LSIM 703 Vs VR3mxstyler modded LSi9s
Got the LSim703 demo's on house. been going back an forth against my modded LSi9's that Trey did. (for details on the mods http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?114885-Wow.-LSi9-Crossover-mod...-LOL&highlight=ohskigod+lsi9 Yes, the Mods were extensive and ridiculous.
the gear used is in my sig under 2 channel.
Initial details so far:
the LSim703's have better upper range detail than my LSi9's, though come off more neutral where the LSi9's are warmer to listen too. Makes me enjoy them both for different reasons.
If you really dig crystal clear detail, your going to want to go with the 703's. they have a slight edge in this department. It was the first and easiest thing to point out. Easier to pick out individual instruments, Also vocalists come off as a little more front and center. While they seem more neutral and brighter than the Lsi9's, they passed my female vocal tests with flying colors. not a bit of listeners fatigue after about a half hour listening.
When I switched bak to the Modded 9's, the difference was mild, but easily noticeable. Vocals a little more laid back in the mix...the highs were less detailed though warmer. Here's where it gets weird....The first song I longed a little bit to hook the 703's back up, but after the second song I didn't miss them at all..... suddenly I remembered why I sold my AR9's in favor of the modded 9's. Even as I type I am listening to the 9's and have no overwhelming desire to hook back up the 703's. I just feel very comfortable listening to these speakers
Again to reiterate, I really like the 703's on my gear, and lord knows I spent most of my time at polkfest listening to the 703's than any other speaker there....including the flagship 707's. I like how detailed they are without going over into the bright and annoying camp. The 703's definitely dig a little deeper in the bass department than my 9's...not by much, but again enough to notice.
Anyone around here want to listen to the differences? I'd really like a second opinion. I find it confusing that the LSim703 seems like a better speaker for the reasons I thought it would be, yet I wouldn't trade them for even up for my 9's....even if Doro or anyone at Polk told me to keep the 703s if I shipped my 9's and crossovers to them....I probably wouldn't do it. And for the moment I can't figure out why that is. Meh, let me give it more time.
I can say that if My 9's got torched in a fire or stolen, I wouldn't go through the modding trouble, I would get the 703's and be happy as a clam. Even at full MSRP these things sound so nice. They get along with the room I have them in famously as well.
They are remarkably full range for a bookshelf........I might catch hell from Polk for saying this, but seriously, unless you're putting speakers in a gargantuan room, you have no need for the towers. Get the 703's and call it a day I can say from Polkfest that in a mi to small size room, the 703's are going to sound better (in a big room obviously that will be different, but we're talking a really big room here)
Also, they seem to be far less dependent on big power than the LSi9's were, the power meters on my Carver 4.0 don't move as much at same volumes with the 703's as opposed to the 9's. I Imagine if your running lighter tube power, you will still have no problem with these. I would love to test them on my Anthem Amp 1 tube amp but i have still not ben able to find a replacement fuse for them (apparently Radio Shack never carries it, the fuse value escapes me at the moment)
the gear used is in my sig under 2 channel.
Initial details so far:
the LSim703's have better upper range detail than my LSi9's, though come off more neutral where the LSi9's are warmer to listen too. Makes me enjoy them both for different reasons.
If you really dig crystal clear detail, your going to want to go with the 703's. they have a slight edge in this department. It was the first and easiest thing to point out. Easier to pick out individual instruments, Also vocalists come off as a little more front and center. While they seem more neutral and brighter than the Lsi9's, they passed my female vocal tests with flying colors. not a bit of listeners fatigue after about a half hour listening.
When I switched bak to the Modded 9's, the difference was mild, but easily noticeable. Vocals a little more laid back in the mix...the highs were less detailed though warmer. Here's where it gets weird....The first song I longed a little bit to hook the 703's back up, but after the second song I didn't miss them at all..... suddenly I remembered why I sold my AR9's in favor of the modded 9's. Even as I type I am listening to the 9's and have no overwhelming desire to hook back up the 703's. I just feel very comfortable listening to these speakers
Again to reiterate, I really like the 703's on my gear, and lord knows I spent most of my time at polkfest listening to the 703's than any other speaker there....including the flagship 707's. I like how detailed they are without going over into the bright and annoying camp. The 703's definitely dig a little deeper in the bass department than my 9's...not by much, but again enough to notice.
Anyone around here want to listen to the differences? I'd really like a second opinion. I find it confusing that the LSim703 seems like a better speaker for the reasons I thought it would be, yet I wouldn't trade them for even up for my 9's....even if Doro or anyone at Polk told me to keep the 703s if I shipped my 9's and crossovers to them....I probably wouldn't do it. And for the moment I can't figure out why that is. Meh, let me give it more time.
I can say that if My 9's got torched in a fire or stolen, I wouldn't go through the modding trouble, I would get the 703's and be happy as a clam. Even at full MSRP these things sound so nice. They get along with the room I have them in famously as well.
They are remarkably full range for a bookshelf........I might catch hell from Polk for saying this, but seriously, unless you're putting speakers in a gargantuan room, you have no need for the towers. Get the 703's and call it a day I can say from Polkfest that in a mi to small size room, the 703's are going to sound better (in a big room obviously that will be different, but we're talking a really big room here)
Also, they seem to be far less dependent on big power than the LSi9's were, the power meters on my Carver 4.0 don't move as much at same volumes with the 703's as opposed to the 9's. I Imagine if your running lighter tube power, you will still have no problem with these. I would love to test them on my Anthem Amp 1 tube amp but i have still not ben able to find a replacement fuse for them (apparently Radio Shack never carries it, the fuse value escapes me at the moment)
Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
Post edited by ohskigod on
Comments
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Nice review and very interesting. I haven't heard the smaller 703s, but we heard the not quite ready for prime time 707s at your place and what you say about the 703s are certainly in line with what I heard as the strengths of the 707. This also helps put Dan's (mantis's) take into perspective ("detail")--exactly what I would expect considering Dan's tastes.
Sounds like your mods did make a very "significant" difference in the LSI-9s!
cnhCurrently 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] -
I would love to test them on my Anthem Amp 1 tube amp but i have still not ben able to find a replacement fuse for them (apparently Radio Shack never carries it, the fuse value escapes me at the moment)
http://www.amazon.com/3-5A-Slow-Blow-Fuses-T3-5A-GDC3-5A/dp/B004TRPVQS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1323670255&sr=8-7
Lou,
I think these are the ones you need. -
Thanks for the review ohskigod! I have modded LSi9s too, and was wondering if the difference was significant. How noticeably better is the low end of the 703s?ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place
Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch
2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs -
I wish you were located closer to me. This is a comparison I would love to hear, as well as my unmodded LSi9's versus your modded ones.
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I dont think its a fair comparison,, being the 9,s are modded, Theres a big differance, To me a stock lsi9, would have better shown the advances in the new speakers advancement, if any?Not an Audiophile, just a dude who loves music, and decent gear to hear it with.
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I dont think its a fair comparison,, being the 9,s are modded, Theres a big differance, To me a stock lsi9, would have better shown the advances in the new speakers advancement, if any?
:rolleyes: -
Better is only better, if you think it's better. Newer doesn't always mean "better." People need to quit buying speakers like they buy software or computers.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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I dont think its a fair comparison,, being the 9,s are modded, Theres a big differance, To me a stock lsi9, would have better shown the advances in the new speakers advancement, if any?
I have a stock pair of 9's here waiting for that (see my sig, the stock 9's are pulling surround duty in my theater), stay tuned....I just got the 703's in house yesterday, I got many more miles of testing to do and report on. I can generally say there is an improvement. You can tell they addressed some of the Lsi9's minor shortcomings (and I say that with respect, I'll always have a soft spot for the 9's and 7's)
stay tunedLiving Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Better is only better, if you think it's better. Newer doesn't always mean "better." People need to quit buying speakers like they buy software or computers.
Ha! Now that' funny right there, true to be sure, but still funny none the less...Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me -
http://www.amazon.com/3-5A-Slow-Blow-Fuses-T3-5A-GDC3-5A/dp/B004TRPVQS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1323670255&sr=8-7
Lou,
I think these are the ones you need.
I think i need 120 volt though...will look to remind myself. Voltage be damned, I know Ratshack only has 3v or 4v and am close to rolling the dice on 3v. Input anyone?Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
I think i need 120 volt though...will look to remind myself. Voltage be damned, I know Ratshack only has 3v or 4v and am close to rolling the dice on 3v. Input anyone?
http://archive.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/pdf/antamp1.pdf
Look at page 6. -
looks good to me, ordering!!!!
thanks :-)Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Exactly where in North Jersey? Up by New York North or Princeton North?Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
He's closer to the city than he is to Princeton.
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Why? The modded LSi9s cost less...I dont think its a fair comparison,, being the 9,s are modded, Theres a big differance, To me a stock lsi9, would have better shown the advances in the new speakers advancement, if any?HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure
Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers -
As a tweaker, I would still take a pair of stock LSiM's over a modded LSi. It's a better overall design and you can tweak them further down the road if you desire."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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Wow, i dont think you or that other mental giant, are getting my point, just saying, comparing something stock, to something highly modified is in the end, not a really fair comparison if you cant understand my point, which is very simple maybe we should have a spelling B.@ Toolfan66, Praedet.Not an Audiophile, just a dude who loves music, and decent gear to hear it with.
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As a tweaker, I would still take a pair of stock LSiM's over a modded LSi. It's a better overall design and you can tweak them further down the road if you desire.
Fully agree with you on this. If you have a budget of a grand plus (for me, it was emphasis on the plus..lol) it would need to buy a pair of 9's, even used, and mod them.....just get the 703's
The detail they have is quite amazing (It's what impresses me most about the speaker. Followed by how full range it is (effortless), and then the build quality (the cabinet, the binding posts, you wont find a plastic terminal cup here kids!!!). Just looking at it you know it's the real deal before you hook a wire up to it.
The only thing that seems to still keep me pulled toward my modded 9's is the warmth they have whereas the 703's are closer to neutral.........I gravitate to warm speakers more than most around here do.
Of course, knowling I would get @ssraped on resale if tried to sell my 9's could be a factor ;-) Thank god i still love my 9's even after hearing the 703's. Something tells me a pair of 703's might be in my house way down the road.
the shear bad assery of the LSiM towers aside....I can't shake the feeling these 703's are the Gem of the line.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Exactly where in North Jersey? Up by New York North or Princeton North?
I'm in passaic county, in the Paterson Suburbs. 20 minutes outside of NYC (without traffic.....yeah right!!)Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Lol.... I also tend to like the 9's more personally as I like the warmth. I like the price/performance of modded 9's (purchased modded and used from a forum member) personally
...... "....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) -
Well, I tried the LSiM703s on the Anthem Amp 1....about 45-50 wpc tube power I believe?
sounds pretty darn good on the LsiM's didnt seem starved for power at all at lower and moderate listening levels. Only when i really started to ramp the volume did the amp show signs of struggling.
the LSi9's seemed to struggle with the tube amp a bit more at higher volume, like the amp had trouble controlling the woofers. bass was a little loose and flabby. the LsiM seems to be much more efficient with power use than even the modded 9....(as it is an improvement over the stock 9
I just did a review on the products page (where are the other Demo's reviews?) subject to a review so it should show up in a ouple days. left off the whole comparison aspect and reviewed it straight up. gave it a glowing review as it deserves it....this speaker really shows what Polk can do speaker wise.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Awesome Lou!
Have you tried swapping your midbass drivers from bottom to top? If not, give that a shot and report back! - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
Awesome Lou!
Have you tried swapping your midbass drivers from bottom to top? If not, give that a shot and report back!
I know I shouldn't be digging up year old threads, but I too am curious to know what happened. -
Wow, time machine!- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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Wow, time machine!
I know. I know.
But it's only a year old thread Not like it's 10 years old. -
I know I reviving an OLD thread, but in my review I wrote that I had a feeling a set of LSiM703's would be back at my house and I wasnt wrong. Picked up a set last week......theyre fightin it out with the Modded 9's to this day.......lol. Mostly same opinion. Love em both. I can deal with 2.....I mean 3 Polk bookshelf speakers in the house
Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
Now all you need are some L200’s.
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
nooshinjohn wrote: »Now all you need are some L200’s.
One can never know what might happen in the future lolLiving Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
nooshinjohn wrote: »Now all you need are some L200’s.
One can never know what might happen in the future lol
The L200s is a significant upgrade over the LSiM703s, which I owned and really enjoyed.Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
Game Room 5.1.4: Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
Bedroom 2.1 Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer -
I completely agree, the Legend tweeter **** on the LSiM tweeter.
