LSiM 705 have arrived
Not long ago, I purchased a pair of Polk Signature S60 speakers and, to be perfectly honest, I was (still am) quite impressed by them. The S60 doesn't do anything "wrong" to my ears.
That said, I recently came across a deal on the LSiM 705 thanks to @Dabutcher that I simply could not pass up. Many veterans on the forum indicated that the LSiM is a substantial upgrade over the Signature Series. While the Signature S60 represents to TOTL in the that series, the LSiM 705 is one down from the TOTL LSiM 707 in that series. However, the LSiM 705 is considered to be the "sweet spot" of the lineup so, I had no reservations in going with the 705 > 707.
Interestingly, I purchased both the S60 and the LSiM 705 without hearing them first. I purchased both pairs of speakers from authorized Polk retailers as well. The LSiM arrived yesterday but I wasn't able to do much aside from getting the massive boxes into our apartment (with some help from UPS and our building super). This morning, before my wife left for work, we were able to unbox one speaker and then she had to head out.
So, what strikes me as the major differences between these two speaker offerings by Polk are that the LSiM is much heavier than the S60. The 705 has a beautiful finish compared to the S60 but the S60 isn't "bad" by any means. The 705 is narrower and not as deep as the S60 but the 705 is taller than the S60. The S60 is far more stable than the 705 due to the feet being outside the sides of the cabinets. The S60 is a "new" design while the 705 is showing its age.
I like the Mt. Vernon Cherry finish as it sort of matches the Cherry finish on my AV rack but the black walnut on the S60 pretty much goes with everything. My wife likes the looks of the 705's. She said that they look "fancy" with the black lacquer on the front and the Cherry wood on the sides, top, and back.
We got the second 705 setup late this evening so I haven't had any time to listen to them (Ah, the joys of apartment living).
As I understand it, the 705's need some time on them before they sound as they are intended to sound so I will just let them play for several days before forming any opinions. I did not notice the need for the S60's to "break in" as they sounded very good right out of the box.
I will report back after the 705's have ~ 50 hours playing time.
Thanks again to @Dabutcher for making me aware of the deal & to @DSkip & @F1nut for their insights on the differences between the Signature Series and the LSiM series. Much appreciated!
I do have some questions regarding the model #'s though. Why was the previous LSi series numbered the way it was with the LSi7, LSi9, LSi15, & LSi25? Why the numbering system for the LSiM at LSiM 703, 705, & 707? Seems erratic to me. The numbering system doesn't exactly roll off of one's tongue either. Any input would be appreciated.
Arrival:

One lonely speaker I be:


That said, I recently came across a deal on the LSiM 705 thanks to @Dabutcher that I simply could not pass up. Many veterans on the forum indicated that the LSiM is a substantial upgrade over the Signature Series. While the Signature S60 represents to TOTL in the that series, the LSiM 705 is one down from the TOTL LSiM 707 in that series. However, the LSiM 705 is considered to be the "sweet spot" of the lineup so, I had no reservations in going with the 705 > 707.
Interestingly, I purchased both the S60 and the LSiM 705 without hearing them first. I purchased both pairs of speakers from authorized Polk retailers as well. The LSiM arrived yesterday but I wasn't able to do much aside from getting the massive boxes into our apartment (with some help from UPS and our building super). This morning, before my wife left for work, we were able to unbox one speaker and then she had to head out.
So, what strikes me as the major differences between these two speaker offerings by Polk are that the LSiM is much heavier than the S60. The 705 has a beautiful finish compared to the S60 but the S60 isn't "bad" by any means. The 705 is narrower and not as deep as the S60 but the 705 is taller than the S60. The S60 is far more stable than the 705 due to the feet being outside the sides of the cabinets. The S60 is a "new" design while the 705 is showing its age.
I like the Mt. Vernon Cherry finish as it sort of matches the Cherry finish on my AV rack but the black walnut on the S60 pretty much goes with everything. My wife likes the looks of the 705's. She said that they look "fancy" with the black lacquer on the front and the Cherry wood on the sides, top, and back.
