LSi7 - Naked !!!!!

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 02:41 PM

Got in my LSi7's last friday and was trying to decide where to mount them. The WAF was pretty low mounting anything larger than the RM series speakers I have now as surrounds.

I decided it had to be done and decided to try and pull off the wood sides from the LSi's I just got to make for a slimmer profile mounting them to the wall. (I am currently planning to use the wall bracket built into the lsi7)

I have called Polk CS before about this and they thought it would work if I used a wide implment to pry it off with and took my time. The person I spoke with then thought they would still sound very good (like LSi's should) even with the wood removed. (it is still 3/4 mdf with internal bracing - I figure that is all most subwoofers have so I shouldn't have much resonance problems from a 5-1/4 woofer crossed over at 80hz)

I called Polk CS again just before I started to pull it off to get their reassurances again before I start and spoke with a different CS rep. The story I got this time was the old series (what I have) used double sided tape to attach the wood, the new series uses glue and the sides will not come off. Even though I have the old series, he still STRONGLY recommended that I not try to remove the sides as he has seen the finish pulled off the speaker due to the strength of the tape used.

So much for assurances - Since I will not be able to mount these to the walls in their current state without alot of greif from the wife, I decided to forge ahead. I wrapped a 3" putty knife in an old t-shirt (now shredded) and started to work the putty knife into the corner of the side/speaker. I felt it give way and started working the putty knife around the speaker working it in about 1/4 inch to help loosen the hold of the tape.

When I got back to my starting corner, I pushed the putty knife inabout 1" and pulled it back out. (part of the shirt stuck and tore under the wood) I worked the knife in and out about 2/3 of the way around the speaker before the side was loose enough to just pull away.

The entire side is gloss black as i had hoped. There are no holes in the sides (also as I had hoped)

I worked off the other side the same way and cleaned up the mess. I will post some pics when I get home from work tonight, but let me say, Polk should offer these without sides as an option for surround mounting. It looks absolutely fantastic all in gloss black with the slimmer profile.

More with pics later - I have to get back to work.....

Michael.

bobman1235 · 06-21-2005, 02:57 PM

I seem to remember someone having pics of the BIG LSi's naked at some point....

Ah yes, gotta love the search feature :

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/...threadid=27613

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 03:24 PM

Thanks for the link to the naked 15's. That is actually what got me thinking about doing this, but I could not find the post again.....

Here is after removing one side....

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 03:26 PM

Here are the tools I used. (at this point side one is done, and side 2 is under way.) I ended up not using the wide putty knife. My 3" one is pretty flexable a more rigid knife would have been handy....

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 03:28 PM

Here they are side by side. (I have not done the second channel yet - I did not have time) I think the slimmer profile looks great. (keep in mind this is for a surround to mount to the wall....)

billbillw · 06-21-2005, 04:05 PM

McLoki,
I don't think you will like the sound with them mounted using the built in keyhole. I had my RT25i mounted like that and the bass was dull/hollow. I now have them mounted using some Btech BT77 mounts.
Link here

Look at my showcase to see what they look like with some Polks mounted. They will allow you to angle/swivel if needed, plus they hold them firmly from the bottom and are SOLID!!! I use a little bluetak to isolate them further. They sound night and day different.

Joey_V · 06-21-2005, 06:39 PM

Can you show pics without the grll?

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 07:13 PM

Here is the single speaker.

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 07:14 PM

Here they are side-by-side.

Airplay355 · 06-21-2005, 08:01 PM

So in the end, was it worth it? It doesn't look like you saved that much space to me...

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Airplay355
So in the end, was it worth it? It doesn't look like you saved that much space to me...

Keep in mind they are not mounted yet (will post pics when they are) but yes, I think it was worth it. It took an 8.5" wide speaker and made it 7" wide - a savings of about 22%.

For my mounting locations, that will make a big difference. (plus I like the slimmer gloss look for the surrounds)

I was careful taking the sides off so I can always remount them if I want to at some point in the future. I think they will stand out a little less than they would have otherwise (the wife requirement) and I am sure the sound will blow away the RM series I was using.

looks like a win/win and I can always go back to the way they were if I want to.

Michael

(BTW - all marks in the pics are either flash or fingerprints - that gloss is gonna be a bitch to keep clean. (glad they are being mounted high...))

