Mantis Offical Review Hang out of the LSIM703's.

mantis

Hello all,
I just picked them up from Nadams who of which is very cool. We met at a Brew Works in Allentown NJ where we had some food and mainly drank some very good beer. Thanks buddy for taking me their , I'm always up for a Micro Brew anytime anywhere.

So NO I have not had hardly any listening time on these speakers and this thread is going to get added as I have a very full plate of Demoing I'm gonna do. So to fill you in for whats to come I have an array of gear I'm gonna mate them with and have many cool Bookshelf speakers to compare them 2. But before I bring them down to my Store, They will get a nice weekend at my house with some Jazz and relaxing music. No metal , no rock , nothing loud or party type sounds are going to come from these bad boys. They are going to get a full workout with technical challenging cuts that should give me a very good idea on how they are going to perform.

I have a few good amps here at the house along with a few receivers to see how widely they can or can't be used.
Right now I just connected them to the Pioneer Elite SC_07 for some easy soft music to unwind from my drive and all the damn good beers I had especially the Weizenbock which reminds me of a great Bock from Germany with a beautiful easy to drink body , flavor for days , rich and smooth as I feel this beer could be a ll nighter. It's 8.2% so not many would go down and I would be able to write anything. I should have picked up a Growler full of this lovely Brew.

So super early impressions of the LSIM703's.
Fit and finish is typical Polk quality but it seems some effort went into these babies as the back binding posts and crossover plate are of higher quality then the run of the mill. They also use speaker wire with spades instead of your metal jumpers. Nice touch. The drivers are surrounded by what looks to be a Deadening material I'm assuming there to prevent any first oder reflections. The Driver array looks to be well thought out as the smaller driver seems to do a lot of transition work. it really seems very balanced and clean. The Color of these is a red cherry. I would like them offered in a Maple finish. Black or Cherry doesn't completely work.

Sound quality wise I can already tell they are a better speaker then the LSI9's I owned years ago. I would love to have a pair here for a fair compare. I can only go off memory. I remember them booming on bottom end notes as these sound perfectly smooth and play what they can and don't force out notes they really should be playing. I can't wait to mate them with a good sub.

So I can tell you I can see myself falling for them. This weekend I plan on setting them up properly and giving them better power. I'll list a full system spec and take some good pic's.

Stay tuned.

BlueFox

Nice. If possible can we have two reviews; one with beer, and the other without beer.

EDUBAG

Hahaha nice fox, was thinking that friends dont let friends drink and setup audio.

Dan,

I will be waiting for your review like a kid waiting for christmass. Whenever you can please i would like your impressions compared to the mythos sts for two channel and also double duty.

I just posted a thread asking about them compared to the kef r300 and the fritz carbon 7. So as you can see they are on my radar.

Regards,

Eduardo

polkatese

Cool Dan. Pics a plenty too please..

btw, a request please, along with your ICE class amp, would you/could you feed those puppy with ol' school brute amps (e.g. rotel, B&K, etc.)? thanks kindly Dan..

Pycroft

Nice Review -

BTW - I live about 9 minutes from the Brew Works in Allentown. I didn't know polkies were so close. We should do a meet up

James

jmwest1970

Dan,

Would you mind giving a comparison of the 703's vs. Totem Rainmakers? I'm on the fence about selling my Rainmakers to pick up a pair of these.

Thanks,
Michael

dorokusai

I believe this is a pretty balanced review since some of the others are pushing mid-fi equipment to the side for some reason. The 200wpc mantra still applies for the new LSiM series, nothings changed in that department. As with ANY loudspeaker, better power and better equipment allows a speaker to really open up and fully show its potential.

The biggest thing that has been mentioned about the new series, including Stereophile and other reviewers from the last couple large audio events, is how good they sound, period. Now this has been accomplished at these varying venues with varying levels of equipment. All of which are within easy reach of any audio nut and some that is at the far end of your true commitment to the hobby.

Personally, I've found them to simply be very responsive to changes and revealing when using different standards of gear. This is a great thing but totally doesn't mean that they sound like crap when at level one or level two. We had the LSiM703 running beautifully on a NAD VISO Integrated Amplifier and we were able to run them as hard as we wanted, no issues. Now after we were approached by the team at Audience, they asked if we would allow them to throw their Power Conditioner into the mix. Obviously we said yes and low and behold, it revealed yet another layer of really good sound. Keep in mind, we're still using the NAD.

We had a similar experience with changing the setup and using the LSiM707....everything worked, everything sounded fantastic but the better front end and back end we supplied, the better they got.

This is an easy audiophile experience, you put in what you get out.

By all means, keep your eyes away from low end AVR's and realize that this is a speaker that you should WANT to step up your game on. This also means its not time to be terrified. Take your time, re-evaluate your current system and see what changes you may or may not have to make if this is your next loudspeaker. Everything you need to know is here or can be discussed here.

Great job Mantis and eventually we'll get the LSiM707 headed your way.

Toolfan66

Do we ever not re-evaluate our current system ??

mantis

The SC-07 was just for Starters , I have plenty of power , amps and integrated laying around here and at work which is where they will go this week. I'm so looking for to hearing them on our Bryston system.

I'm done with them on the SC-07 and will post my thoughts later.

Stay tuned.

mantis

I'll let you know , the Rainmakers are an amazing speaker. I'm not sure if the LSIM703's are going to beat them. We shall see.

mantis

dorokusai wrote: »

I believe this is a pretty balanced review since some of the others are pushing mid-fi equipment to the side for some reason. The 200wpc mantra still applies for the new LSiM series, nothings changed in that department. As with ANY loudspeaker, better power and better equipment allows a speaker to really open up and fully show its potential.

The biggest thing that has been mentioned about the new series, including Stereophile and other reviewers from the last couple large audio events, is how good they sound, period. Now this has been accomplished at these varying venues with varying levels of equipment. All of which are within easy reach of any audio nut and some that is at the far end of your true commitment to the hobby.

Personally, I've found them to simply be very responsive to changes and revealing when using different standards of gear. This is a great thing but totally doesn't mean that they sound like crap when at level one or level two. We had the LSiM703 running beautifully on a NAD VISO Integrated Amplifier and we were able to run them as hard as we wanted, no issues. Now after we were approached by the team at Audience, they asked if we would allow them to throw their Power Conditioner into the mix. Obviously we said yes and low and behold, it revealed yet another layer of really good sound. Keep in mind, we're still using the NAD.

We had a similar experience with changing the setup and using the LSiM707....everything worked, everything sounded fantastic but the better front end and back end we supplied, the better they got.

This is an easy audiophile experience, you put in what you get out.

By all means, keep your eyes away from low end AVR's and realize that this is a speaker that you should WANT to step up your game on. This also means its not time to be terrified. Take your time, re-evaluate your current system and see what changes you may or may not have to make if this is your next loudspeaker. Everything you need to know is here or can be discussed here.

Great job Mantis and eventually we'll get the LSiM707 headed your way.

Thanks Bud , more to come when I get them on other gear. So far they are very very nice. But thats all I'm saying for now.

pearsall001

Dan, Let me know when the 703's are at your store & a good time for you...I'll take a run up & give them a listen.

donaldfagen

mantis wrote: »

I have plenty of power , amps and integrated laying around here and at work which is where they will go this week.

Fantastic! Please let us know when they're ready for action. There's a good chance I'll have some availability on Wednesday and, in fact, will probably have another set of good ears (best childhood friend) with me that day. Wouldn't mind scoping out more gear while there!

reeltrouble1

06-25-07: Jc51373
I had a Rotel a few years back, same one I think. never looked back after I heard a krell amp next to the Rotel..Then I hearxd VTl and it put the krell to shame. Never been so satisfied with my audio system as I am now. Rotel and Krell are in my past, and I thank them kindly, but neither hold a candle to the VTL sound stage and overall liquid musical presentation. My sonic memory of the Rotel and both Krells were sterile. A-gon member

Seems its alot about personal experience and space on top of what you have to play with. So many reviews, nothing like hearing for yourself with the gear you own or have interest in.

