Listened to the Lsi15-25's

rubin
rubin Posts: 565
edited May 2009 in Speakers
These are my true and honest no bias conclusions,I'll. keep it brief.
Lsi 15 good.....Paradigm 100 better.....Lsi 25 better yet...Paradigm combined with two powered subs best...... (perhaps an unfair comparison).All listened with the same anthem amp/preamp.in the same room.
Post edited by rubin on

Comments

  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    You need to listen to LSi25 combined with two PSW1000 subs to be fair. :)
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    We tried that as well,it seemed the external powered subs somewhat canceled out the Lsi powered subs.It was better! but the Paradigm/sub combo was more robust.Perhaps the Paradigm's three 7" bass drivers helped?
  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited May 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    You need to listen to LSi25 combined with two PSW1000 subs to be fair. :)

    I have not had the chance to listen to any speakers with powered subs so that is why I am quite suprised by your comment to add two more powered subs to the mix with them. I would think IMO that having powered subs in the speakers would negate the need for an external sub. Am I wrong or is it a personal preference thing?
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    rubin wrote: »
    We tried that as well,it seemed the external powered subs somewhat canceled out the Lsi powered subs.It was better! but the Paradigm/sub combo was more robust.Perhaps the Paradigm's three 7" bass drivers helped?

    I think you can fine tune phase adjustment in both LSi25 and the PSW1000 based on the placement of the speakers and subs in the room. I have no problem with the powered subs in the LSi25 canceling out the bass from the powered subs.

    But I have not heard the Paradigms 100 with dual paradigm servo subs so it's very possible Paradigm combo could sound more robust than the LSi25 and PSW1000 combo.
    thuffman03 wrote: »
    I have not had the chance to listen to any speakers with powered subs so that is why I am quite suprised by your comment to add two more powered subs to the mix with them. I would think IMO that having powered subs in the speakers would negate the need for an external sub. Am I wrong or is it a personal preference thing?

    Tuffman, You are not wrong and it's also not personal preferences to have extra subs with the LSi25.

    I found PSW1000 (or any powered subs) adds a more defined and a very deep bass punch to the LSi25 in my HT room but I tested the LSi25 pair plus two PSW1000 for two channel listening. I also found a pair of PSW1000 helps a lot for the Carver ALS Platinum too. ALS Platinum and a pair of PSW1000 sounds even better than the AL3+ I've auditioned before.

    I am sure LSi25 has adequate bass with it's internal subs but adding two PSW1000 (one for each channel) cleans out bass a lot (no muddyness) and adds another dimension in good low punch.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    Ok,(2) Paradigm servo 15's in the mix is an over powering element, but the combo still bested the Lsi/servo 15 sub combo.Megasat...you got it backwards,the para subs diminished the Lis subs.
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    rubin wrote: »
    Ok,(2) Paradigm servo 15's in the mix is an over powering element, but the combo still bested the Lsi/servo 15 sub combo.Megasat...you got it backwards,the para subs diminished the Lis subs.

    Yeah...It may be so....I have not heard Paradigm servo and 100 combo so it's very possible paradigm combo bested the Lsi combo.

    But I am not sure what you mean by I got it backwards? :confused:

    What I meant before is that you can fine tune the PSW1000 (polk powered sub) or servo 15 phase shift and the integrated / internal subs in the LSi25 not to cancel out the subs frequency. I think you've stated the subs in LSi25 are canceled out by the powered subs? That's why I am saying you can fine tune the phase shift after the placement issue is taken care of. Phase angle adjustment comes in handy with multiple subs placement in the room and not to cancel out each other. But I don't have this problem in my room.

    It's true that most powered subs will diminish the internal subs from LSi25 which is only 10" in diameter and limited Xmax and limited power from the plate amp in LSi25. But it does not mean it has canceled out. I think canceling out has more to do with phase shift and location / placement.

