Looked and listened to speakers today

Will62

Went to the local dealer for Polk here (not Best Buy but a local store) and I was shocked to find he didn't even carry the latest speakers from Polk. I listened to the RTI 6 which the owner said was essentially the same as the RTI A3. I also listened to the LSI 9 which he claims is superior to the latest LSIM line. He said the new tweeter in the LSIM is not as good as the one in the LSI which he said was a "vifa". He said Polk is now making their own tweeter but it is not as smooth at the "vifa" tweeter in the older model.

At this point I don't know what to think. I liked the sound of both speakers but it was clear the LSI 9 had a more refined sound and was pretty close to what I am looking for. But I am very skeptical about buying either speaker since both are likely to be at least ten years old since it appears they were released around the turn of the century and were then replaced by the RTIA series and LSIM's within the last few years.

Since this is my first time listening to Polk speakers and I don't have any kind of benchmark listening test to work with when comparing to the new models, I would like to hear what others have to say about this. Should I spend some time at Best Buy and listen to the newer models? At least they carry the RTIA line.

I should add that the LSI line are 4 ohm speakers and they will likely pose a problem with that little tube amp which runs at 8 ohms. If it were fully solid state or perhaps a lot more wattage I don't think there would be an issue. But since two friends of mine that have decades of experience with electronics heartily discourage me from using a 4 ohm speaker with this amp, I just can't see buying the LSI model.

Will62

DSkip wrote: »

If you liked the LSi9 you will love the LSiM-703. The salesman was full of crap and trying to get a sale when he told you the 9's were better. I may stand corrected, but it was my understanding that the LSi tweeter is not a true vifa version, but a one-off version modified by Polk. They pushed the "Vifa" part of the tweeter hard when the LSi's hit the market. There was no point to continue pushing it with the new series.

If you did like the 9, you might consider the LSi7 though. You will lose some slam, but the product should be very similar as well as easier to drive than the 9. It's been fairly well documented that the LSi7 acts more like a 6 ohm speaker. My guess is that its easier to call them all 4 ohm for marketing reasons rather than have one in the bunch that is 6 ohm.

Yes, I believe you are correct. I know that the LSIM 703 is essentially the right speaker to purchase. What I may do is buy something cheap for now and get by with it until I can afford to buy the LSIM 703's later this year or early next year. In the process of fixing up one house right now and plan to buy another in a few months. Those projects take precedence over expensive speakers right now.

D_M

Will62,

Your amp looks like it is pretty easy to carry around, so why not go the craig's list route? You're just looking for hold overs anyway.
Take your amp with you and listen to the used speakers. I know it will sound different in your environment, but that seems like the
lowest cost option.

codyc1ark

I own 9's and also had the 703s for a few weeks as part of the demo program. I can say both are great speakers, but I prefer the 9's sound over the 703s. Could be a mixture of my room and equipment, but I know I'm not the only one here who feels the same. You have to remember that this hobby is sooo personally subjective, something that I feel a lot of members forget. Good luck in your search!

Will62

Looked into the Craigslist idea. Nothing of note that has the sound that I live in my region. Went back a few months too.

I have not listened to the 703's yet since they are not to be found in my region. Probably would have to travel hundreds of miles to find them. I would buy the 9's though I have some reservations about the age of the speaker, not the sound. Efficiency is a little low when combined with the 4 ohm or 6 ohm aspect. Not certain this is the right speaker for my tube amp which is very low power. My 6 ohm (nominal) 4 ohm (minimum) Mirage OM 10 towers work great with the Qinpu amp. But they also have a 90 db sensitivity. I may be more inclined to buy the LSI 7 which will be brand new out of the box (Amazon) and not a demo model. Sounds like I give up a little bass but it should have the same mid range and high end. Sound stage was quite good and the highs were not harsh like on Klipsch speakers.

cfrizz

If you add a sub to the LSI 7s that will take the strain off of the 7's to allow them to sound their best. This is what my brother did. He has the LSI 7's driven with a Parasound 1500A amp, he is using a Denon 3803 as a pre along with the DSW pro 600. The mid range cleared right up since the speakers were no longer trying to produce all the bass in the music.