Best options for new Polk LSiM setup

[Foxrox]

Hi there! New to this forum. Decent knowledge of basic AV stuff but newb compared to most here. Searched but couldn't find detailed enough info.

I just bought the following:
2X Polk LSiM703 (fronts)
1X Polk LSiM702 pair (surrounds)
1X Polk LSiM706 (center)

Please don't hate on my speakers. I know most here aren't Polk fans, but I couldn't ignore the raving reviews from the rest of the internet and my own experience with Polk.

Anyway, I plan to start with a 5.1 setup but may eventually expand, probably to an ATMOS setup. My concern is that my research has led me to believe these speakers are power hungry and will eat up a lot of wattage. It appears that only high-end receivers up the watts per channel, but they also add more and more channels. I don't need 11 channels. I can spend what I need to on a receiver, but I don't want to waste money on overkill. My room is 20 x 35 x 9. Movies and music. I am open to using pre-outs and buying amp(s) as well as a receiver, although I do not have any experience with such a setup. I would rather keep it simple. Please recommend the most reasonable option for my situation.

Thanks!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I don't hate ALL polk product. I think LSi and LSIM are both great speakers series at half of retail prices.
I don't see the .1 ie Sub in your list. Hope it's not Polk. Their subs aren't good even at 1/10 of the retail prices.

As for power - I think you'd be a fool to pass on this deal:
https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01HL8KYAY
If you need moar powah, you could always get external amps and connect using pre-outs.

Also hard to make rec without knowing your budget.

 

[Pogre]

According to Polk's site their specced at 8 ohms and efficiency is 88db, which is pretty good. A good mid-tier avr should have no problem driving them to ear bleeding levels, though that can depend on how far away you'll be sitting too. Definitely get one with preouts. Those that do have them also tend to come with a more channels, features, etc., but if you're thinking of expanding to Atmos you may find the extra channels nice to have and with preouts you can add external amplification if needed/wanted.

Also, I don't see a sub listed. You'll, definitely want one with some muscle for that large room of yours. I suggest a minimum of two 15" subwoofers. 18's would be even better. Since you don't have to break the bank for a receiver, I would definitely focus more funds toward the subwoofers. Look at brands like SVS, Hsu, Rythmik, PSA and a few others. You're speakers are very nice, but Polk is not where I would go for subwoofers.

Also, a budget might help as well as your expectations/usage (spl, movies, music) with suggestions.

 

[PENG]

I don't hate ALL polk product. I think LSi and LSIM are both great speakers series at half of retail prices.
I don't see the .1 ie Sub in your list. Hope it's not Polk. Their subs aren't good even at 1/10 of the retail prices.

As for power - I think you'd be a fool to pass on this deal:
https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01HL8KYAY
If you need moar powah, you could always get external amps and connect using pre-outs.

Also hard to make rec without knowing your budget.

Try this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X3300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01HL8KYAY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501370963&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=denon+avr-x3300w&psc=1&smid=A21759W3TJTNCB
for $599

I don't know why yours show $699

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Try this link:

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/
for $599

I don't know why yours show $699

huh? My link still shows $599, Maybe this price is now only for Prime members?

 

[PENG]

huh? My link still shows $599, Maybe this price is now only for Prime members?

I don't know what's going on, if I click your link it took me to one sold by:
Hatchfields Co. for $699 and it does not say "prime".

Something weird going on with those links, but I got the same result whether I did it on my desktop or my phone. Regardless, I want to make sure the OP know the lowest price at Amazon for a new unit at this moment is $599 and I didn't have to log on to see that price.

I pasted a wrong link though, but you quoted me before I edited it.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

whichever link works - the correct price is $599 and since it's down to 3rd party sellers now, do a bit of homework on which seller is denon authorized.
https://usa.denon.com/us/wheretobuy/dealersearch

 

[Foxrox]

Thanks for the replies! To answer some questions:

That x3300 has been on my radar. Looks like a great deal. I was just concerned that 105w would not cut it. I've read elsewhere that 8ohm with 88% efficiency is not very good and would take 140w+. If the audioholics think it is enough, then I'm quite comfortable with that receiver - and at half the price I thought I might have to spend.

