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

I own the Polk Audio LSi9's and use them with a JW modded Museatex DAC and transport, with decent amplification they can do things that many other speakers in their price point simply cannot. They do tend to shock people when you listen to them. From what I understand Polk Audio tried really hard to bring back an "Audiophile" speaker trying to appeal to a forgotten market when they shifted more downmarket.

The reason their such a secret imho has more to do with distribution networks and not really quality of speaker. Most of the dealers that carry these speakers focus on price rather then quality and usually don't have the quality electronics to really show people what their capable of. I have heard from a person in the industry that remarked the LSi15's embarrassed a number of higher end offerings from B&W, Krell and Thiel 3yrs ago at CES. During that demo I think the LSi's were using all Ayre electronics. Again not the kind of electronic's you'd find at most dealers showrooms who carry Polk Audio.

YES THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL. Real glad to see that this line is getting some of the visibility it deserves.

I have owned these speakers for 2 years, and purchased them in part because of that 2002 Golden Ear award from Absolute Sound on the LSI 15, and partly because ( I admit it!) of their classy looks. I sincerely think that the LSI 15’s are a steal, the best of the LSI series (surpassing the LSI 25 IMHO, and are way under priced. They smoke my previous ‘’ almost $ 4,000.00’’ (name withheld to protect a well-established and much-respected brand...) previous speakers in the area of imaging , mids, and top-end refinement. Their downside is mainly this : They suffer from lack of ‘’audiophile grade’’ prestige, and this is their ONLY flaw at this price point. Polk is one of the larger companies out there and they have finally come out with a line to get the most of their R&D.

To their credit, it is a hard challenge to manufacture affordable speakers that sound good. That’s what they did with their current ,’Circuit City type’ products.

However, for once, they put the same objectives in an ‘’no-excuses’’ design with the LSI series. The results are even more impressive. I would have to spend 3 times the price, in my opinion, to better them, and then not necessarily on every parameters.

So yes, they are ‘’the real deal’’, but for real folks only. If you need boutique prestige brands, look elsewhere! The LSI-15 should satisfy even jaded audiophiles. I hear the recent upgraded lacquer finish and real wood cabinetry makes these even better looking.

Too bad that Polks are only available in chain stores – that in turn do not carry this more expensive LSI line because high-end audio is not their typical market.....Polk, if you are reading this – Get in the specialty stores or sell direct ( but keep the price reasonable will you? !)

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...

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.

LSI 15....what type of amplifier / preamp or integrated would work best with this speaker ?

Thanks!