    But I think I understand what you meant. You meant the external subs have more powerful bass (over powering) so the bass from the LSi are diminished. I think it's always almost the case with adding subs and I think it's the reason why most people wants to add subs to their 2 channel speaker setup.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Yeah...It may be so....I have not heard Paradigm servo and 100 combo so it's very possible paradigm combo bested the Lsi combo.

    But I am not sure what you mean by I got it backwards? :confused:

    What I meant before is that you can fine tune the PSW1000 (polk powered sub) or servo 15 phase shift and the integrated / internal subs in the LSi25 not to cancel out the subs frequency. I think you've stated the subs in LSi25 are canceled out by the powered subs? That's why I am saying you can fine tune the phase shift after the placement issue is taken care of. Phase angle adjustment comes in handy with multiple subs placement in the room and not to cancel out each other. But I don't have this problem in my room.

    It's true that most powered subs will diminish the internal subs from LSi25 which is only 10" in diameter and limited Xmax and limited power from the plate amp in LSi25. But it does not mean it has canceled out. I think canceling out has more to do with phase shift and location / placement.

    But I think I understand what you meant. You meant the external subs have more powerful bass (over powering) so the bass from the LSi are diminished. I think it's always almost the case with adding subs and I think it's the reason why most people wants to add subs to their 2 channel speaker setup.

    Yes your last paragraph is what I meant.The studio subs sustain 1700 watts,with peaks over 3000.Still!!! the para. 100's sounded better ....in the mix.But I like the Lsi25's more than the studio 100's on their own
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    rubin wrote: »
    Yes your last paragraph is what I meant.The studio subs sustain 1700 watts,with peaks over 3000.Still!!! the para. 100's sounded better ....in the mix.But I like the Lsi25's more than the studio 100's on their own

    You like the LSIs better on their own? Doesn't that kind of negate the comparison a bit above. Seems to me if that's the case the LSI-sub can be toned down and with the same subs as the paradigms the LSIs should do fine no.

    Maybe I'm being dense but when I audition speakers...I ONLY compare towers by themselves to each other.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    You like the LSIs better on their own? Doesn't that kind of negate the comparison a bit above. Seems to me if that's the case the LSI-sub can be toned down and with the same subs as the paradigms the LSIs should do fine no.

    Maybe I'm being dense but when I audition speakers...I ONLY compare towers by themselves to each other.

    cnh

    On a stand alone basis the Lsi 25's with their internal powered subs beat the 100's But with external subs I like the overall result with the 100's more.My end result seems to indicate to have main speakers and sub speakers in their own seperate boxes is better......With the other arrangement being more cost effective.
  • dougy
    dougy Posts: 182
    edited May 2009
    Paradigm Studio 100's may be one of the best bang-for-the-buck tower speaker out there, eh? I have a problem with the concept of a $2500-3000 pair of speakers that are covered in vinyl, though. It just don't seem right.:confused:
    THE MAN-CAVE 5.1 CHANNEL A/V RIG
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2009
    Without reading much here... did the LSI's get powered properly? I have been very unimpressed by LSI's in the past based on in store setups. In home powered properly they are leaps and bounds above the in store demos I have heard.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Without reading much here... did the LSI's get powered properly? I have been very unimpressed by LSI's in the past based on in store setups. In home powered properly they are leaps and bounds above the in store demos I have heard.

    That could be correct Ben,Anthem is the best the store keeps in stock although there are a lot better choices.
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited May 2009
    To each their own... The paradigm studio speakers are really nice and I completely understand why someone would choose them over the LSi's. I would more rate them as similar sound quality but completely diferent presentation rather than better or worse though.

    They do have a completely different sound and I, personally, find the paradigms way to brite to listen to long term. (While I have listened to the paradigms in a home setting, they had about 100hours on them. I am unsure if they were fully broke in at that point or not)

    I am not surprised you liked one over the other based on their sound being so different. I would have been more surprised if you liked them both equally.

    Paradigm and B&W have a similar sound, but the LSi's seem significantly different than either of them.