I actually didn't even follow the link. I saw what it was and went straight over to the Amazon app, where it is listed for $599. Thanks for the advice about the seller. The default seller was not an approved dealer, but others that were have it at the same price.

The .1 in my system for now is indeed a psw505 from Polk. I've had it for years and it's always sounded alright to my untrained ears in the cheap surround system I was able to afford in college (Energy take classic). My plan is to upgrade to .2 with some nicer matching subs later on.

My budget now isn't really restricted except by reason. I'm sorry that's not very specific, but for some perspective, there's no way I could reasonably drop $2,500 a piece on the 16" SVS subs on Amazon. My conscience wouldn't allow it, and my wife probably wouldn't either. I could however go for the pair of sealed 12" 500w ones for $1,300 if that will suffice for the system/room. I might even be able to squeeze them in now instead of waiting if I only spend $600 on the receiver. I've always wanted a 15"+ sub to really reach those heart-shaking lows, but the high-end ones from good subwoofer brands are just insanely priced in my view. Perhaps my views will evolve with more time.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You have quite large room. Sealed 12" or even a pair won't cut it in sense that you'd never get chest pounding bass from large explosion on screen.
I agree SVS 16" subs are monsters and they are priced as such. Just like you, if wanted I could buy one, but I can't see myself doing it while I rather invest it or use to prepay mortgage.

PSW505 is ok match for Energy Classic system, but it will be dragging you down badly with your new LSIm speakers.
My suggestion is a pair (or atleast one of these for now) of these :
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk5HP.html
I think that they represent one of best value/performance deals in industry. Alternatives include: https://www.powersoundaudio.com/collections/subwoofers/products/15v

 

[everettT]

Thanks for the replies! To answer some questions:

That x3300 has been on my radar. Looks like a great deal. I was just concerned that 105w would not cut it. I've read elsewhere that 8ohm with 88% efficiency is not very good and would take 140w+. If the audioholics think it is enough, then I'm quite comfortable with that receiver - and at half the price I thought I might have to spend.

I actually didn't even follow the link. I saw what it was and went straight over to the Amazon app, where it is listed for $599. Thanks for the advice about the seller. The default seller was not an approved dealer, but others that were have it at the same price.

The .1 in my system for now is indeed a psw505 from Polk. I've had it for years and it's always sounded alright to my untrained ears in the cheap surround system I was able to afford in college (Energy take classic). My plan is to upgrade to .2 with some nicer matching subs later on.

My budget now isn't really restricted except by reason. I'm sorry that's not very specific, but for some perspective, there's no way I could reasonably drop $2,500 a piece on the 16" SVS subs on Amazon. My conscience wouldn't allow it, and my wife probably wouldn't either. I could however go for the pair of sealed 12" 500w ones for $1,300 if that will suffice for the system/room. I might even be able to squeeze them in now instead of waiting if I only spend $600 on the receiver. I've always wanted a 15"+ sub to really reach those heart-shaking lows, but the high-end ones from good subwoofer brands are just insanely priced in my view. Perhaps my views will evolve with more time.

Not sure who would write the wattage requirement without knowing each owners variables. The concern I ever have with the lsi series is they dip into the 3ohm Range in the critical midrange areas. The 3300 should be OK with that though. As for subs, for HT it's as critical as your front three so don't skimp. Don't look at sub wattage, but third party reviews to verify performance. There are good Subs in the $800 to 1200 Range with really good performance. I wouldnt consider subs from Polk or any other retail manufacturer unless you want to throw your money away.

 

[Pogre]

You have quite large room. Sealed 12" or even a pair won't cut it in sense that you'd never get chest pounding bass from large explosion on screen.
I agree SVS 16" subs are monsters and they are priced as such. Just like you, if wanted I could buy one, but I can't see myself doing it while I rather invest it or use to prepay mortgage.

