fix gloss black in LSi speaker.

McLoki

I have an opportunity to purchase an open box set of LSiFx speakers for $400 from an authorized dealer. The bottom of one of the speakers is pretty scratched up. (not through the gloss, but through the clear coat) Also there is a nick out of the top corner like it was hit with a really heavy pencil on the edge....

My question is - before I purchase these - Can the gloss be fixed and is $400 a good price for these in this condition from an authorized dealer. (they would be under the Polk Warrantee)

Any opinions? I do not desperately need the Fx's, but I have been interested in trying them out to compare them to the 7's I have been using as my surrounds. (plus my gloss 7's would make killer rear surrounds with Fx's on the side.

Thanks,

Michael

dkg999

I am now running LSiFX as my side surrounds and LSi7's as rear surrounds. I highly recommend it! The FX's are pretty incredible, much more than the FXi5's I had previously.

The gloss black is going to be hard to touch up. For the bottoms, I would make a similar shaped shelf to set them on, and hide the scratches. I originally hung mine by the brackets, and maybe I'm just a little anal, but I didn't like the way the brackets held them. So I made some temporary shelves. If the finish is lacquer, then you should be able to spray some clear glass lacquer on the bottoms to touch up the clear coat. I would call Polk CS and see if they can give you a clue on the finish. If it's water-based lacquer, then it's a little more difficult because it doesn't burn into the previous coat like the old fashioned stuff.

F1nut

I was under the impression that the gloss black on the LSi speakers is actually a plastic or some such, but not lacquer.

McLoki

I called Polk customer service and they said that the old model of LSi is actually a gloss veneer. (as evidenced by the seams on the front and the back) The new style is actually like an automotive paint with clear coat.

With the new models, scratches can be fixed with swirl remover or even a light rubbing compound. If you go through the clear coat, you may be out of luck to making it ever look right again though so be careful.

For those unlucky enough to have severe scratches or dents - a new cabinet for the LSiFx is about $144 + tax with the club polk discount. You get to transfer the drivers and crossover to the new cabinet. I am sure the good folks at Polk Customer Service would walk you through any difficulties you had with this.

The CS rep I was speaking to mentioned that the Fx is his favorite surround speaker, but if your room does not let you place it 1-2 feet from the rear wall, you may be better off with a direct radiating speaker like 7, 9, or LCi.

Based on my room situation - I am going to pass on the LSiFx, but if anyone wants a pair - there is some for sale in Peoria for $400 with full warrantee. One speaker has the scratches and dent in it. I am pretty sure you could fix 85% of the scratches and make them unnoticable. The dent is in the top edge and would not be visible in most mounting locations.

Anyway - just wanted to pass on the information.

Michael

margate21

just bought a pair at jr's (nyc store) for $50 more... brand new!! FYI