McLoki · 06-21-2005, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billbillw
McLoki,
I don't think you will like the sound with them mounted using the built in keyhole. I had my RT25i mounted like that and the bass was dull/hollow. I now have them mounted using some Btech BT77 mounts.
Link here

Look at my showcase to see what they look like with some Polks mounted. They will allow you to angle/swivel if needed, plus they hold them firmly from the bottom and are SOLID!!! I use a little bluetak to isolate them further. They sound night and day different.

Thanks for the tip. I will look into purchasing a set if I decide I do not like the sound the way they are mounted.

A few questions for you though:

How far out into the room do the BT77's extend the speakers (over mounting them with the keyhole)?

Does the arm that comes out from the wall move or just the plate that the speakers are mounted to?

About how far below the plate does the mount extend? (from the bottom of the speaker, how much of the mount can you see?)

I am thinking about using these as mounts for my fronts as well as my surrounds. (when I post pics of my setup, you will understand....)

Thanks for the great tip. I will keep you all posted what I end up doing. (will have to do something because my right surround has to be angled in about 15-20 degrees)

Michael

Joey_V · 06-22-2005, 02:30 AM

Any scratches on the glossy side while you were taking out the wood panels?

billbillw · 06-22-2005, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by McLoki
A few questions for you though:

How far out into the room do the BT77's extend the speakers (over mounting them with the keyhole)?

Does the arm that comes out from the wall move or just the plate that the speakers are mounted to? Maybe 3", not sure exactly though. It depends how you center the speaker on the base/grip. The arm is fixed, the base swivels/tilts.

About how far below the plate does the mount extend? (from the bottom of the speaker, how much of the mount can you see?) Approx 5" total

I am thinking about using these as mounts for my fronts as well as my surrounds. (when I post pics of my setup, you will understand....)

Thanks for the great tip. I will keep you all posted what I end up doing. (will have to do something because my right surround has to be angled in about 15-20 degrees)

Michael

By the way, I thought the LSi7 were you mains. Here you are talking like they are your surrounds. Are they going to be both? Did you look at my showcase? That should give you a good idea since the LSi7 are similar in size to my RT25i. Good luck. Just don't let your wife totally hamstring you on mounting these. You need a little freedom.

McLoki · 06-22-2005, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by billbillw
By the way, I thought the LSi7 were you mains. Here you are talking like they are your surrounds. Are they going to be both? Did you look at my showcase? That should give you a good idea since the LSi7 are similar in size to my RT25i. Good luck. Just don't let your wife totally hamstring you on mounting these. You need a little freedom.

I have been using LSi7's as my mains and I just purchased another set for my surrounds. I purchased them used for a good price just because I was planning to remove the side panels (and wasn't sure it would work). The new set is the ones I was planning to mount on the walls, but if it works out, I may do the same with my fronts. Right now they are not in the best of positions.

For WAF - I just wanted to get them in the room first, then I will worry about better mounting setups..

JoeyV - Glad to say both the speakers and side panels are still in good shape. No scratches at all. The finish must be more durable that I was giving it credit for.

Michael

PolkThug · 06-22-2005, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by McLoki
It took an 8.5" wide speaker and made it 7" wide - a savings of about 22%.

Before - After = Reduction
8.5 - 7 = 1.5

Savings/Original = % Reduced from Original
1.5/8 = 17.65%

Or, you could say the new speaker is 82.35% of the original's width.

fireshoes · 06-22-2005, 10:37 AM

It should be 1.5/8.5 there, smarty.

billbillw · 06-22-2005, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fireshoes
It should be 1.5/8.5 there, smarty.

It was a typo. The math is right though 1.5/8.5 = 17.65%

Vr3MxStyler2k3 · 06-22-2005, 11:37 AM

LSi's look better naked. Night and day difference, not even the same speaker anymore really

Joey_V · 06-23-2005, 01:16 AM

I like the side panels and I like them naked... its a mixed bag for me.

BUT.... I'm glad you got the panels out and you like it this way... TWO THUMBS UP!!

fireshoes · 06-23-2005, 01:45 AM

I like them better with the cherry wood, but it is nice that there are options. At some point I would like to make a pair of maple LSi's.

