In-Home LSiM/TL Demo - Hosts

TECHNOKID

BTW; Georgeous HT set-up Larry :cool:

Jstas

I could host a demo but not on an HT setup. I can do 2 channel though. But with my toof surgery coming up, I'm not going to be available for a little while. Get a hold of me in only the ways that you know how if it can work out.

Larry Chanin

TECHNOKID wrote: »

BTW; Georgeous HT set-up Larry :cool:

Hi,

Thanks very much.

Larry

mole'

i would so do this

Pauly

Larry Chanin wrote: »

Hi Mark,

I might be interested in hosting a few sessions, depending on the details.

I have a dedicated home theater that seats 8. I live in Sarasota, Florida in a medium-sized home. The theater is conveniently located adjacent to our great room and two bathrooms. So we should be able to handle a reasonable sized "crowd" given that we could seat several people in the great room discussing the merits of the speakers, partaking of refreshments, and then circulating members into the theater eight people at a time.

My theater is acoustically treated. It is a 7.1 setup with LC265i in-walls for the surround back channels that can not be replaced by new demo speakers. In addition, I have LSiF/X for surrounds, SDA-1C'S for the mains and a pair of SDA-CRS+ for centers, and I would consider replacing them with the appropriate LSiM demo speakers.

Ideally, a Polk Audio representative, or a local Polk Audio retailer, would be available to assist me in setting up, demoing the speakers answering questions, and restoring my setup.

I am using Parasound power amplifiers to power my speakers, and currently an Onkyo PR-SC866 preamplifier that handles the lossless formats and has Audyssey room correction.

Here's some information on my setup:

Now you see them…Now you don’t

Larry's Home Theater

In addition to being interested in obtaining more details about the logistics of the demos, I am very interested in learning more about the specifications of the soon to be released LSiM series. In particular, I am interested in knowing whether the LSiM series is reasonably timbre matched to the LC265is LSiF/Xs that I have. Also I would want to be reasonably sure that the new LSi M 707 tower speakers are as adept as my SDA-1Cs in reaching reference levels, and likewise with the LSiM 706c Center Channel Speakers in replacing the SDA-CRS+. In other words, what will the efficiency and power handling limits of these new speakers.

One other consideration is that my SDA-1Cs are designed to be placed close to the front wall and they are not too deep since they are placed inside an acoustically transparent shadow box that is 16" deep. My surround speakers are concealed in columns that are 13" deep. So I would need to know the dimensions of these various speakers.

Thanks for coordinating this concept.

Please feel free to contact me directly at lfchanin@verizon.net.

Larry

Hell hes only an hour from me and i will vouch for speakers and haul em down to his place if need be.

Plenty of Fl Polkies in the surrounding area that would LOVE this.

+1000000

Pauly

pmckeealaska

So are the new LSiM's supposed to be an upgrade from the LSi line? I see they're more expensive but is Polk saying this is their new top of the line spaker now?

dorokusai

Are you seriously asking that question? Did you read any of the press releases or the thread(s) on this subject? C'mon man.

mole'

pmckeealaska wrote: »

So are the new LSiM's supposed to be an upgrade from the LSi line? I see they're more expensive but is Polk saying this is their new top of the line spaker now?

they are a BIG upgrade.

pmckeealaska

dorokusai wrote: »

Are you seriously asking that question? Did you read any of the press releases or the thread(s) on this subject? C'mon man.

Well, since i asked the question, that would tend to indicate that I hadn't read the articles or press releases, but thanks for NOT answering my question...

Toxis

I also have a question about these. Does the tweeter on these play treble or is that what the mid plays? Sorry, I also haven't read any articles or press releases.

And I also expect an answer... gees!

falconcry72

I am interested in hosting, and I have a house that could provide multiple 2-channel rooms (towers vs. bookshelves), as well as a theatre room.

I don't get it:

Whenever PolkFest comes up no one mentions safety, but for these demos, safety seems to be a primary concern; are these demos going to be advertised in some way that PolkFests aren't?

pmckeealaska

Toxis wrote: »

I also have a question about these. Does the tweeter on these play treble or is that what the mid plays? Sorry, I also haven't read any articles or press releases.

And I also expect an answer... gees!

Wow...you guys are brutal. I was working and was hoping for a quick and simple answer since I didnt have time to read the thread. Good God!

messiah

I don't get it:

Whenever PolkFest comes up no one mentions safety, but for these demos, safety seems to be a primary concern; are these demos going to be advertised in some way that PolkFests aren't?

