none.

That might scare you away, or not....but I'm pretty sure you can find aftermarket parts. Woofers with rubber surrounds tend to last a long time, tweeters are what most burn up. I believe those tweets are off the shelf parts if I'm not mistaken.

OldSchoolPolk

Thanks everyone!

Thats good info to know about the drivers not being available. I think the RR tweeters are Vifa and are available in some form. Hope to hear them tonight and will look / listen for the things you all mentioned.

rooftop59

I believe those tweeters were NOT off the shelf, but were modified to Polk specs. At least that is what a number of folks said here on the forum...

K_M

tonyb wrote: »

Apparently, Polk has been clearing out inventory of LSI parts. What parts if any they plan on keeping in stock I don't know but as of now it appears....none.

That might scare you away, or not....but I'm pretty sure you can find aftermarket parts. Woofers with rubber surrounds tend to last a long time, tweeters are what most burn up. I believe those tweets are off the shelf parts if I'm not mistaken.

Kinda sad, one of our favorite speakers of all time were the Lsi15. Not the best speaker we own, but the looks, size and sound are hard to beat in something that compact and good looking!

K_M

EndersShadow wrote: »

As a FYI I've been told there are no more midrange drivers for any of the LSi series. Maybe they have some of the sub drivers, or you can source the db840 drivers, but the mids are gone.

So for me unless I buy em from someone I know took care of em, or got em at a HUGE STEAL, I'd be paying attention to what they are being driven with, the volume levels at which they were listened, etc.

Parts Express (among others) have a very similar Peerless 5.25" midwoofer, that looks very similar, and has the exact same dimensions.......Not saying they are the same driver, as many get caught up on details like that, but they are very close in many regards , as with the tweeter.
It may be a case of a Polk "Designed" woofer that was a variation on an existing driver.

hochpt21

I loved my 15's. My first eye opening speaker.