Polk Audio vs Paradigm vs Definitive Technology

[josh_parsons626]

I got my two sons recently a HTiB system and I'm thinking I wanna totally re-do my system, so I'm gonna give my boys my 2 monitor 40s,cs1,and paradigm cinema adp's.

I've looked at all kinds of speakers and done a lot of research on this one. I've looked Polk LSi, Paradigm Reference, Klipsch RF, Axiom Audio M80, Onix Rocket, Definitive Technology BP10B, Revel Ultima2 and PSB Platinum. The Revel I've heard very good things about but I couldn't really find something in the lines of 7.1 HT I liked very well. Sorry.

The choices I AM leaning toward though are Polk LSi, Paradigm Signature, or Def Tech. Now, I currently have Polk Monitor and Paradigm surrounds so I can kinda get a feel for the both of them. But the Def Tech I know nothing about. Now if anybody has anything to offer on the above, could somebody steer me in the right direction from the 3 mentioned?

[powerlord]

All three brands have obvious advantages after you pass a certain price range,and I'm not saying what I'm about to say because I'm on a Polk site,but I listened to quite a few speakers before landing my Eosone HT system,and have listened to a few Polk LSi systems and really liked the tone,but then again I like the DT's also.I guess i've never really heard expensive Paradigms because they have never impressed me that much.It's all in your ears though,everyone has opinions.You might like something nobody likes.

[josh_parsons626]

I'd really like to stick with Polk and then maybe move up to the next line of product which is the RTi series. Maybe the 8's first. How does everybody like them?
The reason I'm starting all over is cause I hate the Monitor lineup. Everytime I turn it on I wanna throw it away LOL I'm seriously gonna give it to my kids and get a new lineup. I think I might wait on the big price of the LSi and get the RTi for now. I should've got that series to begin with but at the time I didn't know anything about HT and/or Hi-Fi stero systems.

[phipiper10]

I have the older RTi with fx/cs surrounds/center and they do a great job for home theater. That's the general consensus around here, that the RT series does a very good job in home theater. If it will be strictly home theater you might just stick with the RT and not upgrade to the LSi.

If you plan to do a bunch of 2 channel listening then the extra dough for the LSi might be worth it for you.

Of course you'll want a quality sub too.

[tommyboy]

I think I might wait on the big price of the LSi and get the RTi for now. I should've got that series to begin with but at the time I didn't know anything about HT and/or Hi-Fi stero systems.

Stop. Do you want the LSI's or not.... if you do, then save up some money and get them and don't waste your time(and more importantly, money) with the Rti's.

[cfrizz]

200% agree!!!:D It doesn't make any sense to settle for less than what you want especially if it's going to cost you twice as much money doing it twice!:eek:

Stop. Do you want the LSI's or not.... if you do, then save up some money and get them and don't waste your time(and more importantly, money) with the Rti's.

[dane_peterson]

Agreed. I did that, and lost hundreds of dollars jumping around. Finally at LSis, and I'm satisfied (but still don't have everything together)

[Sami]

I think I might wait on the big price of the LSi and get the RTi for now. I should've got that series to begin with but at the time I didn't know anything about HT and/or Hi-Fi stero systems.
I think that says it right there. You'll be saying the same thing once you get the RTi's and wish you got the LSi's instead. Get the LSi's even if it means waiting out a little longer.

[Holydoc]

Josh,

Let me start out by saying I love my RTi setup. On Monday since I was off, I made my second trip to listen to the Paradigms and B&W's. Even took 5 of my own CDs this time. What I found out is that I really like my RTi's even better now. They are a perfect compromise between HT and music. I just like their sound.

With that being said, I totally agree with Tommyboy. If you like the LSi's and have your heart set on them, then nothing is going to satisfy you until you get them. If you are anything like me, then you will not be able to rest until you get what you want. Buying pieces of a system to just get by until you can afford better will just be an exercise in futility and money. Save up and buy what you want. Until then you can go into the kids room to listen to music. :)

[josh_parsons626]

Josh,

Let me start out by saying I love my RTi setup. On Monday since I was off, I made my second trip to listen to the Paradigms and B&W's. Even took 5 of my own CDs this time. What I found out is that I really like my RTi's even better now. They are a perfect compromise between HT and music. I just like their sound.

With that being said, I totally agree with Tommyboy. If you like the LSi's and have your heart set on them, then nothing is going to satisfy you until you get them. If you are anything like me, then you will not be able to rest until you get what you want. Buying pieces of a system to just get by until you can afford better will just be an exercise in futility and money. Save up and buy what you want. Until then you can go into the kids room to listen to music. :)

LOL Hey I could do that! Nah, their system is theirs, I wouldn't do that to them. I'm a Polk fanatic from the first time I heard them which was the Monitor series. Now I'm just getting upgraditis. I wanna move up to the RTi, because I know it sounds crazy, AND expensive, I wanna "taste" all of the different flavors that Polk offers. LOL. I'm thinking about going with the 8's. I'll have just 2-channel HT and stereo for a while but I'm fine with that. I think I'm gonna post in the WTB for a pair of good RTi8. What would be a cheap price that somebody would be willing to sell theirs for?

[McLoki]

I agree with most here. Start building the system you want to end up with, not the one you can settle for.

I would get a nice multi channel amp first so that is out of the way and you can get any speaker you like. (providing you are getting the LSi's of course)

once that is done - be on the lookout for a good deal on a pair of front speakers (or front and center if you can swallow them at the same time). Decide from there if it is worth upgrading your rear speakers or not.

You could also just get the amp and speakers together. (nice 2 channel with the fronts and a monoblock with the center) But from my own experience I will tend to skimp if I do it that way. I will end up with a much better system if my focus is in stages (amp, then fronts, then center, then surrounds) rather than amp and speakers together - I tend to shortchange one or the other when purchasing 2 things at once.

Anyway - that is my recommendation, whatever you end up with - purchase it planning to enjoy it for the forseeable future. You already have the starter system to get you by, now its time to get the system you want if it takes you a few years to get there, dont worry about it.

Michael

[tommyboy]

I wanna move up to the RTi, because I know it sounds crazy, AND expensive, I wanna "taste" all of the different flavors that Polk offers. LOL.

Can't you "taste all the flavors that polk offers" at a store?:confused:

I'm not trying to be mean, but IMHO what you want to do is just stupid. You need to stop right now and think what your doing. You said in an earlier post how you regretted getting the monitor series, how are you going to feel later on after buying the 8s?

You like the polk sound, but hate the m40s when you listen to music. So wouldn't you want to get the polk speakers that sound best with music? The rti series are great speaks, but you hear from a lot of listeners here that, though they are great for HT use, they are not the best for music.

Its your money not mine, but I(and others) feel you are making a big mistake. All I ask is to think of what you really want.

tommyboy

[josh_parsons626]

So instead of getting rid of everything, (or maybe I should go ahead and do it like that and buy the amp) is find the LSi, which is what I really want anyways, and find a cheap pair of 15's on the 'Gon or the 'Bay?

What do you think about this? Sell all my speakers right now, cause I really dont like any of them, and with that get me a cheap pre and amp?

[cfrizz]

Then you won't have any speakers to listen with!:rolleyes:


What do you think about this? Sell all my speakers right now, cause I really dont like any of them, and with that get me a cheap pre and amp?

[josh_parsons626]

LOL! Yeah I realize what I said now

[Early B.]

Sounds like you have money constraints. What's your budget?

[josh_parsons626]

Well after I would sell my speakers (keep in mind I have 2 other tower speakers that I dont use that came with an old Pioneer stereo system way back in the 80's that I replaced the blown subwoofers with Kicker 4-ohm car subwoofers.) I can take the money from the speakers throw in some from my pocket and get my 2-channel setup ready for HT in the future.

It would either be the RTi8 for HT/stereo or Monitor 70. But I feel and y'all probably a feel that I would be better off with the RTi vs Monitor, correct?

[cfrizz]

No we think you should cool your jets, save more money & get the LSI's that you really want rather than wasting money on a temporary system.

How does your wife feel about this brilliant plan of yours?:p :D

Well after I would sell my speakers (keep in mind I have 2 other tower speakers that I dont use that came with an old Pioneer stereo system way back in the 80's that I replaced the blown subwoofers with Kicker 4-ohm car subwoofers.) I can take the money from the speakers throw in some from my pocket and get my 2-channel setup ready for HT in the future.

It would either be the RTi8 for HT/stereo or Monitor 70. But I feel and y'all probably a feel that I would be better off with the RTi vs Monitor, correct?

[tommyboy]

Think of it this way,

You want the Lsis but can't afford them right now. So you put that money instead towards the Rti's But since that money is not going towards the Lsi's, that means you will have to wait much longer to get the system you wanted in the first place. Keep those m40s for now until you save up enough money for a worthy upgrade.

If you are going to have enough money later to buy the Lsi's(and proper amplification, cables, etc), you might as well wait to later then to buy anything...

I hope I(and Cfrizz) finally knocked this in your head;)

good luck
tommyboy

[Holydoc]

How does your wife feel about this brilliant plan of yours?:p :D

Too funny! Cathy you are great!

[cfrizz]

Thank you Tommy & HD! I'm bout ready to jump through my monitor & go upside his head with a rolling pin!:mad: :p ;) :D

[josh_parsons626]

I know what I want in the end is the supreme Polk! But I'm really just wanting to upgrade for right now and I actually think I'll be happy with them for a while to come. I'm just starting in this life long thing and I dont know a whole hell of a lot. I've read a lot, but I haven't experienced nothing. Probably the best system I've ever heard was at a place called Sodaro's and they had a full Paradigm I think he called it the Monitor series? Anyways all it was hooked up to was a Sony 6.1 receiver. Dont know how many watts or anything, but WOW did it sound good! Now take in effect this was even before I bought my surrounds at all. All I had was my receiver, fronts and center and that's it. So I was like....that's why I think the moving up to the RTi will actually blow me away.

[Holydoc]

Cathy...hurry with that rolling pin. :D

[dane_peterson]

Honestly dude, do whatever you like best. I've done both Polk and DefTech, and were satisfied temporarily with both. Who knows if I'll even stick with the LSis any longer than I did my RTis, BP7006s, BP7004s, or hell, even my Sony satellites.
The biggest bug that's going to bite you is the one that is indigenous to ClubPolk. It's called the "LSite", and it's a nasty one. (And let's not even get started on the "SDAnt"s, they're a whole 'nother breed...)

[josh_parsons626]

Just found on the 'Gon, Athen C.5 center for 70 + shipping. How do Athena sound? I've heard that name before.

[cfrizz]

Nope I am now out of it! He is free to waste his money any way he wants. I do hope his wife goes upside his head instead! And if he comes back on here talking about how he now wants LSI's, I will put him on ignore!:rolleyes: :p ;) :D

Cathy...hurry with that rolling pin. :D

[tommyboy]

Just found on the 'Gon, Athen C.5 center for 70 + shipping. How do Athena sound? I've heard that name before.

Yeah, at best buy;) .

yes cathy, I am officially out of it too.:D Good luck josh parsons, hopefully your wife hits you with a rolling pin so Cathy won't have to...

[josh_parsons626]

OK guys I'm sorry I'll quit babbling on.

[josh_parsons626]

It's just I finally have a little bit of money to MAYBE just MAYBE move up to the RTi series and get rid of my Monitors which I'm not really liking anymore. And the upgrading bug bites down just a little bit harder with each new day

Vote on My Poll (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=809252)

[Hawkeye]

Sounds like you want the LSI's. So bite the bullet, save your money and buy what you want.

Everybody here gets upgradeitis. How you accomplish that is up to you. Half stepping is throwing money away. And probably everyone here is guilty of it at some point in their life. You're here to learn, as most of us are. Listen and learn from the people who have been down this road before and take advantage of the advice being given to you.

I have the Paradigm Signature S8's. When I heard them, I knew they were what I wanted. They replaced a pair of RT55's. I saved for over 18 months to be able to purchase what I wanted. Yes, the 55's were not the best, but I work too hard to throw my money away on an intermediate step up.

[josh_parsons626]

Hawkeye that's pretty good advice man. It just sucks to have to wait for what I want. But I guess if the LSi is what I really want then I should go for THAT right? But how should I buy? Fronts first? then center, then surrounds? Or where they are 4-ohm should I purchase electronics first? I wanna do it in stages no matter if I had the money or not. I wanna do it like that so that way I can witness the significant change in each upgrade or so at least I can notice the difference in the difference of the series.

[Hawkeye]

I think McLoki hit the nail on the head. Get an amp first. I'm pretty sure you will hear a significant change in the sound and presentation with an amp.

Why an amp? I personally think it is the foundation of any good system. You don't start building a house with the roof.

Secondly, buying an amp will feed your instant gratification required by people today. There is nothing wrong with waiting for what you want.

[tommyboy]

Hawkeye that's pretty good advice man. It just sucks to have to wait for what I want. But I guess if the LSi is what I really want then I should go for THAT right? But how should I buy? Fronts first? then center, then surrounds? Or where they are 4-ohm should I purchase electronics first? I wanna do it in stages no matter if I had the money or not. I wanna do it like that so that way I can witness the significant change in each upgrade or so at least I can notice the difference in the difference of the series.

:eek: :confused:

Josh, this is what we've been telling you along... Howcome when someone with 12 posts(no offense hawkeye:) ) gives you this advice you finally understand.... ok:confused: .

I am going to try one more time to help you...

Don't even thinking about buying the Lsis without first upgrading at least the reciever and buy a decent amp. Now, while you are saving up for the big Lsi purchase, the new amp will make your m40s sound MUCH better.

As you can see in my sig, I have a seperate amp hooked up to my entry level system. I got it so whenever I decide to buy better speakers (prolly the lsi's, not sure, give me another year to save up:) ), I won't have to buy new electronics on top of that. . In the mean time though, they have made my monitor 50s sound much,much better. So I'd say get a new reciever and look around for a nice amp, you be surprised how much better your m40s will sound until you have enough dough for the big speaker purchase.

[Huck344]

Tommy, how do you like youar acurus amp???

[josh_parsons626]

Josh, this is what we've been telling you along... Howcome when someone with 12 posts(no offense hawkeye ) gives you this advice you finally understand.... ok

LOL That's so funny. What's some cheap priced receivers with pre-outs I should go out there and look for? Here's probably another stupid question, should I get rid of my Paradigm surrounds and get Monitor 30's? No what I'm seriously looking at is some Definitive Technology. I just dont know what they sound like.

[Huck344]

No what I'm seriously looking at is some Definitive Technology. I just dont know what they sound like.

Magnolia (the "high end" store within Best Buy) carries them. I listened to some Def-Tech Bipole towers there. Sounded good in the store, but wouldn't work with my set up.

[Holydoc]

I think you should buy the Athen. Blow as much money as you can immediately. Then in a couple years when you have made back that money, quickly purchase Monitor 30's to replace your paradigms. Then in a couple years when you once again have money, run out and buy those RTi's.
Then in a couple years when you have money, replace the RTi's with the Definitive Tech. Then in a couple years when you have the money, replace them with the LSI's that you wanted in the first place. Now that's a plan! You do not have to worry about spending your money and you only had to wait 8 years to finally get what you want.

Or keep your hands off your money until you save enough for the LSi's and get what you want in 1 year instead of 8. But... this is probably just crazy talk. Go for the 8 year plan. Keeps you broke and always wanting more.
:D

[cfrizz]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAA!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Ya know he is probably crazy enough to do it. Mind you by the end of that 8 years, he will be broke, divorced, & still trying to make his mind up about another pair of speakers!!!:D :D :D

I think you should buy the Athen. Blow as much money as you can immediately. Then in a couple years when you have made back that money, quickly purchase Monitor 30's to replace your paradigms. Then in a couple years when you once again have money, run out and buy those RTi's.
Then in a couple years when you have money, replace the RTi's with the Definitive Tech. Then in a couple years when you have the money, replace them with the LSI's that you wanted in the first place. Now that's a plan! You do not have to worry about spending your money and you only had to wait 8 years to finally get what you want.

Or keep your hands off your money until you save enough for the LSi's and get what you want in 1 year instead of 8. But... this is probably just crazy talk. Go for the 8 year plan. Keeps you broke and always wanting more.
:D

[Hawkeye]

I don't have a large post count and no offense taken Tommy!

