Center shootout w/ pics.

2

Comments

  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    When you auditioned the VP180 how did it sound to you? Did it have a dynamic, robust room filling sound with crystal clear dialog even at low levels, or was it just so-so & really just didn't get the job done? Does the driver placement & the sound seem like these are issues that need to be corrected? And if so, have you contacted Axiom to see what steps they are taking to correct these issues? Curious minds want to know. :wink:

    I have never heard them - I have only read what Skiing Ninja and Danny Ritchie has said about them...

    I am just curious, if no one wishes to comment we can leave it alone.

    Thanks
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I have never heard them - I have only read what Skiing Ninja and Danny Ritchie has said about them...

    I am just curious, if no one wishes to comment we can leave it alone.

    Thanks

    Those fellows are more than welcome to their opinions (even on outdated models from years ago). Just keep in mind that this is one crazy hobby & you'll find detractors & critics of every brand regardless of it's price & following. Opinions are simply that...opinions. Heck, Polk & even the Tylers that you really like have had their fair share of critics but the proof is in the pudding. If people didn't like it they wouldn't buy it, simple as that. And companies don't tend to stay in business very long if their product doesn't sell.

    That's why I don't comment on anything unless I've had it in my hands, in my system & have listened to it for a long enough period of time to form my opinion. Which by the way should be taken with a grain of salt as all other opinions.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    I understand thats why I am not pushing the matter...

    Enjoy!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,194
    edited August 2011
    If polk and Psb will do it also, two tweeters in the same cabinet might not create a fuzzy sound. My split center sounds great but the tweeters are high and low. I would have to hear these myself.

    Check these from Psb..didn't know they had these. But they mount them high and low too.:cool:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/PSB-STRATUS-C5I-CENTER-SPEAKER-BLACK-/260842580062?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3cbb6de85e
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    Please note that putting tweeters VERTICALY together is actually considered OK as you are coupling together... Alot of times it is designed for one to be reduced in volume or doing something slightly different still.

    Doing what Axiom did on the other hand is... not generally accepted as OK.

    Anytime you put something side by side making the same signal it is generally not ok.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited August 2011
    McIntosh have made their speakers with 5 tweeters next to one another for years, one in phase the other out for all 5. So there are examples that it can be done and work very well.
    I would be very interested in hearing them and wish I lived closer so I could invite miself over for an audition, hell I would let him buy the beer too :biggrin:.

    Dave
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited August 2011
    Daaang that's a BIG center. I love it!
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    Please note that putting tweeters VERTICALY together is actually considered OK as you are coupling together... Alot of times it is designed for one to be reduced in volume or doing something slightly different still.

    Doing what Axiom did on the other hand is... not generally accepted as OK.

    Anytime you put something side by side making the same signal it is generally not ok.

    Awful lot of "consider"s and "generally"s gettin' thrown around...
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Awful lot of "consider"s and "generally"s gettin' thrown around...

    Third party opinions are sometimes taken as gospel by some but I do find they have entertainment value at best & do make for some fun reading. It would be nice though if one actually had the piece in their system before posting instead of relying on others. Just a thought. :wink:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited August 2011
    Conventional wisdom as to what works in speaker design has been from time to time,proven wrong. SDA's for example, when they first came out, conventional wisdom said they would sound like arse. We all know better now though. I guess no matter the design, you have to get an ear on something to validate.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    tonyb wrote: »
    Conventional wisdom as to what works in speaker design has been from time to time,proven wrong. SDA's for example, when they first came out, conventional wisdom said they would sound like arse. We all know better now though. I guess no matter the design, you have to get an ear on something to validate.

    Too funny Tony! But Polk sure did take a lot of heat & critisism about that whole line of speakers. Conventional wisdom thinkers just couldn't comprehend the multi tweet, mid & woofer design. And I'm sure they measured like **** to boot. Oh well, we know how that story ended! :biggrin:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited August 2011
    No verdict yet, huh? That leads me to believe that the shootout might be close.

    My setup is very close to Pearsall's, minus one of the SPL1200 subs. That said, if I am able to move into a dedicated theatre room and I decide to stay with the Polk LSi as the speaker of choice, then I will be adding a second LSiC as opposed to a new center.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    No verdict yet, huh? That leads me to believe that the shootout might be close.

    My setup is very close to Pearsall's, minus one of the SPL1200 subs. That said, if I am able to move into a dedicated theatre room and I decide to stay with the Polk LSi as the speaker of choice, then I will be adding a second LSiC as opposed to a new center.

