LS90 variants

lackboost
lackboost Posts: 49
in Speakers
I just scored a deal on some LS90's on ebay, but in looking at them more closely, they do not show a taper, and sunken front baffle (for grill insert). The photos show a non-tapered shape and grill pegs flush with the front baffle. Were there changes to the exterior appearance of this model during it's run? More importantly, does this denote any changes to the overall sound quality?

Thanks in advance!
5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    Only 1 version AFAIK...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    Very interesting lackboost, all of my LS90's have the tapered look. I wonder if somehow yours were like early prototypes? You got a killer deal on them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    I got them for $100 for the pair. Some minor cracking on the top veneer of one of the towers. The model sticker on the back looks legit as do the drivers. 97lvnkifihsf.jpg
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    All the LS90's I have heard , I installed all where tapered from the bottom to the top. Snap more pic's of these, I'd like to see all angles.

    By the way you can't go wrong for $100. The LS90's are one of my all time favorite speakers from Polk.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    edited May 2015
    h7y39mrowjg4.jpg
    lackboost wrote: »
    I got them for $100 for the pair. Some minor cracking on the top veneer of one of the towers. The model sticker on the back looks legit as do the drivers. 97lvnkifihsf.jpg

    Dark tweeters don't look right either. Maybe it's the lighting from the photo...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    Found this online. Resolves front baffle question, but still no taper?jt0fis8cn6t6.jpg
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,654
    Um...it is tapered. It is the angle that the photo was taken from that makes it look untapered.

    Observe the gap between the edge of the drivers and the edge of the speaker. It increases substantially the closer you get to the bottom of the speaker in your original photo. Just an optical illusion.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    Thanks all! Emailed seller for some more shots. I am sure it will all work out. Very excited to listen to these! Just scored the center channel on CL as well...LS front stage for $225.00 seems alright!

    I will keep you posted on those tweeters DSkip!
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,388
    They could be a prototype. I have a friend who worked for Polk at the time. I seem to remember him telling me that there was some debate regarding the tapered sides or straight. I'll try to remember to email him about it.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,388
    I heard back from my friend. "This is interesting, LS90 should have tapered sides, from day one. If this was a prototype then wouldn't be labeled (with nice LS90 label)."

    Do they actually have an LS90 label? I wonder if they could be a prototype for some other model possibly that never went into production. It could be a step between the LS and the follow on RT series. They did abandon the taper design in later speakers. Or possibly produced for foreign markets.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    ZLTFUL wrote: »
    Um...it is tapered. It is the angle that the photo was taken from that makes it look untapered.

    Observe the gap between the edge of the drivers and the edge of the speaker. It increases substantially the closer you get to the bottom of the speaker in your original photo. Just an optical illusion.

    Did anyone read this?
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    Nightfall wrote: »
    Did anyone read this?

    I did.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,388
    edited May 2015
    I missed that one and didn't realize that this was all based on the photo. Did we get confirmation from lackboost that they are actually tapered?

    I guess the plastic grill bezel was removed as most of them crack.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    Looking at the ebay pics I do not see a taper, I have LS90s and it is a distint taper but not these.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-LS-90-Hi-Fi-Speakers-/151684969261?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item235120f32d&nma=true&si=E6xNyF7zIKhxFd90c5zjd9SejGY%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,654
    Your eyes are playing tricks on you.
    Definite taper:
    $_57.JPG

    $_57.JPG

    Any time you take a picture of that kind of cabinet from straight on and above it, it is like a fat girl taking an overhead selfie...it always looks thinner than it really is.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,654
    I was a victim of that stupid craze. I now know how to recognize the self slimming selfie!
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    I have not been able to pick them up yet...but am loving the action on this forum!

    Sadly, I may have to put them back on sale (or storage) as soon as I pick them up. We were planning a move into a home with garage for my mancave, etc. Now it looks like it may be apartment living for about a year in the hopes of a cooled down market in our area...good bye home theater, hello soundbar...
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    I have not been able to pick them up yet...but am loving the action on this forum!

    Sadly, I may have to put them back on sale (or storage) as soon as I pick them up. We were planning a move into a home with garage for my mancave, etc. Now it looks like it may be apartment living for about a year in the hopes of a cooled down market in our area...good bye home theater, hello soundbar...
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,388
    I had emailed the seller to see if they were tapered or straight. He really didn't confirm but seemed to elude to a difference.

    "Someone else pointed that out as well, the tags on the actual speakers do say LS90 however. Maybe a production year difference? Keen on any insight that you can provide."

    Bummer about the house situation. I hope you get your space soon.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    You got a heck of a good deal on them, would be a shame to sell them now. Run them as a two channel setup in the apartment, I think you'll be happy with how they sound. :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lackboost
    lackboost Posts: 49
    Finally got them picked up! They are definitely tapered! The grill frames seem pretty flimsy and one of them was cracked. In addition, the vinyl covering on the front baffle is coming loose all around the baffle itself. Goal is to remove drivers, remove vinyl, fill in grill holder holes, paint front baffle, and run them grill-less. This will be a fun project over a few days...

    BTW - we put in an offer on a home with a garage (i.e. Mancave). Wish us luck!
    5.2 Main: X3500h, BDP-103, UBP-X800, M70-C3, XPA-3, XPA-2, NHT VT-2, VS-2, Super Zero Xu, PB-1000 x 2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    lackboost wrote: »
    Finally got them picked up! They are definitely tapered! The grill frames seem pretty flimsy and one of them was cracked. In addition, the vinyl covering on the front baffle is coming loose all around the baffle itself. Goal is to remove drivers, remove vinyl, fill in grill holder holes, paint front baffle, and run them grill-less. This will be a fun project over a few days...

    BTW - we put in an offer on a home with a garage (i.e. Mancave). Wish us luck!

    Welcome to the LS90 club. Post up some pics of your rehab and good luck with the house!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    LS90s are very nice sounding. Loved the set I got with the oak veneer...they were cherry (oak really). I moved my SDAs to a 2 channel setup and found I never had the time to listen to them...missed them...sold the 90s for what I paid for them to a member along with some RT35s...he got a great deal. I got to experience the 90s for 6 months...win/win. That said, the 90s went because they were very good, but not SDAs...nothing like them, in my experience.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    Also, though the 90s were very good...I'm not sure if I didn't prefer the LS50s. Much smaller, but powerful bass, creamy mids, and I thought the tweeter sounded sweeter than their big brother.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter