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

Say the words "Polk" amidst a hifi crowd and prepare to be given a duncecap or in some extreme cases - whippings.

Ok, so maybe it is not that dramatic, duncecap’s are only given half of the time. Bottom of the line is that the LSi series was and still is a very well built, great sounding series that continues to offer solid value in the market. The LSi series has also managed to stay under the radar for 5 years now. Recent representation in the chain Tweeter has given this half a decade series some exposure and finally, people are starting to get a chance to know that these products exist.

Unfortunately, Polk has a stigma in hifi (be it car audio or home audio) and many people will listen to the name first. Secondly, the LSi series truly requires very specific positioning and high tone electronics many (mostly salesmen) would think un-necessary for a speaker of their price range. While it is great to see Polk’s series being exposed, there are still issues of people getting half-way decent demo’s. This is certainly an instance that Polk does not stand alone in, and is the price of mass exposure.

Yes, Virginia, they are the ‘real deal’.

I talked with one of the heads at Polk Audio, off the record. In Canada at least, they had presented the entire line to many independants. The number 1 response given upon listening? "These are great speakers, tremendous value...but if I carry these, B&W will yank there line from my store". Politics play a big part. It could be considered Polk Audio's own fault when they decided to sell more downstream and leave many independants out to hang many years ago with the SDA's.

LSi 15, the continuing story! I feel that Lush has some perfectly valid points about the Politics of Audio. I personally know of a strong Totem dealer who had to get rid of QUAD'S L series loudspeakers for one main reason.

Whenever a potential buyer would audition any of the QUAD offerings (mainly the 21L and 22L), it would make for a harder sell to spend the extra green for a Totem product. This does not make Totems any less of a speaker, but speaks volumes for QUAD value.

I am absolutely convinced that if the LSi found it's way in High-End Audio Snob Shops, it would be exaclty the same story. The LSi series would hold its own agains twice-the-price comptetition, and smoke a few in the process. Someone in this forum mentionned that for a bit more money ($300.00?) he gladly went for a B&W 704. It is a fine speaker indeed, and all a matter of taste...but for my taste at least, I feel that the 704 is very expensive...

I think this Polk Audio LSi series, along with the ''L'' series from QUAD, deserve better exposure. But let's face it, it will never happen. At least for Polk - imagine, a Polk speaker next to a B&W, JM Lab or Sonus Faber speaker - in the the SAME ROOM !! Rags do not hang out with the riches in Audioland...except when clearly identified as budget gear, and placed in the ''lifestyle'' corner of the shop alongside the theatre-in-a-box systems and Bose wave radios. Too bad, dealers (and manufacturer's reps) might learn a thing or two about going back to just plain having fun with audio, instead of this *%$@/?? analyzing the ''sound'' all the time. Tapping your feet because it sounds good without having to break the bank, and getting connected with the music and the artists are the only way to go, in my book !!!! I'm open to comments here, tell me I'm wrong on this one!

There are a few factors that come into play here.

First of all, Polk Audio is a fantastic company that unfortunately carries virtually no respect in the hi-fi world. Lush listed just one of many reasons why that is so. I have asked numerous dealers on why they would not carry Polk’s Lsi line, and the answer is the same harmony; “Because…, its Polk”.

Very few manufacturers actually demand or request a dealer to drop another line if they are to bring in their own. This is almost always up to the dealer, whether they want to admit it or not. Of course, every manufacturer expects a dealer to bring in worthwhile business, some very few even setting stipulations per year. The question is can that dealer satisfy all manufacturers that he represents? If not – then something has to give and something has to be dropped. Dealers may claim they ‘had’ to drop a certain line to bring in another – which can sometimes paint a mis-leading picture.

It all just comes down to the bottom line and ole fashioned business. It is up to the dealer to listen to his/her customers and to provide them with different exciting options that feed the craze. Any dealer with their salt will try different avenues and never lose sight of what they are doing and the difference they make in peoples lives…, but its ultimately up to the customers to keep the flow going, to control demand and to make demand.

Anyway, back to the LSi series. This is certainly an admirable series that is one of the many under-appreciated products in this hobby. I am glad to see you (audiokicks) and many others have discovered them and can hopefully expose them to others as opportunities present themselves.

Rumadian, you are right on the money here. After all is said, it is up to the dealer. How many are truly listening to clients out there ? A few I'm sure, but for the most part, they are elitist and look at you the wrong way if you do not speak ''their'' language. I have been around, and owned obscenely expensive gear myself, but it's all personal. I would never judge on ones knowledge - or lack of- the audio scene. Again, most of them would never carry Polk Audio. And this is pretty stupid as this should be a business decision, as these babies should sell well, especially if you can A-B them with other, more expensive speakers that the store carries. - I would surely carry this line if I was a dealer - if only to make it more affordable to get a whole new group of potential audiophiles, in this great hobby. Then, if they liked it, they would be back for cables, cd players, you know, the works. And with the Polk LSi series, many would stop right there and be done with it for speakers and just enjoy the music. Not a bad scenario if you asked me, because there are so many other opportunities to spend in audio it's not even funny. Sure there are good dealers. The one close to my place ? Never a smile, and they follow you around as if you were about to steal something...so much pressure.Sooo unpleasant. On the other hand, this very situation makes Audiogon a welcomed and justified place in audiophilia. It's not all bad after all.