Polk LSI vs Vienna Acoustics

KrazyMofo24
KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
edited November 2008 in Speakers
I have been thinking about the decision I should on my next purchase should be constantly in the past few days. I am considering getting the Lsi15's from ebay which I think will probably be 750+shipping($110).

However I am still undecided if the 15's would be worth the upgrade from my 7's. I really like the Mozarts, and Haydn from what I've heard, I have not heard the Lsi15's with a quality amp, I went down to Fry's to listen to the 9's and even on there $1200 receiver did not sound great. Now I'm sure its because of the power. However the Vienna Acoustics sounded good on the receivers they had, I not an expert on speakers, but I think the Vienna's are pretty close to efficiency as the LSi's.

I am going to find a dealer that sells the lsi's and see if I can hear them before the bid ends.

I really would like to know your guy's thoughts on the comparison between them.
Setup:

2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

Post edited by KrazyMofo24 on
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Comments

  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    Ivansfo has a set of VAs including GMs. I heard them fairly recently and really liked them. There are differences between the LSi15, but memory told me they share some similarities too. Very nice airy highs...laid back rather than forward...LSis have more bass, but the VAs are tight and punchy...I think the VAs are a bit more detailed in the midrange. The VAs are also twice the price of new LSis. Both are going to need 4 ohm amplification.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the input. The Vienna Acoustics are on sale right now at Magnolia $2500 for the Mozart's, $1700 for the Bach Grand, and $1200 for the Haydn's. I would like to purchase them used, but have not found very many deals online for them. As long as the 15's can come close to the Mozart's then I'll go with 15's because they are cheaper and would go with the rest of the system I have now planing on using an Lsi7 as a center and keep the Fxi5's for surround. However just 7's vs Mozart's there is a big difference. So I hope I can find a place to give the 15's try on a strong amp.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    Ivan bought his off Audiogon, so if you're still itching, keep an eye out. His rig sounded very nice and much better than the auditions I've had with the LSi15s on a receiver at Frys or the VAs at Magnolia. Judging by the LSi owners here, you should get a significant improvement over how you heard them in room with a decent front end.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,952
    edited November 2008
    KrazyMofo24 wrote: »
    ....and would go with the rest of the system I have now planing on using an Lsi7 as a center and keep the Fxi5's for surround. So I hope I can find a place to give the 15's try on a strong amp.
    A strong amp, unlike those found in stores will vastly improve the overall performance of the speaker. Also, just given the fact that you already have Polk speakers in an HT setup you might want to stick with Polk so that you don't have any timbre matching issues which can be at times very bothersome.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited November 2008
    The $1200 is a steal for the Haydn's. As a dealer, I wouldn't let them go for that price, even as demos. I've owned, and sold, LSi's and V.A's. As much as I like the LSi's, I like Vienna even more. I think I mentioned that to you before, but that is how I feel.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited November 2008
    okiepolkie wrote:
    The $1200 is a steal for the Haydn's. As a dealer, I wouldn't let them go for that price, even as demos. I've owned, and sold, LSi's and V.A's. As much as I like the LSi's, I like Vienna even more. I think I mentioned that to you before, but that is how I feel.

    I'm with you. They Haydns are a great bookshelf speaker. I really like the new design, with the rear port and the front port surrounding the tweeter. Vienna Acoustics can be a bit boomy on the lower end without the right amplification and the right placement. Once setup properly they are wonderful sounding speakers that I would describe as lush and laid back. I really want a pair one of these days.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited November 2008
    The Haydn Grand's actually dropped the rear port, and went with the single port around the tweeter. For the price difference between the Haydn's and Bach's, I'd pick the Haydn's and upgrade to more musical subwoofer, which has been discussed at length recently. I know that Vienna's pair very well with the REL subwoofers.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    okiepolkie wrote: »
    The Haydn Grand's actually dropped the rear port, and went with the single port around the tweeter. For the price difference between the Haydn's and Bach's, I'd pick the Haydn's and upgrade to more musical subwoofer, which has been discussed at length recently. I know that Vienna's pair very well with the REL subwoofers.


