How hard to the LSi's hit

DynamiteD

I'm contemplating between the LSi25's and the Paradigm Studio 100's. I was wondering how hard the LSi25's hit. I'm not talking low bass, I have an SVS PC-Ultra for that, I'm talking that kick drum, hit you in the chest mid-bass like you'd get in a car audio system. Don't limit your responses to just the LSi25's, I'm wondering how hard the LSi15's hit too.

PolkWannabie

Well if you have an SVS and you're into the LSi's than there should be no need for the 25's over the 15's.

DynamiteD

I understand about the PC-Ultra. This sub is outstanding for low bass, but it doesn't hit in the mid-bass area, with the real punch. I've listened to Tannoy DC3, Paradigm Studio 60's and 100's. I really like the paradigms but I'm loyal to polk so before I go buying the Studio 100's I want to know people's opinion on the LSi25/15 and how well they punch. I'm sure the imaging and detail are there on these speakers. My RTi70's don't have the punch I'm looking for.

Airplay355

the lsi series doesn't have a problem with bass....infact it seems none of polks speakers lack bass except the subwoofers, ironic lol. you should demo lsi's before you spend that kind of cash, but i think you will be pleased with how hard they hit

PolkWannabie

How hard they hit you will be a function of how hard you hit them ... What will you be driving them with ?

Frank Z

The Lsi's hit quite hard in the mid bass area. I've a set of 9's for 2 channel that simply astound people that have never heard them before. My 15's are even better since they have the additional 8" bass. I don't have a set of 25's but I've heard them and they of course they also sound incredible with even deeper bass than the 9's or 15's. Either way, you can't go wrong.

DynamiteD

I'll be driving them with the California Audio Labs CL2500. 500watts x 5.

dorokusai

The CAL is a good choice, and will drive either choice sufficiently.

I would choose the Paradigm. I always liked the Studio series for midrange reproduction, and while they may be a little bright, it's a great speaker IMO. The "kick" or whatever you want to call it is also dependent on your amplification, which is solid in your case.

DynamiteD

I got a great deal on the CAL amp. I figured I wouldn't get another shot at an amp of that calibure at that price so I pulled the trigger. I bought it from my co-worker, he told me he would only give a few people that deal. Anyway I've been listening to quite a few speakers to find that great punch. I want to listen to the LSi's but I don't think Fry's would give them a fair shake, besides I don't like dealing with the people at Fry's.

PolkWannabie

If all else fails you could always get a set from some place that'll give you a 30 day no questions return and try them out with your amp in your listening area.

F1nut

Why the need for the mid-bass kick? The reproduction of sound should be smooth and even from top to bottom without emphasis on one frequency range. In other words, the best sound is obtained from a flat frequency response.

organ

My LSi9's can hit pretty hard in the upper bass. It will also dig very deep for speakers their size. I think you'll be surprised when you hear them for the first time. Another pair of speakers that will hit harder than the LSi or anything else I've heard is the Klipsch RF-35. Much cheaper than the LSi15.

Maurice

jmierzur

Originally posted by DynamiteD
I'm contemplating between the LSi25's and the Paradigm Studio 100's. I was wondering how hard the LSi25's hit. I'm not talking low bass, I have an SVS PC-Ultra for that, I'm talking that kick drum, hit you in the chest mid-bass like you'd get in a car audio system. Don't limit your responses to just the LSi25's, I'm wondering how hard the LSi15's hit too.

Having the PCU, you have no need for the 25's. If you want floor standing speakers go with the 15's. If you want stand mount speakers, go with the 9's. I have the 9's with my PCU.

my PCU post

gidrah

A-7s:D

Dr. Spec

Buy a BFD PEQ for $120 and boost the SVS' response in the 40-60 Hz region.

organ

Originally posted by ATCVenom
Klipsch will punch hard - right through you ear drums. C'mon Maurice, I know your about ready to bust in a long rant, I feel the tension comin from ya...

