New LSi

squeeb

What about a special forum for new LSI owners only? Once they register their speakers online, they get a special code or something to be able to get into the forum. Or it could be tied to their username. Everyone wants to be part of something "exclusive".

That way Polk can help with set up, answer questions, take feedback, etc. from new owners. Also, Polk could use it to send out a t-shirt (size specific) or hat or something at a later date. Could set up a referral program. Fairly unlimited possibilities - depending on budget.

Just a thought.

Gempler

Thanks for the picture.
Disappointed to see the strange looking curve on the top of the speaker.
What's wrong with a plain old simple box?
Everyone is trying to distinguish themselves with uniquely identifiable shapes (KEF, Sonus Faber, etc) that end up looking bizarre, instantly dated, and in my opinion not terribly attractive.
Perhaps market research shows that these shapes appeal to more people and sell more units. I am not one of those people. Would have bought Sonus Fabers in an instant if the shape wasn't that strange lute shaped thing. It is the sound that impresses me, and the box that depresses me if it isn't a simple design.

szhleppy

squeeb wrote: »

What about a special forum for new LSI owners only? Once they register their speakers online, they get a special code or something to be able to get into the forum. Or it could be tied to their username. Everyone wants to be part of something "exclusive".

That way Polk can help with set up, answer questions, take feedback, etc. from new owners. Also, Polk could use it to send out a t-shirt (size specific) or hat or something at a later date. Could set up a referral program. Fairly unlimited possibilities - depending on budget.

Just a thought.

The thing I like about this forum is that it doesn't have the "exclusive" attitude that comes with most audio forums. Sure, we all still get laughed at & ridiculed for stupid and/or redundant questions, but that should be part of life anyways.

F1nut

christophermuto wrote: »

appeal to more people and sell more units. I am not one of those people. Would have bought Sonus Fabers in an instant if the shape wasn't that strange lute shaped thing. It is the sound that impresses me, and the box that depresses me if it isn't a simple design.

Sonus Faber cabinets are true works of art and the craftsmanship is top tier. Besides, it is the shape of their cabinets that helps them reproduce such good sound.

TECHNOKID

kab wrote: »

When I said prototype, I meant it. It is a sonic model meant to be used to dial in the performance. Shape and size and component count are accurate but don't put much stock in the rest of what you see. Hint: There is no silver.

By the way, I've heard the bookshelf. There is still work to be done but it's very exciting and images like mad.

More teasing and good news, keep them coming

cfrizz

kab wrote: »

When I said prototype, I meant it. It is a sonic model meant to be used to dial in the performance. Shape and size and component count are accurate but don't put much stock in the rest of what you see. Hint: There is no silver.
By the way, I've heard the bookshelf. There is still work to be done but it's very exciting and images like mad.

christophermuto wrote: »

Thanks for the picture.
Disappointed to see the strange looking curve on the top of the speaker.
What's wrong with a plain old simple box?
Everyone is trying to distinguish themselves with uniquely identifiable shapes (KEF, Sonus Faber, etc) that end up looking bizarre, instantly dated, and in my opinion not terribly attractive.
Perhaps market research shows that these shapes appeal to more people and sell more units. I am not one of those people. Would have bought Sonus Fabers in an instant if the shape wasn't that strange lute shaped thing. It is the sound that impresses me, and the box that depresses me if it isn't a simple design.

Seems people missed what Al said. Stop jumping to conclusions based on what a prototype looks like. It's NOT the finished product.

Polk has always built speakers that have nice understated classy looks and finishes and I don't expect the finished new LSI's to be any different.

concealer404

squeeb wrote: »

What about a special forum for new LSI owners only? Once they register their speakers online, they get a special code or something to be able to get into the forum. Or it could be tied to their username. Everyone wants to be part of something "exclusive".

That way Polk can help with set up, answer questions, take feedback, etc. from new owners. Also, Polk could use it to send out a t-shirt (size specific) or hat or something at a later date. Could set up a referral program. Fairly unlimited possibilities - depending on budget.

Just a thought.

LSi isn't high enough on the overall totem pole in the audio world to really be considered exclusive. But that's just my opinion, and i respect yours at the same time.

Pauly

cfrizz wrote: »

Seems people missed what Al said. Stop jumping to conclusions based on what a prototype looks like. It's NOT the finished product.

I hope its NOTHING like the PT. Not even the Shape.

Patiently waiting to be shocked....


