New LSi

[Deleted User]

I'm there, Bevis!

shack

kab wrote:

That's right. At long last, we are within spittin' distance of introducing new LSi models (not that I am eager to replace my LSi 9s).

We have been meeting about the packaging and more specifically about the contents.

For most, the LSi is a serious spend. An investment. A commitment to audio. 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?

Is it a leather case with a letter, manual, subscriptions, a cd and assorted swag? Is it a coffee table book about your speaker and Polk's history? Is it a t-shirt? Is it ...fill in the blank?

I want to hear your ideas. (sorry but cash or sex is not the right answer )

I don't purchase speakers for the "extras". As some have said, I would like a nice sturdy box and protective materials to use if I ever need to move or store the speaker. The only thing I expect in the box is a speaker that delivers a superior performance for the price point paid in an attractive configuration that is pleasing to both the ear and eye. A basic manual with tech specs and schematics should be a given...but it doesn't have to be "pretty"...just informative.

Anything else is just stuff that will stay in the box or gather dust somewhere until I lose or get rid of it. Give that sort of thing to the folks that show up to your booth/room at the audio trade shows.

Bernal

DarqueKnight wrote: »

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.:)



I would be happy to help.



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.:)



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.

+1
I agree completely.

---

Do not see the point at issue ... Packaging is packaging!:(
If PolkAudio offers a better speaker; submission.
The aggregate values are irrelevant, the goal of your customers is a better speaker.
If you can buy will be happy.
Excuse my English is not my first language

wz2p7j

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.

dorokusai wrote: »

Oh ok....let's talk about the same thing over and over with no recourse....no objective, no product like we have for the last decade. Ok, I'm gone. My purpose was to keep the ideas in real time and possible KAB.

Happy Listening!

Hmmm. That went over well. Maybe call your own guys out in private rather than a public forum?? :o

Chris

dane_peterson

Can't wait for these... as much as a little swag helps, I just want to see and hear them!

mmadden28

As far as swag, if you did anything like that I think a custom thing like a coin would be neat. Like here or here

I have no affiliation with either site--just a quick search so you get an idea. I am sure there are many more potential suppliers. Anyway something on the coin that makes it unique to Polk Audio, or even the LSi series.

Hey maybe even do the Binding post wrench thing and perhaps customize it with a cool coin or mini coin inlayed into it. Kind of like how some companies give out bottle openers.

anyway just a couple more thoughts...

grimmace19

Build the box sturdy enough for return shipping and allow a free trade-up program where we can mail our LSI's back for the new ones

Jetmaker737

DarqueKnight wrote: »

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.

I think this is really important. Your packaging should be designed for re-use. You could even throw in a flyer instructing people to keep the box... that it was designed to protect their investment whenever they need to move it in the years to come and will help it keep its resale value, etc.

When I bought my first Pioneer receiver many many years ago it came with a flyer like that. I had never thought about keeping the boxes before then and I really appreciated that advice.

jon s

I would like to see a good demo CD... more importantly, i would like to see Polk use higher grade components in the crossovers... such as Sonicaps or such.

wz2p7j

Just like all the aftermarket stuff made the small block Chevy an icon.

Upgraded components available (maybe not just from Polk):

Drivers
XO's
On board amps (where applicable)
Special grilles (performance and style)
etc

Chris

Bernal

jon s wrote: »

I would like to see a good demo CD... more importantly, i would like to see Polk use higher grade components in the crossovers... such as Sonicaps or such.

I would like to see Polk use higher grade components in the crossovers...

skrol

This is not something that can be included in the box but...

How about a private gathering and audition for the Club Polk members? They can even make us check our cameras at the door.

Face

I've re-thought my post.

A demo CD would be nice, but it's doubtful that it would be ready in time.

I believe it would be best to put all possibly resources put into the speaker itself, performance and appearance. Then the package durability, re-usability, simplicity, etc... Black velvet or microfibre bags would be a classy touch.

Swag would be nice, but that should be available to purchase afterwords(online, etc...), which would help keep the costs down and pass the savings onto the customer, keeping Polk a value leader in it's class.

lightman1

A nice, aged single malt Scotch in the swag bag would be tops. What say you Ken?

