Polk LSiM 705 & 707 towers just went on sale (7/16/19)! Which to get, and why?

Landmonster

Hi all.

Sorry if this question has been beaten to death, but I am facing a very real scenario here: Do I buy the Polk 705 or 707s?

The Polk LSiM 707 towers just went on sale, for $1,720 for the pair ($860 each). https://www.adorama.com/pklsim707b.html?EmailPrice=T

Also, the slightly smaller Polk LSiM 705 towers just went on sale too, for $1,220! ($610 each) https://www.adorama.com/pklsim705b.html?EmailPrice=T

Ironically, I have a separate savings fund which I have been setting aside to save for these speakers, and it has accrued exactly $1,220. This would pay for the 705s. But I could also get the 707s, it wouldn't be a huge stretch...

My Current setup:

• Polk 703 on stands (These would be moved to the rear surrounds)
• Polk LSiM 706c as center channel (This would stay where it is, of course)
• Denon X4500h receiver (This would be forced to power all 5 speakers, until I can save up for an amp. See specs: https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx4500h)
• Xbox One X as media streamer, and disc player (Ultra Bluray, and Bluray).

So the real question for you experts, is:

1. Do I want the 705s, or 707s? and why?
2. 
   

So far, like I said, I am running 3 speakers off the Denon X4500h (703 x2, and 706c x1). It doesn't appear to be struggling, but then again, I haven't hooked tower speakers to it. My only fear is that I have read many comments that AVRs struggle the power these LSiM speakers, and/or that the LSiMs truly come alive with extra amplification.

Bonus Amplification-Related questions:

1. Has anyone tried to power 5 LSiM speakers (including at least 2 towers) on a AVR like my Denon with ~125 watts per channel?
2. Will I be running into some kind of damaging or detrimental issues without a power amp?
3. If so, are the 707s dramatically more difficult to push than the 705s? (I'm trying to figure out if I can make due with the Denon for either 705s or the 707s for a while, or if either or both of them would cause problems?)

Landmonster

By the way, my room is 15 feet wide, 16 feet deep, with 10 foot ceilings and wood floors.

I sit about 10 feet back from the front speakers.

I don't have subs yet, but I plan to add subs, plus extra speaker amplification (2ch or 5ch amp) next.

txcoastal1

Get the 705's and put your next bank on a sub

Landmonster

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Get the 705's and put your next bank on a sub

Can you explain why?

txcoastal1

With a sub you could probably get away w/o needing an amp because a sub would take the weight off the receiver

HT needs a sub. When crossed over with the sub you take away needinG the speakers lower end. This presents not needing the 707’s lower end

Landmonster

Anyone else have any thoughts?

A few other random musings...

1. Are the LSiM line being discontinued anytime soon by Polk? Do have a definite date? (If I can't get the 707s now, I just want to make sure they will be available in a few months from now)
2. If I can't use either a sub or amp now, will either (or both) of the 705s or 707s overwhelm a Denon X4500 receiver?
3. How much different/better is the 707 than the 705, assuming the end goal is to power them with a decent amplifier?
   

Geoff4rfc

Landmonster wrote: »

Anyone else have any thoughts?

@txcoastal1 makes an excellent point. Myself however have always gone for the top billing of any series I've owned.

I'm actually battling over whether or not to spring for the 707's or just stay with my A9's. They are currently edging my 703's out for 2ch, the 707's top portion is the same make up of the 703.

rooftop59

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Landmonster wrote: »

Anyone else have any thoughts?

@txcoastal1 makes an excellent point. Myself however have always gone for the top billing of any series I've owned.

I'm actually battling over whether or not to spring for the 707's or just stay with my A9's. They are currently edging my 703's out for 2ch, the 707's top portion is the same make up of the 703.

U like the a9s better than the 703s for 2 channel?

Landmonster

It does seem, simpler in a way, to just purchase the "top of line" from whatever you're considering. The 707s would simpifly my main speakers.

Unless, for whatever reason, the 705s are actually proven to be technically superior in some way that I am not realizing.

I have only listened to the 703s. I haven't ever seen the 705s or 707s in person. However, I know myself, and I would probably mentally be more satisfied with the 707s, just knowing that Polk doesn't make anything better.

If I found myself unhappy with the 705s, I would wonder "Well, maybe the 707s would be slightly better?", rather than worry about room placement, source, amplification, wiring, etc etc.

The main point of this thread, I suppose.... was to ask if anyone has any direct A/B experience between the 705s and 707s? Also, is there a compelling reason in my given situation (room and equipment) to choose the 705 or 707?

Clipdat

Do you have a local stereo shop where you can go audition some speakers?

cfrizz

You just went through this with your receiver. You want the 707s so get the 707s. You should be careful with the volume until you get a 5-7 channel amp which should be your next purchase after the speakers.