    Your advice has been very helpful, prior I was just considering the Mozarts now I am leaning towards getting the Haydn's. Will bring some of my own cds and have a extensive listening session tomorrow.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,322
    edited November 2008
    KrazyMofo24 wrote: »
    Your advice has been very helpful, prior I was just considering the Mozarts now I am leaning towards getting the Haydn's. Will bring some of my own cds and have a extensive listening session tomorrow.
    They are both great speakers. The build quality of Vienna is much better then most speakers made. They are n par with B&W for build quality. True furniture grade.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited November 2008
    Put me on the other side of this argument: Vienna Accoustics were some of the worst speakers I've heard at nearly any price point. Bland, dry, flat, and without presence. Good for wine, not a speaker.

    Then I saw the price tag....:rolleyes:

    But hey, different strokes for different folks.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    Put me on the other side of this argument: Vienna Accoustics were some of the worst speakers I've heard at nearly any price point. Bland, dry, flat, and without presence. Good for wine, not a speaker.

    Then I saw the price tag....:rolleyes:

    But hey, different strokes for different folks.

    What kind of music do you mainly listen to? In the price range are Lsi's your suggestions if so do you feel there is a big improvement in the 9's or 15's other than the bass compared to the 7's?
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited November 2008
    I have listened to the Vienna Haydn and Bach and found both of them nice for Jazz and acoustical recordings. It was a demo between them and the Sonus Faber Concertino Domus, and the Sonus Fabers came out a little ahead IMO, but the Haydns were also good. On a side note, I don't like the look of the clear cones in some of their lines.
    Jake
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited November 2008
    I considered the Hayden's for some time and ended up with B&W 605's for that room. Both sound terrific but in the end I found the Vienna's to lack base for rock and roll IMHO.
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    Well after a long talk with the girlfriend, it looks like i'm going to have to wait until I get a couple of my credit cards paid off first. I am still going to go listen to both tomorrow, and still excited about getting them just going to have to wait some more. :(
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    edited November 2008
    Have you considered the Focal line of speakers? Bookshelf speakers, the 908 and 918. I had a chance to listen to them both, and was impressed. I compared the Focal, to the LSI 9, and the B&W 805. I am not very good with words in describing, but I will do my best.

    The Focal 918 and 908 comparison to the LSI: The Focal highs sounded so much better then the ring radiator tweeter of the LSI. The W driver on the Focal was tight and accurate, meaning not very "bassy", whereas the LSI had more oompth in bass. I guess by oompth I mean, lots more bass. Oh yes, the curved cabinet of the Focal 908 is gorgeous as well, however no biwiring capabilities.

    I put the Focal on par with the B&W 805 in all aspects.

    The bummer part, its hard to find Focal speakers. This is the sensitive part, but Tweeters carries it and the Focal speakers are at a steal right now. You could get a pair for around 700 dollars, I believe msrp was around the $2000 range.

    I live in Dallas, and only Houston has Tweeters. Called the stores down there, they only had 1 pair left and it was a demo. I dont do demo's. Gonna have to check out in the east coast to see if I could get my hands on a pair or two. Yes, I like Focal that much, and definitely recommend looking into it before its gone!

    On a last note, this may be out of place. I did have a comparison of the Vienna Acoustics as well, about a year ago at a high end audio store here in Frisco Texas. But the comparison was to the B&W 803D. There simply was no comparison. Vienna's did not belong in the same room.
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    I called up one tweeter. The Focal 806 demo went for $550 and Lsi15's for $1100. Not worth the drive for that. Didn't find a lot of info on the that 806 just that its normally $660 on some online stores.

    I haven't found a dealer in DFW that sells the lsi15's. I am going to try Sound Idea which they no longer have the correct number listed.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,681
    edited November 2008
    KrazyMofo24 wrote: »
    I called up one tweeter. The Focal 806 demo went for $550 and Lsi15's for $1100. Not worth the drive for that. Didn't find a lot of info on the that 806 just that its normally $660 on some online stores.

    I haven't found a dealer in DFW that sells the lsi15's. I am going to try Sound Idea which they no longer have the correct number listed.


    Hence many of the comments on the "will Polk survive" thread.
    The only dealer with Lsi's I know of in DFW is Fry's, and the LSI15 is no
    longer stocked. That's a pretty big hole in a pretty big market.
    Houston, Austin, San Antonio will all be in the same boat soon with
    Tweeter's demise. If fry's dops the LSI line, it will be a sad thing.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • nzone
    nzone Posts: 8
    edited November 2008
    halenhoang wrote: »
    Have you considered the Focal line of speakers? Bookshelf speakers, the 908 and 918. I had a chance to listen to them both, and was impressed. I compared the Focal, to the LSI 9, and the B&W 805. I am not very good with words in describing, but I will do my best.

