Center shootout w/ pics.
Comments
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... I wanted put together a 2 channel setup soon but the Polk LSi didn't rank well it this test of opinions.
1) This test was about center channels, not stereo pairs. You will find that while more than a few Lsi owners consider the LsiC to be less than ideal, even those who are displeased with the center do not share the same sentiment towards the bookies or towers.
2) I suggest listening to the speakers. I have always found my ears to be the best means of judging sound.
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 -
Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »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...
I think my stage center channel would destroy your 2 bookshelf theory as I tried to best the stage and could not using 2 other ML center ch
It would have been great if the op would have had a csi5 or a6 in this test as that speaker was awesome for HT with great bass and clear highs
Pearsall... will you be keeping the KEF ? Do you think your going to go all KEF with your rig ? -
polkfarmboy wrote: »I think my stage center channel would destroy your 2 bookshelf theory as I tried to best the stage and could not using 2 other ML center ch
I dunno, his are ACTUALLY mounted and not put on a laundry basket......"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:EndersShadow wrote: »I dunno, his are ACTUALLY mounted and not put on a laundry basket...... -
I have to ask how you wired yours up and did you use any angles?
I mean really everything you post seems to be based off of 1% data and 99% hope that no one asks any more questions regarding your post.
Are you using an external amplifier? How are they wired? How did you actually place one above and below your tv? Etc
Also just wanted to point out the Stage center channel is approx $2650 MORE than my bookshelves and I am 100% positive my bookshelf speakers can run neck and neck
Sorry to derail, back to the post at hand- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »I have to ask how you wired yours up and did you use any angles?
I mean really everything you post seems to be based off of 1% data and 99% hope that no one asks any more questions regarding your post.
Are you using an external amplifier? How are they wired? How did you actually place one above and below your tv? Etc
Also just wanted to point out the Stage center channel is approx $2650 MORE than my bookshelves and I am 100% positive my bookshelf speakers can run neck and neck
Sorry to derail, back to the post at hand
I used an my receiver and amp and had 2 identical matinee channels used .The speakers were mounted above and below my 120" projector screen . I had the lower center channel mounted on a wood technology center channel stand .The reason I have the stage on the LB is the fact that its way too big for a conventional stand .Anyways these 2 speakers just could not outperform the stage for clarity of dialogue and they retail for $1600 a pop. Price aside the bigger better center was not bested by 2 smaller speakers -
For years I have read about center channels not performing to the owners standards yet the main channel speakers are considered to perform just fine.
I'm no rookie when it comes to system design , calibration and placement of speakers. I'm so not a rookie when it comes to matching speakers in their respected lines.
With that being said I'm gonna go out on a limb here and make an aggressive state.
I fully believe IF one is not happy with the center channel or any speaker in a home theater "MATCHED" package , then this person is not happy with the entire package. If one feels another center channel performs better then the current one in ones system , then this person should consider replacing the entire theater package with the given "better sounding" center and the rest of the "MATCHED" package.
Speaker manufactures spend a great deal of time and research to build a balanced performing package. I owned the LSI theater system and when I felt it was time to move on , I moved on. I didn't keep a part of it and replace what I felt was lacking. I never once felt the center channel to be lacking behind the mains or rear channels. They all had the same timbre and voicing and when played as a system , they all blended perfectly.
I drove my system with B&K. I felt it was a good match and they really played well together.
Guys really think about it the center channel is not the weak link , the LSI's are not that good. They are a nice speaker package for most people who came from the RT series that want more , but when that more becomes even more , then it's really time to move on.
In this thread I have read and I honestly believe HE should really consider one of the other brands as a full system choice not just upgrade the center channel. If HE likes the given center channel more then the LSIC , wouldn't it be a given HE would like the rest of that given company even more? I'm willing to bet if HE gets the full package and compares , the favored center channel package will out perform the rest of the LSi's.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
What are you, a mind reader! Changes to follow. "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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I owned the LSI theater system and when I felt it was time to move on , I moved on.
