LSi7 or B&W 686 S2

pablo_rodz
pablo_rodz Posts: 331
in 2 Channel Audio
Hello, I have the option of acquiring a pair of LSi7 or B&W 686 S2 for $200 or $250 respectively. Which would you choose and why, or do you have nay other suggestions in the low budget of $200 -$300?

This is for a 2.1 setup in my living room. Will be powered by a Parasound HCA-600.

Thanks!
HT:
Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

Living Room:
Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,002
    edited May 2017
    Hey Pablo, what kind of music do you like?
    What kind of sound do you like? Detailed or a bit more laid back?
    At what general volume? Low to mid, or loud?
    Which sub are you using?
    Have you had a look at the specs for all this gear?

    Parasound HCA-600
    Polk LSi7 Bookshelf Speaker
    B&W 686 S2 Bookshelf Speaker

    I haven't heard the B&Ws but am a bit familiar with the LSi7s.
    I think the general consensus with the LSi7s is that they need a bit of volume to wake up. I find them a bit laid back, not quite as detailed to me in the midrange as some other speakers. They're also 4Ω nominal, where the B&W are 8Ω nominal.

    Since you are planning to use a sub, the frequency response of these bookshelf speakers may not be a huge deal to you, but the LSi7s go to 45Hz whereas the B&Ws only hit 65Hz. 65Hz doesn't give a whole lot of overlap at a standard 80Hz cross.

    The B&W speakers don't appear to be very efficient at 85dB
    The LSi7s will take more current to drive, but they're 88dB.

    I don't have any experience with the HCA-600, either. Looks like a good amp, but I thin its performance will depend a bit on the listening levels and type of music you enjoy.
    15A Peak Current
    60W at 8Ω
    75W at 4Ω

    Any chance of demo of each pair with your gear in your space?
    I disabled signatures.
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Thank you for the response ans far as music I listen mostly to latin, reggae, and rock. Also enjoy a bit of Jazz here and there. I will not be playing very loud in this setup. Unfortunately, I would be buying these 2nd hand and will not be able to demo in my setup.
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    The B&Ws all day long
    Of course, if you went to the B&W site they would
    Say Polk
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,002
    Why the B&W Red?
    Just curious. I've not had any real time with any.
    I disabled signatures.
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Thank you red. I know there will be a bias towards Polk/LSi here. But there are a lot of guys with experience that are honest in recommending gear. Why do you suggest the B& over the LSi?
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    Buy them both for that kind of money why not
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    I would go with the Polks, ANY Polks! Metal tweeters and my ears just do not mix well.

    My brother has the LSI 7s and they are powered by a Parasound 1500A, 205wpc amp and they sound terrific.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    I loved my 7s when I had them, the one problem so the 100 hz bump makes them a little difficult to mate with a sub. I really like the tweeter, find it airy and detailed. But it is a warm and laid back speaker, which I like but some don't. As for power, the parasound hca 600 might be enough, but that series loves power. They could probably use more.

    These are two VERY different speakers. Since You can sell the LSi7 for more on eBay, I would try to polls first and see if you like them. Good luck
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,551
    I am not particularly familiar with that BW set up... And I am a BW fanboy as many know.

    This is one where I would probably take the LSi7.

    The best of one company might be better than the worst of another.

    Not to say BW is bad, far from it.
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,551
    edited May 2017
    Actually let me rephrase my previous post. I was thinking of the older BW monitor.

    The 686s2 is a current model and is their most compact bookshelf, the lowest of their entire line. That said, they actually sound pretty good. I find the current crop of BW to be less bright and more transparent than the older gear.

    That said I'll still take the LSi7.
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    I would suggest the Energy RC-10 bookshelf speakers as they are easy to drive and they offer excellent sound quality. These are not the most detail oriented speakers (they're not bad) but they have a laid back sound signature. They should be fairly easy to blend with a sub as they get down to 43Hz. They do well with some breathing room and a decent set of stands to get them to ear height. There just so happens to be a pair for sale in the flea market by a very reputable seller ;)

    forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/176195/clearing-out-the-audio-closet-sale-speakers#latest
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    I do agree with @halo that the rc10s are great speakers. Slightly less airy tweeter, but still very nice. Flatter frequency response which makes them easier to blend with a sub. Lsi has better build quality, and slightly more dynamic slam. If it was pure two channel, I would go for the lsi7s. To blend with a sub I would probably go with the rc10s. Why not try both and resell the "loser?"
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,002
    edited May 2017
    What is dynamic slam?
    I hear that term slam sometimes, and don't know what it means.

    Can they still perform with the amp Pablo's using?
    I disabled signatures.
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    Dynamic slam or sometimes referred to as macro dynamics = a speakers ability to reproduce sudden increases in volume, especially if that increase includes significant bass information. If a speaker doesn't have as much dynamic slam, it means that the difference in volume in loud passages won't be as pronounced as it should be, or the bass impact in those passages just won't have as much, well, impact.

    As for the amp, the 7s do love power, but they actually measure 6 ohms nominal according to John Atkinsons measurements over at stereophile. So the amp will work, but yes it might not have enough current on tap for those dynamic passages to be, well, dynamic.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • K_M
    K_M Posts: 1,629
    Tough call!
    I like both, and both have a somewhat different sound and strengths.

    Honestly, I would try to wait it out and maybe find a pair of Lsi15's, for the same or not a lot more.

    We got one pair of them for under $200.00~!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,516
    The LSi15 is not a well balanced speaker. The bass is too slow/bloated and therefore doesn't blend with the mids and highs. The LSi9's were the best of that series, IMO.
    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

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  • K_M
    K_M Posts: 1,629
    F1nut wrote: »
    The LSi15 is not a well balanced speaker. The bass is too slow/bloated and therefore doesn't blend with the mids and highs. The LSi9's were the best of that series, IMO.

    Agree on that part, but we found with placement on our long wall, far out of the corners it becomes fairly well balanced.
    Our previous location on short wall, much closer to corners I totally agree, the bass is a somewhat boomy mess.

    I do like the 9's also, but feel they are a bit bloated also, but the lack of any deep bass makes them less appealing.

    We run everything we have set up currently with subs anyways, but felt the 9's with the 2 smaller woofers were being pushed too much alone.
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  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    Only speaker I haven't had in the lsi line. Might have to pick up a pair to play with.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,551
    F1nut wrote: »
    The LSi15 is not a well balanced speaker. The bass is too slow/bloated and therefore doesn't blend with the mids and highs. The LSi9's were the best of that series, IMO.

    I thought it was regarded that the LSi7 was the most balanced of that series and the LSi9 had a bloat to the bass? Maybe my memory is off.
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,516
    Joey_V wrote: »
    F1nut wrote: »
    The LSi15 is not a well balanced speaker. The bass is too slow/bloated and therefore doesn't blend with the mids and highs. The LSi9's were the best of that series, IMO.

    I thought it was regarded that the LSi7 was the most balanced of that series and the LSi9 had a bloat to the bass? Maybe my memory is off.

    Some definitely feel that way and nothing wrong with that. Others prefer the 50Hz bass bump verses the lack of bass with the 7's.
    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

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  • K_M
    K_M Posts: 1,629
    edited May 2017
    Joey_V wrote: »
    F1nut wrote: »
    The LSi15 is not a well balanced speaker. The bass is too slow/bloated and therefore doesn't blend with the mids and highs. The LSi9's were the best of that series, IMO.

    I thought it was regarded that the LSi7 was the most balanced of that series and the LSi9 had a bloat to the bass? Maybe my memory is off.

    Both the Lsi15 and the Lsi9 have that bass bloat, but to varying degrees.
    It can be alleviated by placement, but then the deep bass seems to suffer some.

    We tried the 9's and 15's, far from the corners (about 8 feet from sides) and 2 foot from back wall, and it is almost completely gone, but that is not quite a "normal" placement option for most set ups.
    It gave both of them a much more open and clean and clear sound, with more emphasis on the midrange and treble, but other speakers we own can do that same sound WITH normal placement, and not having to totally steer clean of any walls.
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Thank yo all for your insight. I have a question... the seller of the LSi7s only has one grill. I called Support, and they no longer have grills in stock. How much would you pay for the pair, knowing it's missing the grill?
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    pablo_rodz wrote: »
    Thank yo all for your insight. I have a question... the seller of the LSi7s only has one grill. I called Support, and they no longer have grills in stock. How much would you pay for the pair, knowing it's missing the grill?

    If they are otherwise in really nice shape I think that $200 is still fair, but you could ask to take $25 off since you will have to scour eBay for a grill...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Thanks, he agreed to drop $25, so $175. I hope these are in good condition.
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Well I went to buy the speakers and physically they were in okay shape, one nick on the piano finish and some scratches on the bottom.. . However, one of the mid drivers was shut. It didn't move at all, so I passed.

    How difficult is to find a driver, and what is the cost?
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    Speakers are like women, keep looking.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,957
    pablo_rodz wrote: »
    Well I went to buy the speakers and physically they were in okay shape, one nick on the piano finish and some scratches on the bottom.. . However, one of the mid drivers was shut. It didn't move at all, so I passed.

    How difficult is to find a driver, and what is the cost?

    A good indication the seller abused them, I'd pass....more like run away. Who knows what else is wrong with them.

    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
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  • K_M
    K_M Posts: 1,629
    pablo_rodz wrote: »
    Well I went to buy the speakers and physically they were in okay shape, one nick on the piano finish and some scratches on the bottom.. . However, one of the mid drivers was shut. It didn't move at all, so I passed.

    How difficult is to find a driver, and what is the cost?

    Wow, that really sucks!

    I think those drivers are not the easiest to find anymore, but keep looking I am sure there are a more pristine example that will come your way...Good luck!
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    With patience you can get a pair for $250-300 shipped. So a search, save it, and click up updates.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    Okay,

    I'm bringing this back to the top. I have the opportunity to go to Dallas, where there is way more option on the used market. The following are current options I've seen.

    Polk LSi7 - Speakers and stands; Solen caps/Mills res $300
    PSB GB1 Speakers in MINT CONDITION (with stands) - $390
    B&W DM602 S2 Bookshelf Speakers (with stands) - $300
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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