RT1

falconcry72

mantis wrote: »

...I'm so looking for to hearing them on our Bryston system....

Nice. I've only heard the 703's once. It was on an all Bryston system at a local dealer. BCD-1 CD player, not sure of the preamp model, and a 4BSST^2 power amp. They sounded great.

cnh

Really interested in a comparison of Rainmakers to the 703s! I had a chance to hear the Totems recently and they were a 'nice' speaker...but they did NOT blow me away. I suspect that the 703s will do fine and put out a 'lot' more bass!

Heard the Totems on a NAD system not terribly different from what I use to run my LSI-7s and, to tell you the truth, after hearing the Rainmakers it did not occur to me to sell my LSI-7s and go Rainmaker. They just were not that much 'better'. So I suspect the 703s will hold their own and then some?

It's physics. The Totems are tiny by comparison and weight! They're essentially the size and weight of my Energy RC-10s (which are a good speaker but have their limitations).

Don't get me wrong. They're a nice speaker, for sure. But the box is too small, regardless.

cnh

TECHNOKID

:cool:, can't wait to read your review on the bad boys compared with other valid contenders!

mantis

pearsall001 wrote: »

Dan, Let me know when the 703's are at your store & a good time for you...I'll take a run up & give them a listen.

I will let you know.

mantis

donaldfagen wrote: »

Fantastic! Please let us know when they're ready for action. There's a good chance I'll have some availability on Wednesday and, in fact, will probably have another set of good ears (best childhood friend) with me that day. Wouldn't mind scoping out more gear while there!

I'll put together a night when we can go to my store and get a few hours of listening in.

mantis

cnh wrote: »

Really interested in a comparison of Rainmakers to the 703s! I had a chance to hear the Totems recently and they were a 'nice' speaker...but they did NOT blow me away. I suspect that the 703s will do fine and put out a 'lot' more bass!

Heard the Totems on a NAD system not terribly different from what I use to run my LSI-7s and, to tell you the truth, after hearing the Rainmakers it did not occur to me to sell my LSI-7s and go Rainmaker. They just were not that much 'better'. So I suspect the 703s will hold their own and then some?

It's physics. The Totems are tiny by comparison and weight! They're essentially the size and weight of my Energy RC-10s (which are a good speaker but have their limitations).

Don't get me wrong. They're a nice speaker, for sure. But the box is too small, regardless.

cnh

I demo'd the LSI9's directly to the Rainmakers and it was no compare. The LSI's sounded like a cheap speaker next to them. So far from what I'm hearing from the LSIM's , this is going to be a very different experience. Again I'm not ready to post deep thoughts yet. I need more time. I will put together a very good review.

polkfarmboy

I remember that old review very well ..some guy came buy with his lsi's to go toe to toe

This will be a great shoot out with two good set of speakers and one that I look forward to reading

dorokusai

They may not have the lush warmth of the Rainmaker but they won't be on any level that the LSi9 was in comparison.

Toolfan66

Would a modded pair of 9's fair the same??

Face

Doubt it.

dorokusai

Nope.

mantis

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Would a modded pair of 9's fair the same??

If you search for my review , it tells the story. They LSi9 is a very nice listening speaker that makes many people very happy. Once you own them , after a while they beg to to search for more.

Living with the LSIM703's I feel this desire for more will come right from the speaker with the ability to give it to you each and every time. I have yet to sit down and feel they are lacking in any way. I'm pretty proud of polk right now with the design , fit and finish and the enhanced sound quality. I wouldn't compare a pair of LSi9's , these are a much better everywhere speaker. There is nothing the older LSi's do that this models doesn't do better.

Pic's and full review of my home demo is coming. I have one more thing I want to try them on and hear how they react before they go off to the store for some serious listening. On that note guys , I'm thinking one night next week should give everyone some time to plan. I also don't want to hold on to them to long so the next guy in line can experience these beautiful speakers.
I'll put out a few dates and times and see how many people can make it. Should be fun.

mantis

Ok ,
I think I got enough to tell my thoughts with my gear on what I feel about these new LSIM 703 book shelf speakers.

