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Von Schweikert VR2 vs Polk Audio LSi15

Forgive me, I've probably made 10 posts in the last 2 months about what if's and such. For the most part this forum has been helpfull. I've really come to narrow down my speaker choices. As it stands right now my current setup is

Polk Audio LSi9
SimAudio Moon i-5080
Museatex DAC (full upgrades ala John Wright)
Museatex Transport (Was John Wright personal transport as of 6months ago

What I'm considering. A move to a fuller range speaker. I love the airy mids and openness of the Polk Audio LSi9's, I'm considering Polk Audio LSi15's to help in the bottom end. They're up against the VR2's, I have no local dealer but I'd be buying used and a few close sources have told me they offer a more lively presentation to rock music (which I listen to a great deal of).

Either speaker would be powered by the i-5080, with an upgrade to a Classe' CAP 151 or something of that ilk within 6months. My musical tastes include Radiohead, Massive Attack, Jet, Bjork, White Stripes, The Clash, Alice In Chains, Pulp, Nirvana...I hope I'm painting a clear picture.

What I'm afraid of most is harshness, something I hve none of with the LSi Vifa ring tweeter as of right now. What I'm looking for is a more resolved bottom end, deeper, wider. I'd like to hear and feel more of the kick drum when listening to rock by Jet, White Stripes, Alice In Chains, Nirvana. Without losing the openness in the mid range. So if I could I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Again, thanks...I know I've sure used up my time on this forum.

ps Ffonton I've tried emailing you, I'm dying for your thoughts.

Cheers
lush
opalchip
355 posts
 
If you like the sound of the speakers you have, why not just spend the money on a nice used REL sub? The LSi9's with a top quality sub would certainly be a better set up than just the LSi15's alone. As far as I know, the 15's are just a pair of 9's built on top of a side-firing, fairly useless, 8" sub.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Based on the type of music you've indicated that you listen to, I would think the Polk's are a good idea. I favor the Von Schweikert's, but I think they excel over the Polk in tonal accuracy, which isn't such a big deal if you don't listen to a lot of acoustic (read jazz, classical) material. The Polk's will win in dynamics and slam. Good speakers, the Polk's.

In the same price range, I've seen the Gallo's raved. Maybe you should consider them, as well. With the powered bass unit, they are supposedly truly full range.

Cheers.
lush OP
262 posts
 
Tfkaudio, I thank you for your thoughts. It's funny because I've heard exactly the opposite from many others who felt the LSi presentation was much smoother and detailed but gave up on dynamics to the VR2's, who project more of a lively soundstage.
skuras
55 posts
 
the VR2s are fantastic speakers - i owned a pair for about two years. i listen to EXACTLY the same music that you do; i've probably listened to every CD you listed on my old pair of VR2s. i'm not really skilled with all of the audiophile techno-babble, but i can tell you that almost every day i kick myself in the pants for selling these speakers. in fact, the reason i saw your thread is because i've been looking at buying another pair!

the VR2s are easy to drive, and they let go of the music amazingly well. "electrostatic like ease" is the way i heard them described before. for $1400 used, you can't go wrong. you will not be disappointed - i guarantee it.
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