Moved from RTi A9’s and A6 to LSiM 703’s and 704

adabro

I’ve had my A9’s for a few years now and quite enjoyed them, but when Future Shop started dropping the prices on Polks LSiM line I decided to try them out for two reasons:

• Music – I like the A9’s for HT, but was interested in the LSiM line based on reading that they were less bright or fatiguing.

• The A9 are huge – I knew that when I bought them, but my HT room is getting crowded and their size is an issue.

I picked up the 703’s for $399 and the idea was to test them out for awhile (30 day return policy if I decided I’d made a mistake) and sell the A9’s if I was happy. I figured the 703’s would trump the A9’s for music, but wanted to make sure I didn’t lose anything by going from a floor stander to a bookshelf. I have a decent sub (SVS PB10-NSD) so I hoped that would compensate for the loss of the 3 woofers.

First thing I noticed on unpacking the 703’s is that they were sexy – quite nice looking speakers compared to my Monitor or RTi’s. I bought the midnight mahogany as it matches the rest of my equipment.

So how did they sound? Pretty darn good – took me about a minute to decide I was keeping them. I tested them out with all my favorite songs and was very pleased with the sound. I threw in a couple of movies to see I was missing anything on the HT side and I don’t think so – lots of nice bass rumblings and assorted movie sound effects.

After deciding to keep the 703’s it made sense to move the A6 out and buy a matching center. I was going to get the LSiM 706, but FS was out of stock so I grabbed the 704 instead – pretty sure I bought the last one they had anywhere. Cost me $499 so not as good a deal as the 703’s, but not bad. I wanted the 706 to future proof myself in case I ever pick up the 705’s but oh well.

So all in all I’m quite pleased, the 703’s give me a lot more room, very nice sound and once my old speakers are sold it will be a pretty inexpensive upgrade. I’ll need some stands for the 703’s (I have them sitting on the carpet for now), but I’ll look for used to keep my costs down.

adabro

adabro

adabro

Old and new side by side

F1nut

How did you test them if you don't have stands?

gumbay13

adabro wrote: »

I’ve had my A9’s for a few years now and quite enjoyed them, but when Future Shop started dropping the prices on Polks LSiM line I decided to try them out for two reasons:

• Music – I like the A9’s for HT, but was interested in the LSiM line based on reading that they were less bright or fatiguing.

• The A9 are huge – I knew that when I bought them, but my HT room is getting crowded and their size is an issue.

I picked up the 703’s for $399 and the idea was to test them out for awhile (30 day return policy if I decided I’d made a mistake) and sell the A9’s if I was happy. I figured the 703’s would trump the A9’s for music, but wanted to make sure I didn’t lose anything by going from a floor stander to a bookshelf. I have a decent sub (SVS PB10-NSD) so I hoped that would compensate for the loss of the 3 woofers.

First thing I noticed on unpacking the 703’s is that they were sexy – quite nice looking speakers compared to my Monitor or RTi’s. I bought the midnight mahogany as it matches the rest of my equipment.

So how did they sound? Pretty darn good – took me about a minute to decide I was keeping them. I tested them out with all my favorite songs and was very pleased with the sound. I threw in a couple of movies to see I was missing anything on the HT side and I don’t think so – lots of nice bass rumblings and assorted movie sound effects.

After deciding to keep the 703’s it made sense to move the A6 out and buy a matching center. I was going to get the LSiM 706, but FS was out of stock so I grabbed the 704 instead – pretty sure I bought the last one they had anywhere. Cost me $499 so not as good a deal as the 703’s, but not bad. I wanted the 706 to future proof myself in case I ever pick up the 705’s but oh well.

So all in all I’m quite pleased, the 703’s give me a lot more room, very nice sound and once my old speakers are sold it will be a pretty inexpensive upgrade. I’ll need some stands for the 703’s (I have them sitting on the carpet for now), but I’ll look for used to keep my costs down.

Very nice transition there and thanks for sharing.
I could very well have expressed the same sentiments!

My A7s have done a good job with music and HT, but for someone who listens to a LOT of music, I was looking for a speaker that can wow me and by all indications the 703s are that speaker.

They are also good value for good measure especially at 50% off!

The center channel will have to wait until after the holidays as the 703s were never even in the budget until the 50% off forced my hand.

I still have to get a decent pair of speaker stands. Until then i will be improvising.

That is what i love about this hobby , make that journey.

adabro

F1nut wrote: »

How did you test them if you don't have stands?

Right on the floor - I'm thinking if I like them in less than optimal setup they should be even better when properly placed.

I have to say that after researching stands I'm a little confused - they all look like they'll fall over or the speaker would fall right off.

gumbay13

Something like these would be ideal.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=n57adhqcm1ks0bqo1i1f8qnli3&topic=129785.0

http://www.swanspeaker.com/products/accessory.aspx?aid=1&type=accessory

http://www.skylanstands.com/stands.htm

adabro

Thanks gumbay13 - they look a little more stable than the ones I was looking at....

