Polk Audio legend L200s Vs LSim 703s Music Test | Battle of the Bookshelves

[@idrissarabo5737]

i like the 703 better it sounded fuller and more open

[@TahoeNevada]

Even through my crappy ass TV speakers, I can hear a difference. L200s for the win.

[@user-gs4oi1fm4l]

L200s I could hear a lot more texture around the notes and the 703s had a punchier sound. Very cool comparison!

[@pickyaudiophile]

I recently upgraded my LSiM 707s with a set of Aperion Audio "Aluminum Ribbon Super Tweeter"s. I can warmly recommend to all LSiM owners. These tweeters do exactly what you may miss from the LSiM's ring radiators which were designed now one decade ago: adding exactly the resolution and spaciousness needed the LSiM tweeter falls short of. ......I know how things work....if you grabbed your LSiMs at a sale bargain price you may start to look around for alternatives in a year or so, which would then economically undermine your LSiM smart buy of 2019. Refrain from swapping soon again and upgrade for less than 600 bucks in exchange for, let's say, 6 more years of satisfaction. That's my recommendation.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I absolutely 1000% agree. I had the same thoughts and now I own the 705s and the same super tweets and yes it fixes my only complaint. You will not get "better" without spending over $3000+. Even DIY will be hard to be better. From what I understand the CSS criton 2dx are close to on par but not better. I was looking at parts express Solstice and now I'm thinking that won't be better either.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I agree. I did the same thing

[@SpikeoutBattleStreet]

It's hard to tell which is better and by how much through youtube but it's seem to me that the L200s has a more linear frequency response and louder bass. However, given the price difference, I'd prefer the 703s.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I bought the lsim 705s, added aperion super tweeters on top, and bi amp. I'm more than happy Btw.. I like the 703s better than the l200 in this demo

[@geojustgeo3219]

I prefer the L200's. I own the 703's and i watched this video using them and my eyes closed. It was a clear difference to me. The 703's bass was more bloated while the L200's was smoother. The 703's sounded more muffled compared to the L200's. The L200's sounded very clear, more pronounced. I could hear more of the small details in the tracks with them. I'm not big on music and with the price difference i would go with the 703's. However, it's clear that the L200's are for serious music enthusiasts who have a bigger budget, and in that aspect they are the clear choice. When you do your movie demo can you include a Transformers clip plz? I'm curious how those intricate transforming effects will sound. Just off this demo i can imagine they'll sound phenomenal! Appreciate all the work you're putting into your review. This should def help you get more gear in for review. Keep it up!

[@Kpaceguy]

I greatly appreciate the compliment and I'm very glad people are benefiting from the reviews. Its my first time sitting down and really reviewing a speaker so I hope I'm doing well!

[@L0st-n0found]

Funny exact opposite seems true 7:27-7:37 you can clearly hear in that transition 703 to 200 that the 200 are basically lifeless I mids and trebel and bass is not as engaging. To me the 200 sounds horrible in Comparison.

[@williammiebach1798]

First, thanks for the comparison demo and thanks for using acoustic and choral music (Bach's cello sweet, no less). It's not that often used in sound demo's snd it's so telling of a speakers overall balance, if driver transition is seemless, and how natural it's textural quality is. The reggae was cool and telling as well. I appreciated your insightful observation of what you heard in the Battle Hymn also. I also prefered the R200, and think it's smoother overall and bass is tighter, but it's a touch more dry sounding. A two way design is slightly less complex and tricky to achieve smoothness with, than a three way one, of course. To me the midrange of the 703's sounds a bit forward from the rest of it's range, and drew some attention to itself, wich lessened the illusion of a live listening experience. I have heard the R100's as well, and although they have slightly less bass, and are better in smaller rooms, I may prefer their midrange balance even to the R200's. Thanks again.

