What would be next Level for me under $15000

veerapaneni

Hi, I have Brand new Polk LSi series speakers now and am planning and doing some research to upgrade to a higher level in a year of two. My Budget would be between 10,000 and $1,5000 . Since I already have a good Amp i think i dont need to upgrade it. Any suggestion of good 5.1 speaker systems at this range. HT and Music 50% each.

I found Paradigm Reference Signature S8 Speaker System to be good system by reviews . I want to select 5-6 systems at this range and select the best.

Fronts: Lsi15
Center: LsiC
Surround: LSiFX
Surround Back: Lsi9
Sub: Polk Micropro 4000
Amp: Sunfire Cinema Grand 400~7
Receiver: Denon 3311CI

markmarc

I'd tell you to slow down, and instead upgrade the x-overs in your LSi's. You'll be floored by the improvement across the board in resolution and dynamics. Secondly, is your room set up with the proper sound treatments? Impressive jumps in audio performance can be made via good room treatments.

BKSinAZ

I don't want to mention any other name brand speakers in this forum, but the "name brand" you meantioned are good. If your looking to upgrade a system, speakers would be my choice. Also, a dedicated preamp.

veerapaneni

markmarc wrote: »

I'd tell you to slow down, and instead upgrade the x-overs in your LSi's. You'll be floored by the improvement across the board in resolution and dynamics. Secondly, is your room set up with the proper sound treatments? Impressive jumps in audio performance can be made via good room treatments.

Where would i get help in upgrading the x-overs. I am not sure whether i could do it myself .

veerapaneni

Zero wrote: »

1. Listen to as much as you can. If you're willing to drop down that kind of coin on a system, then you should have no problems making a road trip to visit a couple of dealers.

2. Mark is spot on. A minor investment in room acoustics can go a LONG way. A few hundred dollars in three GIK panels has the potential to yield more gains than $10,000 worth of component upgrades.

3. Ditch the receiver. Get a dedicated pre/processor unit.

4. You don't list your source, but I'm sure that could be upgraded as well.

I am planning to upgrade to a Pre/Pro . Just waiting for 3D support.

Also i use FLAC files through network and have a Sony BX-57 Blue Ray Player.

Face

Different speakers should be last on your list.

tonyb

Sound quality is not just speakers alone. I would look into tube amps, pre/pro, source ?,cables, before jumping up speaker wise. But if you must, and if your doing a combined system for HT/MUSIC, Look at Legacy focus hd,Salks, Dynaudio....just too many really,assuming you want to stick with floorstanders,otherwise the options are through the roof.

Pycroft

Hello,

I have no comment for you as to upgrades, but would like to say that I hate you. I bet most would wish they had enough money so that buying 15,000 dollars worth of speakers would be within a budget. I'm lucky if I get 150 to spend on a used piece of equipment. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

And again, I hate you

James

carpenter

What about the new LsiM? they'l be available by next year..
rumor has it they're purdy good ..

polktiger

As others said - improvements come in many forms. Not just the speakers. Certainly your LSis are no slouch in the speaker department.

Personally, I am transitioning into more inwall/inceiling stuff now that the "hidden" speakers/subs have really made some major improvements and are rivaling traditional cabinet style speakers. Not to mention, this scores major asthetics points especially when the subs get in the wall/floor/ceiling.

fishbones

Veerapaneni,

This forum is a little different than some other forums. The members on here work at bringing the most out of equipment that has good potential, and making it great (for a fraction of the price). Where others sites seem to concentrate on switching gear back and forth. Some sites do it so often, it seems they don't even allow equipment to break-in before they are already switching. It's awfully hard to find 'magic' in a complete system, when you're switching that much. For synergy between gear is as important as the gear itself. That's one of the many reasons I like this site - members here have a much more intimate knowledge of a few great products and how to make them sound their best. Where other sites can be a mass of different gear around every corner with everyone saying different things, because very few have found the 'synergy' they were searching for - a mass of confusion...to me anyway.

Just my 2 cents...
Troy

If you want to just spend money, kudos to you if you have it - it will definitely be a learning experience and that can be worth it in it's own merit. If you want to really enjoy the music, slow down a little and do some research on this site.

ben62670

veerapaneni wrote: »

Where would i get help in upgrading the x-overs. I am not sure whether i could do it myself .

