RT3000p vs. LSi25

[JohnLocke88]

Has anyone out there compared these two speakers. I'm assuming the LSi25 beats the 3000p's hands down, but I'm wondering, since they are both 'powered towers,' do they sound similar? I'm considering buying a pair of either/or. 25s are about 3x the price of the 3000p's though.

Any thoughts/comments will be appreciated.

-Jon

NOTE: I did search and couldn't find much in the realm of LSi vs. RTxxxxp comparisons. Am I correct in my assuming that the RT3000p was the last 'powered tower' speaker before the LSi25?

[nguyendot]

They are two speakers aimed at two different crowds. LSi is more for the audiophile while the 3000p was more of a home theater speaker.

You'd be hard pressed to compare the two directly.

[kawizx9r]

+1 nguyendot

With the release of the powered rt series towers, they were more aimed torwards HT. LSi I would assume is on a different ballpark, I've never owned a pair so I can't speak on their behalf, but I am the proud owner of my still-going strong for 6-7yrs RT1000P's!

[JohnLocke88]

+1 nguyendot

With the release of the powered rt series towers, they were more aimed torwards HT. LSi I would assume is on a different ballpark, I've never owned a pair so I can't speak on their behalf, but I am the proud owner of my still-going strong for 6-7yrs RT1000P's!

That's basically what I figured. I'm currently running RTi8s, but finding them lacking (by themselves for HT). I really don't have the room for a dedicated sub (and a tower), so I figured the RT3000p's might be a good 'all-in-one.'


I saw there were a bunch of reviews for the RT3000p from 1999-98. Does anyone know when polk STOPPED making them?

[kawizx9r]

Well they changed from RTxxP to RTxxi series, virtually identical speakers but with the blue colored woofers. Afterward, it's a little fuzzy for me tbh

[NewHTguy]

I moved from Rti10's to Lsi25s when I realized that my real passion (perhaps too strong a word) is music. The sound is more laid back and there is no listener's fatigue. I doubt I would have made that investment if my focus were HT.

[kawizx9r]

How are you liking those Lsi25s? I would sometimes use my towers alone (sub off) for music, with your towers I can only imagine

[NewHTguy]

I don't regret the buying the 25s - a birthday present to myself - though the sub can be overkill with some music. The sub is connected using line-level inputs using two Y cables from the L and R pre-outs on my Onk. That way the sub operates in "pure audio" mode. I have the sub crossed over real low, like 45 hz.

[kawizx9r]

I'd be able to do that on my Pioneer if I still used it but my main AVR is my denon (no pre-outs DOH!). The sound I get out of my 1000's is still something to smile about given theyre connected via speaker line w/interconnects.

Oh I did forgot to add, some people use quality speaker wire as opposed to the interconnects simply because it'll send a better signal. Think it would really make a difference? I just never bothered to even try.

[JohnLocke88]

Well, considering my "passion" is HT, then I think I should be set. Does $300 for a pair of 3000p's seem reasonable?

[kawizx9r]

I would most definitely say yes. Make sure the amp/sub doesn't hum. I think the amp from my left tower will have to be serviced/replaced but I haven't gotten around to doing it.

Keep in mind as well, seeing as you want to use it torwards HT, think of the remaining lineup of timbre-matched speakers-
RT55/35/25/i Bookshelf-type
CS1000P/245/350/400/i Center channels
and the other powered/non powered tower versions.

I'm STILL looking for a center replacement but no luck thus far.

[JohnLocke88]

I'm going to demo the pair tomorrow. Is there any specific way to check for the hum. I was reading that somone was picking up AM stations even with the speakers disconnected.

Would we just power the amps on and leave them on for a bit, with no input signal?

[kawizx9r]

Yeah, let the amps turn on in their auto-power mode and turn the volume all the way down/or kill the AVR. Turn the subwoofer volume dial up as it'll make the hum become more distinct (if there was one). In most cases this is a sign of needed repair/replacement. Other times it could simply be because of RF interference/etc/grounds. Let me know how they check out!

[leroyjr1]

Well, considering my "passion" is HT, then I think I should be set. Does $300 for a pair of 3000p's seem reasonable?

If your passion is HT skip the LSI series and get a pair of RTI A9's.

[Tony M]

I own a pr. of RT3000p's and think their sound is hard to beat. 300.00 is a steal unless both amps are fried and a bunch of speakers are blown. Also I hope the cabinets are in decent shape. MSRP was 3600. pr. man.... now only 300.00 ....where are they? If you don't get them ,let us know where they are. We'll get them for parts if need be or nothing else.:D

[dkmuch]

For $300 they might be gone quick. That's at least $100 too low (unless you live in a remote area with few takers for such large speakers).

For $300 you can much pretty guarantee you'll be able to resell them, so it's a no-brainer audition!

[NewHTguy]

Well, considering my "passion" is HT, then I think I should be set. Does $300 for a pair of 3000p's seem reasonable?

Can't comment on the price but would think the Lsi25s are probably not worth the extra coin.

[speakergeek]

Sounds like you need a sub (if you don't already have one....).

[JohnLocke88]

Sounds like you need a sub (if you don't already have one....).

Well like I said earlier, I working with space constraints that limit my ability to have both towers and dedicated sub(s). Perhaps bookshelf speakers on stands on top of subs. I thought the idea of the "powered" tower would be a good compromise.

Leroy, thanks for the A9 recommendation. A little out of my price league at the moment though. You think the A9s (without powered subs) would still outperform the 3000p's?

EDIT: I'll update you guys on how the audition goes. From the pictures I've received they look decently clean; seller has stated that some of the surrounds HAVE been replaced. So, we'll see.

