Polk LSiM 707 at Lone Star Audio Fest 2011

newsman

Hi all,
Just came back from the first day at the Lone Star Audio Fest. Of course 90% of my time was spent at the Polk Audio room showing off new Polk flagships.

I've been trying fruitlessly to find detailed pictures of LSiM online, and this was a great chance to study new design in great detail. They have a much bigger presence than pictures lead to believe. These are the most beautiful speakers Polk has ever made, and one of the nicest speakers I've seen period. The class is cut above previous LSi series and in the same league as anything I've seen under $10k. But enough with the words, here are the pictures.

Sorry for the quality: lighting was really bad and no windows. Doesn't help that I don't have the best camera out there.

Description in the order of attachments:
1. Room Setup. 2)Side view 3)Rubber surround hiding hardware attaching speaker to the front baffle. 4)Surround being placed back - simply by pushing into the corresponding grooves. 5)Sculpted base 6)Innocent Upskirt exposing two Power Ports 7)New spike detail 8)Spike detail from the top

newsman

9)Binding Posts 10)Speaker Back detail 11)Upgraded Ring Radiator Tweeter - another dirty shot - tweeter is not translucent, just flash 12)Grill - metal frame - very sturdy and heavy 11)Check out how thin it is! 12)LSiM707 with Grill 13)LSiM Bookshelf

thesurfer

AHH, How do they Sound,, That would probally be what is most purdant,

Topper

awesome pics !! thanks for posting !!

Tell us bout how they sound !! and how they compare to the other speakers at the show

mantis

I must hear the line , how do they sound bro?

newsman

I will be careful in my description. Showroom floor is not the best environment for critical listening with lots of uknowns, but here are my notes that I'm happy to share.

Can't comment on how Polk compared to other speakers in the show. Only auditioned one other room, YG Acoustics driven by Luxman. Completely different price range and completely different sound signature. Maybe tomorrow.

Let's start with the bad: The room setup was not ideal - it was too small. 707 are a lot bigger speakers than my LSi 15s and they have a lot more bass energy to go with it. Also listening position was too close, probably to allow people to squeeze behind the couch.

Ok. The first thing that jump out is how new LSiM towers present a complete sound package from top to bottom. It's really is a full range speaker. They are not bright, and stay true to the Polk signature, however - they have a lot more information in the upper mids than LSi15's. Another immediate striking characteristics - is full, dynamic and tight bass. It's fast and keeps together with the upper registers, but it goes so deep that I was looking suspiciously to the left at Polk new sub sitting in the corner. It wasn't hooked up. If I want to be crude in my words, 707 remind me in their presentation of the full range speakers such as Wilson Sasha or B&W802 - not in the way of sound signature, but in the ability to present the full picture. 707 were able to load the room with music energy without showing any strain or disconnect between bass and upper range. In short, Polk fixed the biggest problem I had with previous LSi - quality of bass compared to the rest of presentation.

Imaging was good, but not great - again most likely due to setup. My LSi15 image great, and from what I can tell 707 retain a lot of characteristics of the previous series in the upper region. But again, I have to mention, that 707 also offer a lot more detail in the upper range - and I know, because I've lived with my LSi15 for 8 years and am very familiar with their sound quality.

In summary, from my short time with LSiM 707 they improve upon LSi15 in both upper and bottom region. The bass quality is absolutely marvelous. Beyond that I don't want to say more. I was looking forward to a new Polk flagship, so want to tame my bias. Needless to say though, I look forward to having opportunity to listen to them some more.

I want to thank Russ and Polk for making this happen in the Dallas area! I had a pleasure talking to the Polk representative and gain a lot of insight into Polk history, and story of the new LSiM series.
In my mind, this is what separates Polk from other companies. There are better speakers than what Polk offers, but not at this price range. At $4k these make me think twice about spending more. I could seriously cross shop between these and B&W802 or Maggies 3.7 (I've heard both). I don't know, but to me, Polk continues to represent an American audio company providing audiophile products to audiophiles with real budgets.

One note though, these will be made in China. This has been mentioned before. But for some reason I feel sad every time I hear that. However, previous LSi series was also made in China, so that's realities of today's world.

mantis

It looks like the quality overall has been improved. 4K is going to be a price point of many great speakers. I'm hoping they are sonically superior in every way compared to the the Lsi series.

ranger

Thank you for the info, great report!

