LSi level is closer to a Paradigm sound or B&W sound

chrisfromalbany
chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
edited October 2009 in Speakers
Basically the title says it all. I be referring to the Paradigm studio then lesser lines. I feel the Signature series sounds pretty close to the studio as well(having heard both). The B&W be more the 600 or the 800 series. Again there are some differences in there lines but I was more focusing of the general sound they are after and how it compares the LSi line.
Post edited by chrisfromalbany on

Comments

  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited October 2009
    Basically the title says it all. I be referring to the Paradigm studio then lesser lines. I feel the Signature series sounds pretty close to the studio as well(having heard both). The B&W be more the 600 or the 800 series. Again there are some differences in there lines but I was more focusing of the general sound they are after and how it compares the LSi line.

    LSi level is closer to 803d B & W sound
    LSi + Sufire (800 w per channel) gives me better sound.
  • chrisfromalbany
    chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
    edited October 2009
    Bernal wrote: »
    LSi level is closer to 803d B & W sound
    LSi + Sufire (800 w per channel) gives me better sound.

    so you think the LSi sound is alittle more laid back compared the more up front sound of the Paradigms.
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited October 2009
    I replaced my LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One Center and it blended right in with the LSi15s. I did not even have to change the AVR levels. Overall, it made a better, bigger, clearer center that seemlessly moves inot and out the L/R LSi15s.

    When I listen to my 2 channel system in the living room with its PSB Synchrony One towers, and then listen to the HT in 2 channel I am surprised, and pleased, at how close the LSi15s are to the PSBs.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
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    Three 20 amp circuits.
  • chrisfromalbany
    chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
    edited October 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I replaced my LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One Center and it blended right in with the LSi15s. I did not even have to change the AVR levels. Overall, it made a better, bigger, clearer center that seemlessly moves inot and out the L/R LSi15s.

    When I listen to my 2 channel system in the living room with its PSB Synchrony One towers, and then listen to the HT in 2 channel I am surprised, and pleased, at how close the LSi15s are to the PSBs.

    I don't want to get too off topic but after trying the LSiC I got a used Onix Rocket BigFoot as my center speaker. The Bigfoot uses I believe the same tweeter as the LSi25s and I noticed that is was an update to the center channel in full of the center from the LSiC. I did have enough power to run it with a XPA-5.
  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited October 2009
    Bernal wrote: »
    LSi level is closer to 803d B & W sound
    LSi + Sufire (800 w per channel) gives me better sound.

    What was runng the B&W's? I know too well that the B&W's are in a totaly differant league and the 2 don't even belong in the same room.
    I'm not saying that the Lsi's are bad but there is a reason they are at differant price points and that the B&W's need proper equipment, placement and the room is more critical and when these are met the B&W's will shine. That is what makes the higher B&W's kind of a pain they are a needy speaker to get them to shine.

    Dave
  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited October 2009
    so you think the LSi sound is alittle more laid back compared the more up front sound of the Paradigms.

    Yes, Both the Lsi and B&W are a lil laid-back with nice warmth.
    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
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    What was runng the B&W's? I know too well that the B&W's are in a totaly differant league and the 2 don't even belong in the same room.
    Says who? Some of the worst sounding big dollar rigs that I've heard had B&W speakers.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,323
    edited October 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Says who? Some of the worst sounding big dollar rigs that I've heard had B&W speakers.

    Dude don't you think going 803's is a stretch for the Lsi's? The Lsi's are really good and very nice speakers but 803?
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited October 2009
    I'd go with BlueFox and say the LSi is not a bad match for PSB.

    B&W? No, and aside from the high end, usually sound awful in person. They should really work on their dealer network....much like Polk Audio.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    Since we were talking about opinions...

    I disliked 802D's and any other 600/800 series that I've heard. I'd take a pair of LSi15's over any pair of speakers that I dislike any day, wouldn't you?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited October 2009
    I would. B&W is overrated.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited October 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I would. B&W is overrated.

    So is many things Audio! Polk is underrated by a Huge Margin and people just don't know how good LSi can be. :cool:
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • chrisfromalbany
    chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
    edited October 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I would. B&W is overrated.

    how would the S2 compare with the Usher X-719 or BE version compared to LSi9s?
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2009
    I think Paradigm and B&W both have a very similar sonic signature. Neither of them sound much like the LSi's.