    Whatever you end up with - Rock on.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
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    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited May 2009
    dougy wrote: »
    Paradigm Studio 100's may be one of the best bang-for-the-buck tower speaker out there, eh? I have a problem with the concept of a $2500-3000 pair of speakers that are covered in vinyl, though. It just don't seem right.:confused:

    The Studio 100s are very good speakers.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    The Polk LSi's not only sound great, but they add to the room's decor. The PSW1000 subs balance the bass nicely.
    Either way you can't go wrong, but I like the overall LSi visual and audio package.

    I also think Lsi's look real impresive.Wood panels look good.As I said , on their own I like them best, I just like the extra ,,,,ooomph,,,,, of seperate subs. There is no better/worse description in any of these 3speaker systems,actually I think they're all fine speakers.Just with subs they seemed to integrate more to my preferance.
  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited May 2009
    When I first got my 25s I thought my sub would be redundant for two-channel music (my priority). I still wouldn't call it a necessity, but I am now convinced that used properly (not too loud and not crossed over too high) my Velo complements the 25s. I have it crossed over at about 45hz and it really helps fill out the low end. I suppose two would be even better :eek: but I can't afford another one. I am curious how much stereo subs matters when crossed over so low. I suppose someone with a really good ear can still tell the direction.
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • Leon S.
    Leon S. Posts: 25
    edited May 2009
    Do you think that comparing the LSi 15's with Paradigm Studio 100's is even fair to begin with ? After all, the Studio 100's run about $1000.00 dollars more :eek:, give or take ? ? ? Doesn't seem to be a comparison on even ground !
  • Leon S.
    Leon S. Posts: 25
    edited May 2009
    Do you think that comparing the LSi 15's with Paradigm Studio 100's is even fair to begin with ? After all, the Studio 100's run about $1000.00 dollars more :eek:, give or take ? ? ? Doesn't seem to be a comparison on even ground !
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    Nice system xcapri! Do you find that the Pioneer retains its clean/neutral qualities as a pre/pro with the Emos in tow?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • Leon S.
    Leon S. Posts: 25
    edited May 2009
    Hmmmmmmm, did something wrong there, huh ? Sorry for the double posting !
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited May 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Right now I'm listening to the Moody Blues with 2 LSi25's, 4 LSi15's, 2 LSiC's, 4 PSW1000's driven by the Pio. DV-49AV, SC-07 on Ext, Stereo, with 2 x Emo XPA-5 amps and I could swear they're actually in my livingroom. It's audio heaven with the LSi's for me.

    With this many speakers do you have any room for a chair???

    I like the LSI series also, especially when powered with high current amps.
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited May 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Right now I'm listening to the Moody Blues with 2 LSi25's, 4 LSi15's, 2 LSiC's, 4 PSW1000's driven by the Pio. DV-49AV, SC-07 on Ext, Stereo, with 2 x Emo XPA-5 amps and I could swear they're actually in my livingroom. It's audio heaven with the LSi's for me.

    What size room do you have? Is it easy to get around all the equipment? This sounds like a great set-up for 2 channel and HT. Hell, it sounds like a great system, period.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    NewHTguy wrote: »
    When I first got my 25s I thought my sub would be redundant for two-channel music (my priority). I still wouldn't call it a necessity, but I am now convinced that used properly (not too loud and not crossed over too high) my Velo complements the 25s. I have it crossed over at about 45hz and it really helps fill out the low end. I suppose two would be even better :eek: but I can't afford another one. I am curious how much stereo subs matters when crossed over so low. I suppose someone with a really good ear can still tell the direction.

    It's also a sense of feeling,along with hearing.
  • rubin
    rubin Posts: 565
    edited May 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Right now I'm listening to the Moody Blues with 2 LSi25's, 4 LSi15's, 2 LSiC's, 4 PSW1000's driven by the Pio. DV-49AV, SC-07 on Ext, Stereo, with 2 x Emo XPA-5 amps and I could swear they're actually in my livingroom. It's audio heaven with the LSi's for me.

    That's quite the system !!!!!