Dennis Gardner · 06-23-2005, 02:04 AM

Kinda like a properly displayed thong............

As long as what's underneath has a nice fit and finish, I can take it either way.

Airplay355 · 06-23-2005, 01:54 PM

i prefer a smooth glossy finish on whats under thongs as well....

McLoki · 07-15-2005, 12:27 AM

BillW. Just wanted to say thanks for the tip on the speaker stands from Crutchfield. I finally got them in and installed and they look and work great.

Here is a final picture of my right speaker and you can see why 1.5" in speaker width made such a difference in the speaker working for me or not....

Thanks again,

Michael

billbillw · 07-15-2005, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McLoki
BillW. Just wanted to say thanks for the tip on the speaker stands from Crutchfield. I finally got them in and installed and they look and work great.

Here is a final picture of my right speaker and you can see why 1.5" in speaker width made such a difference in the speaker working for me or not....

Thanks again,

Michael

That's cool. I'm glad they worked for you. Someone (Whadyasay) recommended them to me back in March when I was looking for something similar. They are definetly one of the most robust, yet attractive designs out there. They will firmly hold any bookshelf without the need for drilling holes.

Joey_V · 07-15-2005, 05:29 PM

SEXY!!! WOOT!!!

cfrizz · 07-15-2005, 09:37 PM

And well done! If I was the wife I would definately approve!

Cathy

mantis · 08-19-2005, 07:54 AM

I like the look without the side panels on. Nice work

audiobliss · 08-19-2005, 10:33 AM

audiobliss · 08-19-2005, 10:34 AM

Or if you prefer actual input:

Very interesting. Sure is neat you knowing you can take the side panels off; almost like personalization. They sure do look like totally different speakers without them, but they still look just as good as before. Can't decide which I'd prefer.

Looks great in your set-up, McLoki. Congrats!

06-21-2005, 02:41 PM	#1
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	LSi7 - Naked !!!!! Got in my LSi7's last friday and was trying to decide where to mount them. The WAF was pretty low mounting anything larger than the RM series speakers I have now as surrounds. I decided it had to be done and decided to try and pull off the wood sides from the LSi's I just got to make for a slimmer profile mounting them to the wall. (I am currently planning to use the wall bracket built into the lsi7) I have called Polk CS before about this and they thought it would work if I used a wide implment to pry it off with and took my time. The person I spoke with then thought they would still sound very good (like LSi's should) even with the wood removed. (it is still 3/4 mdf with internal bracing - I figure that is all most subwoofers have so I shouldn't have much resonance problems from a 5-1/4 woofer crossed over at 80hz) I called Polk CS again just before I started to pull it off to get their reassurances again before I start and spoke with a different CS rep. The story I got this time was the old series (what I have) used double sided tape to attach the wood, the new series uses glue and the sides will not come off. Even though I have the old series, he still STRONGLY recommended that I not try to remove the sides as he has seen the finish pulled off the speaker due to the strength of the tape used. So much for assurances - Since I will not be able to mount these to the walls in their current state without alot of greif from the wife, I decided to forge ahead. I wrapped a 3" putty knife in an old t-shirt (now shredded) and started to work the putty knife into the corner of the side/speaker. I felt it give way and started working the putty knife around the speaker working it in about 1/4 inch to help loosen the hold of the tape. When I got back to my starting corner, I pushed the putty knife inabout 1" and pulled it back out. (part of the shirt stuck and tore under the wood) I worked the knife in and out about 2/3 of the way around the speaker before the side was loose enough to just pull away. The entire side is gloss black as i had hoped. There are no holes in the sides (also as I had hoped) I worked off the other side the same way and cleaned up the mess. I will post some pics when I get home from work tonight, but let me say, Polk should offer these without sides as an option for surround mounting. It looks absolutely fantastic all in gloss black with the slimmer profile. More with pics later - I have to get back to work..... Michael. __________________ Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry) Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded) Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded) Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune) Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps) Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)