    As to what is better - it depends on what sound you like and what equipment you run them with. (If you use everything the same - I would guess the Paradigm's or B&W will sound a little to brite or the LSi's a little to laid back)
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • chrisfromalbany
    chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
    edited October 2009
    McLoki wrote: »
    I think Paradigm and B&W both have a very similar sonic signature. Neither of them sound much like the LSi's.

    As to what is better - it depends on what sound you like and what equipment you run them with. (If you use everything the same - I would guess the Paradigm's or B&W will sound a little to brite or the LSi's a little to laid back)

    really I heard the 685 and 20s studio v5 and don't sounds at all alike. I say B&W are more laid back then studios.
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited October 2009
    how would the S2 compare with the Usher X-719 or BE version compared to LSi9s?

    I believe the X-719 is tonally a better loudspeaker than the S2. The BE while nice and crisp loses me as a fan in overall performance. It's too sterile but my experience with it is fairly limited. I've had much more head time with the rest of the lineup.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited October 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I replaced my LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One Center and it blended right in with the LSi15s. I did not even have to change the AVR levels. Overall, it made a better, bigger, clearer center that seemlessly moves inot and out the L/R LSi15s.

    When I listen to my 2 channel system in the living room with its PSB Synchrony One towers, and then listen to the HT in 2 channel I am surprised, and pleased, at how close the LSi15s are to the PSBs.

    My friend has a PSB Synch setup, and the center is huge....
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2009
    really I heard the 685 and 20s studio v5 and don't sounds at all alike. I say B&W are more laid back then studios.

    For Paradigm I have heard the monitor and studio series (ver. 3 or 4)
    For B&W I have heard the 700 and 800 series. (never heard the 600 series)

    I still say they sound similar to me and nothing like the LSi's.

    Oh well - to each their own. (and I am still in the LSi camp - but would like some better matching electronics.)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,411
    edited October 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I would. B&W is overrated.

    Agreed
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,124
    edited October 2009
    Blasphemy.

    A am a BIG lover of the B&W 800 series....different strokes for left handed people. I've gotten a few demos over the years. The 802's are the sweetspot, IMO. I like them better than the 801's. I'd hump Mark's leg for a pair of 802's and a big Classe amp to drive them.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited October 2009
    I could only take 30 seconds of a Classe/B&W rig. Awful. Simply awful.
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2009
    PSB I've heard, LSis I've heard, B&W I've only 'seen'? But since I like laid back tweeters and highs..I really really dislike BRIGHT sounding anything. I'd go with the LSis for now...at least until I hear some B&Ws which tons of people absolutely 'rave' about...including, it seems, our own Troy--what a recommendation!!

    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]
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    I could only take 30 seconds of a Classe/B&W rig. Awful. Simply awful.
    Same here!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited October 2009
    What was runng the B&W's? I know too well that the B&W's are in a totaly differant league and the 2 don't even belong in the same room.
    I'm not saying that the Lsi's are bad but there is a reason they are at differant price points and that the B&W's need proper equipment, placement and the room is more critical and when these are met the B&W's will shine. That is what makes the higher B&W's kind of a pain they are a needy speaker to get them to shine.

    Dave

    Sorry, not meaning to different league and different room?.
    It's price, in my opinion is silent when it comes to audio.
    The ear is the best judge.
    Listen 803d B & W in my house and also a distributor that specializes in audio.
    In both cases the processor and appropriate amplification.
    LSi + amplification at 800 watts per channel = best.
    Yes! LSis will sound fuller, richer, more detailed and have a better sound stage and better imaging.
  • chrisfromalbany
    chrisfromalbany Posts: 41
    edited October 2009
    Well, personally I liked the Paradigm Signatures. They are in the same price range as the 800 series from B&W. I found the Signature series, the S2s, to be more neutral than the sound of the LSis. The Paradigm studios I found to be a little more on the brighter side, and the B&Ws, the 600s, to be more on the warmer sounding side. I've heard the 800s are more detailed than the 600 series but I didn't get to listen to them long enough to know. These were the newer S series of the 800s.