Yes, it's part of a prison release program, but then you'd know that if you read the article The goal is to take violent criminals, and teach them to be gentle audiophiles. That's why I got turned down, I'm a violent audiophile

falconcry72

messiah wrote: »

The goal is to take violent criminals, and teach them to be gentle audiophiles. That's why I got turned down, I'm a violent audiophile

See, I have the opposite problem: I'm a gentle criminal.

On a serious note, though, I am aware of the safety concerns, and I have no hesitation because of them. I've hosted many a party in my day, and I'm aware of the weird **** that can happen... not much different than what can happen on the street any other day.

Most people are good, and for those who aren't... I'm ready.

messiah

falconcry72 wrote: »

See, I have the opposite problem: I'm a gentle criminal.

On a serious note, though, I am aware of the safety concerns, and I have no hesitation because of them. I've hosted many a party in my day, and I'm aware of the weird **** that can happen... not much different than what can happen on the street any other day.

Most people are good, and for those who aren't... I'm ready.

Yeah, I hear ya. I'm in good shape as far as security goes.

Toxis

pmckeealaska wrote: »

Wow...you guys are brutal. I was working and was hoping for a quick and simple answer since I didnt have time to read the thread. Good God!

I'm not brutal, just a smart ****. You should've known the answer to your own question before asking it.

pmckeealaska

Toxis wrote: »

I'm not brutal, just a smart ****. You should've known the answer to your own question before asking it.

How in the world could I have known the answer to my own question before asking it? If that had been the case, I wouldnt have asked the question in the first place.

falconcry72

pmckeealaska wrote: »

How in the world could I have known the answer to my own question before asking it? If that had been the case, I wouldnt have asked the question in the first place.

You could have searched the forum; you didn't; your chops got busted; no big deal; move on.

pmckeealaska

Indeed.....

TECHNOKID

pmckeealaska wrote: »

Wow...you guys are brutal. I was working and was hoping for a quick and simple answer since I didnt have time to read the thread. Good God!

Brutal? Nothing new under the sun here! You see that quite often here. People don't realize some actually do have a life and don't live/sleep on this forum like many of us.

Polk has just release a slew of new products that apparently surpasses many of the old products. Yet, Ken and Doro had very good reporting on the new LsiM line along with the Blackstone. It is worthwhile that you check the thread if you are in the markey for quality upgrade(s)

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105742&highlight=lsim
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103775&highlight=lsim

dcmartinpc

I would be interested. I have 3 listening areas in my home, one being the primary living area, the second a basement home theater, and the 3rd, and most likely a poor candidate, my bedroom

I primarily run all Parasound HCA series amplification (HCA-3500, HCA-2200II, HCA-2205a, HCA-1500a, HCA-1200II) and have the ability to demo multiple setups. At this point, I also have several ADCOM amplifiers I could swap in and out (GFA-555 original, GFA-565, GFA-5800)

I am having the same problem as I would suspect others here are having, I live somewhat far away from a MAJOR city... I live in Niles, MI... 2 hours from Chicago, 3 hours from Indianapolis, 2 Hours from Grand Rapids, 2 Hours from Lansing, and 3 hours from Detroit/Ann Arbor... Wait...As I am typing this, I think I am centrally located to several major cities

Anyways, wanted to throw my hat in the ring. I would like to hear more details as this progresses.

Don

Jstas

I've been thinking about this.

In home demos are a good idea because they do bring to the table a real-world environment and all the positives and negatives to a listening environment as well. However, if it's going to be a professional demo in someone's home, how is that going to be much different from an in-store demo?

Many people, like me, do not have all the room treatments and such that others have. Some don't have the gear to adequately drive them either. I mean I have some gear that will kick the LSiM's teeth in when regards to high current and crazy power are considered. It's not really "high end" stuff though in most peoples eyes. So there is a disparity there and speakers may not sound their best for a demo. Still, those that do have tons of room treatments and top notch gear...well, they are really no different than listening in a listening room of a store. It's just a different room.

So if that's the case, what is it that Polk Audio is looking to accomplish here? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, just asking. Because these demos have the potential to be a trainwreck and have the opposite of the desired effect. I mean, one nice thing is that there is gear to compare it to but, again, lots of variables.

If you're avoiding the non-audionut salesguy scenario then one thing you do is lose the knee-jerk sale. Your customer walks out the door empty handed with an idea but not a sale. That demo has to be insanely impressive for them to not forget about it as soon as they pass the first McDonalds or something.

If you do something like have a "Listening Party" or an "Introduction Party" at a dealer or store, not only do have that captive audience, you also have that immediate sale availability. If you're trying to avoid the non-audionut sales guy scenario, instead of having the demo in an ClubPolk member's home and all the previously mentioned risks that go with it, why not have those members as special guests at these parties? I mean, don't tout them on a flyer or anything. Just have them come and hang out, like a regular customer and maybe identify them with a name tag that says "Hi! My name is Jesse! I'm a Polk Audio customer" or "I'm a Club Polk member, go ahead, ask me anything!" To help cure the issue of types of gear and such, have the members bring gear with them to hook up and play with. If you want to reward those members who show up, give them a set of Blackstones or a gift certificate for dinner somewhere or something.

This way, you get the knowledgeable individuals to attend as well as that whole "best spokesman" thing going on. You also get a sales staff that can fill orders immediately. You have a low-risk retail environment that is insured and likely has some level of security. Lastly, you have good gear diversity in a well treated listening room that can give the speakers the best chance to shine. Unless of course, the whole idea is to show buyers how versatile the speakers are and how they can work in a myriad of environments.

WilliamM2

Maybe home demo's are the only avenue left? I can't remember the last time I saw Polk speakers in a dealers showroom. Most of them dropped the brand when Circuit City started selling them, and heavily discounted. I remember the Polk dealer here being quite angry with Polk and dropping them immediately, of course he's gone now too.

I've never seen Lsi's on display anywhere. Don't know how they could sell many.

dcmartinpc

You know, I never thought of that. Where are polks on sale at? I have never seen them locally...

Don

dcmartinpc

Nevermind, dummy me didn't look at the top of the page at "Where To Buy", but still the closest place is 3 hours away that carries LSi's.

Don

WilliamM2

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Nevermind, dummy me didn't look at the top of the page at "Where To Buy", but still the closest place is 3 hours away that carries LSi's.

Don

Ther might be a dealer 3 hours from you. They list a dealer 100 miles from me, but I've been there. They don't stock the Lsi line, or any other Polk line, but will be happy to order a pair for me, if I'm willing to pay full retail up front, and no returns on "special orders". Typical of custom installers. So I can't actually listen to them first.

TECHNOKID

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Ther might be a dealer 3 hours from you. They list a dealer 100 miles from me, but I've been there. They don't stock the Lsi line, or any other Polk line, but will be happy to order a pair for me, if I'm willing to pay full retail up front, and no returns on "special orders". Typical of custom installers. So I can't actually listen to them first.

I don't think this relates solely to installers. It seems many are "so called Polk distributers" but fact is many will not stock them and the idea of their so called "distributorship" is solely not to loose a sale in the advent a client doesn't want any of their brand with super high profit margins. I don't think there is too many audio passionate distributors anymore but rather high profit hungry distributorship. Lsi are too pricy for the big box stores and they are being snobbed by the audio boutiques (just like immo products IMHO ). Thus the reason for the in-home demo to be a great idea.

Larry Chanin

Jstas wrote: »

I've been thinking about this.

In home demos are a good idea because they do bring to the table a real-world environment and all the positives and negatives to a listening environment as well. However, if it's going to be a professional demo in someone's home, how is that going to be much different from an in-store demo?

Many people, like me, do not have all the room treatments and such that others have. Some don't have the gear to adequately drive them either. I mean I have some gear that will kick the LSiM's teeth in when regards to high current and crazy power are considered. It's not really "high end" stuff though in most peoples eyes. So there is a disparity there and speakers may not sound their best for a demo. Still, those that do have tons of room treatments and top notch gear...well, they are really no different than listening in a listening room of a store. It's just a different room.

Hi,

The answer to your question really depends on how serious Polk Audio is about investing time, effort and money in expanding their marketing outreach for their top-of-the-line speaker series. If they do this right they can vastly increase the favorable exposure of their speakers to a diverse cross-section of the country, particularly where there are no high-end Polk Audio dealers.

It is interesting to note that while Polk Audio is embarking on a notworthy expansion of its high-end line, this economy has contracted and the numbers of high-end dealers has probably never been as sparse. So it makes perfect sense to replicate, or even surpass, the experience of an in-store demo by tapping the potential of suitable home environments.