Pauly

Bernal

TECHNOKID wrote: »

More teasing and good news, keep them coming

+ 1.

---

Prototype .... with their differences ....

comfortablycurt

Bernal wrote: »

+ 1.

---

Prototype .... with their differences ....

Are you trying to say that those look like the prototype LSi's?

If so, you are horribly, horribly wrong. Aside from being black and having a silver ring around the driver, there is absolutely no similarity between their appearances.

squeeb

concealer404 wrote: »

LSi isn't high enough on the overall totem pole in the audio world to really be considered exclusive. But that's just my opinion, and i respect yours at the same time.

No offense taken. But that was kind of my point - you wouldn't expect anything exclusive from that level of the "totem pole". Thus producing a wow factor.

betaomega04

I am the owner of two RTi12’s and six RTi A9s. The packaging on both types of speakers were horrible because there was no reinforcement: corners punched in, tore up, and crumbled styrofoam. (Thankfully the speakers themselves were fine) Was this Polk’s fault? Not necessarily, but if the purpose of the packaging is to protect the product until it reaches its final destination, I think it would be wise of Polk to put more consideration into protecting potentially 90 lb+ speakers from 19-year-old kids who throw around boxes at Fry’s. Though I’m not an expert on packaging, my solution would be to use a double box with the inside of the inner box framed with reinforced cardboard edges and corners; sort of what you would see with a Samsung Refrigerator The outer box serves as the main visual box while the inner box would be sufficient enough for repackaging and shipment back to Polk. As far as internal bracing...I’m sure there have been dramatic improvements in Styrofoam technology in the last few years.

As for what goes into the box...I thought we were here to buy speakers, not fluff. The manual, in the form of a thin book with a spine, could be like a classy pamphlet that describes the idea behind the new LSi line (like the kind of book when you go shopping for a Jag or a Land Rover) and could be used in all of the new LSi speakers. At the back of the book, there could be a space for a demo Hybrid SACD. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be that expensive to create, but then again, we will already be spending thousands of dollars for a beautiful new set of speakers, right?

Lastly, velvet is much more attractive than a plastic bag

mmadden28

christophermuto wrote: »

...
Disappointed to see the strange looking curve on the top of the speaker.
What's wrong with a plain old simple box?
...

Aside from the internals and sound reproduction factors, a curve on the top surface will do two things:
1. Increase WAF by convincing the 'significant other' to allow them as long as he/she can place decorative items on top of the nice level surface.
2. Serve as a deterent to keep people from placing anything that they shouldn't on top of the uneven curved surface. (which might also decrease the WAF)

:rolleyes:

TECHNOKID

betaomega04 wrote: »

I am the owner of two RTi12’s and six RTi A9s. The packaging on both types of speakers were horrible because there was no reinforcement: corners punched in, tore up, and crumbled styrofoam. (Thankfully the speakers themselves were fine) Was this Polk’s fault? Not necessarily, but if the purpose of the packaging is to protect the product until it reaches its final destination, I think it would be wise of Polk to put more consideration into protecting potentially 90 lb+ speakers from 19-year-old kids who throw around boxes at Fry’s. Though I’m not an expert on packaging, my solution would be to use a double box with the inside of the inner box framed with reinforced cardboard edges and corners; sort of what you would see with a Samsung Refrigerator The outer box serves as the main visual box while the inner box would be sufficient enough for repackaging and shipment back to Polk. As far as internal bracing...I’m sure there have been dramatic improvements in Styrofoam technology in the last few years.

As for what goes into the box...I thought we were here to buy speakers, not fluff. The manual, in the form of a thin book with a spine, could be like a classy pamphlet that describes the idea behind the new LSi line (like the kind of book when you go shopping for a Jag or a Land Rover) and could be used in all of the new LSi speakers. At the back of the book, there could be a space for a demo Hybrid SACD. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be that expensive to create, but then again, we will already be spending thousands of dollars for a beautiful new set of speakers, right?

Lastly, velvet is much more attractive than a plastic bag

Welcome to CP Unfortunately, it seems like Fry's didn't care too much about protecting your investment. When dealing with Polk, speakers are double boxed. The idea of reinforcing corners is great but should be for the actual product box as it would allow for the box to last longer and be reused at resale thus adding more value. can you imagine, 10 years down the road, the original box looking like out of the factory with no frayed corners, hummm :cool:

TECHNOKID

It was mentioned few times in this thread (not by management though) that upgrading the components to higher level components would not be fesable for Polk if they want to keep the good pricing so, how about if Polk provides a discount card for a DIY potential "audiophile grade upgrade kit". NO mention of low quality parts but simply as an option for picky audiophiles(just FFT).

skrol

They could release a limited edition signature series LSi with upgraded crossover components and make the upgrade kit available through the parts department (with a discount for forum members of course).

brettw22

While "feedback" is a good thing, I really can't believe some of you............

