LSi7: Best bookshelf for the money?

Zitro

I've been doing some extensive listening to my 2 channel system, which consists of a NAD C320BEE integrated amp (50wpc) and Polk LSi7's. I've was able to really give them a listen this weekend because my neighbors were away. I've had them for a while now, but they still impress me with their openness, clarity and imaging. Listening to them is just plain engaging. I admittedly have a smaller room, which helps, but it is in no way treated and it is very cluttered. I'm also only feeding it 50wpc and I know this is low for a 4 ohm speaker. Even so, they sound wonderful. The price is relatively cheap, too. I've heard my fair share of bookshelves in this price range, and I don't know if it's the synergy between them and the NAD or the speaker itself, but these Polk's are easily my favorite in their price class. What do you guys think? Are the LSi7's a steal in their price class, or are there competitors which outperform them? (Sorry, I know it sounds like I'm ranting but this little speaker just impresses me a lot, given the cost and size restrictions :cool:)

Also, I was reading a column in Stereophile (I know there are better sources of info, but it still makes an interesting read) that stated that speaker "break-in" has nothing to do with physical alterations in the drivers over time or the sound actually changing at all, but rather a listener subconsciously learning to tune out tonal imbalances present in the sound. Sounds right to me, any thoughts?

Erik Tracy

Zitro wrote: »

I've been doing some extensive listening to my 2 channel system, which consists of a NAD C320BEE integrated amp (50wpc) and Polk LSi7's. I've was able to really give them a listen this weekend because my neighbors were away. I've had them for a while now, but they still impress me with their openness, clarity and imaging. Listening to them is just plain engaging. I admittedly have a smaller room, which helps, but it is in no way treated and it is very cluttered. I'm also only feeding it 50wpc and I know this is low for a 4 ohm speaker. Even so, they sound wonderful. The price is relatively cheap, too. I've heard my fair share of bookshelves in this price range, and I don't know if it's the synergy between them and the NAD or the speaker itself, but these Polk's are easily my favorite in their price class. What do you guys think? Are the LSi7's a steal in their price class, or are there competitors which outperform them? (Sorry, I know it sounds like I'm ranting but this little speaker just impresses me a lot, given the cost and size restrictions :cool:)

Also, I was reading a column in Stereophile (I know there are better sources of info, but it still makes an interesting read) that stated that speaker "break-in" has nothing to do with physical alterations in the drivers over time or the sound actually changing at all, but rather a listener subconsciously learning to tune out tonal imbalances present in the sound. Sounds right to me, any thoughts?

"For the money" is going to play into any probing discussions....what money did you spend on your LSi7s and is your question open to used speakers or only new ones for the same price?

steveinaz

A speaker is a physical, motion oriented device. Certainly there is some form of break-in, both electrically as components go thru heat up and cool down cycles, but also in the loosening of rubber surrounds as the drivers get "worked", etc.

How anyone with any iota of electronics training (I had 6 months of it, 8hrs a day) doesn't understand the concept of electrical components settling in, is beyond me. It's all well documented. The physical aspect should be self-explanatory.

Barefoot

IMO the Energy RC10 would get my vote as the best bookshelf for the money ($700 or less).

Zitro

steveinaz wrote: »

A speaker is a physical, motion oriented device. Certainly there is some form of break-in, both electrically as components go thru heat up and cool down cycles, but also in the loosening of rubber surrounds as the drivers get "worked", etc.

How anyone with any iota of electronics training (I had 6 months of it, 8hrs a day) doesn't understand the concept of electrical components settling in, is beyond me. It's all well documented. The physical aspect should be self-explanatory.

I understand that as well. With auto tuning and racing being another hobby of mine, break in is critical for engine performance also. I don't know if the "settling in" affects sound in the audible spectrum or not though. How can you really tell if measurements don't show it at times? The psychologist in me can't help but want to attribute a lot of the change in sound perception as a mental thing.

Erik Tracy wrote: »

"For the money" is going to play into any probing discussions....what money did you spend on your LSi7s and is your question open to used speakers or only new ones for the same price?

I'm going mostly off of typical new retailer prices, but even used, I'd imagine Polk's would go cheaper on the used market than a hifi speaker producer simply because the household name makes them less "exotic". Not sure though. I wasn't considering used because the prices fluctuate so much.

Erik Tracy

Zitro wrote: »

I'm going mostly off of typical new retailer prices, but even used, I'd imagine Polk's would go cheaper on the used market than a hifi speaker producer simply because the household name makes them less "exotic". Not sure though. I wasn't considering used because the prices fluctuate so much.

True.

If you look at Polk's ebay direct prices for the LSi7s, you can find some gems on some used speakers.

