New Speakers

sgtmick63
sgtmick63 Posts: 166
in Speakers
I am planning on replacing my Lsim 703 speakers soon. I plan on staying with bookshelves. My budget is $2500-$3000. They will be powered by a Parasound Model 2250 amp through a Yamaha RX-a 2010 receiver. I am in need of some suggestions.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    What is it about the 703s that you find lacking or wanting to improve on?

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    what type of sound are you looking for?
    what are your music tastes?
    room dims?
    list all of your system including cables.

    you do realize that a speaker purchase in this price range will cause a chain reaction to upgrading the rest of your system!
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    What is it about the 703s that you find lacking or wanting to improve on?

    it may not be the speakers right now, so.......
    what is it about your system that you are trying to improve upon?

    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sgtmick63
    sgtmick63 Posts: 166
    Altough they are a great speaker and I do like them a lot they are 3 years old. In my world of audio that is old. I need to step up in the speaker chain because I do believe there is better out there in the price I am looking at. Don't get me wrong I really like the 703's but I hear a calling to step up. I plan on keeping the 703's and maybe using them to replace my rear surronds. I have been in the audio mode since the late 60's and usually replace anything that is over3-4 years old.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    marvda1 wrote: »
    what type of sound are you looking for?
    what are your music tastes?
    room dims?
    list all of your system including cables.

    you do realize that a speaker purchase in this price range will cause a chain reaction to upgrading the rest of your system!

    tell me some more.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,318
    http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649176941-dynaudio-confidence-c1-loudspeaker-with-stands/

    Increase your budget slightly and look at these
    They have the best mid and bottom end that I've heard out of a stand monitor and the Esotar tweeter is brilliant
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sgtmick63
    sgtmick63 Posts: 166
    Here's it. Rega p3/24 heavily modded w/ortofon 2m black. Musical Fidelity X-lpsv8 phono stage, Rega tt-psu power stage, audioquest connects & speaker cables, AKG 701 & 702 headphones w/Musical Fidelity X-lpsv8, Music Hall CD-25.2 player, Oppo 93, Polk 704c speaker. I think that's it? Upgrading the above while be next.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polk500
    polk500 Posts: 1,171
    Get you're ears on a pair of Kef LF 50, my next door neighbour have a pair and they sound stunning I was very impressed.

    Cheers
    Roger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    Send your 703's to Trey and have the xovers modded... better than new speakers IMHO...
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
    You should already have the best and most expensive bookies made. If you started in the late 60's and move up the ladder every 3-4 years. You say you like your 703's a lot but you're not saying what you want to improve.

    So in order for these guys to help you need to tell them why you want different speakers. Step up to what...what are you looking for, sound wise? It might be something else in your system you need to address, not your speakers.
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited April 2015
    what %music, %movies?
    not picking on the op but posts are started asking for help, then it's like pulling teeth to get information out of them.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    That is for sure a price range where you are going to have to listen to at least 3 or more prospects before you will know what you want to spend your money on. Also, you are at the point where you might consider better electronics. A good stereo preamp might offer the detail and seperation you are after. Find one with HT Bypass if your system is for Music and HT. Something like the Parasound Halo P5.
    http://www.parasound.com/halo/p5.php
    Also, If you go that far back in audio then you now that many love the tube sound for midrange as well.

    Anyway, be sure to audition the Kef R300
    https://www.kefdirect.com/index.php/speakers/hi-fi-speakers/r-series/r300-bookshelf-speaker-pair-1196.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9uypBRD5pMDYtsKxvXcSJACcb9AYZdi-1kq919J4RjU8wGa_CUxcwo0uhtMme7msIisf8hoCi1nw_wcBe

    Then there are at least a million more, Harbeth, Usher, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber, B&W, Legacy, etc...
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited April 2015
    I'm more inclined to think the OP is just a "Ramblin' Man" - looking to change things up.

    Harbeth or Spendor or Revel or ATC has some offerings in that price range that may pair well with his electronics.

    {WLDock - gets credit for the first mention of Harbeths}

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sgtmick63
    sgtmick63 Posts: 166
    Erik, you hit the nail on the head. Change for change sake is me. Trey wants $1200-1400 to do the crossovers. Thanks marvda1. Replacing the other components will start in the winter or early spring. I'm just interested in speakers right know, thank you.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    sgtmick63 wrote: »
    Erik, you hit the nail on the head. Change for change sake is me. Trey wants $1200-1400 to do the crossovers. Thanks marvda1. Replacing the other components will start in the winter or early spring. I'm just interested in speakers right know, thank you.
    Do they have to be new, though?

