Time to say Farewell to my Lsi set...

camtah

Well after many sleepless nights, I have finally pulled the plug on my LSi in my HT and sold them off. They went ot a good home and will be well taken care of I am sure. I went back and forth on upgrading the crossovers and such, but in the end I just plain wanted a change and a few dollars came my way to set off and explore.

Now the funny thing is even though my budget was better than I expected, after listening to a few different sets and series, of B&W, Paridigm's, etc, I shunned the higher end models as not being worth the extra $$$ for performance in my case..

I finally went with the Paradigm Studio 100, C690, ADP590 setup... Some of you may think that is a lateral move and that is to be debated in the future. I currently only have the center hooked up and I will tell you there is a major difference in clarity and power vs the LsiC. It has the SO seal of approval!

Later this week I will receive the remainder of my order and then the games will begin.

I am still a Polkie as I still own RT7 and FXi3 and I have been one since 1979

zarrdoss

come on man you know the rules on selling on the forum, lol.

camtah

Yes..But since they bumped up the post count, I can no longer post an ad, despite my previous ability to sell items in the past. Therefore I probably need to post trivial stuff like this to qualify instead of meaningful posts that benefit the community as whole...

Then again I guess I don't have anything meaningful to add anyway.. :biggrin:

Seriously, I think that padding posts to get to an artificial count is silly and I don't like it anymore than the rest of you. I apologize for doing this in an underhanded way, but I really did want to start a discussion on why I jumped ship. I just added a shameless plug...

Now back on topic: One thing I did notice is that LsiFX is beast compared to the ADP590. Since the 590 is not yet in my possession and I still have a pair of LsiFX, I intend to compare the two in the near future. I surmise that a few people may be interested in this comparison

ViperZ

There is no need to perfectly match the rear speakers to your front stage, so you may even end up keeping LsiFX? I am not surprised that CC690 is much better than LSi-C. That speaker is a beast!!

zarrdoss

I was only kidding, you have been here since 2005. Kind of apparent that you are just not here to sell stuff to me.

camtah

Yeah, I got that. But the post count issue still is sore with people like me that enjoy the forum and have somehow been punished from utilizing it to the fullest.

Now about those Lsifx....:biggrin:

zarrdoss

Sorry man, I have done the Polk speaker thing to its fullest, well for me anyway. Good score on those Paradigm's. it shouldn't be that hard for you to get another 31 posts just another 2 or 3 years, lol.

camtah

Now that was funny.....

teamjhertz

I just wanted to give a big thumbs up to Kevin (Camtah). I was the one that purchased his LSi set up this weekend and I have been enjoying the speakers ever since then. It is definatly a step up from the RTi series that I still have. Anyone looking for a set of LSiFX speakers should definately purchase them from him without a second thought. He takes great care of his gear and does not mind demoing his Epik Empires along with his HD projector.

Thanks again,

Jack

blueboxer

I have always really enjoyed the Studio 100's and CC690 everytime I auditioned them. I even purchased them and tried to run them for a short period when I was still running things off of an AVR. I ended up realizing I couldn't do them justice and ended up selling them. I am curious to give them another run with my separates that I now have. The Studios seemed to do an excellent job of disappearing and the center was incredible. The only negative was the sheer size of the center, I didn't realize how huge it was until I plopped it down on top of my entertainment center. I think you will enjoy them a lot. Are you running a sub with them?

camtah

How about dual Epik Empires !!!!

camtah

Well if anyone is interested, I finally received and installed the Studio 100, CC590 and the ADP-590 in a 5.1 configuration. The surrounds are mounted on the rear wall facing forward for now, just as the Polk LSiFX were.

First Impression: I started with all the the settings on my Audyssey they were previous from the Lsi setup. One, because I wanted to hear them right away and 2) because I wanted to hear them right away. My source was only cable TV and the Iron Man 2 Blu-ray based on the little time I had to do this.

Given that, I immediately noticed that the the CC-690 center was better at dialogue and more spacious sounding, even at lower listening levels. It should be just based on the size alone, but it was a definite step up from the LSiC.

The Studio 100 blended very well and the midrange/tweeter combo seemed more open and articulate to me. I heard subtle details in Iron Man that I don't remember hearing on the Lsi15. It seemed more upfront without being "bright"

The rear ADP-590 vs the LXiFX: This is where I think the Polk set have an upper edge. Not just in fit and finish, but the ability to switch between bipole and dipole were evident. The ADP sounded rather thin and I expect that to change once I have a few hours on them and can re-run Audyssesy. Compared to the fronts ion fit, finish and sound, these seem almost disappointing initially.

If any initial impression was made, it was I now understand the previous comparisons between the laid back sound of the LSi vs the more upfront sound of the Studio. I wouldn't say better at this stage, just different styles. Since my rig is heavy on the movie vs music, I suspect that the Studios may be a better choice, but I will need to dial them in before I judge.

teamjhertz

It sounds like you are going to be watching a `lot of movies this weekend. Thanks for the review. Now I just have to wait 5 or so years before I can get the Paradigm set up from you. LOL. Enjoy the new rig.

leroyjr1

Nice grab Camtah!!

Let's see some pics. Are you running an external amp?

cnh

Your review is certainly plausible. Personally, I think of LSIs as musical speakers and it is that very LAID back quality that I most enjoy about them. Glad the Paradigm was an upgrade for you.

