New LSi

Face

mantis wrote: »

Honestly what polk mid to high end speaker have you heard that didn't? I think all the RT RTi RTIA etc do as well as all the LSI's current.

I'm sure they didn't lose that , if they did they would be lacking a signature polk sound.

I'm eager to hear a pair. They look great.

I found LSi15's limited in soundstage height, YMMV.

Since each line is voiced differently, what's Polk's signature sound?

heiney9

Bernal wrote: »

Ok. No more comments and wait ...;)
Meanwhile, I'll enjoy the music with my LSi series

---

01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's and SUNFIRE Cinema Grand
03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)

Now you're talking

H9

FTGV

Face wrote: »

I bet they'll image like a SOB.

One would think so with the relatively narrow baffle, small diameter mid tightly spaced to the tweeter and what appears to be a lot of attention paid to reducing diffraction.

TECHNOKID

maximillian wrote: »

Wait, which side am I on?

Sorry if paying a compliment to someone who's posts I found helpful is considered "sucking up". For the record though, I did criticize the look of the black version but think the cherry version is quite nice. So does that make me fair and balanced?

When you know where the comments comes from, you don't even bother responding (its not the place in this thread anyway). If being positive and encouraging of the tremendous effort Polk has shown in the development of its new babies is being somewhat a suck-up, so be it! I much prefer to be an old positive suck up then an old complainer and whiner. I wouldn't have bothered to respond to the stupid original posted comment (someone never was bright enough to notice I never asked for any other demo, I feel bad not being able not being part of the fortunate that can do so but also understand it is not economically feasible for Polk to provide me such due to my location. Live and learn I guess) but I'm basically responding to your post. Don't be emotional about bullying, it has existed from birth of this planet and will exist till the end.

Now back to positive (suck up ) posting on the TOPIC. I have mentioned I am not too keen about plastic enclosures when I've seen the new satellites but was corrected and reassured that quality is in fact there. I sure am interested about taking a good look at them an give them an audition. Simply complaining about something and not giving it a chance is simply lame. Don't worry Demiurge, if I keep any of them, it will be because I buy them, promess

As far as the new LsiM, I'll suck up again (:p) I did mention that the new LsiM "look wise" is a great improvement with the vintage (:p) Lsi series (let's be clear, I'm talking about the towers here). It was mentioned previously about plastic here is a question; when it comes to the front of the speaker, has Polk tought of using the "Blackstone" finish for the front plate? I am not judging the product since I haven't physically seen it but I am convinced Polk may have considered the "Blackstone" finish? As an example, if you were to describe the LsiM front plate, would you compare the front plate to some closer to the Blackstone quality and finish or would you compare it to the RM (IE: RM30s, RM40s etc..) quality and finish?

I went pretty quickly through the press documents that Mark provided, the bookshelf seemed to go quite low in the lower end when you consider it is a bookshelf with such small drivers? Older speakers with very large drivers (un-powered that is, let's say 15") and much larger enclosures don't seem to go quite that low, how do you explain such an achivement (specially when mentioned that the sound isn't distorted)?

BTW, my original suck up (:p) was related to the nice wood color finish versus the typical black finish. I tought this new finish was refreshing (suck up ). Finally, my last comment is to disagree with the Polk logo comments, I personally like it (suck up oups, actually it was a hick-up :eek:).

Love ya Demiurge, is that enough sucking up for ya :D:cool:

Cheers!
TK

TECHNOKID

maximillian wrote: »

Wait, which side am I on?

Sorry if paying a compliment to someone who's posts I found helpful is considered "sucking up". For the record though, I did criticize the look of the black version but think the cherry version is quite nice. So does that make me fair and balanced?

When you know where the comments comes from, you don't even bother responding (its not the place in this thread anyway). If being positive and encouraging of the tremendous effort Polk has shown in the development of its new babies is being somewhat a suck-up, so be it! I much prefer to be an old positive suck up then an old complainer and whiner. I wouldn't have bothered to respond to the stupid original posted comment (someone never was bright enough to notice I never asked for any other demo, I feel bad not being able not being part of the fortunate that can do so but also understand it is not economically feasible for Polk to provide me such due to my location. Live and learn I guess) but I'm basically responding to your post. Don't be emotional about bullying, it has existed from birth of this planet and will exist till the end.