Guys really think about it the center channel is not the weak link , the LSI's are not that good. They are a nice speaker package for most people who came from the RT series that want more , but when that more becomes even more , then it's really time to move on.
I'm willing to bet if HE gets the full package and compares , the favored center channel package will out perform the rest of the LSi's.
TonyB,
I hope you are awake,
This is what I'm talking about righ here! The writing is in the wall. Mantis is well respected with hella post. The man is saying it plain as I read between the line.
Polk LSi is good but, but it is time for the OP to move on and up. Yes, I should hear them for myself, but I can find them in St. Louis anywhere.
For my two channel rig, i just get the feeling I should look somewhere else. A good amount of people have moved on and to stop from having buyers remorse I really will need some of you guys help.
I just dont think I should move to the LSi from the RTi A's. For the price, I not sure if would get the a sonic improvement worth the hassle of the purchase. I'm thinking LSiM's or I will be asking some of you which other brands would you recommend. There is not a lot of places you get really demo audio in STL.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 -
Mantits is stating his opinions, not facts. To each their own, but I would really hope you'd try to find someone in your area that can demo them for you if you were initially interested in them.
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Mantits is stating his opinions, not facts. To each their own, but I would really hope you'd try to find someone in your area that can demo them for you if you were initially interested in them.
That would be ideal. I would open my house to a demo day. People could bring over their speakers, amps, and AVR's. I got two systems that can be altered as well a room we could do from scratch.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 -
If I could come to see the demo I would! that Center really looks cool and bet it sounds the same.Home theater:
43” Westinghouse Displayer
Marantz UD-7007 Player
Emotiva MC-700 Processor
Adcom GFA-5006 Amplifier
Parasound Zamp Amplifier
Ethereal ESO-1 Power Conditioner
Klipsch RC-10 Center
Klipsch R34c Fronts
Klipsch RB-41 Surrounds
Polk audio PSW-505
Stereo:
Polk audio RTA-12c’s fully upgraded crossovers
DIY 12tc braided speaker cables
Denon DVD-5910ci Spinner
Parasound P6 Preamplifer
Parasound HCA -1500a Amplifier -
SRT- I took your original statement of no reason to buy Polks above the monitor line, probably more personal than I should have. I appologize for that, Though I do get what your trying to say, I just took issue in the manner you said it.
No harm, no foul my friend. Lets say we move on.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 -
What is the difference in price between the KEF and the Axiom? And if the KEF is more expensive, is it worth the difference in price?
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Mantits is stating his opinions, not facts. To each their own, but I would really hope you'd try to find someone in your area that can demo them for you if you were initially interested in them.
You called me MAN **** LOL.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
You called me MAN **** LOL.
Too Funny! So far Dan The KEF Q600C is stealing the show. I'm going to give the Q700 a listen today again & hopefully Stephen has the Q900 in stock for a listen also. I heard the Q700 before & it really, really, really impressed me. From I've been reading the Q900 bumps things up a few more notches."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. -
For years I have read about center channels not performing to the owners standards yet the main channel speakers are considered to perform just fine.
I'm no rookie when it comes to system design , calibration and placement of speakers. I'm so not a rookie when it comes to matching speakers in their respected lines.
With that being said I'm gonna go out on a limb here and make an aggressive state.
I fully believe IF one is not happy with the center channel or any speaker in a home theater "MATCHED" package , then this person is not happy with the entire package. If one feels another center channel performs better then the current one in ones system , then this person should consider replacing the entire theater package with the given "better sounding" center and the rest of the "MATCHED" package.
Speaker manufactures spend a great deal of time and research to build a balanced performing package. I owned the LSI theater system and when I felt it was time to move on , I moved on. I didn't keep a part of it and replace what I felt was lacking. I never once felt the center channel to be lacking behind the mains or rear channels. They all had the same timbre and voicing and when played as a system , they all blended perfectly.
I drove my system with B&K. I felt it was a good match and they really played well together.
