Mantis Offical Review Hang out of the LSIM703's.

2

Comments

  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited November 2011
    Great review mantis! Thanks for doing this, can't wait for your phase2 of your review! The more people comment on those the more appealing they are. Looks like Polk has a winner reference speaker this time around (was never attracted by the former Lsi series, never really appealed to me).
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited November 2011
    I noticed that too, but I think it's a typo because he also said that he could see music lovers not liking the speakers just before the jazz and soft rock comment.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited November 2011
    organ wrote: »
    I noticed that too, but I think it's a typo because he also said that he could see music lovers not liking the speakers just before the jazz and soft rock comment.
    I noticed it too but that is exactly how I felt he met it "I can't see how... not liking them"
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited November 2011
    audiocr381ve wrote: »
    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.

    I have to agree with Dan with these being my favorite Polk speaker ever. One thing that's missing IMO is the wide soundstage Polk is known for but it does make up for that in fullness, it's a very balanced, smooth speaker with nice kick down low.

    Dan, You'll be more impressed once you throw a amp/pre amp combo in the mix. Any HT yet?
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited November 2011
    organ wrote: »
    I noticed that too, but I think it's a typo because he also said that he could see music lovers not liking the speakers just before the jazz and soft rock comment.
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    I noticed it too but that is exactly how I felt he met it "I can't see how... not liking them"

    I suspect that was the 'beer' review. :cheesygrin:
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2011
    Nice review Dan! A lot of these qualities were already apparent in the larger tower prototypes we heard at Lou's. It was obvious that Polk had taken everything that was 'good' with the old series, rethought a few things, and stepped up the game to a new level. Not that the old speakers were bad...

    BTW, I'm still waiting to hear "the 703s put out 'more' low end than Rainmakers!", can't let you go on that. I also find the references to Totems, B&Ws, etc. distracting, because I really don't think Polk was looking around in order to improve their product? (Plus, I generally don't like most B&Ws). Don't mean to be busting your chops, but I know from reading your previous reviews that we have different tastes in speakers, hear different things. So it is interesting that we can agree about the new line.

    This line gives you all that Superlative 'detail' and 'overly revealing' clarity that you like (and which I often find problematic--like B&W nautilus tweeters--really don't like those!), at the same time that it gives me the musicality and smoothness that I like so that the speakers are not in my face. On that alone, Polk has fashioned something that casts a very large net.

    I, for one, happen to like the LSI-7s for what they are, and was only too happy to see that the new series though radically improved was not so 'far' removed from the Polk legacy that they didn't sound like a Polk.

    LSI-M 703s are definitely on the table for the future, and here we agree about moving up from the older series (will eventually trade out the LSIs for the M703s).

    Definitely looking forward to more. And, of course you do mean 'cannot but like' above.....right?

    Because it is hard for me to imagine many people 'not liking' these!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    polkatese wrote: »
    Great review Dan. Of course, I am wanting more... :lol:

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

    thanks bro!
    I'm sorry Bro , I must have mistyped that , I meant I can't see jazz and soft rock fans being unhappy with them , they excel at this area.
    Don't worry , my review isn't finished , I have more to come after I demo them on better gear.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    organ wrote: »
    I noticed that too, but I think it's a typo because he also said that he could see music lovers not liking the speakers just before the jazz and soft rock comment.
    It was a typo , sorry I should have proof read it before I posted it.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I have to agree with Dan with these being my favorite Polk speaker ever. One thing that's missing IMO is the wide soundstage Polk is known for but it does make up for that in fullness, it's a very balanced, smooth speaker with nice kick down low.