    Seems like for change ups, going used would be the better vaule - no sales tax, hits on depreciation, selling used after you bought new with warranty transfer limitations to the next buyer....etc.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    ask dskip about the usher mini x.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    edited April 2015
    Thread is kinda useless if we don't know the sound the OP is looking for. In that price range, lots of choices.

    If you want to depart from the LSIM sound, I may look at these.....

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-sonus-faber-cremona-auditor-m-maple-color-with-stands-2015-04-13-speakers-60659-lincolnwood-il
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2015
    Get rid of that Yamaha AVR and get yourself a REAL pre-amp, or even a tube pre? Your Polks will sound like a new set of speakers!

    As for anything more than 3-4 years old being too old. Well, you're talking to the WRONG guy here. I love the "vintage" stuff. More bang for your buck and far warmer!,

    But a lot of guys here "do" love to constantly flip gear. Have you seen Bunuel's That Obscure Object of Desire? Take a look and then think "audio" instead of "woman"!
    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]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    "Think audio instead of women" ? Say what ?

    Gonna chalk that one up to some bad booze last night. lol
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    cnh wrote: »
    Get rid of that Yamaha AVR and get yourself a REAL pre-amp, or even a tube pre? Your Polks will sound like a new set of speakers!

    This ^ ^ ^ ^ A higher quality pre would give you a bump up in sound quality, such that you may no longer feel the need to replace the LSiM's, even though they're getting long in the tooth. I would try a tube pre.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sgtmick63
    sgtmick63 Posts: 166
    At first I listened to the psb synchrony one B's. They were very go. A lot of detail. But the lsim 703's were receiving very good reviews. Although I could not audition them locally I purchased them without listening first. They are are very good speaker for that price range. Trying to audition speakers in my area (mid-Hudson valley) is impossible. The nearest brick and mortar shop is 80 miles away in NYC. Travelling there is out of the question.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    Audition preamps.
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • teekay0007
    teekay0007 Posts: 2,289
    tonyb wrote: »
    Thread is kinda useless if we don't know the sound the OP is looking for. In that price range, lots of choices.

    If you want to depart from the LSIM sound, I may look at these.....

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-sonus-faber-cremona-auditor-m-maple-color-with-stands-2015-04-13-speakers-60659-lincolnwood-il


    I checked these Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M bookies out at BB's Magnolia center, connected to $35K-$40K worth of McIntosh equipment, in a "fully-treated" listening room, using my music (several CDs and SACDs). I preferred the LSiM703s over them in every way, except one - build quality. They are an extremely well-built, very sexy (gorgeous!) pair of speakers, especially when paired with the specially-made SF stands. Yes, $2750 each (plus $1100 stands) does go a long way in build quality!




    That's why I agree with vcwatkins above. There's likely something that's not working in the OP's setup, synergistically. To each their own though - and all just MHO.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited April 2015
    sgtmick63 wrote: »
    The nearest brick and mortar shop is 80 miles away in NYC. Travelling there is out of the question.
    Maybe keep an eye out for used gear on CL around the area?

    Preamps/DAC's
    Counterpoint - http://newhaven.craigslist.org/eld/4975516497.html
    Rogue 66 pre - http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/ele/4995377849.html
    BENCHMARK DAC1/pre- http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/ele/4995519647.html
    http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4975671336.html
    Audio by Van Alstine Super Pas Three - http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/ele/4993805636.html
    Passive Pre - http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ele/4987177897.html
    Audio Experience Concerto - http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ele/4990250672.html

    Monitors/bookies
    Harbeth - https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/ele/4919513289.html
    Kef LS-50 - https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/ele/4904109999.html
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    Go get that Rogue! It's a great match with 703's and a very good price.
    Good finds WLDock.
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2015
    tonyb wrote: »
    "Think audio instead of women" ? Say what ?

    Gonna chalk that one up to some bad booze last night. lol

    The obscure object in Bunuel's film is played by two women who look a little alike. Most men cannot or do not immediately realize this. The main point of the film is about the fantasies men have about the perfect woman, the most desirable woman. When I suggest substituting audio for woman it is a logical substitution with the lesson being that there IS NO PERFECT audio system just a fanatical and addicting pursuit that is as mesmerizing and frustrating as what happens to Fernando Rey in the film. No drinks involved, just a lack of familiarity with the work of Luis Bunuel, one of the great surrealist filmmakers!

    I suppose we could do a TED talk on this. There are days when what I know makes me want to vomit! This is ONE of them! (one of those all too familiar Soren moments-Fear and Trembling and the Sickness Unto Death).



    Post edited by cnh on
    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]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter