Lsi9 or TSi 200

4heid
4heid Posts: 9
edited May 2010 in Speakers
I have a vintage Polk system, S10 fronts, psw200 sub, etc. with an HK receiver.
I am looking to upgrade the S10 towers to something smaller and am reviewing the 2 listed above as well as perhaps the RtI A3.

I am looking for a speaker that is uber clear that will shine with classical but also work with techno/metal and movies.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the difference between these 2 speakers? I am hoping not to break the bank either but dont want to settle for something less than par. I tend to keep things for the longterm as I have had the S10ś for nearly 20 years.

Thoughts?

TIA,
Chris
Post edited by 4heid on
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  • 4heid
    4heid Posts: 9
    edited May 2010
    or perhaps should i be focusing on the RTi A3 or something upstream of the TSi line?
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2010
    Welcome Chris.

    It will all come down to how much money you want to spend. I would say go with the LSI 9s. However, you will also have to get a seperate amplifier to run them. Now if your HK has preouts, then getting a 200wpc @ 8ohms amp will make you a happy camper for another 20 years.

    But if your HK does not have preouts, then you would not only have to get an amp, but also a new receiver or preamp.

    If you purchased used gear from Audiogon it would save you some money.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • 4heid
    4heid Posts: 9
    edited May 2010
    thanks for the reply.
    In terms of sound quality for my needs and interests, what are your thoughts on this lineup?
    What will be lacking in each?
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited May 2010
    LSi is as up stream as you go in the current Polk lineup. Of particular claim to fame is its use of the Vifa ring radiator tweeter, read up a bit on the lineup here
    TSi vs LSi? IMHO the LSi series is the clear winner, esp is music is the prime focus. The only downfall (but is it really??) is that you will likely require an external amp to bring out the LSi's best.
    Otherwise I would go for the RTiA series over the TSi series.
    ____________________
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    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
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  • fossy
    fossy Posts: 1,378
    edited May 2010
    Don't forget the used market -- normally you can get big bang for your $$$
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2010
    If you're NOT going to get a power amp to feed the LSI-9s they won't sound that good...a bit subdued without power. Then you should consider the Rti-A3s a nice bookshelf at a nice price. Can be powered by your current AVR!

    If it were me....I go with the LSI-9s, get them on Polk's ebay site for about 699 a pair...find a 300 dollar stereo power amp of 200 watts/channel or so...and you're good, for now?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited May 2010
    If you're looking for a nice musical set of bookshelf speakers, the LSi9's are the way to go IMO. They're some excellent sounding speakers, with surprisingly good bass. The high end is much more pleasing than the other Polk bookshelf models.

    As others have said though, you'd likely need an external amp.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited May 2010
    Agreed with the above. The LSi9's or the 7 is a great speaker. You will want a subwoofer even for music. You can get a decent one for $300-$400. Don't forget stands or other mounting means.

    Also, consider that some people still love the vintage polks such as Monitor 7's and 10's. These can be purchased for less coin.
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