    The Focal 918 and 908 comparison to the LSI: The Focal highs sounded so much better then the ring radiator tweeter of the LSI. The W driver on the Focal was tight and accurate, meaning not very "bassy", whereas the LSI had more oompth in bass. I guess by oompth I mean, lots more bass. Oh yes, the curved cabinet of the Focal 908 is gorgeous as well, however no biwiring capabilities.

    I put the Focal on par with the B&W 805 in all aspects.

    The bummer part, its hard to find Focal speakers. This is the sensitive part, but Tweeters carries it and the Focal speakers are at a steal right now. You could get a pair for around 700 dollars, I believe msrp was around the $2000 range.

    I live in Dallas, and only Houston has Tweeters. Called the stores down there, they only had 1 pair left and it was a demo. I dont do demo's. Gonna have to check out in the east coast to see if I could get my hands on a pair or two. Yes, I like Focal that much, and definitely recommend looking into it before its gone!

    On a last note, this may be out of place. I did have a comparison of the Vienna Acoustics as well, about a year ago at a high end audio store here in Frisco Texas. But the comparison was to the B&W 803D. There simply was no comparison. Vienna's did not belong in the same room.

    If the tweeter in Focal 918 and 908 sounded so much better then the ring radiator tweeter of the LSI. That's mean the tiny Focal Dome will sound better too since the tweeter in the Dome is the same as the Electra 1000 S and Profile series. I'm not sure how the mid bass compares, but it borrows from the Chorus 700 series; and I'm sure it'll sound decent. Replacing the sub with a more powerful one should sound close to the LSi series? Yes, I am torn between the LSi15 5.1 package and the Focal Dome 5.1 :D I know the LSi15 5.1 package would blow Dome 5.1 but if the Dome sounds 70% of the LSi; I think I will buy the Dome -- no other reason then the costs :cool:
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited November 2008
    KrazyMofo24 wrote: »
    Well after a long talk with the girlfriend, it looks like i'm going to have to wait until I get a couple of my credit cards paid off first. I am still going to go listen to both tomorrow, and still excited about getting them just going to have to wait some more. :(

    Krazy if you want you can always come listen to my LSi15's in the movie room and then the B&W605's I have in the gaming room. Just PM if you want to some weekend. I live in Argyle just South of Denton. If you like the 15's I can give you the name of the dealer I bought mine from. Shipped from LA was cheaper than anywhere I found out here.
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    I made a deal with the girlfriend, and going to put in some overtime and had to agree on other things. I'm going to go with the Vienna Acoustics Haydn's. I really like the 9's since I have Fxi5's and Lsi7's I'm going to get the 9's later to complete my HT setup some really good deals at Polk's ebay store. For now I will try it out Haydn's as mains, Lsi7 as center and Fxi5's as surrounds. I'm not too picky at about HT right now, i'm sure it wont work so I might keep the lsi7's as main and keep it 4.1 and buy another pair of stands.

    I feel this will get me by for awhile, will get me a quality amp, sub, and lsi9's or 15's to complete the HT setup. I am excited again.

    The Focal's, B&W, Martin Logan's, Tyler Acoustics, and many more will be a strong consideration in a few years.

    Thanks again for all your guy's input.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    I picked them up today. They had an open box sales guy told me $1099 two days ago for them. I asked again today they said $1300. I got them to do the $1099 after actually looking at them in the light. They had multiple scratches they lowered to $999. However the scratches were a deal breaker. The new ones a few days ago were $1200 two days ago they were $1350, and today they were $1500. I got them to do the $1200 and picked them up.
    I am now at work, and can't wait to listen to them when I get home. What do you guys think should I saved the $300 and got the used ones. The scratches were noticeable one of them had a pretty big scratch. They are piano black.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2008
    No you did right if the scratches were noticible. Congrats.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    Thanks. I guess I need some sleep its $200 not $300.

    Well this is by far the biggest purchase i've made for audio I hope its the right one.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited November 2008
    Let us know what you think.....

    I'm enjoying mine.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited November 2008
    okiepolkie wrote: »
    Let us know what you think.....

    I'm enjoying mine.

    So far I am really liking them. More so then the 7's. They still need to be burned in manual says 30 hours. So if they really do sound better after 30 hours that's another plus. Next purchase will be an amp, I have to turn up the volume more to reach the same loudness from the 7's. I still have a lot of listening to do but so far impressed.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited November 2008
    Congrats....but where are the photos?

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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