What kind of power is needed to do these speakers justice? I guess these are 4ohm speakers?

What receiver/amp combo are you using with your LSi15's?

Thanks in advance

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm sure this thread will see many updates by the end of the day. I plan on spending the better part of the day out there and will be in the Polk room for a big portion of that. I've been waiting patiently to hear these speakers, the wait is finally over today.

mantis

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I'm sure this thread will see many updates by the end of the day. I plan on spending the better part of the day out there and will be in the Polk room for a big portion of that. I've been waiting patiently to hear these speakers, the wait is finally over today.

Hell yeah , I'll be waiting on your thoughts.

polkatese

Very nice pics and review.

btw, curious if the version that you heard was part of the few production sample or the released production run?

heiney9

Nice post, thanks for taking the time.

H9

RuSsMaN

These are Pre-pro, the last one. Any changes will be extremely minor if at all. We ran door open yesterday, it will be closed today and I will hand out Polk Audio Tees starting at noon while they last.

polkatese

Thanks Russ.

mantis

Now Russ I'm fully assuming you got your ears on them , do tell brother do tell.

Larry Chanin

newsman wrote: »

I will be careful in my description. Showroom floor is not the best environment for critical listening with lots of uknowns, but here are my notes that I'm happy to share.

Can't comment on how Polk compared to other speakers in the show. Only auditioned one other room, YG Acoustics driven by Luxman. Completely different price range and completely different sound signature. Maybe tomorrow.

Let's start with the bad: The room setup was not ideal - it was too small. 707 are a lot bigger speakers than my LSi 15s and they have a lot more bass energy to go with it. Also listening position was too close, probably to allow people to squeeze behind the couch.

Ok. The first thing that jump out is how new LSiM towers present a complete sound package from top to bottom. It's really is a full range speaker. They are not bright, and stay true to the Polk signature, however - they have a lot more information in the upper mids than LSi15's. Another immediate striking characteristics - is full, dynamic and tight bass. It's fast and keeps together with the upper registers, but it goes so deep that I was looking suspiciously to the left at Polk new sub sitting in the corner. It wasn't hooked up. If I want to be crude in my words, 707 remind me in their presentation of the full range speakers such as Wilson Sasha or B&W802 - not in the way of sound signature, but in the ability to present the full picture. 707 were able to load the room with music energy without showing any strain or disconnect between bass and upper range. In short, Polk fixed the biggest problem I had with previous LSi - quality of bass compared to the rest of presentation.

Imaging was good, but not great - again most likely due to setup. My LSi15 image great, and from what I can tell 707 retain a lot of characteristics of the previous series in the upper region. But again, I have to mention, that 707 also offer a lot more detail in the upper range - and I know, because I've lived with my LSi15 for 8 years and am very familiar with their sound quality.

In summary, from my short time with LSiM 707 they improve upon LSi15 in both upper and bottom region. The bass quality is absolutely marvelous. Beyond that I don't want to say more. I was looking forward to a new Polk flagship, so want to tame my bias. Needless to say though, I look forward to having opportunity to listen to them some more.

I want to thank Russ and Polk for making this happen in the Dallas area! I had a pleasure talking to the Polk representative and gain a lot of insight into Polk history, and story of the new LSiM series.
In my mind, this is what separates Polk from other companies. There are better speakers than what Polk offers, but not at this price range. At $4k these make me think twice about spending more. I could seriously cross shop between these and B&W802 or Maggies 3.7 (I've heard both). I don't know, but to me, Polk continues to represent an American audio company providing audiophile products to audiophiles with real budgets.

One note though, these will be made in China. This has been mentioned before. But for some reason I feel sad every time I hear that. However, previous LSi series was also made in China, so that's realities of today's world.

Hi,

Thanks for your observations and the photos.

Larry

Larry Chanin

RuSsMaN wrote: »

These are Pre-pro, the last one. Any changes will be extremely minor if at all. We ran door open yesterday, it will be closed today and I will hand out Polk Audio Tees starting at noon while they last.

Hi Russ,

Are you at liberty to release the preliminary specifications for these speakers, i.e. the same type of information found in the "Tech Specs" pages on the Polk Audio website?

Thanks.

Larry

RuSsMaN

4 ohm, plays music over a wide range of frequencies, sounds amazing. Those are the specs I have.