Face

You mean whiskey?

lightman1

Face wrote: »

You mean whiskey?

That will work too, Mike. Pass it along to marketing for me.
Thanks.;)

BlueFox

Why not form a relationship with Mapleshade? After all, they are in the Baltimore area. Then you could include a coupon for a discount on Mapleshade brass mega-feet carpet spikes. This is a win/win/win for Polk, Mapleshade, and the customer. The customer gets a much better sounding speaker by using quality brass feet, Mapleshade gets a few dollars, and Polk gets a reputation for making great sounding speakers that can be tweaked for even better sound.

Or, include some salt water taffy from Ocean City.

TECHNOKID

dorokusai wrote: »

Top to bottom re-do. They're awesome.

pics please or it isn,t happening

Bernal wrote: »

I would like to see Polk use higher grade components in the crossovers...

Yes, stay away from Chinese manufacturing! NA production would be a great idea. Nick nacks isn't gone a cut it as it doesn't affect quality. I would consider Lsi for the 2 channels upgrade but quality has to be there or it isn't happening.

Mark, with your statement about PSB, it seems it might the best bang for the buck for Canadians especially that Polk's presence in Canada seems to be phasing out slowly???

BlueFox

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Yes, stay away from Chinese manufacturing!

As much as I hate it, both Polk and PSB use China for manufacturing. PSB says their engineering is done at home.

Hawkeye

I'd say at this point in time, the packaging and the speaker is a done deal. Out of all the recommendations I've seen posted, the wrench and a finish crayon are what impressed me the most.

The wrench could be embossed with "PolkAudio" for a personal touch. A crayon that matched the finish would stop folks from buying 3 or 4 at Lowes or HD when the inevitable ding occurs.

My Martin Logans and the JL subs came with a fancy bag and I haven't seen them since I unpacked them.

Or to really push it, a pair of white cotton gloves?

Gordon

TECHNOKID

BlueFox wrote: »

As much as I hate it, both Polk and PSB use China for manufacturing. PSB says their engineering is done at home.

Not too shabby, at least Polk doesn't lie about this. In comparable price range, I am not convinced any company would use anything else but cheap Chinese manufacturing crap. We complained about made in mexico, made in Korea but crap wise, nothing beats the Chinese. My comment regarding NA manufacturing goes in line with a previous discussion of proposed optional Xos using better grade electronic components.

My comment about PSB being the BB for Canadians refers to the opposite of what the US goes through (PSB being more expensive to US citizens due to made in Canada. Polk is then more expensive to Canadians). Mark's comment that PSB is the Canadian Polk got me thinking and unless Polk's presence in Canada returns to what it used to be in the past along with comparable US and Canadian pricing then I might be forced to look at different avenue.

BlueFox wrote: »

Spittin distance is pretty close. How about some details; price range, models, date available, etc. I am thinking of replacing my HT front LSi15s with PSB Synchrony Ones. Will the new speakers be at that performance level, but, hopefully, not price level. Is it worth waiting?

dorokusai wrote: »

Yes. PSB? Really? "That performance level"....PSB is the Canadian Polk Audio....not Wilson Audio.

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.

cfrizz

mmadden28 wrote: »

What about a care kit--such as wood cleaner and polish, and maybe a stain marker appropriate for the finish purchased? That would be cool. I thought that it was cool when I got a nice little leather care kit with my leather sofa. Justa thought.

This and a demo cd/sacd to show off what the LSI's can do.:) Surely one of the genious's at Polk can put together a collection of songs and then have a bunch of cd's made of it.

Or maybe contact Telarc and see if you can get a discount on a huge batch of one of their demo discs. I'd say that would be a win/win for both companies.

Willow

skrol wrote: »

How about a letter to my wife explaining that I really am not crazy for spending all that money for new speakers especially if she is insisting that I get rid of the RTA11TL's 'cause they take up too much space.

Oh yeah, throw in one of those Polk Audio history books and a T-shirt too.

And I could probably use a good amp to power them too.

Merry Christmas
Stan

Along those lines, but a GC for the spouse would be great!