I don't want to just blurt it out but DAMN!!!!! They are the very best sounding polk anything I have ever heard. They have a very controlled , Detailed clear dynamic sound. Fantastic to say the least. The older Lsi models have no business even being in the same room. I'm sorry to rag on the older LSi's but it's my way of saying polk took a very good idea and a good sounding speaker and completely revamped it for the better in every possible way. I'm so impressed with these speakers.
I usually post a build up to a conclusion but I could not help myself as I'm excited to say what I want to say and better put how I feel. I have been in the business a very long time and speaker companies here and there shine with this or that model and they stand out like Totem. Totem makes speakers that you want to keep listening , you get excited to come home at the end of the day and turn on your favorite relaxing music. You want to spend time time and time again. This is exactly how I feel about these 703's.
I'm going to do by best with trying to be professional with a clean and clear review.

So lets visit build quality.
They seem to have borrowed a few technic's from B&W with the rounded cabinet taper. Wood color is Cherry and a very nice shade if you ask me. It has a thin clear coat type finish with a slightly ruff texture. Furniture grade I would say. Good quality outer cabinet. The front is Black lacquer with what I remember from the old RT days sound reading material surround the drivers. I'm assuming first order reflection off the front. Ring Tweeter but coated with a shiny coating. Looks to be a different model then what you find in the older LSi's. Now the fun part is the little 3 inch driver blending into the 6 inch. This seems to work seemlessly. Amazing they sound blended not calling attention to itself in any way. There is a huge polk emblem on the bottom which I'm on the fence if I like it or not. I'm very proud of polk but it might be a bit much. I much rather a old school one on the speaker grills. The grills are heavy and very well built some of the nicest grills I have worked with. I love the magnetic on and off. Everybody should use this design. Which brings me to a part I think needs a bit of tweaking. The grills don't seem to fit perfectly. They look a bit out of place. The edges are not exactly correct. I'm wondering if they are still prototype in design. Either way I don't use them when I'm listening they come off as they are only on when not in use. The back binding posts are perfect and the back panel looks very Dynaudio like with a very nice high end feel. They used speaker wire for jumpers which is another thing everyone should do , just like B&W does.
The Power port is probably the cheapest looking thing on the entire speaker which this is an area that can use a bit of class and better materials. It takes away from the over all appearance of the touches of high end speaker building.

So enough with all that they have a way of bring you into your music with a strong ability to warm your heart. You feel like a cold winters day with a warm blanket. Snow is falling outside and you have a mug of hot chocolate. I can see any music lover not liking these speakers. I can see any jazz of soft rock people not liking these speakers.

So gear I used was first up was my Pioneer Elite SC-07 which did a nice job of pushing them in pure direct 2 channel mode. I had my Cambridge audio 650BD playing cd's wired in analog and HDMI for finding the best overall sound. I liked the analog sound best for a few reasons.
Next up was my Rotel Intergraded which I felt sound more organic and clean. It had nice power and dynamics with beautiful control over the bottom end which by the way these 703's have a very controlled clean bottom end unlike the older models which are sloppy and boomy compared.

I plan on inviting a few polkies to my store next week maybe Wednesday night for a listen on Bryston , Premiere and Krell. I also have Cambridge audio and NAD laying around so many choices to see how they respond. Honestly I don't need to hear them on any of that gear personally as I'm completely satisfied with the Rotel powering them. They don't seem to be that hard to drive. The SC-07 ran them just fine just not as well as the Rotel did.

Stay tuned for pic's and the next review from the LAB.

audiocr381ve

mantis wrote: »

Ok ,
I think I got enough to tell my thoughts with my gear on what I feel about these new LSIM 703 book shelf speakers.