For YEARS people have been BEGGING for a new LSi......BEGGING.......and when you're shown something (a gleam at the prototype being played), it's bash this, bash that blah blah blah.......Y'all need to have MUCH more open minds about the process involved in Prototyping an updated line.

As for not liking the curve up top? oh well.......if a curve on a cabinet is going to make you jump ship without ever having heard the thing play so much as A SINGLE NOTE, then you're probably not the right type of customer for THIS speaker......

cfrizz

brettw22 wrote: »

While "feedback" is a good thing, I really can't believe some of you............

For YEARS people have been BEGGING for a new LSi......BEGGING.......and when you're shown something (a gleam at the prototype being played), it's bash this, bash that blah blah blah.......Y'all need to have MUCH more open minds about the process involved in Prototyping an updated line.

As for not liking the curve up top? oh well.......if a curve on a cabinet is going to make you jump ship without ever having heard the thing play so much as A SINGLE NOTE, then you're probably not the right type of customer for THIS speaker......

Finally someone with common sense! Thanks Brett.:)

hearingimpared

brettw22 wrote: »

While "feedback" is a good thing, I really can't believe some of you............

For YEARS people have been BEGGING for a new LSi......BEGGING.......and when you're shown something (a gleam at the prototype being played), it's bash this, bash that blah blah blah.......Y'all need to have MUCH more open minds about the process involved in Prototyping an updated line.

As for not liking the curve up top? oh well.......if a curve on a cabinet is going to make you jump ship without ever having heard the thing play so much as A SINGLE NOTE, then you're probably not the right type of customer for THIS speaker......

cfrizz wrote: »

Finally someone with common sense! Thanks Brett.:)

I can go along with you two to some degree especially Brett's comments on Prototyping an updated line but Al did put that pic up for a peek so aside from Bernal's BS I can't see anything wrong with expressing one's opinion of it. After all isn't that what Al is seeking with this thread. I'm hoping it sounds wonderful and looks as classy and beautiful as the originals.

brettw22

I'd be willing to bet the box itself (curve and all) are permannet and they're tweaking the driver array and crossover if anything.....

mmadden28

TECHNOKID wrote: »

It was mentioned few times in this thread (not by management though) that upgrading the components to higher level components would not be fesable for Polk if they want to keep the good pricing so, how about if Polk provides a discount card for a DIY potential "audiophile grade upgrade kit". NO mention of low quality parts but simply as an option for picky audiophiles(just FFT).

I think that would be a cool idea--after all you can upgrade certain things in your car when buying new from a dealer-so why not speakers a-la-carte? Choose your XO so to speak.

But then again, just like with speaker cables, etc, there are many opinions and levels of upgrade with respect to the XO components specifically with different capacitor makers and even different levels within them.

Doing something like this would also call into question why did they use 'cheap' components to begin with? So in the long run I would hope that PA would choose the best XO components they can to get the sound they were designed for without putting the speakers into a completely out of reach price class. I say leave the upgrading of the XO to the enthusiasts that really want to spend that extra money and to choose just the components they want. And if PA decides to offer an upgrade option like that for those that want to spend more but don't want to do the work--well that would be cool too.

After all, just because XO upgrades have been shown to improve the sound of some of the speakers in PA lineup, that doesn't mean that everybody will hear the difference or might not make a difference at all in other speakers. I think it makes perfect sense for the vintage lineup, esp when dealing with aging caps and old components, but probably less of an issue with new stuff.

KrazyMofo24

I don't think it's that big of a deal. People can comment on what they see so far, good or bad. It just gives them more information on whether or not to make any adjustments. Everyone gets it's not a final product, and no one is deciding whether or not to buy it right now. Why would they?

I think the majority here is still excited and looking forward to any updates on the new Lsi line.

mmadden28

Back to suggestions, just a couple more random thoughts.:

How about a wide choice of wood grains and / or finishes?
The current LSI series has what-2 or 3?