[kawizx9r]

Did you get to hear the 3000's? Just remember to look for that "hum" and check the drivers. Also the rubber feet on the bottom have a tendency to come off over the years. Mine just seem to love sticking to my hardwood floors.

[dpowell]

I've heard both. I have the 3000's at home for HT and music (since I have 1 rig at this time) and demo'd a complete set of the LSi's (25's, LSiC and LSiFX's) at the local FRY's when they had them in their theater demo room. They each have their own unique sound and it is very hard to dislike either of them. The LSi's are more laid back in the tweeter section but more smooth than the RT's. The RT's tend to be a bit bright but can be controlled with the right amp and player. I've tamed mine quite effectively with the Signal Cable Magic Power cord on the player and by adding the Adcom separate amp.

For $300, the RT's are a STEAL! I paid $2,200 on Ebay for the RT3000's, CS1000P, and FX1000's about 4 years ago. Even if the amps are blown, the Polk Customer Service Center can fix them. They fixed a blown Cap in one of my RT amps for $60. At the price they're asking, you've got room to fix them and they'll still be worth more than what you paid.

+1 for those who say the LSi's are more musical. I would have to agree and would likely choose the LSi's for a 2-channel rig if I were building one.

[dpowell]

Keep in mind as well, seeing as you want to use it torwards HT, think of the remaining lineup of timbre-matched speakers-
RT55/35/25/i Bookshelf-type
CS1000P/245/350/400/i Center channels
and the other powered/non powered tower versions.

Don't forget the FX1000's or FX500's.

[JohnLocke88]

I've heard both. I have the 3000's at home for HT and music (since I have 1 rig at this time) and demo'd a complete set of the LSi's (25's, LSiC and LSiFX's) at the local FRY's when they had them in their theater demo room. They each have their own unique sound and it is very hard to dislike either of them. The LSi's are more laid back in the tweeter section but more smooth than the RT's. The RT's tend to be a bit bright but can be controlled with the right amp and player. I've tamed mine quite effectively with the Signal Cable Magic Power cord on the player and by adding the Adcom separate amp.

For $300, the RT's are a STEAL! I paid $2,200 on Ebay for the RT3000's, CS1000P, and FX1000's about 4 years ago. Even if the amps are blown, the Polk Customer Service Center can fix them. They fixed a blown Cap in one of my RT amps for $60. At the price they're asking, you've got room to fix them and they'll still be worth more than what you paid.

+1 for those who say the LSi's are more musical. I would have to agree and would likely choose the LSi's for a 2-channel rig if I were building one.

Thank you for the input. I'm leaving in about 30minutes to go take a listen; I'm definitely interested in filling out my set. Looks like FXi1000 and CS1000p are the ideal candidates for sides/center, right?

[kawizx9r]

1000P yes, you'll definitely experience explosive on screen effects, they're just very hard to come by. As I stated in another thread, I'm still looking for a 245/400/i. Thanks dpowell, I was going to add the fx-series you mentioned but wasn't sure what models exactly.

[dpowell]

One other thing to consider is adding a Pioneer Elite receiver with the HD audio formats if/when you have the funds. It blows me away everytime I listen to how incredible it makes my RT's sound. The sound is just so smooth and dynamic. Had my brother over yesterday to demo the Pioneer and Oppo combo. He'd heard my RT's before and really liked the sound. He was stunned speechless when I played the DTS-MA demo track from the Spears and Munsil benchmark disk that came with the Oppo. He just wanted to hear it over and over again. I can only imagine swapping out the 3000's if I manage to get my hands on a set of the SRT's.

+1 on what kawizx9r says. You'll definitely want to pursue the CS1000 or its smaller cousin the CS400. The CS1000 is exactly the same in the middle as a CS400 with two additional 6.5" drivers on the left and the right side powered by an internal 100watt amp. Adds significantly more low end to the center channel and is most notable on tracks that feature a male voice or vocals. Don't settle for anything smaller than the CS400.

Good luck with the demo and keep us posted on what you find out!

[dpowell]

Looks like FXi1000 and CS1000p are the ideal candidates for sides/center, right?

Yes, go for the FX1000's if you can. They are increasingly hard to find but I did finally find a second set here locally for $475 and another set sold for $400 plus shipping here on the forum this year. That should give you a good idea of what a steal the RT3000's are at the price they're asking (assuming they're in good shape).

the CS1000 weighs in at around 75lbs so a local find is your best bet.

[dpowell]

Oh, one other thing. Be sure to check the anit-vibration pods that go between the top and bottom sections of the cabinets. They can be damaged if not cared for and they are an important part of the condition consideration. also, if you buy and transport them, put some plastic wrap over the pods if they are stuck to either part of the cabinets so as to protect them from dirt.

[kawizx9r]

+1 dpowell

I've yet to see a pair of FX on here or CL (very rarely on ebay) but with patience you're sure to find a pair. You might even find another set of powered towers, and realistically speaking, be better for your HT as full-ranged speakers all around provide optimal sound quality. Are FX-put-together-from-scratch kits still floating around online? That'd be the next best thing if you can't find a pair already.

[dpowell]

+1 dpowell

Are FX-put-together-from-scratch kits still floating around online? That'd be the next best thing if you can't find a pair already.

NOt sure. I never heard of a non-Polk kit. I was aware of one member on the forum who ordered all of the parts necessary from Polk CS and built a set himself but that was the last of the available parts that Polk had.

[kawizx9r]

I saw a few around, maybe people just gathered the parts for a DIY mod or the sort. But I've seen them sold as a kit on ebay from time to time, not an actual retailer though or anything.