LSiM vs RT5000 for a dedicated home theater
rtart
Posts: 832
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?
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-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
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-RS2000/NX7 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers
Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
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-RS2000/NX7 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers
LSiM vs RT5000 for a dedicated home theater 8 votes
LSiM... Welcome to the new millennium!
50%
4 votes
RT5000... Keep them and the money
50%
4 votes
Comments
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RT5000... Keep them and the moneyIt may have been worthwhile to switch to an LSiM system when the speaker line was being heavily discounted by retailers. As it is, the speakers are no longer available new with warranty and there have been some issues with their drivers over the years too. Replacements aren't easily available. As long as the RT system is still doing the job I'd stick with it. Maybe upgrade the subs further or upgrade something on the video, amps, or processor side of things.
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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. That has me tempted...My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
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-RS2000/NX7 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers -
Might want to kill off one of these, its rather confusing to have multiple threads on the exact same thing.
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Yep. Used to be able to do that, but don't see how to do it now. Sorry for the confusion.My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
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-RS2000/NX7 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers -
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
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 Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer -
LSiM... Welcome to the new millennium!I think the RT5000 system was badass back in the day but it doesn't hold a candle to the LSIM line. I would absolutely go that route. I'm sure if I found a sweet deal on a RT5000 system I may buy it but it would be for fun not daily use.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Maybe consider my idea from years ago. https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/195588/looking-for-a-rt3000p-unit
Instead of the LSiM, Maybe put the Legend L200 or Reserve R200 Series bookshelf on top of the RT3000 bases. Then get the BIG BOY L400 center and you will have something interesting combining the old and the new!
The guy on the Facebook Polk page took the idea and ran with it and loves it!
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2 -
Really interesting. Thanks for the reminder.My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
Denon X3700H
Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
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-RS2000/NX7 projector
Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers -
Really interesting. Thanks for the reminder.
Reserve Series R200, or Legend Series L200 bookshelf, or R400 center (vertical) / RT3000p bass mated with R400 or L400 Center
Going with the R400 center set vertical will give you the same dual woofer impact of the original satellites. Also, will have the same three across the front if you use one as a center.
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
