Dali helicons mk I or Polk lsi15 for second syst?


Hi there, I am in a dilemma choosing between my lsi15 that I already own or a new pair of helicons 400 mk I, that I can get for 1800 shipped!

I don't have any experience with the mk I version but I own 800 mk 2
On my main system driven by a luxman 550 a II, sweet combination!

I do appreciate any help deciding, before I jump driven by the curiosity and be sorry later!

Thanks in advance!
Ulices
128x128junglern
Can't help directly with your decision but maybe I can provide some info that may help.

I have a pair of Dali Mentor 2s and wondered if the Helicon MK1 was an upgrade from the Mentor 2. Here is my question sent to Dali and a response form Sound Org, US distributor for Dal.

Q: What are the differences (improvements) from the Helicon 300 MK1 to Helicon 300 MK2. Also, what are the differences (improvements) of the Helicon 300 MK 1 vs the Mentor 2?

A: Thank you for your interest in DALI. Your inquiry was forwarded on to us since we are the US importer for DALI. I'm happy to answer your questions.

The MK2 versions on the Helicon range of speakers had a number of technical and cosmetic improvements. The first is, that the drivers for the range of speakers were redesigned and improved for greater control and clarity. This also was accompanied by changes in the crossovers to take advantage of the new drivers. This yielded an overall improvement in sound that has been praised by critics and consumers alike. They are no more open with greater extension both high and low. They cosmetic changes include the new high gloss finish with black baffles that resemble the appearance of the Euphonia series speakers.

The Mentor series speakers occupy the performance class just below the Helicon series. They are newer designs than the older MK1 Helicon and in some ways do have technical advantages. The Mentor 2 would very closely approach the original Helicon 300 in overall performance and even exceed it in a few areas. The advantage is you could likely buy a new pair of Mentor 2s for about the same price of used Helicon 300 MK1 and have these advantages and a warranty. Go to your local DALI retailer to listen to some speakers and decide for yourself.
I've never heard the Polks but I like the Helicon 400s. To my ear they are warm and musical, very easy to listen to. Some people feel that the midbass can get a little congested (see Michael Fremer's review of the mk 2s on the Stereophile website) but I have no problem with their bass performance.

They are likely to have a family resemblance to your 800s so if you like the Polks maybe you should keep them so that you have speakers with different sounds so that you can change flavors from time to time.