Polk LSi 15

[Zero]

Many moons ago in a small shop not too far from where I live, I listened to Polk's then new kid on the block; the Lsi-9. After that day, I no longer could tolerate medicore audio. I caught the sickness. Being fairly young with a minimum wage job, I could only dream of owning the 9 and suitable electronics to go along with them. My dream speakers were the Lsi-15's.

Roughly a year and a half later I met up with a number of forum members at the Polk HQ and had a blast. Before I left, Micah (former Polk employee/club leizon/movie critic/wild man) gave me the ultimate hook-up on a pair of Lsi-15's.

The dream speakers were mine, but by this time the sickness worked well past my interal defenses and went straight for the 'impulse' side of the brain.. I couldn't part with the 15's so I just gave them to the parents as a gift. They've been here ever since.

Every once in a blue moon I take out some special gear...pull the Lsi's to a different room or house to remind myself of how great they are. They may not be world beaters, but damned if they dont make some pleasant music and damned that after six years - they still hold their own against the competition.

I've gone through lots of gear through the years, something that is finally beginning to slow itself down. Despite all thats come and gone, the 15's have always stayed here and I have NO desire to replace them. Heres to respect for a solid speaker!

[polkatese]

Right on, Sean. My 15 actually has been promoted to 2 channel for good (it wasn't meant to be initially), but I am very happy with 'em being on the second (better electronics) system.

Here here to many many more months of the 15...

[knownalien]

and they are just so damn beautiful!

[ohskigod]

here here, mine aint going anywhere any time soon. I was impressed with the LSi's (9 and the 15) from the day I laid ears on em

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Very nice. I really like the Polk LSi line up.

[criverajr]

I loved mine but moved on, more speakers to listen too. I may come back to them someday but for now they will be missed. Currently rocking some Paradigm 100 V.3 they actually dig a little deeper than the 15's, we shall see.

CRj

[Andrew2112]

Very nice tribute...

[GATOR3000]

Zero, very nice write-up indeed and the outdoor pic is majestic and cool. You guys are making me envious. I have ordered my 15’s two weeks ago, but Polk distributor in Canada has them on backorder. They should arrive fist week of September. I can’t wait to hear them with my rig.

The Lsi15's must be some speakers!! There is so many of you in “Love” with them and no wonder, they look awesome especially in cherry finish. Rock on!

Gator :)

[bert26]

That outdoor picture is awesome! Very 2001. ;)

[zombie boy 2000]

Awesome pic Zero!

Should up the resell value by at least a hundred:)

[2+2]

we have similar tastes Sean in that when I was looking for $1500 range floor standers, only LSi15 and Totem Staafs really impressed me (as in jaw to the floor)....you have both....

[josh_parsons626]

hey criverajr how much do those Paradigm's go for? And how good do they sound? I'm in love with Polk and got the monitor 40's as fronts and the cs1 as center but i've got paradigm cinema series bipole's as surrounds and they honestly dont sound too bad. So after you mentioned that you got the paradigm studio series i was wondering what they sound like compared to polk?

[Zero]

You are always welcome to stop on by, 2+2. Thanks for the comments all.

[steveinaz]

The Lsi15 doesn't get the respect it deserves.

[organ]

Great post, Sean. I agree. The LSi speakers are amazing. The only hard part is finding the right gear to really make them sing. One day my LSi9 will get the power they deserve.

[GATOR3000]

As long as Lsi15’s are on platter in this thread I have two questions. My pair is coming in a couple of weeks (I hope) and I was just wondering……….

Question #1: Polk’s specs for the Lsi15’s states “Side panels are 1-1/2" thick”. Does this 1-1/2" thickness include the Cherry or ebony side panels?

Question #2: Also, forum is talking about old Lsi15’s model and the “new Lsi15’s” model. What are the differences/improvements between new and the old Lsi15’s?

Thanks

Gator :) :)

[organ]

Hi Gator,
I believe there are 3 different types of LSi. The first run had more spacing between the drivers and the front panel had beveled edges. The second version had straight edges and the drivers pretty much touching eachother. The final version is just like the second with better quality side panels.

[criverajr]

josh,

I actually like them a little better than the LSi'15, they honestly dig deeper and they have a fuller soundstage. The 15's might have them in the highs, but I ran The Fifth Element on the 100 vs. 15, Paradigm all the way, and a much easier load to drive, My B&K 507 drives them like crazy. I think what type gear you have with the 15;s makes a world of difference. Rotel and LSi15 are very sweet together.

CRj

[Zero]

Gator

1) Yes, that is in reference to the cherry/ebony wood panels.

2) Purley cosmetic. The new cherry panels are richer, there are no visible seems and the base stand is in gloss black.

[GATOR3000]

Gator

1) Yes, that is in reference to the cherry/ebony wood panels.

2) Purley cosmetic. The new cherry panels are richer, there are no visible seems and the base stand is in gloss black.

Zero,

You have answered my questions especially about the “visible” seams. The dealer I ordered the 15’s from had floor demos. I was looking at the speakers and the gloss piano finish on the rear of the speaker was folded in 45-degree angle and was certainly visible.

I’m glad there are no seams on the new Lsi15’s.

Thanks

Gator :) :)

[GATOR3000]

Rotel and LSi15 are very sweet together.

CRj

Will my Parasound HCA-1500A (205 WPC at 8 ohms) have enough power to drive the Lsi15's sufficiently when they arrive?

Gator :) :)

[ohskigod]

that parasound will get the job done with no problems. But I would say from that standpoint, you should be on the lookout for an upgrade in amplification down the road before you upgrade the speakers.

[Joey_V]

Love the 15s... also like the 9s.

Too bad I cant find a good local deal on the 15s. I'm not sure if I should wait or if I should just go for the 9s.

[GATOR3000]

All you 15's lovers how do you play yours?.................naked or with front grills on?

[polkatese]

Mine has always been played with the grills on. I tried it without when I bought it (4 years ago), and the improvement was very minimal.

[faster100]

not to mention they are a pain to remove the grills anyways... mine stay on

[McLoki]

All you 15's lovers how do you play yours?.................naked or with front grills on?
I have young kids. I would rather them not know there is anything under the front of the speaker. Grills are always on and never removed with them in the house.

(plus the grills seem pretty cheaply made. I have seen many LSi15 floor models with the fabric coming off the grills due to constant removal....)

Michael

[GATOR3000]

Good to know not to remove 15’s grills to often. So tell me am I going to be please with the 15’s when they come in September? I use the Rti8’s for my music right now and find them to be on the bright side.

Is there a big difference between Rti8’s and the Lsi15’s?

[McLoki]

I have not heard the RTi series, but I have never really heard the LSi's sound bright. (reguardless of the equipment they were used with) If anything, they can sound a little to laid back with the wrong equipment. (just my opinion of course)

Michael

[KrazyMofo24]

Is there a big difference between Rti8’s and the Lsi15’s?

I've only heard the 15's and the 8's at Fry's. But the Lsi7's sound atleast twice as better than my Rti10's for music.

[GATOR3000]

I've only heard the 15's and the 8's at Fry's. But the Lsi7's sound atleast twice as better than my Rti10's for music.


WOW........if your 7's are that good I guess the 15's will be awesome for musuc.