[@Kpaceguy]

Thank you for watching

[@lesmatthews459]

I would get the 703's. I've listened twice and can't hear much of a difference. For my ears they sound almost the same. To me - they are an example of deminishing return. Not that much improvement for an extra $1000.

[@13bcoffee]

Used a pair of studio monitors to listen to this. The 200s were the clear winner. More clarity and more musical. But at $1800 per pair, that gives me pause for sure. That's because the 703s have dropped from that price all the say down to $780 per pair. I think that I would be happy with either. Right now I have a set of A3's and A7's. Time for me to step up ..

[@008unbeliever]

I didn't hear that much of a difference between the two, The L200s seems to have a better control of the bass. It really is subjective. I would be happy with the 703s.

[@kevinlabrum8539]

I listened to this comparison through Sony 1000XM3 noise canceling headphones. On the reggae, the difference for me was almost imperceivably. I couldn't even hear the change unless I was looking at the video. On the classical music, I liked the Lsim better, it sounded more accurate, and cleaner. On the men's chior music, the L200's sounded brighter. The L200's would be my pick there. Did you do any SPL testing to see if the volume was the same between the two speakers? I wonder if the Lsim is a little harder to drive and so is quieter. I have looked at their measured performance under frequency response testing. What I see in those tests is that the Lsim has a flatter frequency response across the frequency spectrum so its more neutral whereas the L200's have some coloring towards the high end of the frequency spectrum so they sound a bit brighter. In my mind, that is the primary difference between the two in terms of sound profile. The specifications suggest the Lsim 703's have the lower frequency response. If you find brighter speakers more appealing then go L200, and if you prefer that more accurate ruler flat response, or relaxed sound then the Lsim 703's should be your pick. You might also consider your music listening preferences. If you listen to classical music, then I would say you want that flatter response and should go with the 703's. If you listen to dynamic and energetic music, and like your music to sound brighter and more dynamic, then a brighter L200 should be your pick. I'm not convinced that the L200's are better speakers, its more a matter of preference. I think rather, Polk came out with a speaker that is cheaper to make than the Lsim line that has comparable performance. I thought both have a really great sound profile and would be satisfied with either of them. I personally prefer the accuracy of the more neutral Lsim 703 but I can see where the brighter speaker would be appealing, especially for women's voices. Brighter speakers really make them sparkle.

[@kloop64]

I'm revisiting this after commenting 2 years ago. I'm listening with an okay set of earbuds, but they're no substitute for being in the room. Your description of bass response agrees absolutely with what my ears hear. The 200s killed it. However, in my ears, the 703s sounded more sibilant and had possibly more imaging at the mid-to-high end. I wonder if your microphone is a bottleneck, preventing the stereo nuance. I really enjoyed the video. Thank you for keeping it moving along. Your edits are appreciated.

[@Kpaceguy]

Thank you for coming back to watch!

[@alfredoltinocol]

I just bought the 707´s so I´m trying not to be biased, but I like the sound of the 703s better. It sounds fuller, deeper...Thx for the comparison

[@Kpaceguy]

My pleasure

[@raj6338]

Great review thank you for your hard work. I didn't think it would go this way but I'm leaning towards the 703s. It may be my headphones are lacking to pick up the details as well.

[@newton5954]

703s for sure fuller more full body sound

[@pjo1964]

An EQ would totally fix any differences you're hearing, but i know some people feel EQ is taboo.

[@lesmatthews459]

Forgot to mention. Your fake ending got me!! I'm saying "what?" no comments? That's weird!! Good one!! LOL!!

[@Kpaceguy]

That's hilarious

[@bmccollneb1]

I'm curious what speaker stands you used on the L200 and 703? They both have large bases.

[@Kpaceguy]

No idea. Probably vivo

[@castle1925]

I listened on some flat studio monitors, and the L200 sounded flatter than the 703, which had a pronounced resonance in the midrange between 400-600 Hz. If you are listening on regular hifi speakers or phones, you might not catch this. This resonance is usually due a phase problem, not the frequency response at one meter.