Josh, are you understanding anything you read? It is quite evident you have no clue as to what you want. You have two choices.

1. Save. While your saving, you can actually go listen to the all the equipment you ramble on about and make a somewhat educated decision.

2. Spend. Spend till your broke, spend some more money and not have what you want. Then spend some more to finally, maybe, have what you want.

[GATOR3000]

Well here it goes…………I was in the same predicament as Josh, or should I say thought my speakers don’t sound the way I would like them to.

First I got my Rti series all around for my HT. WOW……..very very nice till this day I must admit! After watching a few movies I was very happy and content with Rti’s speakers. Very well done Polk. Than I started to listen to music hooked up to my Denon AVR 3806 and I was disappointed. They were “bright” or (should I say “detailed”) and very fatigued to my ears.

So I presented my disappointment on this forum and the answer I got “You need to go separates” (add external amplification) for HT and music listening as well. So I did add Parasound 205wpc for fronts and B&K 105 wpc to the centre and rear speakers. The result, the SQ improved immensely. But……..But…….my music still sucked through Rti8’s even though Parasound and B&K amps have handpicked MOSFET transistors in high voltage driver stage and suppose to be tube like sound. Well I was disappointed again.

So I presented my disappointment on this forum again and the answer I got “It is your speakers. You have to go with Lsi series as they are more musical”. So I went out and got the Lsi15’s. The result, with the Parasound amp driving 315wpc @ 4ohms the sound of Lsi15’s was very nice, but now I lost my highs “the brightness” and the bass took over the whole room and my midrange was not as good as the Rti8’s had. Well I was disappointed again.

So I said to myself there is got to be something wrong and I started to investigate. Plainly, I was very happy with my HT hooked up to Rti’s or the Lsi’s but I was not to thrilled with audio music at all.

To rectify my disappointments I bought a variety of “TUBE” preamps and integrated tube amplifiers. I have tried Jolida, this is tube gear I’m talking about. Did I say Jolida?........oh yes, Anthem, Antique Sound Lab, Dodd, Audio Research………blah……blah………blah. This gave me the opportunity to roll tubes and experience different SQ with variety of speakers. Well, did I ever asked for fantastic sound QUALITY!……….WOW……………WOW!!!

Than I came across “Soundstage” tube preamp and Hybrid tube amplifier. WOW………what a musical sound. I spend thousands of dollars countless hours of research and finally these relatively inexpensive Soundstage units gave me what I was looking for…………….and I’m not using the Lsi15’s at all. You know which speaker won?………..The Rti’s series speakers and my 25 year old 8” JBL’s. Paradigm, Klipsch, Onix Rocket, PSB’s, Lsi’s and Rti’s and they all sound breathless with Soundstage units. No "brightness" or fatigue present at all.......and you know what I'm talking about, right?

There is not a heck of a lot write-up on these units, but let me tell you, the sound of this preamps and amps is phenomenal.

So do yourself a favor, and this is coming from a Polk guy………….your Rti’s or the speakers I have mentioned earlier are fantastic for music. Give them properly matched amp or preamp and way you go. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. This amps and preamps are only $350.00 USD and $300.00 USD respectively + flat rate shipping of $25.00 USD and you are on the way to detailed (not “BRIGHT”), crystal clear wonder of music audio reproduction.

Here is the info on the "Soundstage" preamp and amp I sell.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?preatube&1176440568&item

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstube&1176992085&item


Review:

Soundstage Hybrid Tube Amplifier:

http://202.186.86.35/audio/review.as...&sec=audiofile

Soundstage Tube Preamp:

http://202.186.86.35/audio/review.as...&sec=audiofile

Edit..........OH, I forgot to tell you guys. Your older version music CD’s from 70’s 80’s and 90’s that sound so compressed and not 3D like sonic soundstage…………Well No worries NOW………..because SQ of all your CD’s will be astonishing. You will hear them the way they were recorded and meant to be played.