Now back to positive (suck up ) posting on the TOPIC. I have mentioned I am not too keen about plastic enclosures when I've seen the new satellites but was corrected and reassured that quality is in fact there. I sure am interested about taking a good look at them an give them an audition. Simply complaining about something and not giving it a chance is simply lame. Don't worry Demiurge, if I keep any of them, it will be because I buy them, promess

As far as the new LsiM, I'll suck up again (:p) I did mention that the new LsiM "look wise" is a great improvement with the vintage (:p) Lsi series (let's be clear, I'm talking about the towers here). It was mentioned previously about plastic here is a question; when it comes to the front of the speaker, has Polk tought of using the "Blackstone" finish for the front plate? I am not judging the product since I haven't physically seen it but I am convinced Polk may have considered the "Blackstone" finish? As an example, if you were to describe the LsiM front plate, would you compare the front plate to some closer to the Blackstone quality and finish or would you compare it to the RM (IE: RM30s, RM40s etc..) quality and finish?

I went pretty quickly through the press documents that Mark provided, the bookshelf seemed to go quite low in the lower end when you consider it is a bookshelf with such small drivers? Older speakers with very large drivers (un-powered that is, let's say 15") and much larger enclosures don't seem to go quite that low, how do you explain such an achivement (specially when mentioned that the sound isn't distorted)?

BTW, my original suck up (:p) was related to the nice wood color finish versus the typical black finish. I tought this new finish was refreshing (suck up ). Finally, my last comment is to disagree with the Polk logo comments, I personally like it (suck up oups, actually it was a hick-up :eek:).

Love ya Demiurge, is that enough sucking up for ya :D:cool:

Cheers!
TK

FTGV

Demiurge wrote: »

and the royal suck ups who think they'll be allowed to keep a set of these like it was a Hitmaster.

And Mr Brown lips hasn't chimed in yet.:D

VR3

Hmm the front of the LSiM is wood... 1.25" thick - not plastic...

Atleast according to the article, am I missing something?

tonyb

Is it me,or do they look like a beefer Def Tech ?

TECHNOKID

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »

Hmm the front of the LSiM is wood... 1.25" thick - not plastic...

Atleast according to the article, am I missing something?

OK, as I pointed out I have not read all articles entirely yet so you could be right. That simply shows how pics can be deceiving at times, if you look at the pic on this page, the front plate looks so shiny (especially on the bookshelf) I somewhat took for granted it could be plastic. If it is wood, they sure did a great shiny finish job to it... put footh in mouth :(

cnh

I think V..is right TK. BTW....Nice post above!

What this thread NOW has is an entire 'Dramatic' cast: naysayers, suckups and a narrator--the question is; where is the 'author'...we need an Author to be....complete? No?

Of course I'm kidding...there's room for everyone in this play. And 'EVERYONE' can listen to the NEW series...isn't that what this thread is really about? Cool it boys!

cnh

ohskigod

ivansfo wrote: »

Very exciting news! I've strayed from Polk products over the years because they didn't offer any subless floor standers in the LSI line.

LSi15?

just sayin, though if you get the new LSiM's i'm sure you'll be more than fine too. i have no idea where they are going to sell them by me, as i have a feeling EXPO is out as a retailer.

Topper

yo DORO can you also tell us a little about the new in-ceiling gear. Did you get a chance to hear em?

(not too much coverage on them so my googling aint getting me much)

dorokusai

The in-ceiling gear was unavailable for demo, yet tangibly awesome. Sorry I can't offer more on them. I have listened to the previous LSi in-wall/ceiling series quite a bit and properly installed they were a home run for me.

I plan on going in-wall for my next and final HT install, if possible, as I'm tired of the loudspeaker shuffle.

Demiurge

TK and Max, I didn't call you two out or anyone else for that matter, so why the defensive reaction? I haven't posted since the early pages of this thread. It was just an observation I had in reading this entire thread. I saw a lot of senseless bashing and a lot of plain old sucking up, YMMV.

