Polk LSi9 vs Emotiva ERM-1

[Cheetah]

So I've been set on the LSi9's for quite a while, they have excellent reviews, and I've been able to find them for about $550/pr shipped, however now that I've been looking at the ERM-1's they seem to have good reviews too, and are a little cheaper, though it's hard to find very many reviews on them. The amp they'll be driven with is an Emotiva XPA-3, with a HK AVR-247 as a preamp/surround amp.

The thing of it is, I can only afford to get just the left and right Polks, since the center is so expensive, but with the Emotiva speakers I'd be able to purchase a new center as well. Since I do a lot more 2ch listening than anything, sound quality is most important, but having a new center as well would be nice.

So, any opinions on which to go with?

 

[bigred7078]

So I've been set on the LSi9's for quite a while, they have excellent reviews, and I've been able to find them for about $550/pr shipped, however now that I've been looking at the ERM-1's they seem to have good reviews too, and are a little cheaper, though it's hard to find very many reviews on them. The amp they'll be driven with is an Emotiva XPA-3, with a HK AVR-247 as a preamp/surround amp.

The thing of it is, I can only afford to get just the left and right Polks, since the center is so expensive, but with the Emotiva speakers I'd be able to purchase a new center as well. Since I do a lot more 2ch listening than anything, sound quality is most important, but having a new center as well would be nice.

So, any opinions on which to go with?

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

The LSi9's will definately have alot more bass to them though. The ERM-1's are designed to roll off after 80hz so they need a sub with them. If you dont have a sub or plan on getting one right away i would recommend the Polks.

Both do sound great though.

 

[Cheetah]

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

The LSi9's will definately have alot more bass to them though. The ERM-1's are designed to roll off after 80hz so they need a sub with them. If you dont have a sub or plan on getting one right away i would recommend the Polks.

Both do sound great though.

Well, right now I'm stuck in an apartment with paper thin walls, so bass response isn't terribly important. When I move to a new place in the near future I will be purchasing a sub.

I guess the thing that has me sold on the Polk's is the Vifa ring tweeter, I've heard really good things about it. I've seen that same tweeter on speakers costing $20k.

But I'm no audiophile so if the Emotiva's sound "good enough" it would be nice to be able to get the center too

 

[bandphan]

I guess the thing that has me sold on the Polk's is the Vifa ring tweeter, I've heard really good things about it. I've seen that same tweeter on speakers costing $20k.

just a note, a good driver is a good driver but if the crossover isnt implemented properly it doesnt matter.

others to consider at your budget

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/swan-d2-1se/products_id/69

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/dana-630/products_id/32

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

 

[bigred7078]

Well, right now I'm stuck in an apartment with paper thin walls, so bass response isn't terribly important. When I move to a new place in the near future I will be purchasing a sub.

I guess the thing that has me sold on the Polk's is the Vifa ring tweeter, I've heard really good things about it. I've seen that same tweeter on speakers costing $20k.

But I'm no audiophile so if the Emotiva's sound "good enough" it would be nice to be able to get the center too

paper thin walls or not, bass is an important aspect with SQ. The ERM-1's are just designed to be used with a sub.

And there are several different versions of Vifa ring radiators on the market, the one's in the 20k speakers are most likely the top of the line versions, but also like was stated above, even if they tweeters were the same the crossover network would be very different.

 

[jinjuku]

I would add the Ascend CMT-340 SE for $598 shipped to the mix.

Ask SpeakerMan39 about them.

 

[just listening]

I like Emotiva products, but the ERM-1 isn't anywhere near the same class as the LSi9. I agree with those who have pointed out on the Polk forum that the x-over in the LSi9 doesn't do the Vifa tweeter justice. Matter-of-fact, a well-known upgrader is developing an upgraded x-over for them. Not to mention on the Polk Forum that an x-over design is available.

 

[speakerman39]

I would add the Ascend CMT-340 SE for $598 shipped to the mix.

Ask SpeakerMan39 about them.

I agree here that the Ascend CMT-340SE's should be considered. In fact, I will go on record in saying that they were the best sounding speakers I have owned to date. I would described them as being "just right". That is, not too bright or forward, but yet not too laid-back either. In other words, the 340's are very neutral and natural sounding speakers imho. Many have said the 340's are as good as, if not better than, the Paradigm Studio 40's. That should tell you something.

Now to be honest, I did not care for the Studio 40's myself. I preferred the sound of the Studio 20's, which I have also owned at one time. However, I preferred the 340's over both the Studio 40's and the Studio 20's. They really are that good imho.

It is only fair to mention that I have no experience whatsoever with the Polk LSi9's or any of the Emotiva speakers. Thus, I can not be of much assistance there on that one. However, the 340's will serve your needs well and are more affordable. Did I mention built like tanks? Dave is even offering custom finishes for additional costs, if you are dealing with some sort of a WAF. Anyways, my hope is this post is of some help to the op so that he can make a well informed decision. Good luck!



Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

I like Emotiva products, but the ERM-1 isn't anywhere near the same class as the LSi9. I agree with those who have pointed out on the Polk forum that the x-over in the LSi9 doesn't do the Vifa tweeter justice. Matter-of-fact, a well-known upgrader is developing an upgraded x-over for them. Not to mention on the Polk Forum that an x-over design is available.

Perhaps Polk could learn a few things from Dave Fabrikant. Just look at this beauty:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mtech.html

Now, that is what I call a X-over! Make no mistake the 340's are exceptional speakers.