Cheers

Gator :) :)

[McLoki]

I spend thousands of dollars countless hours of research and finally these relatively inexpensive Soundstage units gave me what I was looking for…………….and I’m not using the Lsi15’s at all. You know which speaker won?………..The Rti’s series speakers and my 25 year old 8” JBL’s. Paradigm, Klipsch, Onix Rocket, PSB’s, Lsi’s and Rti’s and they all sound breathless with Soundstage units. No "brightness" or fatigue present at all.......and you know what I'm talking about, right?
In your ad you only mention running them with the LSi15's, the RTi's are not even mentioned. Just wondered which you were currently running.

Do you run the RTi's in a 2 channel rig or HT with a 2 channel pass through? (i.e. do these support HT passthrough?)

Michael

Final thought - Doesn't bother me, but its not my board: You may want to be carefull selling things commercially on the Polk Forum (especially outside the flea market). Like I said - it doesn't bother me, but you may want to do the sales pitch in a private message.

[GATOR3000]

In your ad you only mention running them with the LSi15's, the RTi's are not even mentioned. Just wondered which you were currently running.

Do you run the RTi's in a 2 channel rig or HT with a 2 channel pass through? (i.e. do these support HT passthrough?)

Michael

Final thought - Doesn't bother me, but its not my board: You may want to be carefull selling things commercially on the Polk Forum (especially outside the flea market). Like I said - it doesn't bother me, but you may want to do the sales pitch in a private message.

Michael,

These units do not support the HT bypass as the Anthem and others do. These are meant for 2-channel music reproduction only.

The reason I didn’t mention the use of the other speakers is that I didn’t want to make a big write-up and try to keep it in perspective.

Right now I have the Soundstage units paired with Rti8’s and yesterday I received Mullards 12AU7’s from England and have these in my Soundstage integrated hooked up with Lsi15’s. The Mullard’s made this combo heaven!

Michael, I do appreciate your suggestion of “sales pitch”. I’m not trying to sell commercially at all or on this forum as I have only a handful of these units of my own. I’m merely trying to” SHARE” my findings and at the same time give others on the forum to experience with audio gear.

No harm intended here. If I have offended anyone on this forum by sharing my findings and guiding forum members to SQ audio gear, please except my apology.


Cheers

Gator :) :)

[McLoki]

I do appreciate the insight and sharing of information. It was just the sales part I was unsure about - no harm, no foul.

The main reason for my interest is I was wondering about your thoughts of tubes with the LSi's. Since I usually consider most tubes as fairly warm sounding and the LSi's warm as well - the combo I would think would be a little to laid back. (I have not heard them, so I may be way off base here)

I am currently in the process of modding my NAD pre/pro to try and bring a little more detail into the mix. Now I know why most Paradigm and B&W dealers sell NAD gear - it would go great with a brighter speaker (imo). For my tastes - I love the LSi's and don't want to get another pre-amp prior to HDMI 1.3 becoming a standard that most preamps come with. That means I have to come up with a way of getting them to work together.

Anyway - I was just wondering, do different tubes impart different levels of detail into the music or are they all condered fairly warm (laid back) sounding (compared to solid state)?

[GATOR3000]

I do appreciate the insight and sharing of information. It was just the sales part I was unsure about - no harm, no foul.

The main reason for my interest is I was wondering about your thoughts of tubes with the LSi's. Since I usually consider most tubes as fairly warm sounding and the LSi's warm as well - the combo I would think would be a little to laid back. (I have not heard them, so I may be way off base here)

I am currently in the process of modding my NAD pre/pro to try and bring a little more detail into the mix. Now I know why most Paradigm and B&W dealers sell NAD gear - it would go great with a brighter speaker (imo). For my tastes - I love the LSi's and don't want to get another pre-amp prior to HDMI 1.3 becoming a standard that most preamps come with. That means I have to come up with a way of getting them to work together.

Anyway - I was just wondering, do different tubes impart different levels of detail into the music or are they all condered fairly warm (laid back) sounding (compared to solid state)?

Hey no worries Michael. I’m always open to suggestions and others thoughts and ideas.

In regard to tube rolling I found all tubes sound different and one may alter the audio sound in any given tube gear. Also, there are many variances in particular tubes that make tube gear sound different. In my view the sky is the limit.

I roll tubes for fun and experience in audio sound in general. Hope you are having fun with modding your NAD pre/pro.

Cheers

Gator :) :)