Guys really think about it the center channel is not the weak link , the LSI's are not that good. They are a nice speaker package for most people who came from the RT series that want more , but when that more becomes even more , then it's really time to move on.
In this thread I have read and I honestly believe HE should really consider one of the other brands as a full system choice not just upgrade the center channel. If HE likes the given center channel more then the LSIC , wouldn't it be a given HE would like the rest of that given company even more? I'm willing to bet if HE gets the full package and compares , the favored center channel package will out perform the rest of the LSi's.
Dan, Dan, Dan.... You know all too well you can't sell someone on a system based solely on just hearing the center channel, right?
Dan is correct in that if you like the sound coming from another center from another Mfg. that putting the rest of the system in to support the new addition the experience will be even better. It is OK to out-grow or just like the sound from something other then Polk IMO. Polk has a solid product but so do allot of other Co.'s (not naming names) they are all great and like the old saying goes "there is a seat for every ****" and so-long as it gives you what you need /expect then all is good Polk or not. But to truly get the "Best" sound you should have all 3 fronts exactly the same and have the center (atleast) behind an AT screen at the same height as the R/L.
Dave -
LOL love it Dave.dave shepard wrote: »Dan, Dan, Dan.... You know all too well you can't sell someone on a system based solely on just hearing the center channel, right?
Dan is correct in that if you like the sound coming from another center from another Mfg. that putting the rest of the system in to support the new addition the experience will be even better. It is OK to out-grow or just like the sound from something other then Polk IMO. Polk has a solid product but so do allot of other Co.'s (not naming names) they are all great and like the old saying goes "there is a seat for every ****" and so-long as it gives you what you need /expect then all is good Polk or not. But to truly get the "Best" sound you should have all 3 fronts exactly the same and have the center (atleast) behind an AT screen at the same height as the R/L.
Dave
Spoken like a true fan.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Well after much listening & comparing the 3 centers, the Axiom is being sent back, the LSiC will be up for sale & the KEF is staying. It's performance is exactly what I was looking for...crystal clear dialog even off-axis, dynamic punch when called for & as gentle as a lamb on other occasions with the dialog just as sharp as ever & never having to strain to hear what was being said. It blends in nicely with the LSi15's but the KEF Q700 & Q900's floorstanders are on my radar."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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That's great to hear.
It seemed like you were liking that KEF center alot.
I've always liked KEFs' sound signature too.
KEF got a friend of mine hooked on higher end audio after he bought a set of Q9's I think they are.Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them. -
When I worked for Tweeter , we use to carry KEF. They where remarkable speakers at excellent prices. These new Q series look to keep that going. I'd love to hear them in person.
I'm gonna have to invite myself over if you go with a full blown KEF system. I'll bring the beer.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
When I worked for Tweeter , we use to carry KEF. They where remarkable speakers at excellent prices. These new Q series look to keep that going. I'd love to hear them in person.
I'm gonna have to invite myself over if you go with a full blown KEF system. I'll bring the beer.
Sounds like a plan! Stephen (Quest for Sound) is having his annual audio show on Sunday 9/18 & the KEF rep is supposedly bringing a pair of the new "Concept Blade" speakers. Man I hope that's the case 'cause I'd love to hear those puppies. KEF also just came out with their new "R" series which is one up from the XQ line & one below the Ref line. Interesting stuff going on at KEF right now."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. -
Ultimate Electronics carried KEF speakers. Their highest models sounded phenomenal, driven by Parasound 5250. The tower speakers were more than $10k each, IIRC. That didn't stop me from spending afternoons in their demo room listening to them and watching whatever blu-ray was loaded in the HT systems.Do you hear that buzzing noise?
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Monster Jam wrote: »Ultimate Electronics carried KEF speakers. Their highest models sounded phenomenal, driven by Parasound 5250. The tower speakers were more than $10k each, IIRC. That didn't stop me from spending afternoons in their demo room listening to them and watching whatever blu-ray was loaded in the HT systems.
You live in Vegas. Are you sure you weren't just there for to take advantage ofthe air conditioning?