[@Firebottleman]

The 703s stage more, and the L200s a more true to tone. It really depends what you're into. I'm usually a staging fanatic, but this time, it's the L200s all day long. Thanks for this comparo.

[@Kpaceguy]

Thanks for watching

[@hdtv175]

How do you think I will connect these speakers to the back?

[@scorchwhammin]

I own the Lsim 703’s and I couldn’t hear that great a difference between the two…maybe the L200’s are a little more forward and slightly cleaner sounding in their presentation..I will say the tweeter does sound a little better in the L200, but not by much IMO..if Polk offered a good deal on the L200’s, would I change out…maybe…;-)

[@donbustoarigato2997]

Newer Polks have more air. Older 703s have more weight. It's partly physics, bigger, heavier cabinets win the low end battle. Add a sub and the 200s are fine! Unless you prefer a warmer speaker, then go 703s. New 200 tweeters, again, airy, cleaner.

[@dennisduran8500]

I just bought some LS I M 703s and I don't see how the 200s can sound any better. I bought the midnight mahogany and thought I would see real mahogany veneer but no! It's just painted super dark satin mahogany color. Very disappointed. It would've looked nice with a high gloss mahogany color.

[@phrosda]

Id go 703 as well based on this

[@carlosportis3843]

Can you compare the polk audio lsi 25 verses polk audio lsim 707?

[@terryreese663]

Seems that the 200's have better treble extension while the 703's have much better upper midrange. Both seem comparable in the bass output. 200's seemed more "spatial". Maybe better crossover network. Over all I think the 703's have it for me.

[@bigjay1970]

I prefer 703 by a lot atleast on youtube!🤯🤯🤯🙄🙄🤓🤓🤪

[@net_news]

same here!!! I prefer the 703s by miles!!

[@tfk40]

703's all day. Much more open and realistic.

[@nyccrcsx]

Would a 120 watts a channel stereo reciever enough power for the Polk 703s

[@Kpaceguy]

Yes if it's a true 120 watts

[@nyccrcsx]

Kpaceguy what do you mean ? It’s says rated at didn’t see any other numbers for it and would pick the 703s I think the mid driver helps with the sound

[@Kpaceguy]

@@nyccrcsx some receivers rated power is exaggerated. Usually in home theater receivers. Stereo receivers are better about it so if the ratings are true then you'll be fine. A good way to know if it's a true spec is to look on the back panel and it'll tell you it's power consumption. If that number is under 240 or right at it then you're surely not getting 120 per channel

[@nyccrcsx]

Kpaceguy it’s says on box 2 channel 240 watt stereo reciever it’s harman kardon 3770

[@Kpaceguy]

@@nyccrcsx yeah this is fine to power your 703s no problem

[@pjo1964]

I wanna compare B&W 606 to 703. I have the 606 but ill probably buy the 703 anyway...lol

[@larrybscott8145]

The L 200s have a cleaner sound but the 703‘s have a fuller Sound it’s a personal preference but for me I don’t think the L 200s are worth $1000 more

[@TuneHead]

Man, don't know what you where listening to but I liked the older pair. Oh ya. I'm listening on "TABLET SPEAKERS" so..... I can't compare. The newer model was to bright. And the older pair, I thought, caught more ingredients in the second song. As always, Listen deep.

[@Kpaceguy]

A lot of people liked the 703s more based off this video

[@TuneHead]

Ha. Ingredients = instruments. Damn big thumbs.👍

[@thyroidnodule]

Agree, 200 a bit too bright and cold.

[@isiso.speenie5994]

How can you hear through that stocking cap , Bro ? LoL 😆

[@Kpaceguy]

You should see how many I have in total

[@isiso.speenie5994]

You can't find the LSiM703's now. No one will sell for less than $700 each now that they are discontinued for a better profit margin piece in these inflationary times !

[@Kpaceguy]

They are still top tier. Should of kept them!