We got the second 705 setup late this evening so I haven't had any time to listen to them (Ah, the joys of apartment living).
As I understand it, the 705's need some time on them before they sound as they are intended to sound so I will just let them play for several days before forming any opinions. I did not notice the need for the S60's to "break in" as they sounded very good right out of the box.
I will report back after the 705's have ~ 50 hours playing time.
Thanks again to @Dabutcher for making me aware of the deal & to @DSkip & @F1nut for their insights on the differences between the Signature Series and the LSiM series. Much appreciated!
I do have some questions regarding the model #'s though. Why was the previous LSi series numbered the way it was with the LSi7, LSi9, LSi15, & LSi25? Why the numbering system for the LSiM at LSiM 703, 705, & 707? Seems erratic to me. The numbering system doesn't exactly roll off of one's tongue either. Any input would be appreciated.
Arrival:

One lonely speaker I be:


Comments
I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.” .
“If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
If the S60's sound better, then the 705's will be sent packing!
Thanks man. The setup is a hot mess in those photos. I'll snap some more pics once I get things going & everything is cleaned up.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
So with that said, I am looking forward to a good in depth review.
H9
Pass Aleph 30 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Plus DAC | MIT Shotgun S3 | MIT Z P/C's | updated SDA 1C| SQ Box Touch/Welbourne Labs P/S- Tubes add soul!
People have commented that the 705’s will take at least 40 hours to “break in” so, that means, they’re only going to get better from here. I will say that the 705’s are eerily reminiscent of the best speakers I’ve ever owned, which were the Avon Schweikert VR2 floorstanders. The bass on the 705’s is solid and makes it’s presence known but, like I said before, it’s balanced with the mids and the highs.
I’m looking forward to spending more time with these speakers.
If detail is your thing, the S60’s will give it to you in abundance. Thankfully, it’s not a harsh or sibilant speaker and you can listen to them without fatigue. When watching movies, they are simply fantastic. We live in an apartment and I don’t use a sub. With the S60’s, I never felt the need for it. Now, after listening to the 705’s for a brief period, I can see adding a sub to bring the bass up a bit to match the high notes so everything is on a more level playing field when listening to music, not movies.
I’m curious as to how movies will be presented through the 705’s. I may have to run them through the TV speakers alone so I don’t disturb my neighbors! lol.
I also want to mention, again, that the Mt. Vernon cherrywood finish is really beautiful. The black lacquer on the front is pretty sharp but the rubber “baffles” around each driver looks kind of cheap. I was impressed with the folder and booklet included with the speakers. High class and high quality IMO. I also like that one of the inserts in the LSiM folder welcomes you, the serious listener, to the Polk family and invites you to join the Club Polk online forum. This brings back memories of a little yellow insert that was included with the manual for my first pair of Polk speakers, the R30 floorstanders, which also invited me to join the Polk Forum.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
That's interesting. Will the bass become more recessed or more prominent? I kind of like it where it is.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
I don't ever see you giving up the SDA's Brock. I was there when you bought them! You were on the fence about giving up your LSi9's but it seems to me like you made the right decision as you've been deliriously happy with the SDA's!
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
More good things for me to look forward to with these 705's! I was told the ring radiator tweeter was the thing that needs time to open up.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
Thanks Drew. Yes, these are putting out a positive first impression for me (thankfully). I also owe you a note of thanks for your input on the LSiM line as well.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
I'm sure you've seen the Tech brief but just in case you haven't.