Nah, I'm cool. It's too early to explode:D. Looking forward to getting home, sparking that fat head and listen to Klipsch LOL.

Maurice

PolkWannabie

and THEN you'll explode

topherdopher

I work at Fry's in the car audio department . We offer a 30 day return policy... so if anythings wrong with them within the 30days, all you have to do is bring them in and we refund you back... so that'll give you the chance to try out the 15 or 25

PolkWannabie

Does "anything is wrong with them" include I decided I want to do something else for speakers somewhere else ?

Airplay355

say u bought them as a gift and the person already had them lol

DynamiteD

Thanks for all the responses. I didn't know about the Fry's return policy, I wonder if they'll accept the "I just don't like them" return excuse. I'm glad Fry's picked them up though because I finally get to see them in person. I don't know if flat frequency response is my preference. I always like to feal the music, after that I very. Sometimes I like the live sound, other times I like that layed back studio sound. As for the punch I actually added a James sub to handle the 150 Hz - 50 Hz range to give me that punch and the results weren't that great, I ended up disconnecting the James. I'm just going to have to find a way to listen to these speakers myself. As for my amp, hopefully I'll have it this weekend so I can post pics of it.

DynamiteD

Interesting suggestion with the BDF peq. I'll have to look into that one. The PC-Ultra is a very capable sub, I'm sure that boosting the right frequencys will be effective. Thanks Dr. Spec.

Dr. Spec

Sure thing. Why buy new speaks when you can just adjust the SVS to whatever bass response you prefer? Adding EQ in the 40-60 Hz region will not tax the SVS much at all.

LuSh

The Paradigms will seem to have a little more kick in the mid range. They are a brighter speaker dynamically.

What source will you be using? The LSi's demand a very good souce. They will give you the kick you need but you'd better be damn sure the souce can give em the info to provide that kick. A $300 souce player will not be enough I'm affraid.

Wattage will make no difference. How people throw out numbers like 100, 200, 500 watts boggles the mind. What they do demand is a very thick stream of current. They need tourque and a amp with a high damping factor to make sure they have complete control over the drivers.

The way both the Paradigm and LSi's present music is different. The Paradigms will give you instant satisfaction. A great "bang for the buck". The LSi's are much more reserved, natural and a shade darker.

DynamiteD

I'm going to be using the Pioneer 59AVi vis iLink to my VSX-59TXi receiver. I'm getting the 59TXi modded so the analog section will be upgrade through the pre-outs. The receiver will be connected to a Cal Audio SL2500 Amp 500x5. I got to see the LSi's again yesterday at Fry's. There set-up was poor to say the least, bad wire through a switcher with mid level Onkyo powering them. Why would Polk allow such a set-up?

I figure with the LSi 15 and a good amp the 8" woofer has got to put out the SPL's. I hear great things about the soundstage and imaging. I'm going to be buying real soon. Thanks for the replies.

LuSh

Sadly, Polk Audio seems content on using big box stores as an ideal center to sell speakers and the LSi's are a product in which they can work a top down approach. The majority of decent to good dealers wouldn't touch Polk Audio speakers with a 10 foot pole. IS that because they are a bad speaker? No. Because Polk has done NOTHING to secure good dealers. I've talken to several. Nothing is going on with Polk and more upstream dealers.

Sadly Polk Audio takes a more BOSE approach to marketing their speakers. Except they actually make good speakers. Which sucks for me because I've tried a number of times to upgrade my source and amp, but always have to go to dealers that carry other speakers. I can only guess as to what they would sound like with my Polk LSi speakers.

DynamiteD

I know what you mean about the dealers. Believe me I've been looking around for a dealer to listen to the Polks at. Fry's doesn't cut it for me. I must really like Polk because I work at a high-end audio dealership that has Paradigm and Tannoy and Meridian, but I still want to hear the Polks:D