Better performance than Polk Audio LSi?

[JoshParsons84]

Is this a true statement? I really would like to know if there's anything that can TRULY outperform Polk Audio LSi and still look as beautiful as these marvels of beauty do. I'm not talking about anything for 2-channel or music at all I'm talking about if you had your closed in totally darkened theater room and you went all out on the construction and design of the room. You had your electronics magnificent, ample power along with amazing processor capabilities. Clearest 100" screen you could possibly find with the best looking rear projector available. After you did all that and it was time to purchase your home theater speakers I'm just wondering, is there REALLY a set of speakers that can TRULY outperform in every way Polk Audio LSi full 7.1 setup?

[Gaara]

Are you serious with this statment? Of course there are going to be speakers better then the LSis, they are nice speakers and all but not exactly the end all be all.

I replaced my LSi7s in a 2ch rig with Stone Image Audio Rothschilde A2s...these are honestly better in every aspect of music reproduction then the 7s.

For the HT side I replaced my full 7.1 setup with Gallo...again a big improvement in every aspect. There is no one thing that my LSis did better then the Gallos...nada. Not to mention I much prefer the looks of the Gallos over the LSis.

[phuz]

For the (not retail) price?

No.

[AndyGwis]

I agree, you have to qualify the statement with "for the price" before you can claim anything in audio is "the best."

For instance, about how much do those Rothschilde's sell for (retail or used)? Probably more than the $300 - $450 prices you can find the LSi7s for.

I need to get my hands on some LSi7s for my bedroom setup. On my HK 3480, I'm sure they would sound awesome. Guy actually rang me up for a pair for $179.99 at Tweeter closeout, then the manager came in and said it was $179.99 per speaker. I'm convinced he made it up and has them sitting in his place right now. SO CLOSE! But, there were cherry, and I really need Ebony.

[dkg999]

I think you have to qualify it as being at the same price point as the LSi's, and you can even use MSRP and not street pricing. The value per dollar spent has always been a Polk Audio strength and differentiator in the market place. So at their price points they are highly competitive.

Everyone's ears and listening preferences differ. So not everyone is going to agree that Polk LSi's are the best at their price point. I for one would not agree that for music they are the best. Many other speakers I prefer at or below the LSi's price points for music, including some other older Polk models. I recently moved to LSi's for HT. In that application I am finding that the LSi's have some extremely desirable qualities, and I love them in the HT application and would probably agree, based on what I like, that they are one of the best at their price point.

YMMV :)

[reeltrouble1]

Nothing is overall better than Polk at any price for HT speakers.

Who said that.

I said that.

I am RT1.

[Zero]

What I find so impressive about the Polk Lsi line is how competitive the series remains after having entered the market nearly seven years ago.

The Lsi-9 in particular is a fantastic achievement. In all this time, I have yet to come across a $1000 pair of 2.5 way monitors that are as over-built, that sound as 'large' and 'full', and are as versatile as the Lsi-9.

With all of that said; of course they aren't the ultimate speaker. I've come across numerous products (both mass market and consumer direct) that I'd take in a heart-beat over a similar priced Polk product. This sounds like a damning statement, but you have to remember Polk's target market. I'm just not that market anymore.

But in their respective markets, Polk represents top-shelf value. A stroll into Circuit City and Tweeter will clear up any doubts there. Browse crutchfield or onecall, and the closest competitor you will find is NHT. Combine all of this with Polk Audios rich history, excellent customer support, and all they have done to bring great sound into the homes of thousands - and you've got something hard to top.

[JoshParsons84]

Nothing is overall better than Polk at any price for HT speakers.

Who said that.

I said that.

I am RT1.

Now there's a man who knows exactly what he's talking about. :D

[McLoki]

It all comes down to the sound you want. I would love to hear the following speakers used in a 5.1 (or 7.1 depending on the room) setting.

Dynaudio
Mangnepan
Gallo
Polk Audio SDA

I have heard Paradigm and B&W - I would say both are equal to the LSi's and it comes down to the type of sound you like. I personally like the LSi's better than either of them, but I would not argue with anyone who had preferences the other way around.