http://www.sohmerassoc.com/cedia_2011/sa_cedia_2011_downloads/polk_audio/LSiMSeries_technical_brief.pdf
HDTV - Sharp AQUOS LC-70LE600U 70" | AVR/Streamer - Onkyo TX-NR3008 | Amp - Parasound HCA-1203A
Blu-Ray/Media/Gaming - Sony PS3-320GB / Microsoft Xbox One | Broadcast - Xfinity X1 Platform
Front Spkrs - Coming...DIY Statement II | Center Spkrs - Coming...DIY Statement II | Rear Spkrs - Artison Portrait LRS
Sub - DIY Stereo Integrity HT 15 | Sub Amp - Dayton Audio SA1000
Wire - Audioquest Type 4, BJC Belden 5000 | HDMI - BJC Belden | Power Cables - Pangea | Surge - Monster
I am deliriously happy with the SDA's, but part of me wants to dip my toes in other offerings if for no other reason than to hear a different presentation. For me, I'd have to keep the SDA's and most likely after playing around with other speakers, I'd probably go back to the SDA's. The sound stage the SDA's create is highly addictive, throw in some good tube soul and it's such an addictive, enjoyable presentation, I'd hate to muck that up.
I will say if you are already saying these are as good or better than the Von Schweikert VR2's, you have my attention. I really enjoyed those when I heard them.
The only LSIM series I've heard were the pre-production models brought to a Polk Fest so long ago. I'm sure the final product sounds a bit different. I was impressed with them back then before they had the final voicing.
H9
Pass Aleph 30 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Plus DAC | MIT Shotgun S3 | MIT Z P/C's | updated SDA 1C| SQ Box Touch/Welbourne Labs P/S- Tubes add soul!
Oh, these are merely reminiscent of the VR2's at this point. Obviously, others have chimed in and concur that these have a way to go before they hit their stride. That said, nothing else Ive owned has been THIS reminiscent, to my ears, of the VR2'S.
One thing the 705's may have difficulty replicating is the ambiance driver located on the back of the VR2's which sent frequencies from that driver to the wall behind the speaker. Also, the transmission line enclosure for the bass drivers had them hitting 20Hz. Those babies were/are remarkable. If the 705's get close to that sound, I'll be a very happy camper.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
No idea.....someone liked odd numbers?
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
On this forum, we used to say it was based on what people were *smoking* back then at Polk Audio
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
Jbl Lx44
Optonica Sa 5105
Blue Jean 12 gauge cable
Audioquest evergreen 3.5mm to rca cable
Technics Sl BD22 TT
Randomness:
Klh model 26's
Peavey Pr15's
Gls cables for peaveys
Numark DM1175 Preamp mixer
Random cables
Bic f12
Svs soundpath subwoofer cable
Lafayette Lr-200a amplifier
Wow! That’s a lot of hours Don
Thankfully, my initial impression is positive. On the flipside, I’ve owned several sets of new speakers that didn’t sound any different, to me, after many hours of listening. I’m not saying that’s going to be the case here. Although, I am looking forward to them getting better and better and better and better with time
Thank you for your insights. I did read them elsewhere on the forum while I was researching & contemplating the move away from the S60's.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
Thanks @BassFreak101
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
Congrats on the speakers, can we get a close up of that gorgeous veneer?
Me too.
When things get cleaned up a bit more I’ll snap another picture for you all
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra
I look forward to reading your review and seeing better pictures!
I am absolutely happy with the LSiM’s, I don’t miss the RTiA9’s, well I miss the look of them, I always thought they were one of the best looking speakers Polk has ever made...
These will be with me for many years if not forever as I don’t see any reason to swap them out, Polk would really have to out do themselves for me to even look at them..
Thanks Cathy!
All kidding aside, I was actually thinking of you when I made the decision to purchase the 705's. Since we both had/have the S60's, and the deal on the 705's is ridiculously low priced, you may want to upgrade to the 705's yourself
Well, truth be told, I was never cringing when I listened to the 705's. lol. They are very nice right out of the box. If they're going to get even better, I am in for a very sweet treat!
Now, as far as amplifiers are concerned, you do know I'm driving my speakers with the McCormack DNA-125 power amplifier, right? I am very happy with this amp and it has more than enough high-current juice to drive any speaker I have ever connected it to
I will post better pictures as soon as I get things organized again.
Vinyl: Fluance RT85 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * Z-line Designs Elektra