06-21-2005, 02:57 PM	#2
bobman1235 Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Live Free or Die Posts: 7,814	I seem to remember someone having pics of the BIG LSi's naked at some point.... Ah yes, gotta love the search feature : http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/...threadid=27613 __________________ System Pics (updated 2/27/08) Outlaw 950 Pre/Pro / Emotiva LPA-1 7-Ch Amp (thanks criverajr!) Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD / Pioneer DVD-578A Samsung 42" DLP polkaudio RTi70 fronts polkaudio CSi40 center (thanks dorokusai!) polkaudio FXi30 rears polkaudio PSW125 Subwoofer (thanks leroyjr1!) My Webpage

06-21-2005, 03:24 PM	#3
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	Thanks for the link to the naked 15's. That is actually what got me thinking about doing this, but I could not find the post again..... Here is after removing one side.... Attached Thumbnails

06-21-2005, 03:26 PM	#4
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	Here are the tools I used. (at this point side one is done, and side 2 is under way.) I ended up not using the wide putty knife. My 3" one is pretty flexable a more rigid knife would have been handy.... Attached Thumbnails

06-21-2005, 03:28 PM	#5
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	side by side Here they are side by side. (I have not done the second channel yet - I did not have time) I think the slimmer profile looks great. (keep in mind this is for a surround to mount to the wall....) Attached Thumbnails

06-21-2005, 04:05 PM	#6
billbillw Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (20) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Powder Springs, GA Posts: 3,396	McLoki, I don't think you will like the sound with them mounted using the built in keyhole. I had my RT25i mounted like that and the bass was dull/hollow. I now have them mounted using some Btech BT77 mounts. Link here Look at my showcase to see what they look like with some Polks mounted. They will allow you to angle/swivel if needed, plus they hold them firmly from the bottom and are SOLID!!! I use a little bluetak to isolate them further. They sound night and day different. __________________ HT System: Onkyo TX-SR805, Sony SCD-333ES SACD changer, SVS 25-31 PC+ sub, SDA-1C fronts, RT25i sides and rear, CS400i center, Sony KDS-55a3000, Tivo Series3 HD, LG BH200 Bedroom: Denon AVR-3300, Mission M70, Energy S10.2, Panasonic TH-42PZ700u, LG BH200, TivoHD, VPI HW-19mk2/Sumiko FT-3/AT15Sa Desktop/Computer/Headphone Rig: E-Mu 0404 feeding: Entech NC203.2>Little Dot MkV>Sennheiser HD580 OR Accurian Amp>Athena Audition B1.2, +Technics SL-1300/Shure M97xE>DB-8 MM pre

06-21-2005, 06:39 PM	#7
Joey_V Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chitown, IL Posts: 2,003	Can you show pics without the grll? __________________ Joey's College Gear: Current Gear: SB3 -> PS Audio DAC III -> Cary Audio SLP-98Phono Tube PreAmp w/ Sylvania NOS 6sn7 tubes -> Plinius SA102 Class A amp -> Martin Logan SUMMIT/Strata Mini -> Old Gear: Martin Logan Vantage (4.75/5)-ML Mosaic (4.25/5)-Onix Ref1 (3.7/5)-Sonus Faber Concerto (3.5/5)-SF Concertino (3/5)-Axiom M22ti (2.75/5)-Polk LSi9 (3.75/5)-LSi7 (3.25/5)-HK AVR330-Rotel RC1070/RB1070/RB1090-SVS 25-31PC+ sub RUSH Med School 2008!!

06-21-2005, 07:13 PM	#8
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	Here is the single speaker. Attached Thumbnails

06-21-2005, 07:14 PM	#9
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	Here they are side-by-side. Attached Thumbnails

06-21-2005, 08:01 PM	#10
Airplay355 Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 3,687	So in the end, was it worth it? It doesn't look like you saved that much space to me... __________________ SDA 2B Carver m0.5t AMC pre Cobalt Cables

06-22-2005, 02:30 AM	#13
Joey_V Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chitown, IL Posts: 2,003	Any scratches on the glossy side while you were taking out the wood panels?

