Introduction Paradigm Electronics Inc. has established a well-deserved reputation in the subwoofer market, particularly with their impressive and affordable Reference Servo-1. I have spent considerable time integrating and listening to numerous Servo-15s in a variety of systems and rooms over the last few years, and can verify that the Paradigm woofers are a real player in the field. However, Paradigm did not offer an option for those space or décor-challenged customers who desired a diminutive but powerful bona fide subwoofer. After four years of intensive research and development, Paradigm has answered this demand with their recently released entries into the ultra-small powered subwoofer arena, the Reference Seismic 10 and Reference Seismic 12. It was with a considerable amount of anticipation and high expectations that I received Paradigm’s larger model, the Reference Seismic 12 subwoofer ($1,699) a few months ago. Description Subwoofers are often the hardest things to justify to the significant other of a home theater buff. The large, ...

Introduction Polk. It’s one of those brands that almost anyone who has ever stepped foot into an electronics store chain to shop for new speakers has heard of. Their product line is immense and they make everything from micro-satellite systems for your computer to equipment racks to Earth shaking subs, floor standing loudspeakers and car audio products. Their top of the line LSi series features two floor-standing models, the LSi15 and LSi25, the LSiC center channel, LSiFX bi-pole/di-pole surrounds, the LSi subwoofer and two bookshelf models, the LSi7 and LSi9. Cracking open the box of a pair of LSi9 bookshelf speakers, the first thing that I noticed about the speakers was their distinctive smooth black high-gloss finish on the top and rich cherry wood sculpted side panels. I’ve seen Polk speakers countless times in retail mega-stores, but it was ...

Introduction Polk Audio is a trusted name in home and car loudspeakers, offering high quality transducers at very fair prices for decades. Founded in 1972 by two audiophiles, Matthew Polk and George Klopfer, Polk Audio has grown to become one of the world’s most successful brands of high-quality home loudspeakers. Polk Audio prides itself in having employees that truly love music and care about good sound rather than people that just “sell boxes.” The LSi Series loudspeakers are Polk’s most recommended line of speakers for “serious listeners.” The LSi home theater speaker system evaluated here includes the LSi15s at $1,740 per pair, used as the main loudspeakers, a LSiC center channel speaker at $580, and a pair of LSiFX surround speakers costing $1,060 per pair. The LSi15s are tall and sleek works of art. They stand eight-and-five-eighths inches wide by 45.5 inches high by 13 inches deep. Tipping the scales at 66 pounds each, these are ...

Introduction Pioneer Elite, as its name indicates, is the premium audio/video line of Pioneer Electronics. Pioneer has come a long way from its origins as a Tokyo-based radio and speaker repair shop back in 1938. Pioneer has since expanded to become one of the more trusted names for home, professional and automotive electronics in the world. With all the latest 5.1 audio formats and ample connection options, the $1200 DV-47Ai is a “universal” player that is within reach for many listeners looking to upgrade their home theater systems. This progressive scan DVD player with multi-channel DVD-Audio and SACD playback is a formidable option to enjoy the most advanced audio and video formats with the ease of a single player.

Introduction Pioneer Elite, as its name indicates, is the premium audio/video line of Pioneer Electronics. Pioneer has come a long way from its origins as a Tokyo-based radio and speaker repair shop back in 1938. Pioneer has since expanded to become one of the more trusted names for home, professional and automotive electronics in the world. With all the latest 5.1 audio formats and ample connection options, the $1200 DV-47Ai is a “universal” player that is within reach for many listeners looking to upgrade their home theater systems. This progressive scan DVD player with multi-channel DVD-Audio and SACD playback is a formidable option to enjoy the most advanced audio and video formats with the ease of a single player.