The Polk LSi 15 are amazing, to say the least. I have listened to the Krell's during a business trip to Toronto. I drove up to Audio Excellence in Richmond Hill. They are a Krell dealer and the nicest guys you can find. Since I am a current owner of the LSi 15 speakers, please understand that my view may be biased here. I could not listen to both speakers side by side of course, but knowing the LSi 15 intimately, I think I was able to get a grasp on the Krells strong points...and weaker points too. Are the Krells better? The short form is: Yes they are. How much better? In my opinion, the Krells have a tighter bottom end and MAYBE a more neutral midrange. In the high frequencies, the differences were minor. What astounded me however was the pinpoint IMAGING and the perception of depth of the Krells, where I am absolutely CONVINCED that the LSI 15'S are CLEARLY BETTER in this regard.
Could this be an artifact of associated equipment or room ? Maybe, but I think these speakers were being fed by very high-quality solid state electronics, and the room set-up was pretty nice also. Much better than in my home. In full disclosure, I use tube amplification, were the Krell demo used solid state. This may in part explain my perceived neutrality of the Krells and the tighter bottom end. And I do know the LSi's are supposed to work best with SS amplification too, but I am a happy camper and will be keeping my tubes.
Are the Krells worth the extra money? In my opinion, not on sonic merits alone. No way. On prestige and looks, for sure if this counts, and I know it does for many audiophiles in this crazy hobby.
The Krells are impressive speakers, but the fact that the LSi 15's come so close says more about the virtues of the Polk's than the Krell's shortcomings, as the Krells are probably worth the money - but if you go for it make sure you don't suffer through a blind test with the LSi's - it will probably be a very humbling experience, something I wish I could do. Somewhat of an indication - most audiophile friends that HAVE listened to them (most have much higher priced speakers systems) were blown away.
If Polk comes out with a revised model in 2007 or 2008, my bet is that they will cash in this time, with prices that will truly reflect this speakers true value at probably 3 times it's current price...making the current version the steal of the century, in my book.
Funny, second time I have left this link in two days, it's an interesting thread, check it out ! Good luck in your search ! Here's the link:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1130351158&read&keyw&zzreal=deal