For me, I sold my LSi7s, sold my RTiA3s, and for just a tad more than the price of LSi7s on Polk ebay's site, I got some B&W CDM 1NTs that, for me, are better.....but that's just me.

steveinaz

Zitro wrote: »

I understand that as well. With auto tuning and racing being another hobby of mine, break in is critical for engine performance also. I don't know if the "settling in" affects sound in the audible spectrum or not though. How can you really tell if measurements don't show it at times? The psychologist in me can't help but want to attribute a lot of the change in sound perception as a mental thing.

I think it's a combination of both "getting used to" and electronic/physical break-in.

maximillian

A recent discussion:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99536

There are other threads like this one:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87792

I think opinions will vary greatly since everyone's ears are different, gear is different, room is different, and wallet thickness is different.

heiney9

Cables matter; break-in is real.

H9

shack

I think your combination of the NAD C320BEE/C520 CDP and the LSi7 is a very well matched rig. I have heard both the LSi9s and LSi7s with NAD Amps and CDPs and they seem to complement each other very nicely. I had essentially that rig (C521i CDP) with a pair of LSi9s for a while and was always impressed with the sound. I only sold it to step up to a C160/C270 amp/pre-amp rig with SDA-1Cs.

DeusExa

Barefoot wrote: »

IMO the Energy RC10 would get my vote as the best bookshelf for the money ($700 or less).

+1. <$700 for new bookshelves, that is.

steveinaz

I have Energy C-3's on my patio rig, so I can imagine the RC-10 being a big contender.

MLZ

If a speaker's sound rides a curve as it "breaks in" isn't it logical that it continues to change with use, and so, the sound improves, reaches an optimum (for a brief time?), then deteriorates?

Do the SDA and other vintage speaker owners agree?

mantis

I gotta say that the Lsi7's are very nice sounding speakers. I like them more then the Lsi9's. I think they sound clearer and more natural. They can be hung on the wall VIA keyhole slot on the power port. They are great fronts and excellent surround duty speakers.
As far as "BEST" I gotta agree with Zero , there really isn't a BEST speaker for the anything . It's to personal. But there are many great speakers and I can go on record to say I prefer many speakers over the Lsi line. For polk I'll say they are the best offering for music for "ME" not as a "BEST" in general.
For 700.00 and under I suggest 2 speakers that I know better the Lsi line by a lot. The Totem Dreamcatcher and Mite. Both speakers put out a super wide soundstage height and width better then the Lsi's , this isn't an opinion that is fact. One listen and you will realize this. But as far as which speakers are right for you well the Lsi's maybe all you need. Thats perfectly fine as when you are sitting there in the KING SEAT you and you alone have to enjoy the experience. Thats what really matter here.

Zitro

Barefoot wrote: »

IMO the Energy RC10 would get my vote as the best bookshelf for the money ($700 or less).

Never heard them, but they are definitely good looking speakers.

shack wrote: »

I think your combination of the NAD C320BEE/C520 CDP and the LSi7 is a very well matched rig. I have heard both the LSi9s and LSi7s with NAD Amps and CDPs and they seem to complement each other very nicely. I had essentially that rig (C521i CDP) with a pair of LSi9s for a while and was always impressed with the sound. I only sold it to step up to a C160/C270 amp/pre-amp rig with SDA-1Cs.

Cool, thanks. I do love my little NAD amp, not powerful on paper but pretty musical, especially for the price. It doesn't seem to have much trouble driving the 4 ohm load, even at moderately loud volumes (in my small 12x18 room). I've always been curious about separates, what was your experience going from the NAD integrated to the NAD separates?

Zitro

mantis wrote: »

For 700.00 and under I suggest 2 speakers that I know better the Lsi line by a lot. The Totem Dreamcatcher and Mite.

I've been wanting to hear this speaker for a while now. The hifi market doesn't seem to be very big here as there are very few hifi/ht shops, and most have a very limited selection. Needless to say, I haven't found anyone who carries Totem at all. If I'm ever in PA, I'll have to swing by your shop :cool:

mantis

Zitro wrote: »

I've been wanting to hear this speaker for a while now. The hifi market doesn't seem to be very big here as there are very few hifi/ht shops, and most have a very limited selection. Needless to say, I haven't found anyone who carries Totem at all. If I'm ever in PA, I'll have to swing by your shop :cool:

Door is open , just call ahead and I'll set it up.

shack

Zitro wrote: »

Cool, thanks. I do love my little NAD amp, not powerful on paper but pretty musical, especially for the price. It doesn't seem to have much trouble driving the 4 ohm load, even at moderately loud volumes (in my small 12x18 room). I've always been curious about separates, what was your experience going from the NAD integrated to the NAD separates?