    Dan, You'll be more impressed once you throw a amp/pre amp combo in the mix. Any HT yet?
    I only have the 703's so there is no way to test home theater. I would want the center , rears and a polk sub to really give ten a run. I'm thinking a new even higher end sub is in order to support the amazing musical abilities of these bad boys. I'm really falling for them. They will not replace the Mythos ST theater system but I'm strongly considering them for my 2 channel rig. I want so badly to hear the floor standing versions.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I suspect that was the 'beer' review. :cheesygrin:

    OK OK OK lol ou got me , I was drinking Warsteiner Dunkels when I was reviewing hence my overly excited state. I wanted to do a full review in my typical form but the beer didn't allow for that.
    Lately I have been strongly into German beers along with many craft/micro brews. More so then any other year.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    cnh wrote: »
    Nice review Dan! A lot of these qualities were already apparent in the larger tower prototypes we heard at Lou's. It was obvious that Polk had taken everything that was 'good' with the old series, rethought a few things, and stepped up the game to a new level. Not that the old speakers were bad...

    BTW, I'm still waiting to hear "the 703s put out 'more' low end than Rainmakers!", can't let you go on that. I also find the references to Totems, B&Ws, etc. distracting, because I really don't think Polk was looking around in order to improve their product? (Plus, I generally don't like most B&Ws). Don't mean to be busting your chops, but I know from reading your previous reviews that we have different tastes in speakers, hear different things. So it is interesting that we can agree about the new line.

    This line gives you all that Superlative 'detail' and 'overly revealing' clarity that you like (and which I often find problematic--like B&W nautilus tweeters--really don't like those!), at the same time that it gives me the musicality and smoothness that I like so that the speakers are not in my face. On that alone, Polk has fashioned something that casts a very large net.

    I, for one, happen to like the LSI-7s for what they are, and was only too happy to see that the new series though radically improved was not so 'far' removed from the Polk legacy that they didn't sound like a Polk.

    LSI-M 703s are definitely on the table for the future, and here we agree about moving up from the older series (will eventually trade out the LSIs for the M703s).

    Definitely looking forward to more. And, of course you do mean 'cannot but like' above.....right?

    Because it is hard for me to imagine many people 'not liking' these!

    cnh

    Yes I so agree , I really can't see anyone turning their nose up to them , I don't care what they own or like. I think they are one of the best well rounded speakers to date at this price point. I rocked them a bit and I plan on running stronger good recorded rock music.
    As far as the reference's to other speakers , I notice any traits anyone borrows from anyone else. Nothing wrong with that , it's basically impossible to reinvent the wheel. Companies like B&W , Totem and Dynaudio are in classes that polk never could even touch. Being compared to these lines is a honor and I'm sure anyone who works for polk would be proud to have such words spoken about their new invention.
    Sound is very personal but when you get it right , there is little to judge. B&W get it when it comes to sound , most who don't like them , like a more colored sound. You don't have your speakers in recording studio's if they are not accurate and true to the sound.

    Bass you ask? Dude they have awesome low end for a bookshelf speaker and clean accurate not boomy like the Lsi9's do. The LSi7's are a much better speaker and have a much better controlled bottom end , the LSim703's take all that that was and improved 10 fold. They really sound natural and clean. I love them.

    Shame you don't live close by I would invite you to come and listen next week. I'd love to debate them with you in front of them and maybe with some other models to compare. I plan on comparing a few things when I make my way to the Lab with them.
    Stay Tuned.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • EDUBAG
    EDUBAG Posts: 403
    edited November 2011
    Dan,

    If they costed the same would you buy them over mythos sts? I am on the fence abot which one to get and the price difference is not significant. Also have you seen/heard the new kef r300 bookshelf? I am very curious as to how theybsound compared to each other.

    Thanks,

    Eduardo
    HT:
    POLK AUDIO RTI4 FRONTS
    CSI3 CENTER
    DEF TECH PROMONITOR800 SURROUNDS
    PSW 125 SUB
    PIONEER ELITE AVR23TXH AVR
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2011
    Excellent review and also wonder about the musical choice question.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited November 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Excellent review and also wonder about the musical choice question.
    Nothing like a few cold brewsky for speach distotion (even written speach)! :lol:
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    EDUBAG wrote: »
    Dan,

    If they costed the same would you buy them over mythos sts? I am on the fence abot which one to get and the price difference is not significant. Also have you seen/heard the new kef r300 bookshelf? I am very curious as to how theybsound compared to each other.

    Thanks,

    Eduardo
    I'm not sure as I have not heard them in a full theater setup , only music. Theater like music is tuff to do right. First and for most your theater speakers must be dynamic as hell. The Mythos STS package is incredible. It's a double duty system with giving the edge to theater first , music second. You have to ask yourself "what is the goals of my system?" Once you honestly answer this question , you can seek out the right speakers for you.
    For music I think the LSIM's are wonderful and in ways better then the Mythos series. But I would be nervous replacing my Mythos series speaker with them for theater without experiencing the entire package. I can't give up my incredible dynamics and sheer power to gain little musical abilities. You might like a more music first speaker and find these LSIM's to be the ones. They are that good where I could say any music first person would love these speakers.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Excellent review and also wonder about the musical choice question.
    As usual I always run Loreena McKennitt first. She is my reference to female voice. She moves me and when I listen to her on a pair of speakers and stop judging them and enjoying her , I know I'm listening to speakers I could love.
    After her I go into Al Di Meola for some incredible guitar work and a musical ride. He is fantastic and puts much soul into his playing. A good pair of speakers get out of the way of his fast fingers and let you study his attack.
    Diana Krall is a beautiful singer and song writer and her CD's and SACD's are amazingly recorded. Easy way to tell sound stage and clarity.
    Norah Jones Come away with me on SACD for all the right reasons.
    Steely Dan Two against Nature , he's fun to listen to and has the funky jazzy type feel that good speakers can handle.
    Sheryl Crow Tuesday Night Music Club. I'm not a huge fan of her but when I hear a song I like of hers , I pick up the cd. Track 11 is "I shall believe" which is one of my favorite songs from her. The LSIM703's Blew me away when I listened , I ended up listening about 6 times in a row as I was in AWE.
    Keiko Matsui Walls of Akendora. Exciting up beat Japanese Jazz disc which I found a few years back when I wanted something new. The opening sound explodes out and is super dynamic. Good speakers play it , poor speakers fumble as it's to much to handle. The LSIM's hit a home run and tracked every note. Slightly more on the softer side of things but did a fantastic job nonetheless.
    Yes 90125 , one of my older favorites that I like to hear good musicians get to work. Any Yes fan will want to hear this Album before they decide to purchase a given pair of speakers.
    Dave Mathews I ran cuts from all of his Albums and really enjoyed how the LSIM's handled is technical style.
    Christian Scott Rewind that , killer jazz album that any jazz fan should own. He's amazing and I didn't find the LSIM's to fail in any way running his difficult cuts.

    I'm gonna try some more Rock style music maybe some Alternative like Korn and Alice N Chains , Staind , Taproot etc then move into 80's hair metal and heavy metal like Dokken and Metallica , Ozzy to see how they handle poorer quality recorded music.
    I don't listen to heavy metal and 80's hair music that much anymore as I rather listen to all of the above rock section when I'm home and want to relax.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • donaldfagen
    donaldfagen Posts: 30
    edited November 2011
    mantis wrote: »
    I plan on inviting a few polkies to my store next week maybe Wednesday night for a listen on Bryston...
    I don't mean to be presumptuous, but any chance we can make that happen on the 16th? What can I contribute (musically or otherwise)?
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    donaldfagen wrote: »
    I don't mean to be presumptuous, but any chance we can make that happen on the 16th? What can I contribute (musically or otherwise)?
    Your just in Luck , I would like anyone who would like a listen before I send them to the next person to come to the Audiolab in Failess Hills Pa. Also if one of you are suppose to get them next , we can make the hand off that night.

    Basically I'll be their at 6pm to set up , anyone can come around that time. I plan on staying to about 8pm or so. So anyone who would like to come , please PM me ASAP so I can get a head count and names. I will have some killer gear to run them with so there we all will get a great idea about these speakers.

    I will provide the address and any advise on the best way to get here from where you are. I'm sure Phil will make it. Polkatese why don't you live closer? You could come and get your listen on.

