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Polk Audio LSi 15 - are these the REAL DEAL ???

I just came back from a friend's listening room where he has a nice set-up. Some megabuck amplifiers and digital front end, and for speakers, I had not noticed the manufacturer, but I assumed they were the ''esoteric, expensive kind''. After 20 minutes, he left the room to answer the phone, I stood up to check what the speakers were.What's this? Holy smokes ! POLK AUDIO LS i15 !!! I was floored by the sound, but more by the fact that a Polk speaker could find it's way into such ''high end'' company.

They sure sounded good, no make that excellent, but is it because of the excellent surrounding components or are they simply a well-kept secret ?

I am very much interested in hearing if others have also found these speakers to be good sounding for the money and if they really belong in a high-end system, or is the combination I heard just a fluke?

Any input will help as I'm looking for speakers right now, thanks all !
audiokicks45ee
audiokicks45ee OP
20 posts
 
Ok my mind is made up! I'M getting the LSI 15 ! Just back from a business trip where I had a chance to take some time off to go for an audition (no used LSI 15 available on audiogon, unfortunately, they seem scarce).

I had the opportunity to do some critical listening of the LSI 15 against the LSI 25. Not the best setting, I may add. The LSI 25 is a fine speaker, but I think the LSI 15 is a more neutral and coherent speaker. It is the more accurate speaker in my opinion. I am paying almost full retail for mine, but what can I say, they are worth every penny, and I'M buying them with a smile. I hope I won't get too many laughs for buying a ''Polk Audio'' speaker ( I can just hear them...) It's a no brainer for me, and I can afford more expensive gear but I see no reason for paying more. They truly are excellent for the money.
Thanks for all the replies, this is a great site to share ideas and experiences. I hope they will sound as good in my home...
lush
262 posts
 
AudioKicks, take that money you saved on the speakers and buy the best electronics you can afford for them. Every single upgrade you do from now on, you'll hear with those speakers. As for people laughing at you, pay no attention, or better yet...if it still bugs you let them come over for an audition.

My Uncle owns $8k Oskar Kithra's with Blue Circle amplification and Sony ES source, his jaw dropped when he heard my modest setup with those speakers, the speakers are actually the cheapest part of my equation, but he stuttured the words Polk, a few times. Even a few dealers that have heard them don't deny there a stunning value, its that stimga which makes them hard to sell, that and the fact that some yahoo could come walking over from Circuit City and ask for a crazy discount.
audiokicks45ee OP
20 posts
 
LSI 15....what type of amplifier / preamp or integrated would work best with this speaker ?

Thanks!
lush
262 posts
 
YBA Passion
SimAudio i-7
Classe CAP 151
Portal Panache
Blue Circle N series

among others
audiokicks45ee OP
20 posts
 
Lush,

Pairing LSI 15 speakers, I guess you are just recommending these amps because there are pretty good, I am actually hoping to hear from actual experiences of using electronics with these amazing speakers. I agree that all of the above amps are outstanding, save the Moon product - Moon gear never did it for me sonically.
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