The signature NAD sound (smooth and somewhat laid back) is still there. I went from 50 wpc to 120 wpc so there was more depth and better bass response. You can tell the difference the extra power makes even at low volume levels. The pre section neither adds or detracts from what one would hear from the 320BEE. Everything the 320BEE did well, the C160/C270 did just a little better. When you need to fill a larger space...the additional power is very noticeable with the C270 driving the 1Cs as loud as I would ever want to hear them in a 23' x 29' room.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I would say it depends on what you consider to be in the same price range...

If you are yLlong about full retail prices then there are several options, but if you're talking about prices that speakers can be had at, including used, there are far less options in the price range of the lsi7.

I paid $300 for both of my pairs, and I have yet to find anything that I can actually get for that price that compares.

Take for example my Rainmakers, they retail for about the same price as the lsi7, and are comparable, and really in most ways they're better, but you ain't gonna find a pair of those for $300, so I don't really consider them to be in the same price bracket.

mdaudioguy

I'm still breaking mine in, but I'm already enjoying them quite a bit with a Cambridge Audio integrated. They're easy on the ears, but I do think I want a sub to add to the low end. My room is probably on the large side for these speakers (25x18), but they still seem capable to me. Anybody else feel they need a sub with these?

Zitro

mdaudioguy wrote: »

I'm still breaking mine in, but I'm already enjoying them quite a bit with a Cambridge Audio integrated. They're easy on the ears, but I do think I want a sub to add to the low end. My room is probably on the large side for these speakers (25x18), but they still seem capable to me. Anybody else feel they need a sub with these?

I don't feel like I do, but I also am listening to them in a small room. I'm in a college apartment now anyways, and I don't think my neighbors would appreciate a sub lol. Moving into a house in 5 months, so maybe that will change things. I can finally get them set up right with the larger space; this room in not conducive to good sound at all.

dave shepard

Ring Rad. tweeters are more directional then a dome tweeter giving the speaker a more directional sound. If that is what one wants or likes then those speakers will fit them, if your looking for a more open wide sound stage then you will have to look at speakers with a dome type tweeeter. Which would in part explan why the Totem would have a wider sound stage. Only feeding something 50wpc really dosen't meen a whole lot, if you feel it sounds good there then that's good enough. If you feel your missing something sound wise like not enough headroom (dynamics) then more power could help that but if the sound dosen't seem as revealing as you would like then a differant speaker might be in order.

rooftop59

I recently acquired some rc-10s and I have to say that I am VERY impressed so far. Unfortunately I haven't really heard much else is this price range (600-800 retail), and I have never heard any of the lsis (but lots of rt/rtis). However, I just ordered a pair of lsi7s from audiogon and I am looking forward to making a direct comparison. I will report back in a week or so (hopefully) with my impressions.

McLoki

I love the sound of my 7's. If you want increased bass (or maybe it is just increased bass quality, but it sure sounds like there is more) definately do a crossover upgrade.

They are the cheapest LSi speaker to upgrade (per speaker) and it makes a big difference in the sound quality. I have not heard the totem's so I cannot comment on how they compare, but I can say I have had the LSi's since I joined club polk and have not felt the need to upgrade at all (well, to a different speaker anyway ).

Michael

acmf74

How long has the LSI series been around?

10 years or so???

Zitro

acmf74 wrote: »

How long has the LSI series been around?

10 years or so???

Yeah, they're a bit "outdated". I'm curious to see how Polk follows up the LSi line.

steveinaz

I wouldn't say that---many people prefer polk's from 20-25 years ago to "new" offerings, me being one of them.

Zitro

steveinaz wrote: »

I wouldn't say that---many people prefer polk's from 20-25 years ago to "new" offerings, me being one of them.

Oh I know, I love my Monitor 10's. It's a different sound. I use the 10's for most of my casual listening, but the LSi's for more critical listening. Of course, the amp has a lot to do with that because the Sansui needs to be restored before it sounds it's best. Afterwards, we'll see if the M10's beat the LSi's.

rooftop59

Just received my lsi7s, listening to herbie hancock right now. All I can say is WOW. I have never heard these speakers before except briefly in frys (doesn't count) and I am very impressed in my short listening. I would say so far that I think that they edge out the rc10s. They are so smooth, so many details. But I don't know if I'll keep 'em since the matching center is so darned expensive. We'll see. I will try to post more in-depth comparisons later.

Peace,
Paul

Zitro

rooftop59 wrote: »

Just received my lsi7s, listening to herbie hancock right now. All I can say is WOW. I have never heard these speakers before except briefly in frys (doesn't count) and I am very impressed in my short listening. I would say so far that I think that they edge out the rc10s. They are so smooth, so many details. But I don't know if I'll keep 'em since the matching center is so darned expensive. We'll see. I will try to post more in-depth comparisons later.

Peace,
Paul

This is why I love ring-radiator tweeters. Audio Physic uses them also, and the smoothness is even more apparent on their offerings.

jojomgee

i had no clue lsi's have been out that long