One of the pitfalls of having such an open relationship with your customers is you've got to wade through all that garbage to find the actual insightful and helpful comments as you bring your new product(s) to market.

Aesthetically, I like the bulk of the offering. I'm not a fan of the rounded look based on the pictures. I'd have to see them in person to make the ultimate determination. Sound, of course, is the most important factor and I'd wager a safe bet the vast majority here haven't heard them. As speakers go being mainly H/T myself, these are out of my price range, especially considering I'm more than happy with the current LSi line that I have outfitted my system with.

quadzilla

dorokusai wrote: »

The in-ceiling gear was unavailable for demo, yet tangibly awesome. Sorry I can't offer more on them. I have listened to the previous LSi in-wall/ceiling series quite a bit and properly installed they were a home run for me.

I plan on going in-wall for my next and final HT install, if possible, as I'm tired of the loudspeaker shuffle.

Sounds like you're just giving up then. So... can I have your stuff?

[Deleted User]

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »

Hmm the front of the LSiM is wood... 1.25" thick - not plastic...

Atleast according to the article, am I missing something?

Yes, the front baffle is 1.25" MDF. The perimeter of it is undercut so it only appears as .75" thick. The rest of it protrudes inside the cabinet. It is gloss black painted. Same finish as our MicroPro subs. The cabinets are available in cherry or black. The black is the same wood as cherry with a translucent finish. It's really cool looking. You should see it in person....oops. Guess you'll have to wait on that one!

ohskigod

I was one of those odd people that liked the current LSi series. I've heard many other more expensive speakers that I didnt like as much as the LSi's. I like the LSi's better than SDA's (at least up to the 1C, the big boys are a different ball game)

that said, I am giddy over an improved line coming out. I dont see me replacing my whole theater soundstage, but the bookshelves for my 2 channel could very well fit in with my downsize the 2 channel rig plan.

Jstas

quadzilla wrote: »

Sounds like you're just giving up then. So... can I have your stuff?

Why is going with in-walls considered "giving up"?

I hate that attitude. It's positively awful. It's flat out wrong too.

shack

ohskigod wrote:

I was one of those odd people that liked the current LSi series. I've heard many other more expensive speakers that I didnt like as much as the LSi's. I like the LSi's better than SDA's (at least up to the 1C, the big boys are a different ball game)

????? Lou, the LSi series has always been a well regarded speaker both among consumers and the audio press alike. I remember reading some rave reviews for the first couple of years after they came out. Do they have some shortcomings? Sure, but I doubt there were many speakers in their price range that were better and none that I would say were "significantly" better. I think the LSi9 was the star(I really like that speaker) with the LSi7 close behind.

Maybe you've read too much of the "If it isn't SDA it isn't a great Polk speaker" banter that goes on here from time to time.

Amherst

Josh wrote: »

Yes, the front baffle is 1.25" MDF. The perimeter of it is undercut so it only appears as .75" thick. The rest of it protrudes inside the cabinet. It is gloss black painted. Same finish as our MicroPro subs. The cabinets are available in cherry or black. The black is the same wood as cherry with a translucent finish. It's really cool looking. You should see it in person....oops. Guess you'll have to wait on that one!

Awww man, you really had to go there.

An invite to go see and hear would have been a bit nicer.