In my view to do this requires that either Polk Audio representatives, Polk Audio retail dealers/distributors, or Polk Audio proxies, i.e. vetted Club Polk members, be available to add expertise to the demonstration process. Polk needs to spead money on travel expenses and shipping to ensure that even a reasonal number of the larger units are distributed to suitable home venues. At first this may sound like an expensive proposition, but this approach is vastly less expensive than attempting to promote the expansion of permanent retail outlets willing to demo Polk Audio equipment.

So if that's the case, what is it that Polk Audio is looking to accomplish here? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, just asking. Because these demos have the potential to be a trainwreck and have the opposite of the desired effect. I mean, one nice thing is that there is gear to compare it to but, again, lots of variables.

Agreed, without proper preparation and support this approach could have just the opposite of the intended result. In my opinion what Polk Audio should be trying to accomplish is to significantly expand its outreach in terms of offering legitimate demonstrations. This simply can't be done by relying solely on the limited existing retail channels willing to handle Polk Audio equipment. Of course without demonstrations Polk Audio shouldn't expect anything but a very loyal and limited niche market to be buying their top-of-the-line speakers. You know the type, a few members who frequent this forum.

Larry

TECHNOKID

Larry Chanin wrote: »

Hi,

The answer to your question really depends on how serious Polk Audio is about investing time, effort and money in expanding their marketing outreach for their top-of-the-line speaker series. If they do this right they can vastly increase the favorable exposure of their speakers to a diverse cross-section of the country, particularly where there are no high-end Polk Audio dealers.

It is interesting to note that while Polk Audio is embarking on a notworthy expansion of its high-end line, this economy has contracted and the numbers of high-end dealers has probably never been as sparse. So it makes perfect sense to replicate, or even surpass, the experience of an in-store demo by tapping the potential of suitable home environments.

In my view to do this requires that either Polk Audio representatives, Polk Audio retail dealers/distributors, or Polk Audio proxies, i.e. vetted Club Polk members, be available to add expertise to the demonstration process. Polk needs to spead money on travel expenses and shipping to ensure that even a reasonal number of the larger units are distributed to suitable home venues. At first this may sound like an expensive proposition, but this approach is vastly less expensive than attempting to promote the expansion of permanent retail outlets willing to demo Polk Audio equipment.



Agreed, without proper preparation and support this approach could have just the opposite of the intended result. In my opinion what Polk Audio should be trying to accomplish is to significantly expand its outreach in terms of offering legitimate demonstrations. This simply can't be done by relying solely on the limited existing retail channels willing to handle Polk Audio equipment. Of course without demonstrations Polk Audio shouldn't expect anything but a very loyal and limited niche market to be buying their top-of-the-line speakers. You know the type, a few members who frequent this forum.

Larry

Great post larry, you are addressing those 2 concerns logically and within today's reality.

dorokusai

Larry Chanin wrote: »

Hi,

The answer to your question really depends on how serious Polk Audio is about investing time, effort and money in expanding their marketing outreach for their top-of-the-line speaker series. If they do this right they can vastly increase the favorable exposure of their speakers to a diverse cross-section of the country, particularly where there are no high-end Polk Audio dealers.

It is interesting to note that while Polk Audio is embarking on a notworthy expansion of its high-end line, this economy has contracted and the numbers of high-end dealers has probably never been as sparse. So it makes perfect sense to replicate, or even surpass, the experience of an in-store demo by tapping the potential of suitable home environments.

In my view to do this requires that either Polk Audio representatives, Polk Audio retail dealers/distributors, or Polk Audio proxies, i.e. vetted Club Polk members, be available to add expertise to the demonstration process. Polk needs to spead money on travel expenses and shipping to ensure that even a reasonal number of the larger units are distributed to suitable home venues. At first this may sound like an expensive proposition, but this approach is vastly less expensive than attempting to promote the expansion of permanent retail outlets willing to demo Polk Audio equipment.



Agreed, without proper preparation and support this approach could have just the opposite of the intended result. In my opinion what Polk Audio should be trying to accomplish is to significantly expand its outreach in terms of offering legitimate demonstrations. This simply can't be done by relying solely on the limited existing retail channels willing to handle Polk Audio equipment. Of course without demonstrations Polk Audio shouldn't expect anything but a very loyal and limited niche market to be buying their top-of-the-line speakers. You know the type, a few members who frequent this forum.

Larry

The in-home demo idea, sanctioned by Polk Audio, has been discussed in-house for over a year and on the forum multiple times. You may need to catch up Larry.