JBL LS vs Polk Audio LSi M - Need Suggestions

Why are you getting rid of the Paradigm Studios? Is there anything you don't like about them? That would be helpful in choosing your new speakers...

The LSIM and LS look like very different speakers on the face of it. Ring radiator tweeter vs compression drivers...

Can you also tell us a little about your room?

I've always found JBL'S a bit forwad & bright with receivers. I own the LSIM703 and it is an impressive speaker, closer to neutral. They can play loud without strain. I've had NHT,EPOS & PSB and these bring out nuances I've missed in the others.

My review for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity of a complete LSiM system should be up soon, but to be brief I don't think the 703s are going to give you a "warm" sound. They are a very neutral sounding speaker. You can influence them with richer/warmer sounding components, but they don't have a definitive signature of their own. Frankly, I think they are an incredible value for the money. I've been using the 703s in place of my Paradigm Studio 20 V3s in a 2-channel setup and haven't been missing the Studios much (though I still love the old girls). The 703s have a slightly flatter frequency response. The Paradigms have a bit of a mid-bass bump that gives them subjectively more bass impact. Hence it sounds like the Paradigms go deeper in my room, but they really don't. The Paradigms are a bit more sensitive, so that could be important depending upon your amplification. Mid-range/treble detail is superior on the 703s.

What are you using for source components/amplification?

I agree with 60strat's comments on JBLs in general. Defintely bright and a bit more forward from my experience.

Have you considered the Dynaudio X16? Excellent speaker in a similar price class to the Polk. What about something from Sonus faber or Vienna Acoustics? They will give you a slightly richer presentation without sacrificing detail.

Care to give us a preview?