Clipdat

Isn't the only difference between the 705s and the 707s the low frequency response? If he's using a sub, which he should be, then it's a non-issue. Get the 705s.

rooftop59

@DarqueKnight begs to differ with you @Clipdat: https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/182984/how-my-lsim-707s-sound-to-me-a-review

I guess if the OP INSISTS on towers, then get the 707s. I personally would probably get an amp and a big boy sub to go with the 703s and then decide, as you’ll want those pieces no matter what, but it’s his money...

txcoastal1

Well let's ask the OP...What size room will you be setting up these speakers?

The reason I ask, as a past I am a past Polk dealer and have heard the 707's set up in a room to small for the speakers and they did sound boomy.

marvda1

@landmonster, where are you located?
these will best the polks and you may not need a sub.
https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/187239/usher-cp-6381-pick-up-in-ohio-only#latest

Geoff4rfc

Landmonster wrote: »

It does seem, simpler in a way, to just purchase the "top of line" from whatever you're considering. The 707s would simpifly my main speakers.


If I found myself unhappy with the 705s, I would wonder "Well, maybe the 707s would be slightly better?", rather than worry about room placement, source, amplification, wiring, etc etc.

That's what I'd do. And, I never wanted that "I wonder how the bigger speaker would have been" syndrome. I just get the big dog and call it.

rooftop59 wrote: »

U like the a9s better than the 703s for 2 channel?

Yeah, crazy as it may sound (get it, sound ), my A9's are not as "edgy" or bright as they were when I first got them. I've groomed them pretty well with amp set up, cable set up and placement.

Ask @ken brydson, he's been over for a listen and I think he might have even been inspired

Don't get me wrong, I do love my 703's, but the A9's charge a bit harder. And to be honest, for 2ch, I reckon it really depends on the music.

Landmonster

cfrizz wrote: »

You just went through this with your receiver. You want the 707s so get the 707s. You should be careful with the volume until you get a 5-7 channel amp which should be your next purchase after the speakers.

I do want the 707s. But I am not basing that on much, except they are the "best" of the LSiM line.

Would the 705s be any easier to drive without an amp?

Can you elaborate on "careful" with the Denon volume knob? As it is now, I never really turn it past -15 on the dial, usually not more than -20. I don't know what wattage or DB level that equates to.

Landmonster

marvda1 wrote: »

@landmonster, where are you located?
these will best the polks and you may not need a sub.
https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/187239/usher-cp-6381-pick-up-in-ohio-only#latest

DFW, TX. So those are not really an option for me.

Landmonster

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Well let's ask the OP...What size room will you be setting up these speakers?

The reason I ask, as a past I am a past Polk dealer and have heard the 707's set up in a room to small for the speakers and they did sound boomy.

I thought I mentioned this above.

Nevertheless, it's a 15' wide, 16' deep, with 10' ceilings, and 2 open hallways. I sit about 10 feet back from the main speaker.

We just removed carpet throughout the entire home (including this room) and installed wood-flooring, so the whole house is a bit more "echoey" now.

Landmonster

Clipdat wrote: »

Isn't the only difference between the 705s and the 707s the low frequency response? If he's using a sub, which he should be, then it's a non-issue. Get the 705s.

This is what I would like to know. Are there any other internal engineering differences that went into the 707, since it's the Polk "flagship" model?

Obviously on paper, the 707 has a bigger woofer (6.5" instead of 5.25"), and the subs are 6x9" instead 5x7".

However, the cabinet itself of the 707 is taller, wider, and deeper... and about 23lbs heavier than the 705. The exact locations of the drivers are also slightly different on the 707. The tweeter sits a bit higher off the floor on the 707, for example.

I got stands for my 703s to try to replicate the tweeter height of the 707, anticipating getting them in the future. That way, my front and rears would be the same height. I don't know if this really matters, but it might.

Clipdat

DSkip wrote: »

Come visit me man. You can hear some things.

Agreed. Aim higher than LSiMs, trust me.

rooftop59

@Landmonster did you not read the review from @DarqueKnight that I linked above???

PSOVLSK

1) Talk to Skip

OR

2)

rooftop59 wrote: »

get an amp and a big boy sub to go with the 703s and then decide.

I don’t have much experience with the 705 or 707, but in my limited listening to both, I preferred the 705-

Geoff4rfc

rooftop59 wrote: »

@Landmonster did you not read the review from @DarqueKnight that I linked above???

@Landmonster if you read the link provided by @rooftop59 , you'll go for the 707's without a doubt.

In that link is your side by side review of both speakers.

Landmonster

Yea. I will just go for 707s if I stay with LSiM.

I'm sure there are superior speakers out there... but for a comparable price range as these are on sale?

Landmonster

DSkip wrote: »

Come visit me man. You can hear some things.

Where are you located? PM me.

Landmonster

rooftop59 wrote: »

@Landmonster did you not read the review from @DarqueKnight that I linked above???

I did. That reviewer clearly prefers the 707. If he can be trusted to be accurate, then that is a super helpful review.

afterburnt

"Accurate"? Sheesh!

rooftop59

Landmonster wrote: »

rooftop59 wrote: »

@Landmonster did you not read the review from @DarqueKnight that I linked above???