EndersShadow

adabro wrote: »

Thanks gumbay13 - they look a little more stable than the ones I was looking at....

Skyland stands will also custom make the top plate to match the spec's of the 703. So if you go that route, thats what I'd do.

Then load them with lead shot or sand to make em heavier and harder to tip.

dhart86

adbro.....I used
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGDS300

these stands with very good results....speakers looked kinda sexy on those stands too

adabro

Thanks for the tips guys - I'll take a look

gce

adabro...How would you rate your new LSiM704c to your CSiA6 as a center?

msg

nice.

I went a similar route earlier this year moving from some RTi10's to the 703's. I could never really get used to the RTi10's, even after throwing power at them along with various receivers and sources. I liked the 703's better pretty much immediately as well. I'm sure the RTi10's can work pretty well in some spaces and systems, but I just couldn't get them working right. they were so awful with my room/gear/setup. even though the 703's were better, it wasn't until I moved them into a smaller room that they really impressed me. I still can't get over how good they sound now. could also have been some break-in as well, I suppose.

anyway, in a smaller space and well positioned, I experienced them as others have mentioned - they work so well that I haven't even needed a sub, at least, not for music. I absolutely love 'em. even stock, I find them so much more comfortable than the RTi10's in that I'm able to listen for long periods in relaxation. I run them straight off an older B&K AVR 507 S2, no tricks.

those are some amazing prices btw - that's an absolute no brainer to get into the LSiM line, surpassed only by FREE.

adabro

gce wrote: »

adabro...How would you rate your new LSiM704c to your CSiA6 as a center?

I'm sorry gce - I'm terrible with describing audio or picking out differences. I've had it for a few days, tested it with movies and music. I was a little concerned that voices were a little quieter in movies (quiet voices, blaring sound effects), but I think that was the just the movies I tested with.

I'll see if I can swap them back and forth tonight....

adabro

msg wrote: »

nice.


those are some amazing prices btw - that's an absolute no brainer to get into the LSiM line, surpassed only by FREE.

I'm glad I jumped when I did - they seem to be out of stock now, seems like they're not selling them anymore.

gce

adabro wrote: »

gce wrote: »

adabro...How would you rate your new LSiM704c to your CSiA6 as a center?

I'm sorry gce - I'm terrible with describing audio or picking out differences. I've had it for a few days, tested it with movies and music. I was a little concerned that voices were a little quieter in movies (quiet voices, blaring sound effects), but I think that was the just the movies I tested with.

I'll see if I can swap them back and forth tonight....

You don't have to go out of your way. It looks like you've decided to go with the LSiM's but it also sounds like you like the A6 better as the center.

adabro

I'm still testing, but like I said I tend to miss the subtleties - when I replaced my CS2 with the A6 I also struggled to hear a difference.

adabro

la2vegas wrote: »

What are you using for wiring?

Nothing fancy - speaker wire I bought from Visions when I bought my first set of Polks - I did re-cut the ends last night.

I did some more testing, switching out the A6 and the 704 - I was wrong, there was no level problem with the 704. I think I'm still bitter as I thought I had the 706 on order twice so maybe I'm taking it out on the 704....

tonyb

adabro wrote: »

I'm still testing, but like I said I tend to miss the subtleties - when I replaced my CS2 with the A6 I also struggled to hear a difference.

If that's the case something else is amiss. Plus your speaker wire isn't doing you any favors.

adabro

tonyb wrote: »

adabro wrote: »

I'm still testing, but like I said I tend to miss the subtleties - when I replaced my CS2 with the A6 I also struggled to hear a difference.

If that's the case something else is amiss. Plus your speaker wire isn't doing you any favors.

I know, just trying to limit the damage to my wallet - I seem to find things everyday I'd like to upgrade.

To be honest the wife has better ears than me, she picks up differences that I can't hear.

adabro

Kept watching the 705's as Future Shop cleared out their inventory and had to jump in and buy. Moved the 703's to surround duty.

adabro

adabro

adabro

The 703's are way too high, but no choice with the room layout.

adabro

adabro

Love the sound, I may upgrade the 704 to a 706 at some point, but I'm extremely happy (for now...)

adabro

DSkip wrote: »

Gorgeous setup man. Those 705's could use some more room to breathe, but I'm not sure how you'd accomplish it. Either way, I'm really digging the lush feel of the room.

Thanks Dskip - I wish I had an extra five feet to play with...

ken brydson

Jealous...Very nice man

mikeyb128

wish I would have caught that deal. Future shop was blowing out lsim 705's for 800$ a piece. I did get the 706 center for 599 though

cfrizz

Absolutely beautiful, congrats and enjoy.