SolidSqual

What's the word on that Operetta gear? Is that a Jaton product? Are those also Virtue Audio amps on the right? Who picked the amps? Polk? I find the chip amps to be an odd choice to demo these speakers.

mrbigbluelight

Thanks for the info; its both dam exciting and comforting that the LsiM's are hitting the general public.
IMO, it's to the audio industry's benefit if a company like Polk can succeed well across the entire price range of real world speakers.
Here's hoping that Polk knocks this offering out of the park. If looks and sound match, it would appear they have.
Good luck !!

RuSsMaN

Yes Virtue Audio powering the Blackstone running on pure dc with a Dodd tube buffer installed. The Jaton gear is the new AP2140 modular system and it is not only affordable but it is rocking the LSiM's. They sent me their $5000 amp, but I wanted to show that 2 grand was more than enough to make them sing for the budget minded.

Larry Chanin

RuSsMaN wrote: »

4 ohm, plays music over a wide range of frequencies, sounds amazing. Those are the specs I have.

Hi Russ,

Thanks.

I guess we'll just have to wait patiently for more information as the Polk Audio webpage below recommends.

It took us forty years to build this speaker.
You should wait a few more weeks to hear them


Larry

SolidSqual

RuSsMaN wrote: »

Yes Virtue Audio powering the Blackstone running on pure dc with a Dodd tube buffer installed. The Jaton gear is the new AP2140 modular system and it is not only affordable but it is rocking the LSiM's. They sent me their $5000 amp, but I wanted to show that 2 grand was more than enough to make them sing for the budget minded.

That's good to know that the LSiMs sound excellent with these new class of amps. How is the LSiM in general with other sorts of amps? Is it as power hungry as the original LSi? Even more hungry?

polkatese

Bernal, I suggest you withheld your opinions until you have a chance to hear the LSiM yourself and then make an informed impression of what you think about the speakers. Continue trying to justify your decisions to go with a different brand make it your comments less meaningful and it gets old. Trust your ears.

cnh

+1, Don't understand your post, Bernal. Today some of the 'best' gear is made in China. I saw that in my stay last year in the PRC. What is important is 'quality' control. The Chinese are now pretty much where the Japanese were in the 80s--able to 'copy' and reproduce almost anything more or less 'perfectly'...kind of scary, actually!

Some of us got to see the prototypes and I can't say that I saw any 'quality' problems in construction. Since you haven't heard these I'd take care not to overstep.

I realize that we all love our 'babies' and want to believe that what we bought is the best or better. But this isn't the place for such comparisons unless you've actually done the comparison.

On another note thanks for the review and update, I can only imagine what the finished product must sound like. Even in the prototype Demo at the P-fest, the greater clarity and detail of the new series over the former LSI were pretty evident.

Sounds like you had a great time!

cnh

heiney9

Hmmmmm....Bernal's post must have been deleted. I can probably guess exactly what it said. :rolleyes:

RuSsMaN

Ignore him. He threadcraps again I will ban him from my phone. Keep the questions and opinions flowing guys. This is a big day for Polk.

dorokusai

Bernal - I'd suggest you wander away from the threads concerning this event, the new products being shown and the subsequent discussion.

This is an important time for Polk and the thread will remain positive and on topic. If you don't like the product, that's great but it's not going to happen here. Thanks for attention to this matter, go enjoy some music today as it's far more important.

Conradicles

Those speakers are fabulous looking. Great job Polk Audio!

Bernal

dorokusai wrote: »

Bernal - I'd suggest you wander away from the threads concerning this event, the new products being shown and the subsequent discussion.

This is an important time for Polk and the thread will remain positive and on topic. If you don't like the product, that's great but it's not going to happen here. Thanks for attention to this matter, go enjoy some music today as it's far more important.

Good answer ... makes the difference.
Happy day

heiney9

The LSiM would look nice in my living room. I did hear the very rough prototypes at Polkfest and I thought they sounded pretty good not only in the less than conducive environment but they were very roughly dialed in at that point.

It's a shame I'll probably never get to hear them in a showroom near me since there aren't any showrooms anymore. Not Polk's fault since any manufacturer dealer network is non-existent these days.

I'm sure I'll get my ears on them eventually and I'd have no problem buying them without hearing them...........I'm a Polkie at heart.

H9