Have LSi7s but ..

CraigP

Hi, this forum has been great help , so in advance thanks.

I have a dilemma, I sold my RTi12 Polk Towers due to there depth ( like 18 inches) They sounded amazing but with a 1.5 inch thick TV they looked silly.

So I purchased some LSi7s ( 4 ohms) and I am not so far impressed with everyday listening. I understand there like 10 inches tall compared to 48 but I guess my questions is , please give me some insight on this other pair of speakers im thinking about.
The VM30 towers, there only something like 6-7 inches deep plus there 8ohms.
Im currently running a CSi5 center 8 ohms, 4 ceiling Polks 8 ohms and a 525 watt SVS sub with its own amp built in , the receiver is a Denon AVR ( 5 years old) thats rated for 8 ohms.
I see the VM30s are older now so there price has come way down , like $700 which is about what im willing to spend.
I build furniture and cabinets for a living so I can hide the speakers in a cabinet but not towers.
Any insight on the VM30s for my set up or another speaker?

grimmace19

The 7s would sound great if they weren't running off of a receiver. A 4 ohm speaker running on a mid level avr isn't going to cut it. Grab yourself an amp to power them if you want to keep them around or get something less demanding for speakers.

mmadden28

Do you have a sub???

AsSiMiLaTeD

I think given the rest of your components the LSi7 are not the best choice, unless you're ready to upgrade other gear. The LSi have a different sound, and you won't know if yuo truly like it until you've put them on some decent gear.

I would say if you're happy with the RTi sound, grab a pair of RTi bookshelf speakers and add a sub and be done with it.

CraigP

So the LSi's are a step up from the RTis is what I gather which is only my center ( RTi).
I do have a sub its a SVS 20-39PC Plus , I believe 525 watt built in amp.

CraigP

grimmace19 wrote: »

The 7s would sound great if they weren't running off of a receiver. A 4 ohm speaker running on a mid level avr isn't going to cut it. Grab yourself an amp to power them if you want to keep them around or get something less demanding for speakers.

So your saying running them off a pre amp rated for 4 ohms they might sound much better?

grimmace19

Not a pre-amp but rather a power amp. Your denon would serve as the preamp if it has preouts. I'm not familiar with that model of denon but the LSI's need more power than what an 8ohm receiver will produce.

cnh

AsSIMiLaTeD is right.

A pair of RTi-A3s would do you fine with a sub. The LSI-7s really DO NEED POWER to bring out their sound. I've heard them on a number of occasions. The most recent being in Beijing on a a multi-thousand dollar all GaMUT system. A really sweet set up...they trounced most of the other bookshelves in there on musicality!

You don't have to spend a fortune to run these. If you have some pre-outs on that AVR. All you need is something like a 200-300 dollar power amp. Something like an Adcom 545 or something similar...they need the JUICE because they're a 4 ohmer as mentioned above! GOOD clean POWER is the secret to the LSI sound!

For HT...though. You can get away with Rti-A1s even and a good sub.

cnh

Monster Jam

First - I love the LSi speakers: I've got a few of them myself.

But when I auditioned speakers, I'd be lying if I said they were clearly the best sounding speakers. And in fairness, none of the speakers I auditioned (besides B&W) were amplified from a dedicated amp, including the LSIs. That disclaimer aside, I heard many speakers that sounded really good, and few that did not sound good.

I liked Klipsch, Polk RTi and LSi, and Def Tech Mythos.

To my point: I don't think that a comparison of RTi12 to the LSi7, no matter what kind of amp you are running, is fair.

LSi7
45Hz - 27kHz
88 dB

RTi12
18Hz-27kHz
90 dB

tonyb

LSI 9's and a good amp would be more comparable. The 7's in a big room will get lost. Plus sticking them in a cabinet isn't doing any favors to your sound quality. Maybe alittle more info is needed. My take is you bought a new slim TV and are looking for a nice neat look for your speaks. You have many options, on wall,in wall, bookies, maybe help us out with the size of the room and all the gear involved and we can better steer you to some good sound.

EDUBAG

If i understood correctly, you were looking for a speaker that would complement the look of your new flat panel tv and sold your towers for this purpose.

Bought the bookshelf thinking it was a move in that direction, but are not crazy about the sound. I hope that this is correct.

I would say rtia3 (since everything else is rti/rtia line) or if you wann the sleek looking speakers, i would 100% look into de definitive tech. Mytos line, like mentioned above they look awsome and from reviews it seem that they are a great choice for home theater use.

Good luck

CraigP

Wow those Mythos seem like they may work. Theres a new slim line coming out in December that looks sweet.

Anyways my room is 12x15 with 3 sides enclosed and a pony wall ( so open concept) Carpet floors. Glass windows behind the couch.

My system has 4 - 8 inch polks in the ceiling above couch, a CSi5 Polk center and a SVS Sub Tube with 525 watt amp built into it. The receiver is a Denon AVR-2805/985. I had Polk Towers but sold due to depth, my TV is a 55 LED 1.2 inches deep. I currebtly have the LSi7s but think I may return today.
I did watch a dvd last night and the speakers to my ears sounded real nice. There was alot of background instruments (horns) ( The edge was the Movie) that sounded nice.All speakers are 8 ohms except new Polks and the receiver is rated for 8 ohms.
I could upgrade the the 9s but as someone stated here that enclosed speakers ( behind speaker fabric in cabinet) arent a good idea , I may want a sleek taller speaker with more speakers like the Mythos line. %99 of the my clients have me build them fabric cabinet doors for there speakers. I guess there not that much of audiophiles or dont care or dont know.

AsSiMiLaTeD

So yeah, if you're not wanting to change out the rest of the system, you're not really giving the LSi a fair chance and I'd say return them. You could go with the Mythos or another speaker line, but you'd want to change at least your center channel as well.

The RTi series is voice matched with that center, the problem is you're trying to cross other speakers with it and it's just not going to work well.

Something is going to have to give if you want the best sound possible in that sitaution. You're either going to have to change center channels and go with whatever speakers you want, or keep the center and go with something in the RT series.

Keep in mind that if you change speakers altogether, whatever you choose may need some good amplification, so best to pick the speakers you want and do the associated research. Anything in the LSi lineup requires decent amplification, and your 2805 isn't going to cut it. I had my LSi7 on a 3805, the big brother to the 2805, and even it wasn't good enough to drive those smallest LSi speakers.

I'd say your two most likely choices are to either go with the RTi bookshelf speakers, which compliment your current center, or ditch your center and get the Mythos for the front end.

Whatever you choose, your surround speakers would be the least of my worries, the front stage is far more important. Also, that's a great sub so you're good there.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Also, if you're wanting to go a little higher end and want speakers that look cool and are somewhat thin, check out Magnepan. They'll blow your mind, but are not cheap.

Monster Jam

It sounds like the mythos might be right up your alley.