Enjoy...it won't be long before another 'bug' bites?

cnh

tonyb

Glad you found a sound more to your likeing. Curious as I am though, did you run the LSI's off a receiver or did you have an amp in the mix ? Appologies if I missed it somewhere.

camtah

I finally reran Audyssey for the Paradigms. I guess I should mention my setup:

* Onkyo PR-SC886 Pre-Amp, using Dynamic eq
* Outlaw 770 Amp
* Oppo BDP-83 DVD
* Studio 100v5, Xover@60 <<-- was LSI15
* CC9-690, Xover@60 <<-- was LSiC
* ADP-590, Xover@80 <<-- was LSiFX
* (2) Epik Empires Subwoofers
* Panasonic AE3000 Projector

I always had the Lsi on the amp, so power was never an issue. Last night was the first time by better half got to see or hear them. We watch POTC3:At Worlds end and even she commented on the sound.

The first thing I noticed is that the ADP-590 sounded much better. The front stage integration with the subs was better. It was very apparent that the was a more open and dynamic feel to dialogue and ambient effects. I attribute this to the more upfront sound of the Paradigms vs the Polks. I have not had a chance to listen to music yet. I really did enjoy the Lsi15 for music. I listened to them in 2 channel mostly. One of the reasons I went with the Studio 100 vs the 60 because I do listen to 2 channel music sans subs, otherwise I could have saved a few dollars.

Once the speakers have a few more miles on them, then I will run REW and compare the ADP-590 to the LsiFX I still have laying around, unless they sell quickly (hint, hint...)

cfrizz

I will be interested in reading your views on your system for music.

camtah

Note: As I am the OP of this thread, I left this on another forum and have copied it here for your enjoyment.

...
I recently upgraded(?) my Polk Lsi setup for the Studio 100, CC690 and ADP590. All are version 5.

I have had them now for about 2 weeks. I am driving them with the same setup as my Lsi setup:

* Onkyo PR-SC886P pre
* Outlaw 770 amp
* Oppo BDP-83 dvd
* Dual Epik Empires

My listening is mostly 80/20 movies to music. The reason I bought the 100 vs the 60 was because I enjoy listening to music in stereo (Direct and Pure Audio) which of course bypasses the Subs.

However, I am finding a lack of bass as compared to the Lsi15. The mid-range has more punch and the high end is distinct on the 100's. I am finding that while those qualities are fine, the bass is rather thin. It is no doubt tight, but it does not seem to have the energy or impact that the Lsi15 had. I have double checked all connections. I find that I while the Pure Audio/Direct setting is clear and concise, I finally conceded to listening in All Stereo mode just to bring the subs in to fill in. I realize that these are still new and some of you may suggest more of a breaking in period. I have used both analog stereo and HDMI settings (DSD) on the CD. Listening to SACD is not an issue because naturally the subs are engaged and with this I am pleased.

I originally was going to purchase the 60's, but passed because I wanted to listen to 2-CH. Given my initial disappointment, I could have saved some $$$ if I still needed to use the subs anyway. BTW, the Epik's are very musical and tight and have more than enough "energy".

I might add I rather enjoy the Studio's for HT over the Polks. I think so far I prefer the Lsi for music at this point, even though it was a more laid back sound.. I have not yet talked to my dealer and I am wondering if the 60's would have done just as good a job given this.

BTW, before you all ask, I have played with all sorts of settings in BM and Audyssey and generally I find the following x-over settings work best for me:

Studio 100: 50
CC690: 60
ADP590: 80(THX)

Comments or suggestions???

Thx

leroyjr1

Can you return them? It could be numerous reasons for "lack of bass"
Room, power, and placement. I'd say give them a little more time and if you're still not satisfied sell them and move on. I thought the bass was good when I auditioned them last year.

cnh

I keep hearing how 'laid' back LSIs are, yet with mid-fi digital sources and CDPs in the 700 dollar and lower range they can sometimes sound brittle and grating up high--even with that Vifa tweeter? So I'm not quite getting it. I expected a 'smoother' top end than I often hear? Not to highjack the thread but 'what do you guys mean by laid back'...because I'm not hearing that. I'd say that my Energy RC-10s are more laid back and they have metal domes (using the same equipment--two channel separates and an adequate but by no means top notch CDP?).

cnh

camtah

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Can you return them? It could be numerous reasons for "lack of bass"
Room, power, and placement. I'd say give them a little more time and if you're still not satisfied sell them and move on. I thought the bass was good when I auditioned them last year.

I suspect that they need to break in a little. I don't remember the Lsi15 needed a break in period, then again I didn't pay a lot of attention back then either since I watch more movies.

camtah

cnh wrote: »

I keep hearing how 'laid' back LSIs are, yet with mid-fi digital sources and CDPs in the 700 dollar and lower range they can sometimes sound brittle and grating up high--even with that Vifa tweeter? So I'm not quite getting it. I expected a 'smoother' top end than I often hear? Not to highjack the thread but 'what do you guys mean by laid back'...because I'm not hearing that. I'd say that my Energy RC-10s are more laid back and they have metal domes (using the same equipment--two channel separates and an adequate but by no means top notch CDP?).

cnh

Maybe it was what you were driving them with, because the Lsi sounds "warmer" and more "laid back" than the current Studios I have. I guess the best way I can describe it is the Studios have "punch" in the mid-range and the high's are "brighter" bordering on shrilling depending on the source. Newer audio sources sound much better than older CD's I have been playing. In that regard the Lsi's probably hid the harshness of these older CD better than the Studio 100. With Blu-ray audio, I feel that the Studio's have a better handle on the dynamics of the sound vs the Lsi. Hence my thought that the Lsi are a little more laid back and not so much in your face. However I never thought the Lsi were harsh or bright even with bad or good recordings. Maybe my amp had something to do with it.

Polkie2009

Kevin, I was going to suggest the same thing you posted about maybe giving the 100's more hours to break in. I looked at getting some used Studio 100's last year but my budget was around 200 dollars so I ended up getting a sweet deal on some nice used LS90's. Most of the used Studio 100's were around 400 and up depending on their age. Hang onto your 100's and see how they do,maybe change out an amp to see if it makes any difference.