I do upgrades for Polkies at a very reasonable price.

veerapaneni

ben62670 wrote: »

I do upgrades for Polkies at a very reasonable price.

Can i get more details of the process and price please.

ben62670

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71515
This is just one pair of 15's I did. I can shoot you a price if you are interested. Just let me know what model you want done.
Ben

BlueFox

15K will buy a decent SACD, pre, amp, and associated cables. Figure $9000 for electronics, and $6000 for cables (IC and speaker). Later you can upgrade the speakers.

Face

Pre-pro for HT only, external DAC and preamp with HT bypass for music listening, upgraded crossovers for your mains and center, and room treatments. It'll sound substantially better than what you have now.

markmarc

veerapaneni wrote: »

Where would i get help in upgrading the x-overs. I am not sure whether i could do it myself .

Definitely talk with Ben, he'll take good care of you.

veerapaneni

Any Pre/Pro recommendation with 3D support ? I am waiting for Onkyo PR-SC5508 which is not yet released.

nhhiep

if you have 15k to spend on speakers. you should NOT be in this forum or buying polk. you're looking at BW 8 series level, which is way over what Polk have.

ben62670

B&W speakers? They bore me.

HB27

ben62670 wrote: »

B&W speakers? They bore me.

YES! So it's just not me that thinks they're bland, dull, predictable.

audiocr381ve

Treat your room. Discover being content.

Face

HB27 wrote: »

YES! So it's just not me that thinks they're bland, dull, predictable.

Awful is a better description.

sm88

Used Wilson Sophias, Dynaudio Confidence C1, and Focal Diablo Utopia come to mind

e: Where are you located? You could hear my Usher's as well if you are looking for a full home theater compliment, since the above listed would only be 2 channel at that price range.

veerapaneni

sm88 wrote: »

Used Wilson Sophias, Dynaudio Confidence C1, and Focal Diablo Utopia come to mind

e: Where are you located? You could hear my Usher's as well if you are looking for a full home theater compliment, since the above listed would only be 2 channel at that price range.

I am located in San Francisco Bay Area.

sm88

veerapaneni wrote: »

I am located in San Francisco Bay Area.

Wrong coast unfortunately! The Ushers are quite nice for the money. About $1500 used for a pair as well, so a 5 channel setup would run you $4000ish. They dip very very low but pair that with two self built Rythmik 15 inch subs (they are designed for accuracy and musical reproduction) for another $1300. The rest goes to electronics of course.

The Ushers were described as being awfully similar to the Dynaudio Confidence C1's, which are $7000+ a pair, but those are another option.

e: I had the Paradigm Studio series and the Ushers mop the floor with them, even though they were great to be honest. The Signatures I considered but didn't get a chance to hear them, would be more even of a match.

LandShark

PSB Sychrony One 10,699, Paradigm Reference Signature S8 15,595, Sonics Amerigo 10,995
These earned top honors in Home Theater mag...which is the only place I'll probably ever see them.

LandShark

By the way, since you are able to spend that kind of cash for speakers I'll take that Micropro 4000 off your hands...cheap;)

BlueFox

LandShark wrote: »

PSB Sychrony One 10,699

I will throw in a plug for the PSB Synchrony One. I have a pair in my two channel system that replaced my SDA-2 speakers. They sound great. I then replaced my LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One center and it was a perfect match with the other 4 LSi15s. It is about 3 times bigger than the LSiC and gives a much better center stage. I was going to replace my front LSi15s with the PSB Synchrony One towers (like the two channel), but decided to wait for the new LSiM 707 to be available.

Also, in the October 2010 issue of stereophile they have their annual list of recommended components, and on page 93 the PSB Synchrony One is listed in the A-Restricted Extreme Low Frequency category since they only reach down to 40Hz versus down to 20Hz, which is required to be included in the A-Full Range category.

Face

Do you listen to 2 channel or multi-channel music?

If it's 2 channel, you're crazy to spend that much on speakers without upgrading the rest of your gear first.

If you're dead set on a pair of speakers, check out the Acoustic Zen Crescendo.

F1nut

veerapaneni wrote: »

I am located in San Francisco Bay Area.

I'd recommend taking a drive down to San Jose to visit The Analog Room. They are 2 channel only, but it will give you an idea of what higher end audio is about and I believe will help you with your quest.

BTW, you won't find any B&W speakers there.