LSiM series or keep RT5000 series for a dedicated theater?

rtart
rtart Posts: 806
Hi friends,

I have a 7.2.4 setup using RT5000 series gear. RT3000ps for mains, a CS1000p center, FX1000 side surrounds, and a pair of RT3000p upper sats for rear surrounds. Two pairs of Polk RC 80i in-ceiling for Atmos duty. And two SVS PB-12/Plus-2 subs. (2 x 12" drivers in each.) I've been really happy with his setup in my dedicated theater for many years, but... they are 20-plus-year old speakers. They were great voice-matched speakers that we set up using pink noise and a RatShack sound meter... while watching DVD's on a CRT projector. :-)

Along the way I looked at the Lsi series, but the 15's and 25's have powered subs...which is a failure point. Now, my RT3000p sub bases and CS1000p also have powered subs...but I have collected lots of spares. And, I've also changed out at least one amp per unit over the years. Not really excited about taking on this issue again, especially since the LSi and LSiM series are getting a little closer in (used) price, and the reviews seem to indicate that they both sound better and are a 'nicer' load on amplifiers.

Now I am considering a change to the LSiM series. No powered amps to deal with, so I'm not concerned about longevity. These were/are well-built speakers and if they work now, they should work for a long time. I have lots of clean power, and rarely go above -20dB. Used prices have come down, and I'd go with LSiM 707's for mains, 706C (the big one) for center, 702C (bipole/dipole) for side surrounds, (or maybe a pair of 703's) and a pair of 703's (or 705's) for rear surrounds. I'd keep the ceiling mounted Atmos speakers as-is.

Unfortunately, there is no 'try-before-you-buy' in this situation, so I'm looking for input from anyone who has had experience with both the RT5000 series and the LSiM. I'm probably going to have to invest a couple of grand to do this, but not sure that its going to be worth the trouble and expense. Of course, I'll recoup some of that from selling the RT5000 gear (I'm in Atlanta...)

Thoughts?
My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
Polk LSiM 707 L&R, LSiM706c center, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 703 rears
Polk RC-80i x 4 In Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Sherbourne 7/2100 200 x 7 Amp, Emotiva BasX A-500 for Atmos
XBox One X 4k & BD and streaming
Panasonic UB-420 4k player
HD-A35 HD DVD
Oppo BD-103D for hirez audio
Technics SL-D2 TT, Grado Gold Cartridge
JVC DLA-RS520 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers

LSiM series or keep RT5000 series for a dedicated theater? 1 vote

LSiM... welcome to the new millennium!
0%
Keep your RT5000 setup...and the extra money.
100%
txcoastal1 1 vote

Comments

  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 16,837
    Save your money till you can pull the trigger on the Legends or Reserves. The LSiM's are great speakers but I think you will be hard pressed to find the full set in what you want within reason of cost or what may be available locally..

    Just my .02

    If Polk ever does another sale I may just jump on the Legends for my HT..
  • Milito
    Milito Posts: 1,908
    I agree. I've had the LSiM's and now have the L600's and L400. The tweeter is much improved and overall they just sound better.

    If you do purchase some LSiM's check the tweeters as they have some bad ones that came with new speakers. I had to replace one of mine.
    Yamaha RX-A2070, Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, Benchmark Dac1, Bluesound NODE 2i, Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport, Parasound Zphono USB Phono Preamp, Fluance RT85, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Polk L600's, L400, L900's, RC80i's, SVS 3000 Micro, Audioquest Interconnects and Digital Cables, Nordost Silver Shadow Digital Cable, Cullen Gold and Crossover Series Power Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 12AWG OCC Speaker Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha Analog Interconnect Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 11 OCC Custom Power Cable, Signal Power Cable, Furman PL-8C 15 Power Conditioner, Sony 65" 900F, Sony UBP-X700, Fios, Apple TV 4K, Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables.
  • rtart
    rtart Posts: 806
    Hi. I've got a chance to buy a pair of 707's, a 706C center and a pair of 702 surrounds for around $1,500. I'll have to drive a couple hundred miles to get them, but it has me tempted...
    My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
    Polk LSiM 707 L&R, LSiM706c center, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 703 rears
    Polk RC-80i x 4 In Ceiling Atmos speakers
    2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
    Denon X3700H
    Sherbourne 7/2100 200 x 7 Amp, Emotiva BasX A-500 for Atmos
    XBox One X 4k & BD and streaming
    Panasonic UB-420 4k player
    HD-A35 HD DVD
    Oppo BD-103D for hirez audio
    Technics SL-D2 TT, Grado Gold Cartridge
    JVC DLA-RS520 projector
    Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
    Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers
  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 7,952
    rtart wrote: »
    Hi. I've got a chance to buy a pair of 707's, a 706C center and a pair of 702 surrounds for around $1,500. I'll have to drive a couple hundred miles to get them, but it has me tempted...

    That would be a great setup, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not sure you’ll feel the upgrade you’re itching for.

    I know this is a Polk forum, but there are LOTS of other fish in the sea if you’re looking to upgrade…
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es; Squeezebox Touch with Bolder Power Supply
    Game Room 5.1.4:
    Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra

    Bedroom 2.1
    Cambridge Azur 551r; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer