Cherry Lsi7 Don't Match Cherry Lsi9

Bob Loblaw

Hi There -

I just got a companion set of CHERRY LSi7s (via Polk's ebay outlet) and the finish on them is radically different from the CHERRY LSi9s I got from Crutchfield a couple months ago.

While I realize that there are different manufacturing lots and thus some variation between runs (for lack of a better word), BUT this is a crazy huge difference.

The LSi7s are more wood-like and several shades lighter with a rougher finish (I can feel the grain). The LSi9s are super smooth, much darker and almost too slick so what I would like to think should be real wood could be a nice laminate.

Ideally the speakers would be identical, right?

Anyone else have this issue? Anyone have an explanation?

On a bright note, the factory outlet on ebay has some serious bargains. Who can argue with half price?

McLoki

if you look at the back of the speaker, is the finish smooth all the way to the ports, or does it look like the gloss finish was folded over the speaker with a seam like a picture frame going around the back (and front) edge of the speaker?

I am guessing the ones you got from polk were the first generation, the ones you got from crutchfield were the second generation. The only difference is in the finish. It is the same drivers and crossover so they should sound the same.

Enjoy,

Michael

Edit - BTW - welcome to club polk. If you are unsure what I mean about the first and second generation, click on the LSi7 link in my sig and somewhere in there we explain the difference...

okiepolkie

By chance, can you see the seems on the faces of the speakers? Around 2003/2004, they switched manufacturing plants from mexico to china, and made a few cosmetic changes as well. Both the cherry and black versions were markedly different than the original LSi's. They sound the same, so i wouldn't worry about that part too much.

If this is for a home theater setting, I doubt anyone will ever notice a difference. Enjoy your new speakers.

okiepolkie

McLoki wrote: »

if you look at the back of the speaker, is the finish smooth all the way to the ports, or does it look like the gloss finish was folded over the speaker with a seam like a picture frame going around the back (and front) edge of the speaker?

I am guessing the ones you got from polk were the first generation, the ones you got from crutchfield were the second generation. The only difference is in the finish. It is the same drivers and crossover so they should sound the same.

Enjoy,

Michael

you beat me by 3 minutes

McLoki

okiepolkie wrote: »

you beat me by 3 minutes

WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!