I have had the LSi's in my home theater for quite awhile and plan to upgrade my SVS sub and NAD preamp long before I think about upgrading my LSi's. Anything CAN be a weak link, but you have to get pretty high end to truely claim the LSi's are holding back any other piece of audio equipment.

Michael

[madmax]

The older LS series is just as good. The setup I heard were LS90's in the front, LS70's in the back and an LS-350 center.
madmax

[mantis]

The Lsi's are a grear line of speakers. They perform to there level and one of the very best at the price.
I don't think many speakers in there price class are better. B&W and Dynaudio are different sounding and personal choice. I perfer Dynaudio Audience line over Polk's Lsi line. I owned both and the Dyn's are a more refined speaker package. They pay more attention to detail and seem to be more effortless. they also seem to be more balanced. I think the bass response on the Lsi's can get alittle sloppy and boomy. Depending on what you drive them with. The Audience 72's are around the same price and the Lsi15's and I think the Audience 72's are a better sounding speaker.

Dan

[JoshParsons84]

I guess it all comes down to what you're able to come across and hear. Personally in my whole life I've only heard Paradigm Cinema dipole surrounds, Polk Audio Monitor 30,40,50,70 and Infinity Beta. So I haven't been around really high quality but wanna be. So I guess I have to go by (for now) what the majority of y'all experienced old farts say. No offense taken.

[MikeC78]

I guess it all comes down to what you're able to come across and hear. Personally in my whole life I've only heard Paradigm Cinema dipole surrounds, Polk Audio Monitor 30,40,50,70 and Infinity Beta. So I haven't been around really high quality but wanna be. So I guess I have to go by (for now) what the majority of y'all experienced old farts say. No offense taken.

Josh,

When there is a PF or an audio meet of some sort, try to attend. I believe that is one of the best ways to hear different gear, and learn a few things from somone that is experienced.

I hosted one at my place, and it opened up a whole new world for me. I thought my LSI's sounded great with my gear, until I heard some high-end electronics paired with various speakers like Von Schweikert's, Innersounds, SDA's, and many others that I can't think of right now.

There are many kinds of speakers out there that I believe sound better than LSI's, for the price point(like others stated), that's a hard battle.

Go out and listen for yourself, and don't just listen to "Old farts" about what they like, you might like something totally different.

Have a good day... Polk_Audio_LSi:D

[Early B.]

It's a silly question for the Polk Forum. See if you get similar responses on other speaker threads.

[JoshParsons84]

Have a good day... Polk_Audio_LSi:D

LOL HA HA HA Mike you'll never let me live that down will you?

[wingnut4772]

LOL HA HA HA Mike you'll never let me live that down will you?

I don't think any of us can.:rolleyes:

[JoshParsons84]

Well I ask this question because out of all I've heard Polk has been the best to me and then so this makes me biased to Polk Audio speakers. I dont wanna be biased to one speaker company because I want to keep an open mind about all of Home Theater.

[MikeC78]

LOL HA HA HA Mike you'll never let me live that down will you?

:p Nope!

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Tyler Acoustics has 2 line ups that can compete with the LSi line up...

My speakers sell for the same price as the LSi25 - and I consider my speakers to be in a slightly different league.

Revelator tweeter, excel midbasses...

Top notch crossover components, hand made in my choice of veneer...

[john22614]

Well, I am extreemly pleased with my LSi's and don't plan to replace them....the only similar priced competitors I've listened to are Paradigms, Monitors and B&W 7 and 8 series. I prefer the Polks over the Paradigm 40's and B&W 7's.....but really like the sound of the B&W 8's. But, for the money, I think the LSi's are tough to beat.....I just wish there were listening rooms where we could compare different brands like the LSi's, Paradigms, Monitors, B&W, Martin Login, etc.....all driven by the same equipment in the same place.

[tonyb]

There is such a place....your home.!!

[jayman_1975]

Have a good day... Polk_Audio_LSi:D[/QUOTE]


I always wondered where he went. I haven't laughed so hard in a long while since reading some of his posts.