Cheers,

Phil

 

[croseiv]

I'd like to throw the ERM-6.2 into the mix. It's fantastic sounding speaker.

Here's a shot of its crossover, which really surpirses me for it's price. Awesome sounding speaker.

 

[speakerman39]

I'd like to throw the ERM-6.2 into the mix. It's fantastic sounding speaker.

Here's a shot of its crossover, which really surpirses me for it's price. Awesome sounding speaker.

I would have to agree. Perhaps one day, I will get to hear them. Thanks for the pics!!!! Hope all is well your way.



Cheers,

Phil

 

[Matt34]

I'm actually considering both the ERM 6.2 and the Ascend 340 for my next set of HT speakers. I can get the B-stock 340 with center for about the same price as the 6.2.

 

[speakerman39]

I'm actually considering both the ERM 6.2 and the Ascend 340 for my next set of HT speakers. I can get the B-stock 340 with center for about the same price as the 6.2.

Matt, could you order both set-ups and do a review of them? That sure would be helpful to many here. Then, you can always send one set-up back. I am sure you will like the 340's. Lord knows I sure did.



Cheers,

Phil

 

[Cheetah]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I've decided I'm going to have to find the nearest audio store and audition some of them there if possible, there's just too many options.

@the poster talking about the LSi crossover upgrades:

I've seen a lot about that, seems to be a worthwhile project. That was another thing that attracted me to the LSi's was that I could upgrade the crossovers down the road when I had a little more money.

Lots of speakers to check out now

 

[Harrison476]

AsendCMT-340SE

Perhaps Polk could learn a few things from Dave Fabrikant. Just look at this beauty:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mtech.html

Now, that is what I call a X-over! Make no mistake the 340's are exceptional speakers.



Cheers,

Phil

I agree thats a nice speaker. It looks like its patterned after the Seas: ODIN Style to me with a premium crossover. I sure wish I could listen to this speaker !

 

[speakerman39]

I agree thats a nice speaker. It looks like its patterned after the Seas: ODIN Style to me with a premium crossover. I sure wish I could listen to this speaker !

Yeah, it is an awesome sounding speaker. The Seas drivers are custom made. They sound much better than they look too. Of course, Dave does offer premium finishes. Heck, the X-over itself is a work of art imho. Hope you do get the chance to hear them. I am confident you will be impressed.



Cheers,

Phil

 

[bigred7078]

I'd like to throw the ERM-6.2 into the mix. It's fantastic sounding speaker.

Here's a shot of its crossover, which really surpirses me for it's price. Awesome sounding speaker.

i would definately agree here. The 6.2's have more authority to them than the ERM-1's. The larger woofers really give them the boost in performance i wanted that the ERM-1's don't have.


If budget allows the 6.3's are the sweet spot IMHO. With the added 4" midrange drivers they really are a great speaker. The midrange boost alone is well worth it.

 

[josko]

I like Emotiva products, but the ERM-1 isn't anywhere near the same class as the LSi9. I agree with those who have pointed out on the Polk forum that the x-over in the LSi9 doesn't do the Vifa tweeter justice. Matter-of-fact, a well-known upgrader is developing an upgraded x-over for them. Not to mention on the Polk Forum that an x-over design is available.

What exactly is wrong with the LSi9 crossover? I've been searching over on the polk site, but can't find anything concrete. I have a set of LSi9's, and they sound OK, but now I'm tempted to go mess around with active crossovers. I'm kind of itching to try a DCX2496 or somesuch, and the LSi9 sounds like they'd be a good candidate, but have really no clue where to start. If anyone can fill me in on the LSi9 crossover woes, and/or perhaps point to a DIY active crossover project link, I'd much appreciate it.

 

[TjMV3]

So I've been set on the LSi9's for quite a while, they have excellent reviews, and I've been able to find them for about $550/pr shipped, however now that I've been looking at the ERM-1's they seem to have good reviews too, and are a little cheaper, though it's hard to find very many reviews on them. The amp they'll be driven with is an Emotiva XPA-3, with a HK AVR-247 as a preamp/surround amp.

The thing of it is, I can only afford to get just the left and right Polks, since the center is so expensive, but with the Emotiva speakers I'd be able to purchase a new center as well. Since I do a lot more 2ch listening than anything, sound quality is most important, but having a new center as well would be nice.

So, any opinions on which to go with?

You may want to try and audition the Jamo C603 bookshelf speakers and the Jamo C60 CEN Enter Channel. All three speakers (a pair of the C603 and one C60 CEN) would run you roughly $500.00. The C603 are wonderful sounding speakers and they can handle some very surprising deep bass.


http://www.jamo.com/na-en/products/c-603-description/

Smooth across all the frequencies. I have them and they are a fantastic bargain.

The only caveat is this. They don't have a real wood veneer finish. They come in either black or Dark Apple laminate finishes. But they look very nice. very well done. So if real wood finish aesthetics are important to you, these Jamo's won't be for you.

Just a suggestion.

 

[bigred7078]

What exactly is wrong with the LSi9 crossover? I've been searching over on the polk site, but can't find anything concrete. I have a set of LSi9's, and they sound OK, but now I'm tempted to go mess around with active crossovers. I'm kind of itching to try a DCX2496 or somesuch, and the LSi9 sounds like they'd be a good candidate, but have really no clue where to start. If anyone can fill me in on the LSi9 crossover woes, and/or perhaps point to a DIY active crossover project link, I'd much appreciate it.

honestly if your going to go the active crossover route, build custom speakers that would truly benefit from it.