ON a serious note, Like others have said, I don't care what the outside looks like of what papers, cds and such are included. I want what's inside what I paid for. The speakers!!

I also have to agree with TK, we need more Polk emphasis in Canada. Be able to purchase from Polk directly and such.

Maybe a coupon inside the box to be used how the buyer sees fit at the Polk store?

brettw22

Not to have the cold water effect, but I would think that things like demo cd's would require fairly significant licensing costs involved.......

As for better components......Polk isn't **insert upper high end audio company name here**, and while WE might care for better cone feet etc, the mass public couldn't give a rats **** about any of this stuff........if I saw something in a box that said "spend more money on better feet" after I spent a few grand on the speakers, I'd throw it away (thinking in the general public terms).

Of course every little piece could be built better, but then you wouldn't be getting an Polk LSi speaker at the pricepoint it's at. Why don't they go with platinum wiring throuout and while they're at it, go 0 gauge blah blah blah........

I like the felt/cotton sock, care kit, and wrench ideas personally, as those have universal appeal and aren't going to give someone the impression that what they're opening up isn't quite as good as it COULD be.........no Company wants to convey that to a customer.....

TECHNOKID

Willow wrote: »

Along those lines, but a GC for the spouse would be great!

ON a serious note, Like others have said, I don't care what the outside looks like of what papers, cds and such are included. I want what's inside what I paid for. The speakers!!

I also have to agree with TK, we need more Polk emphasis in Canada. Be able to purchase from Polk directly and such.

Maybe a coupon inside the box to be used how the buyer sees fit at the Polk store?

Actually Polk ebay store.ca would be much better than Polk direct. I am not too keen about paying MSRP pricing especially when it comes directly from the manufacturer (thus huge markups should be avoided). Yet, the quality of the product is the main concern, Polk's reputation and great service doesn't make me want added goodies as far as the general public is concerned, brettw22 and many other posters are right that the wrench and sock goodies maybe of appeal and you definitely don't want to pass the consumer a message that the product needs to be upgraded out of the box in order to be top notch :eek: .

BlueFox

Ever buy a car? All car manufacturers offer add-ons to customize, or improve the car. Everyone knows any product can be improved, especially if it is reasonably priced to reach a mass market.

While "good enough" is adequate for most people, why not help your customers who want to take the product to a higher level.

Bernal

technokid wrote: »

pics please or it isn,t happening

+ 1.

This innovative concept speaker set designed by Nathan Gabriele hides two satellite speakers under its shell, while the base acts as a subwoofer.

... and when portability is a must – comes with a funky neoprene jacket.





This innovative concept speaker set designed by Polk....

Please photography

NEW LSi
fire extinguisher speakers are hot, hot, hot

Please photography

Ron Temple

Oppo includes a calibration disk from AIX also featuring a sampler of hi-rez recordings that they do themselves. It's useful and the sampler is hit or miss for my tastes, but theirs no doubt as the recording quality. As it's all original music, there would only involve a licensing deal with AIX, not the artists. Might want to check it out.

I like the binding post wrench idea and or course sturdier packing. Socks are nice if they offer a tad more protection and they leave an impression of class, but like others have said, I have a couple sitting in the original boxes right now and I've yet look at them again...maybe if I sell something.

TECHNOKID

Bernal wrote: »

+ 1.

This innovative concept speaker set designed by Nathan Gabriele hides two satellite speakers under its shell, while the base acts as a subwoofer.

... and when portability is a must – comes with a funky neoprene jacket.





This innovative concept speaker set designed by Polk....

Please photography

NEW LSi
fire extinguisher speakers are hot, hot, hot

Please photography

Neat but I am not too sure I'd want that type-design in any of my rooms

szhleppy

Great news on the updated LSi line.

I'm not a big fan of "shwag", but the binding post wrench with a Polk logo is a great idea. Speaker socks would be cool for the day that I crack the box open, but wouldn't carry much of an impact. If the new LSi's are going to have any type of SDA-based technology, a well-written history pamphlet would definitely have some impact.

Otherwise, I think it's all about encouraging them to stay in the loop with Polk...whether that is through the forum, social network tools, or education on audio topics.