I don't want to just blurt it out but DAMN!!!!! They are the very best sounding polk anything I have ever heard. They have a very controlled , Detailed clear dynamic sound. Fantastic to say the least. The older Lsi models have no business even being in the same room. I'm sorry to rag on the older LSi's but it's my way of saying polk took a very good idea and a good sounding speaker and completely revamped it for the better in every possible way. I'm so impressed with these speakers.
I usually post a build up to a conclusion but I could not help myself as I'm excited to say what I want to say and better put how I feel. I have been in the business a very long time and speaker companies here and there shine with this or that model and they stand out like Totem. Totem makes speakers that you want to keep listening , you get excited to come home at the end of the day and turn on your favorite relaxing music. You want to spend time time and time again. This is exactly how I feel about these 703's.
I'm going to do by best with trying to be professional with a clean and clear review.

So lets visit build quality.
They seem to have borrowed a few technic's from B&W with the rounded cabinet taper. Wood color is Cherry and a very nice shade if you ask me. It has a thin clear coat type finish with a slightly ruff texture. Furniture grade I would say. Good quality outer cabinet. The front is Black lacquer with what I remember from the old RT days sound reading material surround the drivers. I'm assuming first order reflection off the front. Ring Tweeter but coated with a shiny coating. Looks to be a different model then what you find in the older LSi's. Now the fun part is the little 3 inch driver blending into the 6 inch. This seems to work seemlessly. Amazing they sound blended not calling attention to itself in any way. There is a huge polk emblem on the bottom which I'm on the fence if I like it or not. I'm very proud of polk but it might be a bit much. I much rather a old school one on the speaker grills. The grills are heavy and very well built some of the nicest grills I have worked with. I love the magnetic on and off. Everybody should use this design. Which brings me to a part I think needs a bit of tweaking. The grills don't seem to fit perfectly. They look a bit out of place. The edges are not exactly correct. I'm wondering if they are still prototype in design. Either way I don't use them when I'm listening they come off as they are only on when not in use. The back binding posts are perfect and the back panel looks very Dynaudio like with a very nice high end feel. They used speaker wire for jumpers which is another thing everyone should do , just like B&W does.
The Power port is probably the cheapest looking thing on the entire speaker which this is an area that can use a bit of class and better materials. It takes away from the over all appearance of the touches of high end speaker building.

So enough with all that they have a way of bring you into your music with a strong ability to warm your heart. You feel like a cold winters day with a warm blanket. Snow is falling outside and you have a mug of hot chocolate. I can see any music lover not liking these speakers. I can see any jazz of soft rock people not liking these speakers.

So gear I used was first up was my Pioneer Elite SC-07 which did a nice job of pushing them in pure direct 2 channel mode. I had my Cambridge audio 650BD playing cd's wired in analog and HDMI for finding the best overall sound. I liked the analog sound best for a few reasons.
Next up was my Rotel Intergraded which I felt sound more organic and clean. It had nice power and dynamics with beautiful control over the bottom end which by the way these 703's have a very controlled clean bottom end unlike the older models which are sloppy and boomy compared.

I plan on inviting a few polkies to my store next week maybe Wednesday night for a listen on Bryston , Premiere and Krell. I also have Cambridge audio and NAD laying around so many choices to see how they respond. Honestly I don't need to hear them on any of that gear personally as I'm completely satisfied with the Rotel powering them. They don't seem to be that hard to drive. The SC-07 ran them just fine just not as well as the Rotel did.

Stay tuned for pic's and the next review from the LAB.

Great review! I've been waiting for it.

If you had to note one thing sonically that you would prefer to have more or less of, what would it be?

I think I might start saving for a pair of these bookies.

organ

That's awesome, Dan. Thanks for the review and congrats on the new speakers.
Can you let us know how it sounds with metal whenever you get the chance to try.

polkatese

Great review Dan. Of course, I am wanting more...

Btw, what do you mean Jazz and Soft Rock fans won't be happy? would you elaborate?

thanks bro!

Topper

Been spending some time with a pair of LSiM bookshelfs as well and I couldnt agree more with everything you mentioned (except for the power port which i really like the look of ).

Can't wait to get my ears on the towers.