Or perhaps replaceable panels (if that is part of the design)--that would be cool--you could change your panels for your decor, or even replace a damaged one. You could be bold with a laquered candy apple red, or blue stained tiger maple, high gloss, matte, semi, or whatever....

Screw terminals for spikes on bookshelf models??

Lose the EU required banana plug plugs or make them easier to remove (I know not a wow factor thing but)

High quality, easy to use binding posts (w/o need for a wrench).

High quality, no need to upgrade bi-wire jumper straps.

Or maybe--just thinking out of the box--might be completely bonkers--the ability to bypass the XO and use an external XO and not have to modify the speaker??? I guess this is HIGHLY dependent on the speaker design and probably a really niche thing I think, but hey just another thought.

cfrizz

The black finish should truly be black. The current finish looks like dark brown up close. Actually one of my favorite finishes is Rosewood, that would be very pretty.

Bernal

mmadden28 wrote: »

Back to suggestions, just a couple more random thoughts.:

How about a wide choice of wood grains and / or finishes?
The current LSI series has what-2 or 3?

Or perhaps replaceable panels (if that is part of the design)--that would be cool--you could change your panels for your decor, or even replace a damaged one. You could be bold with a laquered candy apple red, or blue stained tiger maple, high gloss, matte, semi, or whatever....

Screw terminals for spikes on bookshelf models??

Lose the EU required banana plug plugs or make them easier to remove (I know not a wow factor thing but)

High quality, easy to use binding posts (w/o need for a wrench).

High quality, no need to upgrade bi-wire jumper straps.

Or maybe--just thinking out of the box--might be completely bonkers--the ability to bypass the XO and use an external XO and not have to modify the speaker??? I guess this is HIGHLY dependent on the speaker design and probably a really niche thing I think, but hey just another thought.

+ 1.

High quality.

A dream ... an idea ... expectation .... and future:D

FTGV

mmadden28 wrote: »

Or maybe--just thinking out of the box--might be completely bonkers--the ability to bypass the XO and use an external XO and not have to modify the speaker?

After investing umpteen hours into R&D to develop and optimise a crossover design then to make it bypassable so an amatuer can dabble,I don't see that happening.That would open a big can of worms as they would not have control over the design.If someone errantly uses an external active xover and damages the drivers,who's responsible for the cost of replacements?

mdaudioguy

betaomega04 wrote: »

I am the owner of two RTi12’s and six RTi A9s. The packaging on both types of speakers were horrible because there was no reinforcement: corners punched in, tore up, and crumbled styrofoam. (Thankfully the speakers themselves were fine) Was this Polk’s fault? Not necessarily, but if the purpose of the packaging is to protect the product until it reaches its final destination, I think it would be wise of Polk to put more consideration into protecting potentially 90 lb+ speakers from 19-year-old kids who throw around boxes at Fry’s. Though I’m not an expert on packaging, my solution would be to use a double box with the inside of the inner box framed with reinforced cardboard edges and corners; sort of what you would see with a Samsung Refrigerator The outer box serves as the main visual box while the inner box would be sufficient enough for repackaging and shipment back to Polk. As far as internal bracing...I’m sure there have been dramatic improvements in Styrofoam technology in the last few years.

This made me LOL!
Was it Polk's fault that the speakers were fine? Yes!
You've purchased 8 large speakers, and all 8 made the trip from manufacturer to wherever (middleman) to wherever else to you - in "fine" condition! It seems the packaging did its job - absorbed impacts, prevented moderate punctures from reaching the product, etc... Clearly it was meant to be utilitarian and functional and perhaps it wasn't in any condition for re-packaging and re-shipping, but it's just cardboard and styrofoam... Just like all other aspects, packaging is subject to a cost-benefit analysis. Personally, I'd only like to pay for the minimum amount that will most likely assure a product reaches me unscathed. Reputable companies know that they will probably have to replace an item here and there due to shipping damage, and will always make the necessary accommodations.

hearingimpared

brettw22 wrote: »

I'd be willing to bet the box itself (curve and all) are permannet and they're tweaking the driver array and crossover if anything.....

I think one of the sexiest and beautiful features of the LSi are the way the box is curved and the top on the new one (if it staying) is cool looking too. I wonder how much of the sonic improvements in the new release are because of the box design.

treitz3

Kab, is it my imagination or is that not a dust cap on the woofer? Glad to hear about the imaging. Looking forward to listening to it.

FTGV

Looks like it has phase plug instead of a dust cap.