[@pd5826]

The MSRP's: 703's @$1,499 & L200's $1,799 8-years apart. The $1,500 of the 703 released in 2011 would be $1,701 in 2019 when the L200 was released, making it only a +$98 dollar difference for the L200s. But the L200's did benefit from 8-years of additional technological improvements. In this video through my headphones, I like the sound of the 703s, I've never heard the L200's in person but do own the 703s.

[@isiso.speenie5994]

@@pd5826 Don't understand , you said that you listen to the 703s in your headphones ?

[@pd5826]

@@isiso.speenie5994 - through my headphones, in this KZbin video, the 703s sound better than the L200's.

[@winfield347]

Can you play some r l Boyce on them please.

[@erikcarpio1956]

Does it justify 1k more ? Mm to me it does not. Ls200 by very little.

[@DKLGalactus5]

want to give you thumbs up but it will add this video to my music like videos, but thumbs up. very detailed.

[@Kpaceguy]

Lol it's the thought that counts right

[@kohnfutner9637]

I don't feel like the music used helped me reach a conclusion. I noticed a difference in that the 703 sounded more open/immersive in the midrange but the l200 had a more neutral sound but may be thin with pop or rock music.

[@Kpaceguy]

I wouldn't too much look into it through a KZbin video. Especially since what you're hearing are YOUR speakers

[@kohnfutner9637]

@@Kpaceguy I understand you but I could hear a difference but I don't know how that translates into the music I generally listen to. I think I like the l200 better. I used Sennheiser hd600 headphones. Thanks for the video.

[@Kpaceguy]

@@kohnfutner9637 Thanks for watching

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

@@Kpaceguy then why would you do this comparison when all we're hearing is OUR speakers?

[@Kpaceguy]

@@jolkraeremeark6949 I'll link you to a video that answers that very question

[@tripn4days]

Buy what if I'm listening to this A/B on my LSiM 703s? 😅

[@pickyaudiophile]

Hi. With regard to the Aperion aluminium tweeters, it's quite straightforward, just put them on top of the LSiMs, connect them in parallel with them (- 2dB connector = my preference), set crossover switch to 8 kHz position and you're ready to go...

[@V1ralB1ack]

I prefer the l200. Yes the 703 has more bass and that adds fullness. It is a 3 way but the sound is less musical at times and the treble isn't right. I think someone mentioned an aperion tweeter fixes that. I'd rather get the l200 with a sub.

[@kloop64]

I own the 703s. I do find that the tweeter shouts at you a bit.

[@kloop64]

To my ears the L200s sound much, much better. This is unfortunate because I own the LSiM 703s. Ah well. I’m not dropping the kind of dough needed to get the L200s. I’ll live with the 703s

[@rosemary5181]

❤️👍🏻

[@dtowntke]

L600 vs r11 ?

[@Kpaceguy]

There's no comparison. Totally different classes

[@regorsanera2052]

703 way better..

[@erikcarpio1956]

I just bought the Floor-standing 705 cuz at the price tag I can afford it. 699 each. I am nervous waiting for them. They come tomorrow. Uff 😅

[@Kpaceguy]

You'll love it

[@erikcarpio1956]

Thank you. I am new to this and learning a lot from videos like yours. Now, I have the Sonos Sub. Should I pair it with the 705s? My living room area is small. I want the 705 for music and I know they go really low. Sonos goes to 25hz

[@Kpaceguy]

@@erikcarpio1956 those speakers are probably just as loud as that sub lol. I'd upgrade your sub if money permits

[@erikcarpio1956]

Kpaceguy any recommendations to a sub ? I thought Sonos was good lol. I told u I m new to this

[@Kpaceguy]

@@erikcarpio1956 it's meant to be paired with other Sonos equipment. It won't keep up with the 705s

[@bradhuskers]

Question for you. Bose invented the waveguide technology some 30 plus years ago. Everyone makes fun and bashes Bose. Now, polk klipsch, etc..etc...are all using waveguide technology. Very very interesting.