    The jury is almost done deliberating. Not a slam dunk by any means. Very interesting!! :smile:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Initial rankings after a good week of listening:

    Axiom VP180
    KEF Q600C
    Polk LSiC

    After some serious listening things have changed a bit:

    KEF Q600C
    Axiom VP180
    Polk LSiC

    The KEF with the Uni-Q driver is simply outstanding! Off-Axis listening is just frightening good! Vocals are more defined & precise than the other two. More to come later.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2011
    That's the magic of true point source.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Face wrote: »
    That's the magic of true point source.

    That's exactly what I'm finding out. After listening to the New Q series, the XQ & Ref series I've been intrigued with the awesome performance of the point-source design of KEF. This newly designed Q series has somewhat caught my fancy & for the pricing it's incredible. More to come.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2011
    If you want a more laid back sound, check out Tannoy's dual concentrics.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • SRTer
    SRTer Posts: 372
    edited August 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Initial rankings after a good week of listening:

    Axiom VP180
    KEF Q600C
    Polk LSiC

    After some serious listening things have changed a bit:

    KEF Q600C
    Axiom VP180
    Polk LSiC

    The KEF with the Uni-Q driver is simply outstanding! Off-Axis listening is just frightening good! Vocals are more defined & precise than the other two. More to come later.

    Personal taste aside, it seems to me that most of the "senior" members or high number posting members find the higher-end offerings from Polk Audio in terms of RTi A, LSi, and LSiC to be less than able to compete with a winning result when against similarly priced offerings from most of the usual suspects.

    So, the question is this.

    Outside if buy Monitors for cheap home theater, is there really a reason to buy Polk Audio?

    I really have high hopes for Polk but I often find people are looking at Polk like you must be on a budget to buy instead of saying its a great product.
    Fronts: Polk RTi A9
    Center: Polk CSI A6
    Rears: Polk RTi A7
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watts x 7)
    Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555 Mk.II (200 watt @ 8 ohms)
    Sub: Polk DSW PRO 500 (10 inch, 200 Watt)
    TV: Samsung 59 inch 3D Plasma 600 Hz PN59D7000
    Sources: Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Player, DirecTV, PS3, iPhone 4 and IPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2011
    SRTer wrote: »
    ...Outside if buy Monitors for cheap home theater, is there really a reason to buy Polk Audio?...

    I thought LsiM-703's outperformed other speakers costing 1/3 more, and they held their own surprisingly well when compared to speakers that cost 2-3 times as much. They were the best bang-for-your-buck in my dealer's lineup.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited August 2011
    A few years ago, I was looking at center channels for home theater. I didn't like the LSiC, thinking it too "polite". I preferred the agressiveness of the CSi a6. Have you heard either of these centers, Pearsall? How would you compare these or other Polk centers to the KEF or Axiom?
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  • LeftCoast
    LeftCoast Posts: 406
    edited August 2011
    Also, what are your thoughts on having the center channel timber matched with the rest of your HT system? Seems to me it isn't quite so crucial as people like to think.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    LeftCoast wrote: »
    A few years ago, I was looking at center channels for home theater. I didn't like the LSiC, thinking it too "polite". I preferred the agressiveness of the CSi a6. Have you heard either of these centers, Pearsall? How would you compare these or other Polk centers to the KEF or Axiom?

    I have the LSiC but have not heard the CSi6 center. I found the LSiC to be a tad lacking when it came to critical dialog. It sounded muffled & unclear at times that became annoying. Thus my desire to check out other centers.
    LeftCoast wrote: »
    Also, what are your thoughts on having the center channel timber matched with the rest of your HT system? Seems to me it isn't quite so crucial as people like to think.

    Some guys swear that the front end should be timbre matched (which I'm sure is the ideal situation in most cases) but I have my reservations. Case in point being the LSiC is the matching center for my LSi15's but to me wasn't a good match because it's performance lagged. So far the KEF has really been a remarkable performer & to my ears is blending nicely. Maybe others ears might be able to point out it's non-timbre match but not these ears.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    Have you ever tried putting a center above and below your tv?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited August 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    Have you ever tried putting a center above and below your tv?

    When I had my AAD 2001 monitors I had my AAD center mounted directly on top of the TV with great results. But now that I have the Rotel RMB-1095 on an amp stand between my mains it looked like the perfect medium to mount my LSiC, so I built a stand for that very application. It's the same stand that is housing all my guest centers as I do my listening evaluation. I like the center moved out further in the room just a tad behind the mains. It makes for a solid sounding front end. I think more so that the center mounted on the TV which was set back much further.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited August 2011
    Gotcha...

    I have used a number of center channels and I have yet to hear one that even comes close to having two speakers mounted above and below the TV....

    My Dad had one of the upper end JM Lab center channels which was phenominal - it still does not compare to the clarity and "imaging" of placing the image in the center of the tv having a speaker above and below..

    Would be hard for me to go back...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited September 2011
    SRTer wrote: »
    Personal taste aside, it seems to me that most of the "senior" members or high number posting members find the higher-end offerings from Polk Audio in terms of RTi A, LSi, and LSiC to be less than able to compete with a winning result when against similarly priced offerings from most of the usual suspects.

    So, the question is this.

    Outside if buy Monitors for cheap home theater, is there really a reason to buy Polk Audio?

    I really have high hopes for Polk but I often find people are looking at Polk like you must be on a budget to buy instead of saying its a great product.

    Huh ??? Most senior members here have nothing but respect for Polk speakers all up and down the lineup. The RTI and LSI linup in particular can stand on their own against any of the competition in the same price range. With all the flavors out there in speakers, people will choose other brands, it's the nature of the beast, audio is subjective. Alot of the senior members, some who still carry a bunch of Polks in their homes, have moved up the ladder to brands that offer some things that Polk doesn't. Polk doesn't market itself to the higher end, it's another crowded market and harder to turn a profit in. Simply saying that outside the Monitor series, there's not a reason to buy Polks is rather silly. Polk puts out great products in their respective price classes, period. I have no reservations recommending a Polk product to anyone.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited September 2011
    All powered with an amplifier, the LSiC sounds great matched with the LSi15s in the front for home theater.
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  • SRTer
    SRTer Posts: 372
    edited September 2011
    tonyb wrote: »
    Huh ??? Most senior members here have nothing but respect for Polk speakers all up and down the lineup. The RTI and LSI linup in particular can stand on their own against any of the competition in the same price range. With all the flavors out there in speakers, people will choose other brands, it's the nature of the beast, audio is subjective. Alot of the senior members, some who still carry a bunch of Polks in their homes, have moved up the ladder to brands that offer some things that Polk doesn't. Polk doesn't market itself to the higher end, it's another crowded market and harder to turn a profit in. Simply saying that outside the Monitor series, there's not a reason to buy Polks is rather silly. Polk puts out great products in their respective price classes, period. I have no reservations recommending a Polk product to anyone.

    Silly? You do understand this is a question? The only bad question is one not asked. And be sure to know, I love Polk but this thead as well as other numerous post for key members have lead me to ask the question.

    I'm glad to see that I must be getting the wrong understanding because I wanted put together a 2 channel setup soon but the Polk LSi didn't rank well it this test of opinions.
    Fronts: Polk RTi A9
    Center: Polk CSI A6
    Rears: Polk RTi A7
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watts x 7)
    Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555 Mk.II (200 watt @ 8 ohms)
    Sub: Polk DSW PRO 500 (10 inch, 200 Watt)
    TV: Samsung 59 inch 3D Plasma 600 Hz PN59D7000
    Sources: Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Player, DirecTV, PS3, iPhone 4 and IPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited September 2011
    The LSi (originals) are fairly dated at this point.

    At their new prices I would say they are on par with other things in their price class and used prices they are a good value...

    The new LSIM in their respective price class has some STIFF competition and I would need to hear the final version instead of the prototype to pass any judgement there
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited September 2011
    SRTer wrote: »
    Silly? You do understand this is a question? The only bad question is one not asked. And be sure to know, I love Polk but this thead as well as other numerous post for key members have lead me to ask the question.

    I'm glad to see that I must be getting the wrong understanding because I wanted put together a 2 channel setup soon but the Polk LSi didn't rank well it this test of opinions.

    Stating the obvious, Polk isn't the only company making speakers. They weren't the best way back when and they aren't the best now, and that's said with all due respect. To my ears and my wallet, I'm more than happy with what I have right now. I chose Polk because the speakers are quality and the customer service is top notch. I may get my ears on the new LSi line in due time, and I may decide to upgrade.

    No review from someone else is going to make me look at my setup and start thinking I need to dump all my current Polk speakers. A review may intrigue me enough to give something else a listen if I feel I can make a measurable improvement that's also economical, but that's about it.

    Let your own ears be your guide and then make a decision. Don't make a decision based on the preferences of someone else.

    It's unrealistic to expect that people who have been in this hobby for a long time won't ever outgrow Polk or look at a higher end market that Polk isn't catering to.
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