Upgrading to Polks

I am looking to replace my JBL L 890s with either the Polk LSIM 705 or 707s
Would this be considered a huge upgrade? My AVR is the Onkyo TX-NR838
50 percent HT, 50 percent Music
Thx

Comments

  • slk55amg
    slk55amg Posts: 305
    You will get better results with a good solid amp using the Onkyo as a pre/pro
    Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
  • At this point, I would like to know if replacing the JBLs with the Polks would be a significant upgrade. Currently not looking to add an amp.
  • Without upgrading the amplifier, then no the polks would not be a significant upgrade over the JBL's.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    I might beg to differ there my friend. The LSIM's as a speaker are miles ahead of the JBL's. Will they sound even better with an amp ? You betcha, but then most speakers would feeding them good clean current.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    I'm sure there is a significant sound difference. Apples to oranges comparison. Only you will know if it's an upgrade or not. The JBL'S have a forward and bright top end and a loose bottom end. The LSiM on the other hand is Polk's top and most refined sounding speaker to date. If you plan to spend the money listen to the advice given here. ...get an amp! Hell, get an amp BEFORE you upgrade you speakers if you are after the best sound from the money.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited December 2014
    I understand that the lsim is way better than the JBL. My thinking is the totl polks will exacerbate all that is wrong with mid level Avr's amp section. Using the autocalibration can make up for some of the amps shortcomings but will adjust either speakers frequency response to the same curve giving them a similar sound but will add noise in the process. The more revealing of the two speakers will likely be affected more, making the perceived sq less significant. These new Avr's are becoming very dependant on dsp software and using less than trannies and caps.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
  • I appreciate all of your good advice

    I guess I am tempted by the Friends and Family 50% off and only a few days left to decide
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited December 2014
    It's simple math. That AVR is a midline two transformer unit (vs. 4 transformers that the top Onkyo units use) with a current draw of 8 Amps. A basic 150 watt x channel Parasound amp has a peak draw of 35 amps per channel. Given the dynamics of music and theater the amp will fair better. Not to mention all the other characteristics to good sound. Plus a massive four way design like the 705 & 707 deserves the power of a good amp.

    Also, here is a twist to the thinking. I take it the OP plans to take advantage of the sale. For a 50/50 music/movie system The OP might be surprised what $2000 can do for a system vs. just purchasing the BIG 707's powered by an AVR.

    a pair of the LSIM703 for $750
    A used B&K, Parasound, etc amp $300-$500
    Two Stereo Integrity HT18 the 18" sub drivers $320
    Two 500 watt plate amps -$400
    Two - DIY Sound Group 4 cu sealed ft flatpack - $240


    IMO, for $2K this would a HUGE upgrade over what you have, over purchasing just the 705, 707 speakers for a 50/50 music/movie system.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • I'm not thinking the OP will fit the 707s in the Camaro.
    Get 703s...
  • Still deciding if I should go LSIM 707 or 705s
    Also may add 706 rather than 704

    Currently have 2 HSU VTF-15H Subs

    Room size is 20 x 14
  • Just do it already :D you can always add an amp at some point, then you'll see what all of the fuss is about.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
  • Thanks. Just trying to sell JBLs on CL
    To offset some cost
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited December 2014
    camaro440 wrote: »
    Still deciding if I should go LSIM 707 or 705s
    Also may add 706 rather than 704
    Currently have 2 HSU VTF-15H Subs
    Room size is 20 x 14
    Oh come on! You were holding out on us..You are all set for bass and have a generous sized room. Get the 705's and the 706 and put the rest towards an amp. Many have said that the 705's have more than enough low end and are well balanced from top to bottom. The 707's would be a good choice if you were not using subs in your size room or larger. The feedback is that they need room to play in and need to be away from the corners as they can get bloated....but that can be said about many speakers.

    Get er' done before they run out or something.......well, the sale is more organized this year. last year it leaked across the internet like a wildfire!

    You really can't go wrong...either way...you room seems large enough to go either route. Search the reviews here if you need more.

    Do it!
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • WLDock wrote: »
    camaro440 wrote: »
    Still deciding if I should go LSIM 707 or 705s
    Also may add 706 rather than 704
    Currently have 2 HSU VTF-15H Subs
    Room size is 20 x 14
    Oh come on! You were holding out on us..You are all set for bass and have a generous sized room. Get the 705's and the 706 and put the rest towards an amp. Many have said that the 705's have more than enough low end and are well balanced from top to bottom. The 707's would be a good choice if you were not using subs in your size room or larger. The feedback is that they need room to play in and need to be away from the corners as they can get bloated....but that can be said about many speakers.

    Get er' done before they run out or something.......well, the sale is more organized this year. last year it leaked across the internet like a wildfire!

    You really can't go wrong...either way...you room seems large enough to go either route. Search the reviews here if you need more.

    Do it!

    Thanks for the information. Will continue the research and make a decision soon!
  • I ordered the LSIM 705s along with the 706 Center in Mahogany. Still waiting shipment. Thanks again for all of the advice!
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    There you go! Now the fun begins!
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • I succumbed to the f&f 50% sale just hooked up my new 705's demoted my 70's to work out room(they sound great, tile floor no furniture played very loud off Yamaha RX-V671). Bi-amped the 705's (only off Yamaha RX-A3020)-I know, they sound great and from what I hear will get better. No sub, bass is good, midrange clarity and highs rock. Saving up to match the center & rears w/the 705's. Mostly stereo music.
  • Awaiting Delivery on my 705 s. And 706
    Can anyone comment on the surrounds 702s?
    Should I eventually purchase or just add 2 inexpensive surrounds?
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited December 2014
    I never heard the 702's but they are a little odd compared to past Polk surround speakers. There are not true dipole/bipole in design. If you have the funds go for them as they are small and will match tonally. However, if cost is a factor, I would try to find a set of the older f/x500's , f/x1000's or maybe FXi


    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2