PSW505 is ok match for Energy Classic system, but it will be dragging you down badly with your new LSIm speakers.
My suggestion is a pair (or atleast one of these for now) of these :
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk5HP.html
I think that they represent one of best value/performance deals in industry. Alternatives include: https://www.powersoundaudio.com/collections/subwoofers/products/15v

Completely agree with the VTF-3 MK5 dual drive package (since I have them too). I have a large room also and they do a very nice job filling it with bass. I think you get the most bang for your buck with Hsu.

 

[<eargiant]

Hi there! New to this forum. Decent knowledge of basic AV stuff but newb compared to most here. Searched but couldn't find detailed enough info.

I just bought the following:
2X Polk LSiM703 (fronts)
1X Polk LSiM702 pair (surrounds)
1X Polk LSiM706 (center)

Please don't hate on my speakers. I know most here aren't Polk fans, but I couldn't ignore the raving reviews from the rest of the internet and my own experience with Polk.

Anyway, I plan to start with a 5.1 setup but may eventually expand, probably to an ATMOS setup. My concern is that my research has led me to believe these speakers are power hungry and will eat up a lot of wattage. It appears that only high-end receivers up the watts per channel, but they also add more and more channels. I don't need 11 channels. I can spend what I need to on a receiver, but I don't want to waste money on overkill. My room is 20 x 35 x 9. Movies and music. I am open to using pre-outs and buying amp(s) as well as a receiver, although I do not have any experience with such a setup. I would rather keep it simple. Please recommend the most reasonable option for my situation.

Thanks!

Sorry I can't help you with AVR's but I have experience with the LSiM 703's in a 2 channel music only set-up. All I can say is, ignore the "brand" haters.

They are very good speakers and NOT just at half the retail price. I had them in my main set-up for over a year. A brand new $750 retail speaker that can easily show them the door? I'm drawing a blank... The closest I've recently come to that price-point is with the Monitor Audio Bronze 2's ($500 retail) and I can tell you that the B2's are toys compared to the 703's.

A few points on the 703's:

I can confirm that they will "open up" when driven with better amplification.

The construction is top notch, fit & finish is excellent. From the binding posts all the way to the grills- high end quality.

They are VERY dynamic and can play loud without breaking a sweat. You will never hear the slightest chuff out of those ports.

The bass output for a stand-mount is surprising. I always said they thought they were small floor-standers!

Midrange is rich & lush. It was probably one of my favorite attributes about them.

The presentation is a bit laid back. I sometimes found them them to be less resolving than what I prefer.

In the end, an excellent stand-mount for music so I'm sure you will enjoy them in your HT set-up. Congrats.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Sorry I can't help you with AVR's but I have experience with the LSiM 703's in a 2 channel music only set-up. All I can say is, ignore the "brand" haters.

They are very good speakers and NOT just at half the retail price. I had them in my main set-up for over a year. A brand new $750 retail speaker that can easily show them the door? I'm drawing a blank... The closest I've recently come to that price-point is with the Monitor Audio Bronze 2's ($500 retail) and I can tell you that the B2's are toys compared to the 703's.

I never heard newer/current LSiM 703, but I did hear and enjoyed the sound of its larger predecessor LSi/9.
As for competition:
At exactly half the price Dennis mini monitors (in vented option) are great option (probably best speaker for the money here if sub is planned for)
Another great option also at half price are HSU CCB-8s
SVS Ultra bookshelf noticeably cheaper has excellent capabilities
At exactly same price of 703's , Larger BMR Philharmonitor wipes the floor with 703s
I could go on.
I'm not Polk hater, I just think that most of Polk products are overpriced, and that includes LSiM series.

 

[<eargiant]

I never heard newer/current LSiM 703, but I did hear and enjoyed the sound of its larger predecessor LSi/9.
As for competition:
At exactly half the price Dennis mini monitors (in vented option) are great option (probably best speaker for the money here if sub is planned for)
Another great option also at half price are HSU CCB-8s
SVS Ultra bookshelf noticeably cheaper has excellent capabilities
At exactly same price of 703's , Larger BMR Philharmonitor wipes the floor with 703s
I could go on.
I'm not Polk hater, I just think that most of Polk products are overpriced, and that includes LSiM series.