    Let me know people.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2011
    I'm in!!! See you then. Let's go you slackers...if you're within 50miles you'd better be there.
    "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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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    Cool Phil , will be nice to see you again.
    By the way here are a few Pic's of my In Home demo.
    I used the Rotel after only a few hours on the SC-07. It had a much better organic sound to it with excellent bass and control. Plenty of power to listen at moderate levels. I don't crank my music as I like to listen another day without hearing loss.
    Sources where the Cambridge Audio Azur 650BD , Apple TV 160g , and my old Denon DVD 2910Ci for **** as it has a really nice warm sound to it with the Burr Bronw DAC's inside. I'm no fan of Denon but this player is fantastic. I used 2 channel out for SACD but mostly spun Cd's.
    All wire was Cardos , Audioquest and Analysis Plus. Everything was powered by my APC with 20amps of dedicated service provided by PS Audio Power Port.
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    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    Also If anyone has a pair of LSi9's or 7's they want to bring , feel free I have plenty of Stands to put them on for a direct side by side. Hell anyone can bring any speakers they want to listen to against the LSIM703's but be warned now , your loved speakers may go into the dog house after a vs with these beautiful gems.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    Calling all Polkies to come out tomorrow night and hear the LSIM703's on Bryston , Krell , cambridge Audio , Intergra Separates , ETC.
    Fairless Hills Pa. M me if you want to come.
    Time will be from 6pm to 8pm or so. Should be fun we have 2 people coming and I will host.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited November 2011
    mantis wrote: »

    I will provide the address and any advise on the best way to get here from where you are. I'm sure Phil will make it. Polkatese why don't you live closer? You could come and get your listen on.

    Let me know people.

    Yeah Dan, wish I live closer. Would love to hear those puppy powered with real juices. Have fun guys!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • mara5
    mara5 Posts: 54
    edited November 2011
    Can't wait for further reviews, after the shootout. Wish I could be there.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    I'm looking forward to it.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited November 2011
    Amazing set up, Dan! Thanks for sharing the pics.
    How would you compare the updated Vifa to the better tweeters from B&W? Back in the 90's, my friend's dad had a pair of B&W towers (don't know model#) They're about the same size of the RT1000's, but shorter and had the mid range driver and tweeter on a seperate enclosures. Those are one of the best speakers I've ever heard. I remember really liking the tweeters.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2011
    organ wrote: »
    Amazing set up, Dan! Thanks for sharing the pics.
    How would you compare the updated Vifa to the better tweeters from B&W? Back in the 90's, my friend's dad had a pair of B&W towers (don't know model#) They're about the same size of the RT1000's, but shorter and had the mid range driver and tweeter on a seperate enclosures. Those are one of the best speakers I've ever heard. I remember really liking the tweeters.
    It's tuff to really judge 2 different speakers when they are not side by side for a fair compare. The new Tweeters are laid back and soft. They don't jump out and grab you. Comparing them to my Mythos ST , the ST has a more open top end. When listening to progressive Jazz , you can hear the hi hats and cymbal crashes clearer or more up front where the LSIM's it's more in the back ground. Still there just differently placed.
    If I had to compare the LSIM's to the CM line of B&W , I would say they can compete no problem. Better? Not really sure but I'll say this , I'm not unhappy with the LSIM's at all. I actually really like them and think Polk did a excellent job this time around.
    The Improvements are like what happened when they came out with the RTIA series which is by far the best sounding RT line ever. They have a very good musical stand much better then the harsh RT series of the past.

    I think every polk fan needs to spend some time with this new line for music. I have no idea how they would do in a theater setup , I would really like polk to send me the entire system for a full theater , SACD , DVD AUDIO and concert music review. I would gladly do so.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mara5
    mara5 Posts: 54
    edited November 2011
    Well, it's the 17th. Waiting impatiently for results of the LSIm 703 get together. Pls. hurry!
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  • donaldfagen
    donaldfagen Posts: 30
    edited November 2011
    I was there last night along with five others. It was a fun and rewarding session, but I'll defer to our esteemed host, Mr. Mantis, for first commentary and observations!
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  • mara5
    mara5 Posts: 54
    edited November 2011
    Thanks Donaldfagen, was hoping Mantis would get something up. Really want to hear what the consensus was on the 703's, also which amp sounded best. It will probably be next upgrades.
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