I did. That reviewer clearly prefers the 707. If he can be trusted to be accurate, then that is a super helpful review.

I mean, audio is ultimately subjective. But do a little searching around the forum. He is an engineering prof with a darn good ear. I will put his reviews up against anyone’s.

Having said that, I still vote for amp and sub first, but if your heart is set on towers then u may as well go all out...

DarqueKnight

Landmonster wrote: »

Hi all.

So the real question for you experts, is:
Do I want the 705s, or 707s? and why?

So far, like I said, I am running 3 speakers off the Denon X4500h (703 x2, and 706c x1). It doesn't appear to be struggling, but then again, I haven't hooked tower speakers to it. My only fear is that I have read many comments that AVRs struggle the power these LSiM speakers, and/or that the LSiMs truly come alive with extra amplification.

Bonus Amplification-Related questions:

1. Has anyone tried to power 5 LSiM speakers (including at least 2 towers) on a AVR like my Denon with ~125 watts per channel?
2. Will I be running into some kind of damaging or detrimental issues without a power amp?
3. If so, are the 707s dramatically more difficult to push than the 705s? (I'm trying to figure out if I can make due with the Denon for either 705s or the 707s for a while, or if either or both of them would cause problems?)

Your Denon X4500h is rated for 125 watts per channel in two channel mode into 8 ohms. Note that the AVR can also only deliver 235 watts continuous in one channel mode. The AVR's transformer can reasonably be expected to deliver, at most, a total of around 250 watts continuous. That same 250 watts will be divided among 5 speakers in 5 channel mode. If the 250 watts is evenly divided among the 5 speakers, you will only get 50 watts per channel. It's more likely that, in 5 channel mode, the AVR gives power preference to the front and center speakers, with more than 50 wpc each going to the F/C/R speakers and less than 50 wpc going to the surround speakers.

With appropriate amplification, the 707s paired with the 706c will present a bigger and bolder front stage compared to the 705/706c combination.

Yes, you could run into some trouble running the 707/706c or the 705/706c combination with your AVR. At the worst, clipping and speaker damage if you get careless with the volume control. At the least, an unsatisfying and increasingly irritating and frustrating home theater presentation because you can't listen at the levels you like. Whether you get the 705s or the 707s, you won't hear them at their best until you run them with an amp that can bring out the best in them.

I will repeat the advice of others: If you really want the 707s, get the 707s, then get an amp (and subwoofer) suitable for the 707/706c/703 combination.

rooftop59

DarqueKnight wrote: »

Landmonster wrote: »

Hi all.

So the real question for you experts, is:
Do I want the 705s, or 707s? and why?

So far, like I said, I am running 3 speakers off the Denon X4500h (703 x2, and 706c x1). It doesn't appear to be struggling, but then again, I haven't hooked tower speakers to it. My only fear is that I have read many comments that AVRs struggle the power these LSiM speakers, and/or that the LSiMs truly come alive with extra amplification.

Bonus Amplification-Related questions:

1. Has anyone tried to power 5 LSiM speakers (including at least 2 towers) on a AVR like my Denon with ~125 watts per channel?
2. Will I be running into some kind of damaging or detrimental issues without a power amp?
3. If so, are the 707s dramatically more difficult to push than the 705s? (I'm trying to figure out if I can make due with the Denon for either 705s or the 707s for a while, or if either or both of them would cause problems?)

Your Denon X4500h is rated for 125 watts per channel in two channel mode into 8 ohms. Note that the AVR can also only deliver 235 watts continuous in one channel mode. The AVR's transformer can reasonably be expected to deliver, at most, a total of around 250 watts continuous. That same 250 watts will be divided among 5 speakers in 5 channel mode. If the 250 watts is evenly divided among the 5 speakers, you will only get 50 watts per channel. It's more likely that, in 5 channel mode, the AVR gives power preference to the front and center speakers, with more than 50 wpc each going to the F/C/R speakers and less than 50 wpc going to the surround speakers.

With appropriate amplification, the 707s paired with the 706c will present a bigger and bolder front stage compared to the 705/706c combination.

Yes, you could run into some trouble running the 707/706c or the 705/706c combination with your AVR. At the worst, clipping and speaker damage if you get careless with the volume control. At the least, an unsatisfying and increasingly irritating and frustrating home theater presentation because you can't listen at the levels you like. Whether you get the 705s or the 707s, you won't hear them at their best until you run them with an amp that can bring out the best in them.

I will repeat the advice of others: If you really want the 707s, get the 707s, then get an amp (and subwoofer) suitable for the 707/706c/703 combination.

A few generations ago s&v measurements rated it 5 channels driven at 95 wpc, and exceeding its 2 channel rating fwiw...https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-avr-x4200w-av-receiver-review-test-bench

I still agree that that AVR cannot do those 707s justice at all.