Atriums with LSi

2+2

Is anyone using Atrium 45 or Atrium 55 as surrounds in an LSi based system?

Can you tell me how the match is?

Which Atrium would be a better fit for my main system in my signature below?

I am thinking that the 45 would actually be a better match since the 3/4 inch tweeter is smaller than 1 inch tweeter in the 55. My RTi100 tweeters (also 1 inch) sound "thick" compared to the LSi tweeters.

I had to get rid of my LSiFx cuz they were too big and would not configure properly in my open family room. (Got the LSi 7s as a consolation prize for my 2nd system )

WAF on the Atriums are much higher so I am thinking about going that route.

TIA for any insight.

fireshoes

Maybe it's just me, but I'd go 2-channel before I'd put the Atriums in the mix. How about doing the LCi in-walls or in-ceilings?

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/home/large/white/lci65.jpg

2+2

Yeah, I dont want to mix and match but not much of a choice if I want surrounds. In walls is not possible and in ceiling I would think it would be expensive.....So you think it would be a disaster even if Atriums are used for rear surrounds only?

TroyD

I wouldn't say a disaster.....what about a smaller pair of bookshelves?

BDT

2+2

I am open to any book shelf or other suggestions but they have to be fairly small...nothing like LSi 7s (I thing 55s would be pushing the dimensional limits but they are white!). I figure if I have to deviate from the LSi series, might as well stay with Polk and use one with the most flexible mounting and WAF since nothing is likely going to be a perfect match.. My family room is really not configured for this..

If you have a small book shelf suggestion, let me know. It would be great to have white or silver speakers as well to increase WAF.... can you believe it?....she suggested those Bose cubes a friend of mine has.....I said ummm....nahhhh.

2+2

I guess not too many members have both LSi and Atriums.....hmmmmm

VR3

Bose cubes



Atriums are GREAT speakers, give it a try...

Whadyasay

I use a pair of RT25i's as surrounds (mounted with B-Tech BT77 mounts), and they work fine.

2+2

Whaddaysay, so your RTs dont make a noticable difference when used as surrounds compared to the front Lsis? Thats what I am figuring in surround duty. I guess I am more concerned about what will happen when I get more into 5ch music. I am investigating maybe picking up some RM series satellites off ebay instead of the Atriums but not sure which would have better sound quality....?

dorokusai

I have owned LSi7's and currently own some Atrium 45's....what exactly do you think will be similar between these two speakers? They are not compatible IMO, but make your own choice.

I use the Atrium's for the intended purpose, outdoors. I played with them inside for a couple days, and promptly moved them outside. They are way too bright IMO, but for outside will be perfect.

2+2

Actually dorokusai, what you say is exactly the kind of information I am looking for....from people who have played with both and can opine as to whether or not they can be used together with LSis to get decent results. Thanks! Anyone else with experience?

What do people think about couple RM satellites idea...?

scottnbnj

lci's in custom enclosures mounted on the wall?

)

fireshoes

The LCi in-ceiling's have an MSRP of $699 and $799 per pair, so you should be able to get them for less than that. If that is too high, you could also use the TCi series. I just think the LSi's and Atriums are so different in sound that it would not sound good.

2+2

Hmm...looks like I am being steered away from the Atriums. As to the ceiling speakers, you also gotta consider installation which will not be cheap as I cant do it myself. Why doesnt Polk come out with some very small LSis for people like me who simply cant go all out with large box speakers...why not have an LSi3 for rear surround duty? Anyone at Polk listening?

dorokusai

I would love a smaller LSi design, and I would most certainly buy it. I don't want a huge bookie at my computer. If I want to see a big speaker, I'll go downstairs.

When they produce something good, and interesting in a 7x5x7 size, I'll buy another Polk bookshelf...until then these Mission MS-50's kick ****. I may pick up a pair of Totem Mite's, but they are typically overpriced. It's hard to find a small, dynamic speaker.

If they go too small, it's just wasted effort at that point....as I am not looking for some crazy flat panel, or little cube.....give me a mini-monkey coffin anyday.

Whadyasay

You also have to consider that bookshelf speakers typically sound best when they have enough distance from walls to not be adversley affected by reflections, and at ear level in an almost equilateral triangle btwn/from the listener. Say you have them set up that way and feel that you have a pretty good idea of their sound quality. Now....mount those same speakers several feet above your head, to the side and/or slightly behind you, and right on the walls. Guess what....they're going to sound different. Granted, different makes of speakers and different models from the same manufacturer have different tonal qualities, but I find that there isn't enough noticeable difference in sound from my RT25i's that it's distracting with either movies with substantial surround material or SACD's with discreet tracks.

That's not to say that the same will apply for the atriums. The sound from those might be so different due to design and intended use that it might be distracting. I too considered a pair of LSi7's for surrounds...and I still might go with them somewhere down the road. But even they are quite a bit larger than the RT25i's, and would present some issues in terms of placement and mounting options. If Polk made an LSi speaker the same dimensions of the RT25i's, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

fireshoes

Not sure if I mentioned this before in any other threads, but Polk is planning to come out with a white RTi4.

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dorokusai....that's what I am talking about but how about 6x4 size....I sure hope some powers at be at Polk are listening!!

Please give us a LSi3 (and an LSi5?)!! Make them w/o the side wood panels (like teh LSiC) to reduce weight so that they can be mounted using a bracket......I would think that this will also provide a new niche for Polk....

fireshoes, I wonder how long that has been in the works...just change in color? Maybe I shouldnt hold my breath for smaller LSis?

Whadasay...I will take that in advisement....looks like I will have to look elsewhere than the atriums tho....RTi..maybe but RM is more likely...but at that point, may as well open up to other nonPolk brands...