New LSi

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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited July 2010
    DVD showing the technical aspects of the LSi's as well as a history of Polk Audio. I love the technical stuff and to me it adds value to my purchase if I know what processes, procedures and materials were used.

    If that is too difficult/expensive then just take a look at a Nelson Pass owners manual. It's usually about 6-10 pp explaining the philosophy of the piece and brief overview of the technical aspects, design theory and why. So a nice owners manual ala Pass style filled with that type of easy reading.

    and/or a really cool demo cd to showcase the new line.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,472
    edited July 2010
    deleted....
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited July 2010
    I can't wait......

    Lot's of good ideas here. I'd be happy with the current brochure of the speaker. It seems we ( I ) always try to find one on my older speakers??

    Just a thought.
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited July 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    DVD showing the technical aspects of the LSi's as well as a history of Polk Audio. I love the technical stuff and to me it adds value to my purchase if I know what processes, procedures and materials were used.

    If that is too difficult/expensive then just take a look at a Nelson Pass owners manual. It's usually about 6-10 pp explaining the philosophy of the piece and brief overview of the technical aspects, design theory and why. So a nice owners manual ala Pass style filled with that type of easy reading.

    and/or a really cool demo cd to showcase the new line.

    H9

    I think Polk did and excellent job on their SDA user manuals.
  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2010
    I think Polk should raffle off a few sets of these or do a karma. ;):D
  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited July 2010
    Demiurge wrote: »
    I think Polk should raffle off a few sets of these or do a karma. ;):D

    I agree completely. :D:D:D
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2010
    I really like the idea of including the design details. I have a few "Advanced Technical Information" publications for older Polk Audio speakers and they really give an appreciation of what goes into the design goals, processes and technology.

    I also really like the idea of a Polk Audio history. This doesn't have to be packaged with the new LSi but it certainly would make a very nice addition to the Polk Audio web site. I have been working on a Vintage Polk Audio catalog, that I have previously posted. I am sure that Polk Audio has much better information but they are welcome to whatever I have.

    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited July 2010
    to me its not about the extra in the box but the speaker itself. Thats the best gift in the whole thing.
  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited July 2010
    From my understanding the included item will be a limited time inclusion. I understand concentrating and spending more on the product. But I think it's a good idea to include an extra item for early adopters. After all, they are the die hard and loyal customers; why not give them an extra bone?
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited July 2010
    I agree with more demo options (specifically for the floorstanding models). I have had lots of trouble trying to find them to listen to in my area. While Fry's does carry them online (and some models in store), they dont have the full line in store and there are not too many hi-end audio places that do either.

    Most folks (or perhaps just me) dont like to buy without listening first. I have heard the RTI A9's many many times (every time I go into Frye's to be exact) but have always wondered about the LSi series floorstanders.

    I also would love to see "Made in the USA" however am not willing to pay for more that Privilege (hence the dilema :)). The binding post screw thing is also a great idea IMO
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited July 2010
    I like some of the ideas mentioned so far IE: a CD/DVD with manual and set up info as well as better packaging to protect the speakers. One idea would be to include a rolled up poster,say 27" by 40" with a group of pictures showing the history of Polk speakers. This would not cost very much and would be a great addition to the room. I recently have purchased old movie posters and am having them plaque mounted for my TV room.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,472
    edited July 2010
    One question that has yet to be asked... will there be blow-out pricing on the old models? Fry's had crazy pricing on the old RTi line when they updated that product line.:D:D:D
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited July 2010
    One question that has yet to be asked... will there be blow-out pricing on the old models? Fry's had crazy pricing on the old RTi line when they updated that product line.:D:D:D

    That would be nice. LOL I would pick me up a few for sure. :eek:
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited July 2010
    You are such a tease.:eek:;):D:p


    + 1.
    :rolleyes:
  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited July 2010
    Demiurge wrote: »
    I think Polk should raffle off a few sets of these or do a karma. ;):D


    I agree completely.
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2010
    shawn474 wrote: »
    I have demo'ed and listened to quite a bit of PSB and Polk gear. Currently, my HT is a PSB set-up (entry level Image series, but I have listened to and demo'ed their mid level lines as well). Personally, I would take the LSi series any day of the week over PSB offerings. The price difference is pretty staggering, unless you have a great hook-up with a PSB dealer. The one thing about PSB is that replacement parts are quite expensive and shipping is a killer because they are in Canada, obviously. Their customer service is great, their line-up is nice and I really enjoy my set-up, but all things equal if I had to do it over again, I would definitely get Polk.

    I have 4 LSi15s, 2 SDA 2s, 2 LSi7s, LSiC, and other lower model Polks.

    I replaced my two channel SDA 2 with PSB Synchrony Ones, and the LSiC with the PSB Synchrony One center, and it was a very positive move in both situations. Of course the price is also higher, but worth it for the increase in performance/sound quality. So, I am thinking of upgrading the LSi15s in the HT front, and keeping the rear LSi15s. I can't comment on lower cost PSB offerings having never used them.

    Hence my point of getting PSB levels of performance at Polk prices. That is the name of the game for me, max performance at minimum cost.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,052
    edited July 2010
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I have 4 LSi15s, 2 SDA 2s, 2 LSi7s, LSiC, and other lower model Polks.

    I replaced my two channel SDA 2 with PSB Synchrony Ones, and the LSiC with the PSB Synchrony One center, and it was a very positive move in both situations. Of course the price is also higher, but worth it for the increase in performance/sound quality. So, I am thinking of upgrading the LSi15s in the HT front, and keeping the rear LSi15s. I can't comment on lower cost PSB offerings having never used them.

    Hence my point of getting PSB levels of performance at Polk prices. That is the name of the game for me, max performance at minimum cost.

    I get what you're saying and agree that cost to performance ratio is what matters; for some (myself included) cost is a more restrictive factor, but nonetheless want to get the best for the money.

    I'd love to get my ear on the top end PSB's, but that is a pipe dream for me. :)
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited July 2010
    KAB - I think a nice presentation on the packaging is a plus. Finding your new speakers at that price point to be well packed, nice reusable bags protecting them, etc. is sort of a positive psychological reinforcement of the purchase decision. I would also include a thank you letter with an invite to join the polk forum. A DVD with information on the speakers, set up, care, troubleshooting, etc. would be a great touch. You could also include a Polk Audio history, short welcome/thank you from Matt Polk, and some history and design goals specific to the Lsi line. Some video of the testing and development of the new LSi's would be interesting. I think those kind of things would help build customer affinity, brand loyalty, and increased LTV.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,073
    edited July 2010
    Although probably unfeasible, a small price incentive for forum members to upgrade/purchase the new LSi line...
  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited July 2010
    So are these a new series of LSI or is it just one new pair?
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
  • zeppage2
    zeppage2 Posts: 196
    edited July 2010
    I want banana plugs included that actually fit snugly in the binding posts. I have never been satisfied with after market banana plugs, locking or otherwise.
    Or, spade plugs that fit the posts.
    The wrench is an excellent idea.
    Also, I have always had problems keeping the piano finish scratch-free. Please include a black silk 'doily' with the Polk logo that would rest on the top of the speaker.
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited July 2010
    One thing that I thought of that wouldn't be an expensive toy to include, yet would have function that people could use, is a binding post wrench. Typically would be inexpensive, and could be included in the manual plastic bag and would be nice for those people who want it for spades, or barewires. If not using those type of connections it is still nice to have around as you never know what you might end up with for an amp connection/termination in the future.
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited July 2010
    It would be better to give you an idea if you can provide pictures of what's inside the package....
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited July 2010
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    Demo CD, Care Kit, and History Book as was suggested by the OP.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    kab wrote: »
    No offense Doro but stop with the cold water on the ideas. We're brainstorming here so no idea is a bad. Later reality may intrude but for now all is possible.

    Thank You
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited July 2010
    packaging that reflects the package would be nice...When I bought the LSiC the foams were disintergrated and in pieces...no damages but I was so nervous when opening it....LSi15 package was in better shape...

    and throw away plastic bags that cover the speakers...we are talking about top of the Polk speakers...

    something to read while listening to the music...a booklet for top of the line Polk speakers...

    a little history on the speakers
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2010
    I would like to see a demo CD of music included in each box of new LSi's. I think being able to pop in a CD that show off how good they can sound is important. sure we all like different types of music.. but a demo CD would be sweet. Baring that a t-shirt would be great too
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited July 2010
    kab wrote: »
    If you were to purchase a pair of the new LSi bookshelves or towers, what would delight you when you opened the carton? Or to put it another way, what would blow you away? What would have you telling your friends?

    Actually, I need to be delighted, or at least intrigued, before I open the carton.

    I would like to see the new LSi series be marketed and sold in appropriate outlets. I know a sale is a sale, but I would be very disappointed to see the new LSi's being sold right next to washing machines and toasters...like last time.

    Ideally, in addition to the performance and aesthetic specifics, the marketing campaign would emphasize Polk's history of providing high price/performance ratios and the fact that Polk has one of, if not the best, customer service records in the consumer audio industry. Lastly, emphasize reliability and value. You might mention in your marketing literature that Polk speakers are "investment grade" products that are not going to fall apart in two or three years. There are many people who are still enjoying their 20+ year old Polks and, in cases where the speakers have been appropriately cared for, the speakers still look and perform as new. Furthermore, a potential customer might be interested to know that some of Polk's discontinued, legacy, 20+ year old products are still provided with parts and service support. I know of cases where, when a replacement part was not available from Polk, Polk CS would work with a customer to try to find a suitable substitute. Good luck trying to find similar legacy product support from other consumer electronics manufacturers.:)
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I've been collecting lits, pubs, docs and hard to find stuff for a few years in regards to Polk items....so it may be my objective to try and get all this moving. If I can wrangle up some support from DK....you may see this down the road but not now. Sorry.

    I would be happy to help.
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    IMO SWAG if not done right is just a waste of money. Penlights, laserlights, t-shirts, keychains--no thanks.

    There can be a fine line between swag and bribery in some people's minds.:) I have never been influenced by swag, unless it was in the form of significant discounts or rebates. I already have lots of CD's, books, tee shirts and other assorted trinkets. With that said, I would like to see:

    1. A well written, well illustrated manual, with a section on proper setup, proper amplification, proper care for the finish and suggested recordings to showcase the speaker's performance attributes. As H9 mentioned, a section on Polk/LSi history and the design philosophy behind the LSi series would be nice.

    2. Tough packaging that will hold up well during the original trip from the factory and that can be reused when resale time rolls around. It does not need to be pretty.

    3. You know some of us are going to "hot rod" our LSi's. Some performance enhancement tips would be appreciated. You can just keep the hod rodder tips inside the forum. I wouldn't think that such information would be widely sought outside of our little modification cult here on the forum.:)
    FTGV wrote: »
    A print out of the frequency response test done during QC with the units actual serial# indicated.

    Polk has typically been reluctant to provide frequency response charts, so I wouldn't hold out much hope of seeing this published. Polk is not unique in this regard. Some speaker manufacturers consider this proprietary information.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2010
    Raife - Email me. We have a lot of work to do and I couldn't think of a better person to tackle this subject. Maybe we can wrangle Kenneth into this as well...
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.