If you haven't heard the LSiM's you really can't comment can you? LSi9s they are not.

I like Dennis' work and while I'm sure the Mini's will sound better than the AA's I don't think they will match the dynamics and low end that the 703's are capable of. The 703's are large 3 ways (as seen on the left in the first picture below). I've had both versions of the AA Monitors. The ones to the right in the first picture are the the 1st version. The ones on the left in the second picture are the 2nd version.

While the AA's are voiced nicely, there's no comparison. As there shouldn't be, because the AA's are entry level speakers (drivers & enclosures) that have limitations regardless of how well they are voiced. I'm sure Dennis will agree with this.

I haven't heard the larger BMR Monitor (almost ordered them though) but that's not what you said. You said at "half of retail prices". Either way, I think that the Denon would struggle with the BMRs. IMO it's not going to drive them to their best.

BTW, when I purchased the 703's I actually did pay half price. I jumped on one of their once a year 50% off on LSiM sales. After having lived with them for over a year, I still thought they were worth more than that. Sure, there are a million nice speakers out there. But at $750 retail???? Speakers that can trounce the 703's, not many.








Foxrox, I listened to the the Sonus Faber Olympica I stand-mounts (not pictured @ ~ $6k) on TOTL McIntosh separates and they reminded me of the LSiM's I had. Not to shabby if you ask me. If that's the presentation that speaks to you, the LSiM's are better than some would lead you to believe.
Enjoy your LSiM's!


Check this out-

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/polk-audio-lsim707-loudspeaker/


"A few snooty local audiophile associates experienced the LSiM707s (albeit with the Polk logos hidden from view) in my full ARC system. When asked to guess the cost of the mystery component, they estimated between $10-$20k, a conclusion spurred on by my spinning of well-known audiophile favorites. After the guinea pigs became convinced they were listening to $20k speakers, I finally dropped the bomb by informing them the Polks fetch $3,995 for the pair. Consider the so-called experts successfully duped."

Jeff Dorgay

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help if I can.

 

[Foxrox]

So that pair of Hsu VTF-3 MK5's is definitely tempting. The price is high but seems reasonable for such a large, powerful, and high-quality sub. Thank you for the suggestion. I am pretty sure I'll be adding those to my system, if not now then later.

As for the receiver, I'm still on the fence. That x3300 is clearly a great buy at $600, and by all accounts is a great piece of equipment, but I'm worried I'm sacrificing too many features and watts. I don't want to have my speakers underperforming because I skimped. Eargiant, how many watts do you push to your 703s? Anyone have any other recommendations for a receiver that I might be missing in my research? There appears to be a huge price jump for any brand going up a tier from the x3300. The Denon 4300 or Yamaha 2060 for example. Nearly double that 3300 on sale. Ugh!

 

[lovinthehd]

So that pair of Hsu VTF-3 MK5's is definitely tempting. The price is high but seems reasonable for such a large, powerful, and high-quality sub. Thank you for the suggestion. I am pretty sure I'll be adding those to my system, if not now then later.

As for the receiver, I'm still on the fence. That x3300 is clearly a great buy at $600, and by all accounts is a great piece of equipment, but I'm worried I'm sacrificing too many features and watts. I don't want to have my speakers underperforming because I skimped. Eargiant, how many watts do you push to your 703s? Anyone have any other recommendations for a receiver that I might be missing in my research? There appears to be a huge price jump for any brand going up a tier from the x3300. The Denon 4300 or Yamaha 2060 for example. Nearly double that 3300 on sale. Ugh!

The difference in amps among avrs in this range is very minor, within a dB or so, maybe 2. The 3300 has preouts to allow you to add an external amp if you want to add more significant power, which you'd have to do with even the 4300 or 2060 if you need to with the 3300....