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Sometimes when you see that there's a message on your answering machine you say to yourself, "Oh, boy who's this?". The cable bill is paid up, so I know it's not them. I just talked to my parents, but maybe something's happened? Or, it's the veterans group letting you know they're picking up this week and looking for another box of SF paperbacks? But, not this time. Here was Al's voice asking me if I wanted to get a demo on the new LSi speakers? Now that's every audiophile's dream come true, listen to Polk Audio's newest top-of-the-line speaker!
On the drive over I kept thinking about what I hoped I would hear. Would Polk be able to keep everything that was excellent about the existing speaker? How were they going to treat the ring radiator tweeter? What about the transient response, were they going to be able to keep that wonderful detail and clarity? Then I thought about going to Mark Suskind's house and his superb sounding system and his tremendous passion for classical music. Ask him who his favorite conductor is and you'll know what I mean. I knew, as project manager, he wouldn't settle for anything less than the most musical speaker he could make.
The first thing that happened was Mark (from the CP Forum) and I were brought into Polk's main conference room along with Al, Mark (Polk) and Stu Lumsden, Polk's head of all things engineering. There was one of the new LSi tower speakers cut down the middle. I've seen lots of speaker insides with lots of bracing and separate chambers for the different drivers. Classic designs from years past, like the IMF speakers from England. But, the new Polk was the most impressive I'd ever seen. The way the two bass chambers were made was cleverness personified. The mechanical design guys had out done themselves, in my opinion. Midrange chambers without parallel surfaces; true separate bass enclosures made to actually help the sound. The device that Polk calls the "engine" really lit a bulb in my head. That was exactly the right approach, build a compact core of a ring radiator tweeter and a 3.34" driver. Get them to blend perfectly, no time alignment problems, no miss-matched transient response differences. Start with a core and then add to it to build upon its strength. This was exactly the right way to think about a speaker.
After that it was time to do some listening. First off, let me tell you what is important about a speaker to me. I am very sensitive to any kind of mid range coloration. I can hear any boxiness in a speaker and it takes away from enjoying music. I like a sense of the speaker disappearing and getting out of the way, leaving a stage with people playing instruments in front of me. Do that and I'll be happy, if it looks great so much the better. If it's a big speaker, fine, I don't care. If it's a small speaker, fine I don't care. However you do it, just sound like real people and real musical instruments.
All of my worries were for naught, they had managed to advance the LSi series, keep all of the attributes and expand on them.
Mark played Jazz at the Pawnshop, my reference for live recordings. If they could make me believe I was hearing a real live group of Dixieland musicians playing in a crowded pub in Copenhagen I'd be won over. Boy, did they, there they were all those beer steins clinking together, mumbled conversations and beautiful music, reminding me why I love this recording. Then he played several recording that just amazed me, early music chamber recordings with stringed instruments being plucked. Stuff no speaker builder, in their right mind, would try. Didn't they know that speakers have an almost impossible time reproducing that kind of sound and not making it seem "hard" and "steel-like"? Things with different female singers, no box quality to the sound. Just a real live person suspended in air with a black velvet-like background. A complete freedom of any boxiness, just a beautiful voice.
I think one of the last things to be played was an orchestral recording, a Stravinsky piece. This is an acid test, like being a baseball pitcher, facing Babe Ruth when someone's just told him he's a washed-up has-been and he gets a stoney look in his eyes and throws away a half-finished hotdog with the works. You'd better have your stuff ready, my friend.
Box type speakers just can't reproduce a full orchestra, everybody knows you need a planar type speaker to do that. Right? They did it, the sound stage opened up and there was a real sounding orchestra in front of me. Tremendous dynamic range, an effortless quality (having ARC gear powering things helps) and still each instrument being clearly heard. The soundstage just kept growing, following the give and take of what the score demanded. But, the clincher was the bass transient response. That keeps sticking in my head. They reproduced the sound of the tympani perfectly, the best I'd ever heard on a recording. I don't know how they did it, but the bass quality was superb. Not overblown, not frumpy, not "bass-for-the-sake of bass", but real life, exciting bass.
These are great sounding, reasonably priced, true music lover, audiophile quality speakers, that are beautiful to look at and made to last. They will be able to tell you so much of whatever music you listen to and encourage you to hear more and more music.
I left wondering how my souped-up Altecs would sound with Bill Evans on master tape? You guys are in for a real treat come January.
Cheers, Ken

Topper

whoah awesome take on the new LSis . Really can't wait to get my hands on a pair. (Only about 158 days to go ).


yo KENNETH did you get a chance to audition the other new gear coming out as well? would love to hear your thoughts on them (blackstone, surroundbards, wireless f/x, etc)

love2listen

Ken, do you feel the LsiM line will be as dependant on the "OTHER" parts of the chain, ie..amp, cable, sourse, to truly appreciate their full potential or will they sound great (thats subjective,I know) under MOST conditions?

BlueFox

love2listen wrote: »

Ken, do you feel the LsiM line will be as dependant on the "OTHER" parts of the chain, ie..amp, cable, sourse, to truly appreciate their full potential or will they sound great (thats subjective,I know) under MOST conditions?

Not to speak for anyone else, but if somebody can invent a speaker that will sound great with any gear then they deserve a Nobel Prize, and immortality.

If you want good sound then buy good gear. If you want great sound then buy great gear, including cables. We are waiting to find out where in the sound sprectrum the new speakers belong.

[Deleted User]

I know what you mean, sure they sound good with mega-dollar Audio Research, but how will they sound with "normal" gear. I think Stu addressed that. Mark (CP member) asked about the low impedance point of the original LSi and Stu said that the frequency vs impedance was less demanding in the new speakers. That means the amplifier won't be facing a 2.6 Ohm dip at low frequencies. That will open up quite a bit of choices for the prospective buyer. It won't cause good quality receivers to go into protection mode. However, that being said you still want a speaker that's capable of showing you all of the improvements you make as you assemble your system. The better the front end and amplifying chain the better the final sound. But, I don't believe the new speakers will require a separate amplifier to perform beautifully. Stu said that he uses a moderately priced receiver for his evaluation.
When they demonstrated the speakers they used a classic Pioneer Elite CD player, certainly a good sounding unit, but not state-of-the-art. I think their reference player was on the blink. But that didn't limit the sound quality at all, in my semi-humble opinion.
Yes, I heard the second in line of the new RM series coupled with a really good sounding sub. No problems there, Al Ballard indicated that the development team felt that the RM type speaker had been somewhat diluted over the years. I don't know how many readers remember the classic RM3000 speakers? Two, time aligned satellites with a fine sounding passive woofer. That system and the M&K satellite/woofer were the only good sounding versions of that kind of design, in my opinion. In any event Polk went back to why that older system sounded so good and developed the new version.
I knew this was going to be a good speaker, a few weeks ago my buddy Kim told me about how good they sound. You think I'm picky, he's really picky. When the demo started the receiver, powering the speakers, was set to one of the DSP modes and things sounded a little spacey. Once that was sorted out, the sound was excellent. No hint of hearing little boxes, the stiff cabinet and time alignment in the design was audible. I would have preferred them a little bit higher, but no problem. I couldn't believe that a complete surround package, excluding a sub for $495.00. I'd hate to be a competitor trying to sell the same thing for $800.00/900.00. Good luck with that!
I would love to hear the ones with the ring radiator tweeter, that should be real cool!

DAGLJAM6

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

All of my worries were for naught, they had managed to advance the LSi series, keep all of the attributes and expand on them.

That's what peaks my interest. If the new Bookshelf speakers are anything like the LSI9's with a few tweaks to what I considered small faults (again MY Opinion) I'm really excited about the new generation of Polk speakers....

megasat16

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

You guys are in for a real treat come January.
Cheers, Ken

Ok! That line makes a lot of sense to me. When will January comes?

I probably don't need another LSi speakers but this is LSi-M we are talking about so I am in.

[Deleted User]

Ken, I think you should be getting paid for your reviews. So, how's the retired life? Kim is doing a great job at continuing the exceptional customer service that Polk is known for. Thanks again for all the years.

heiney9

I'm going to start saving for a pair.

H9

[Deleted User]

Hey Josh,
It's going well, I'm a natural at it. It's exactly like having a string of never-ending Saturdays. You know what I mean. You wake up when you wake up, no alarm clock. Then mosey downstairs, the wife has already left for work (God bless her!). Then you think about what you want to do for the day. Get in some walking if it's not too hot. Check out what's happening on the Forum, put out a few fires, calm people down (kind of like those guys on Jerry Springer). Then hit the work bench, fix an amp for a friend. Maybe work on a project or two, clean the place up?
Think of all the things you should be doing, waxing the car, painting the garage walls. Make a list in your head, maybe read a little. I bought a book on "Mastering Technical Mathematics", hopefully I can brush up on things.
Congratulations on building the LSiM cut-away cabinet, really fine work! I bet it was hard to do?
Ken