Need advice on Polk LSIM change?

WLDock hey Bro!
I was out of town with family for the Holidays, But yes, I learned some years back when everyone was coming out with Home Theater THX speakers, that you usually get more value in regular home audio speaker lines then specialize speakers.

I do like the High Density material and the design of these speakers from Monoprice, it is allot like a copy of the Triad Gold speakers but allot cheaper, Monoprice is a smart company they go with proven engineering like ATI Amps, solid cables and the monolith line has to be one of the best Value buys in Home Audio with there Subs, amps, and now Speakers for less then 1k for there towers made from HD board and those drivers that is a hell of a bargain imo!

But usually If you buy speakers that are specialized for Home Theater like M&K, Arendal, B&W and Klipsch THX Ultra2 Home Theater, There all great sounding speakers and if you need the high output great, but for me, I get more value buying regular home audio speaker lines at my listening levels.
A example is Klipsch was asking over 7k for there THX Ultra 7 speakers system and there RP line beats it hands down imo!
Also any speaker that sounds good in 2 channel Stereo, will also sound great in Home theater duty.

I am running 2- HSU vtf-2 mk5s, I tried out the SVS PB2000 and it was a close race, but I liked the adjust-ability of the HSU with its Q Control feature and it comes with port plugs where I can almost make it sound like a REL. from my Stereo listening.

WLDock can I make a suggestion bro, your list is opposite sides of the sound spectrum. The Polk LSiM is dark and warm, Aperion very detailed and slight forward sound, Focal forward and strong detailed Highs, some might get fatigue with some music with Focal entry lines like the V 600 or 700s. I haven't heard the Choras or Aria yet, I love anything over there Sopra line with the best Beryllium tweeter I have heard imo.

Ascend with the Raal option is like no other speaker, you have to hear it in person, its very detailed but not bright at all, it sounds like a AMT but better with more air and top shimmer, Its sounds good but I would prefer a Focal Beryllium tweeter at this price point. Focal also has a Chamber system like the Kef Meta behind there tweeter, it sounds amazing but costs!

These are great choices but they are all over the map, Once you hear them you will understand what i am saying, I suggest you listen to all of these speaker brands before you buy any of them. I really like Focal for Stereo, But, I know It will cost me allot more to enjoy this speaker brand. I would want at least the Sopra line to be happy, So for now, I am sticking with mostly Home theater and the system I have chosen so far!

I am happy with my LSIM and Aperion Center for some Stereo and mostly Home Theater, The Parasound amp really helped opened up both speaker lines and made a big difference and the aperion made a small difference but I am pretty sure the Parasound is what made me Happy!! for Now at least right Guys, You
gotta love the hunt for great sound!


mak99,
I need more time with my system it is looking promising but i need to get used to the amp and the Center will report back in a couple weeks, I will say the 706 center is a great Center also.

About the treatment I have some small treatments but my wife isnt a fan, I need my own home theater room its coming once we move into bigger house.

I like your set up, what did you make your treatments out of bro?

mak99 wrote: »

JayDog wrote: »

I like your set up, what did you make your treatments out of bro?

They are from Acoustimac - DMD series, 2" thick panels.

Those DMDs are priced very fair and they still sell those same treatments, what would you compare the improvement to bro? on a 1-10 scale and what did it improve the most on iyo, clarity or dark background etc?

WLDock, sounds like we both took allot of the same roads and ended up with some of the same conclusions on our Hi-Fi journeys!

I like the Raal & Raven Hi-end Ribbon tweeters, for stereo listening but not for HT, its a little to relaxed and it almost sounds out of phase or like there is still a integration issue with most reasonably priced ribbons on some songs & HT I have heard using ribbons over the years, I still prefer hard dome for HT.

I am with you on only owning Mid-FI at best, so far in this Hi-Fi journey.
How do you like those Statement 2s, I could never get used to the original statements titanium midrange. it sounded tinny or small to me, it had good off axis results, It never sounded right to me, Midrange is where all the good stuff lives, I dont know if it was to small of mid driver, where they crossed over the mids or if it was just me? the original statements never sounded right imo.

I was not impressed with most of the DIY designs/kits unless you move up into some of the masters like Selah audio or Dennis Murphy and that isn't even really DIY imo.
I learned the hard way great parts and drivers, doesn't equal great or even good sound, the voicing and design is the Art!

The DIY market has to catch up with the times imo, they are still about a decade behind today's audio performance dollar for dollar, Buying Kits to buying premade speaker comparisons.
The DIY value and performance benefits just isn't there like it used to be 20yrs ago.
Several kit results, I have heard the last 5yrs, even some very well reviewed, proven kit designs, just didn't sound very good compared to what you can buy on the regular market, dollar for dollar imo.

I 100% agree with you about the Revel line, I have also always wanting a full 5.4 system from Revel, ever since they released there Salon2s.
What a advancement in speaker technology for even todays standards, The Salon2s are still one of the best deals or bang for buck speakers ever made imo. Salon2 holds its own with the true Hi-FI like Wilson's and Magico's without the crazy price tag,

I haven't heard there PerformaBE Revel Speakers line, I am kinda afraid to listen to them.. I know the PerformaBe is pretty much the Salon3 and I really like Hard Dome" Diamond or Beryllium tweeters the best for HT use, I love speed, details and dynamics with my HT system.
I am sure the PerformaBe is close to my end game HT 5.4 speaker systems, even though I don't like the white front face plate they decided to go with the PerformaBe line, I am sure there a Awesome HT system, I was told allot like Salon2 level sound for less cost!.

There is a couple HT systems i would call my end game systems like the Focal Kanta or Atlantic Technology Flagship, I really want to here the Starke Halo flagship HT speakers. but as of right now I agree with you as far as end game HT the Revel performaBe is the about the best bang for the buck, end game HT system for me, Now Stereo listening is a whole different story and bank account or life savings! That is why i am mostly HT these days!

I can tell you have down your home work and know your Home theater. I am just as picky and I do enjoy the ride and the chase of great HT sound and everything it entails.

Maybe its a good thing I haven't bought my end game HT system yet, after all, I am enjoying all the the variety and the hunt so much these days, it is a probably a blessing in disguise!
CHEERS!

mak99 wrote: »

I listened to the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds @ Radio City MH on Blu-ray.

Classic Blu-ray, You have great taste Sir!

I have almost worn out my copy, I only like a copy recordings mastered or recorded in Surround sound over stereo, Dave M. & Tim R, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd or Roger Waters 4k, & Hans Zimmer 4k..