Polkfest 2012

[Face]

They're sweethearts in person.

[rromeo923]

I was blown away by the sound coming from the LSim707's at Polkfest Headquarters demo.
I am wondering what exactly were the other pieces making that happen. I know it was a Conrad Johnson amp (what model?) and an Aragon preamp (what model?). I would love to be able to recreate that sound.

Can it be done w/the LsiM703's??

[Jon_S]

Hey rromeo923, here are the deets you seek:

The cables were AudioQUest, one of their "72V Dielectric-Bias” models.

CD Player: Pioneer Elite PD-65
Preamp: Aragon 18K
Power Amp: Conrad Johnson MF-2300

I think it CAN be done with the 703s!

Jon

[rromeo923]

Thanks Jon! Now need to save up some money!!

[cnh]

That's certainly a decent combo, above. I've heard CJs a number of times. They're OK, but not quite warm enough for me, personally. There are a "plethora" of possibilities for a set of LSi-M 703s. I'd suggest you listen to a few amps.

I've never heard an Aragon pre-amp, only amps--which I would also consider, if you can find a good used piece!

I think this new series of LSi speaker, because it has a more detailed and re-engineered Vifa up top, is a little more detailed and just a tad on the brighter side, so I would (again, this is my preference) go "warmish" with the amplification whereas I would consider something a bit more neutral or even a little forward with the old LSIs.

In any case, saving up some money is a good idea because none of this is cheap. (One reason why I'm two or three years away from upgrading my LSi-7s to LSi-M 703s!).

cnh

[rromeo923]

Hmmm.
I agree I would certainly love to audition other amps and preamps w/the LSIMs.
However, what I heard at the Polkfest demo w/the above configuration did not strike me as being bright in any manner. I am bad w/these audiophile terms but I would definitely put it on the warmer side w/a very large soundstage w/great instrument delineation. It also had a tactile feel. Anyways I cant describe it.
I would love to hear from others who were there and see what they have to say.
Anyone?

[strider]

I got to play with the 703's for a bit. Never heard the set up at HQ though. Had them first in the demo tour, so they spent the first 100 or so hours breaking in, but I never felt like they seemed bright at all. I'd say the high end was relaxed. Not overly warm, but relaxed.

At the time I was running a tube preamp and a Class A amp with about 25wpc into 8 ohms.

[cnh]

Dubai "hot tubs"?

No thanks, we don't need any!

REPORTED!

cnh

[Anthony Hinton]

I really need to get to one of these Polkfests, seems like a really good time.

[F1nut]

You and F1 don't nearly look as tough as your internet egos make you out to be.

What ya talkin' about, I'm a sweetheart here compared to real life and trust me, you don't want to run into John in a dark alley.