Best bargain for speaker that can offer top sound

Cheap speaker with HUGE sound, very seriously, Polk LSi 15, with the unbelievable Ring Radiator tweeter. Much discussions to be found in the Audiogon forums on this unit. If you can stand the Polk badge staring at you (and why not?) there are the BEST speakers for around 1K (probably even less) you can find. Real wood, classy looks, great sound, what's not to like for so little money?

Laughed at by snobby hi-fi shops, (would make more expensive speakers a tougher sell), too expensive at their retail price point for Circuit City shoppers, they are a beautifull oddball that are worth seeking out.

Check them out, they put many more expensive speakers to shame.

I once owned (no kidding) some VERY expensive speakers. We are talking the price a new car here. Are the Polks in the same league? Of course not. But up to $ 4,000.00, they ARE in the running, and this is no joke.

Good luck!
Mike

Soniqmike: Thanks for reminding us about Polk LSi 15. We would all do well to remember that our quest is good sound, not snobbery. Well, for many of us at least that's the case, can't speak for everybody. :-)

I would like to know which speakers have you had a chance to compare the LSi 15 with? Woud they be at par with Quad's L line? (Seem to be similarly priced.) With the likes of Salk Veracity HT2, Zu Druid, and similarly priced floorstanders from Tyler, Silverline, GMA? Proacs, Dynaudios?

There is so much overpriced junk out there that and any decent speaker would be better than "many costing a lot more". Such statements ring empty. It would be good to have a concrete reference.

As I said, forget the snob appeal of names, let's just talk sound.

Just so happens my previous speakers were Quad L22. Very, very nice.

In direct comparison (using an Arcam A-85 integrated I had at the time on both the Quad and Polk:

Quad L22:

Softer, more ''romantic'' I guess, forgiving of harsh cd's, it's as if there is this ''warm blanket'' that wraps around every sound Quad makes. A very relaxed midrange. Great finish and attention to detail. Very nice. Cons: Not the most dynamic, sounds congested at medium to high volume levels. Some box colorations that are audible. Will not fill a larger romm with authority the way a Polk Lsi 15 can.

Polk LSi 15

''Huge sound'' with wide and deep soundstage - maybe a function of the high position and quality of the tweeter. Impression that the sound is exceptionnaly fast, quick. Wide dynamics, sounds ''loud'' even at low volumes. Some midrange colorations, but quickly forgotten given the other qualities. Lots of detail. Smart lookers with the glossy black and real wood cherry sides. Looks way more expensive that it is. Nice tall and slim. Speaker grilles are el-cheapo's (don't use them) looks better without anyways.

Note on the amp: The Arcam a-85 was a good match with the quad, and an exceptionnal one with the Polk. The way this amp can trim some frequencies, combined with the lively nature of the Polk made them a perfect pair.

It's definitely a budget combination that will satisfy beyond expectations. Invite your friends an watch their reaction....

B-T-W, Also great results with the Cayin A 88-T, (THE tube amp in this price range) balsy bass came as a surprise with this combination.

Hope this helps.

Using your criterion, and IMHO, the Thiel 3.5's by a long shot, followed by Vandersteen 2's.

Aerial 10T