[@Kpaceguy]

True. But where's the question? Haha

[@bradhuskers]

@@Kpaceguy Well, I guess I am curious as to why so-called audiophiles make fun of and insult Bose. Trust me, I am well aware that there are much higher end speakers out there that are much better than Bose. But Bose does make some nice speakers, surround sound systems, headphones, and car audio systems as well. So why do a lot of so-called audiophiles, continue to hate on Bose? I always found that obsession quite weird.

[@Kpaceguy]

@@bradhuskers they used to have a reputation of making very very expensive speakers that performed half as good as other companies for much less money.

[@bradhuskers]

@@Kpaceguy I know. They've had some misfires and downs thru the years. But sometimes they make some really good stuff. Thru the years, I've experienced some of their best products. The problem is that there's a group out there thats literally obsessed with bashing bose. I find that very curious to say the least. And these "obsessed" so-called audiophiles, tend to lie and make stuff up even. One time, this guy who claimed to be an audiophile, said he went to a best buy, listened to the bose surround sound system and a much cheaper Sony surround sound system. He actually Said the Sony was light years better!!! LMFAO I went to best buy to hear for myself. And that's when I knew that these "bose haters" were indeed mentally unstable! The Sony system sounded like pure crap on movies AND ESPECIALLY music!! This was 10-12 years ago. They had DVD Players hooked up back then, and I often brought my reference DVD in Dts surround. It's the legendary "Diana krall" live in Paris concert. She's jazz. And this DVD is reference quality. Anyway, on the bose system, it was stunning! Rich detailed sound, as if you were there! On the Sony, it was muddy and really hollow. From that day forward, I understood that there is indeed a group of so-called audiophiles who don't know what they are talking about. And, I might add, they have serious mental instability issues when it comes to Bose. By the way? I also used the reference DVD to check out surround sound systems from Yamaha, Samsung, LG, and a bunch of others. The only thing that is as good or better than bose, are the really high end offerings from high end speaker companies. But back then, these crazy bose haters were actually saying that Sony and other "theater in a box" offerings destroyed bose. LMFAO That's how crazy these "cult like" bose haters really are. Today, DVD players are a thing of the past. But every once in a while, I'll go listen to a bose surround sound system in stores. And they ALWAYS bring a huge smile to my face.

[@LEATHFACE100]

703 price factor

[@citycafe291267]

LSIM 703 BETTER!! more tridimensional!

[@isiso.speenie5994]

You must promote the new model if you want to keep getting your free equipment to "review" LoL

[@kurthill7030]

703 sounds more full

[@glennjones6574]

Your conclusions are completely contradictory

[@dennisduran8500]

Pure direct mode sounds terrible to me. Never use it.

[@pd5826]

Listening through my headphones, the L200's seems "cheaper" in quality, like the audio is coming from a much less expensive speaker--and technically it is. Here's the primary difference: 8 years. 703: Oct 2011 $: $1,500 (but $1,701 in 2019-cpi-adjusted dollars) L200: Sept 2019 $: $1,799 This means the L200's MSRP was just +$98 more than the 703's in cpi-adjusted dollars. Now, over those 8 years, technology did improve, market competition increased, but obviously cost cuts were made to keep the price at a $1,500/$1,799 level between 8-years. Those cost cuts to maintain profit margins were in materials & manufacturing (while technological improvements did maker certain inputs less expensive.) Weight, HxWxD each: 703s: 29.6 lbs, 16.75"H x 8.81"W x 14.56"D L200: 22 lbs, 15.66"H x 8.33"W x 13.3"D (703s, slightly more volume, & +34.55% more weight.) I do own the 703s, & I've never heard the L200's in person.

[@NikhilKumar-tw9dp]

Wharfedale evo 4 series is much cheaper and much more refined.