06-22-2005, 10:37 AM	#17
fireshoes Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: West Des Moines, IA Posts: 3,207	It should be 1.5/8.5 there, smarty. __________________ (¯`·._ (¯`·._-=- Fireshoes -=-_.·`¯) _.·`¯)

06-22-2005, 11:37 AM	#19
Vr3MxStyler2k3 Sid the Kid Member Sales Rating: (21) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NC Posts: 15,664	LSi's look better naked. Night and day difference, not even the same speaker anymore really __________________ Da Rig- Mains- Tyler Acoustics Super Towers Subwoofer- Tyler Acoustics Custom Seas 10" Stereo Subs Amplifier- Odyssey Stratos Extreme Mono Blocks Preamp- Odyssey Candela CD Player- Symphonic Line Vibrato The CD Player Power Conditioner- MIT Z Center Speaker Cables- MIT Shotgun S2 Bi-Wire Signal Cables- MIT Shotgun S2 Subwoofer Cables- MIT AVT 1 Power Cables- MIT Shotgun AC1 (Amps/Pre/CDP) MIT Z Cord II (Conditioner/Subs) Polks are in the truck!

06-23-2005, 01:16 AM	#20
Joey_V Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chitown, IL Posts: 2,003	I like the side panels and I like them naked... its a mixed bag for me. BUT.... I'm glad you got the panels out and you like it this way... TWO THUMBS UP!!

06-23-2005, 01:45 AM	#21
fireshoes Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: West Des Moines, IA Posts: 3,207	I like them better with the cherry wood, but it is nice that there are options. At some point I would like to make a pair of maple LSi's.

06-23-2005, 02:04 AM	#22
Dennis Gardner Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sooner Country Posts: 3,468	Kinda like a properly displayed thong............ As long as what's underneath has a nice fit and finish, I can take it either way. __________________ HT Optoma H31 on 80" DIY Screen Harman Kardon AVR7200 Pioneer Elite DV45A Polk CS350LS Polk SDA1C Polk FX300 Polk RT55 Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz ICs-DIY Twisted Prs Speaker-Raymond Cable 2 Channel Ariston RD40 w/ Grado Cart SACD/CD Marantz 8260 Soundstream/Krell DAC1 Audio Mirror PP1 Odyssey Stratos ADS L-1230 ICs-DIY Twisted Speaker-Raymond Cable

06-23-2005, 01:54 PM	#23
Airplay355 Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 3,687	i prefer a smooth glossy finish on whats under thongs as well....

07-15-2005, 12:27 AM	#24
McLoki Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (5) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 4,813	BillW. Just wanted to say thanks for the tip on the speaker stands from Crutchfield. I finally got them in and installed and they look and work great. Here is a final picture of my right speaker and you can see why 1.5" in speaker width made such a difference in the speaker working for me or not.... Thanks again, Michael Attached Thumbnails

07-15-2005, 05:29 PM	#26
Joey_V Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chitown, IL Posts: 2,003	SEXY!!! WOOT!!!

07-15-2005, 09:37 PM	#27
cfrizz Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 8,610	Very Nice! And well done! If I was the wife I would definately approve! Cathy __________________ Sunfire TGP III PrePro, Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature 405wpc 5 ch. Amp, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Onkyo TA2600 Tape Deck, Pioneer Elite 47-A DVD, Sony 32" XBR TV, Polk RTA-8T Main Speakers, Boston VR-920 Center Channel, Boston PV-600 Subwoofer, Polk DSW 400 Subwoofer, Polk FXi-3Surround Speakers

08-19-2005, 07:54 AM	#28
mantis Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (10) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Pa Posts: 9,548	I like the look without the side panels on. Nice work __________________ Dan My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.

08-19-2005, 10:33 AM	#29
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,061	+1.. __________________ My Saga Equipment Pictures [2CH] Rotel RCD-02 Yamaha KX-W900U Sony ST-S500ES Denon DP-7F Parasound P/HP-850 Parasound HCA-1000A Klipsch RF-35 [In Storage] Yamaha CDR-HD1300 ASL Wave 20 monoblocks Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII [Car System] Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP Memphis 16-MCA3004 Boston Acoustic RC520 Last edited by audiobliss; 08-19-2005 at 10:39 AM..

08-19-2005, 10:34 AM	#30
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,061	Or if you prefer actual input: Very interesting. Sure is neat you knowing you can take the side panels off; almost like personalization. They sure do look like totally different speakers without them, but they still look just as good as before. Can't decide which I'd prefer. Looks great in your set-up, McLoki. Congrats! Last edited by audiobliss; 08-19-2005 at 10:40 AM..

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