LSI Crossover Modders.... Need your opinion
Jer.War
Posts: 180
I am hoping to get some opinions on whether or not doing the crossover mod is worth it given the level of equipment I have now. I have upgraded to all PNF cables and found that to be favourable even though my CDP (source) is not top notch. My favourite tweaks/mods are those that improve the soundstage and tone of the system.
If I did the mod I would be using all Sonicaps Gen I (daytons on the 130). I am just curious if I am better of to save my money to use for a power amp or better source. I am using the RXV-1700 in a biamped configuration and it does a decent job of driving these speakers.
This mod isnt very costly ($150-$200), but I dont think I will be in a position to spend the money required to buy a nice power amp or source (I want to buy new as the last to used B&K amps I bought of e-bay had output problems....frustrating).
I am only looking for opinions from people who have done these mods. Based on your experiences and knowledge is it worth it given my current equipment??
Thanks
If I did the mod I would be using all Sonicaps Gen I (daytons on the 130). I am just curious if I am better of to save my money to use for a power amp or better source. I am using the RXV-1700 in a biamped configuration and it does a decent job of driving these speakers.
This mod isnt very costly ($150-$200), but I dont think I will be in a position to spend the money required to buy a nice power amp or source (I want to buy new as the last to used B&K amps I bought of e-bay had output problems....frustrating).
I am only looking for opinions from people who have done these mods. Based on your experiences and knowledge is it worth it given my current equipment??
Thanks
[The Ever-Evolving System
LSI15's (PNF Symphony cabels, modded X-Over and subs), LSIC, LSI7's, Rega Apollo CDP (PNF ICON ICs, modified PS cct.), Yamaha RXV-1700 w/ ipod dock, B&K REF200.2 (fronts) Samsung BDP-1600, XBOX360, Patriot Box Office Media Player, 42" Samsung LCD.
Post edited by Jer.War on
Comments
-
I modified a set of LSi9 for Ohskigod and he loved them.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114885&highlight=lsi9+crossover- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
My favourite tweaks/mods are those that improve the soundstage and tone of the system.
That's exactly what you'll get with the crossover mods. I think resolution is much improved as well. -
Right now your gear is a weak link and it will still be a weak link after the x-over mods.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
Get an amp."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
-
Amp before source you figure??
[The Ever-Evolving System
LSI15's (PNF Symphony cabels, modded X-Over and subs), LSIC, LSI7's, Rega Apollo CDP (PNF ICON ICs, modified PS cct.), Yamaha RXV-1700 w/ ipod dock, B&K REF200.2 (fronts) Samsung BDP-1600, XBOX360, Patriot Box Office Media Player, 42" Samsung LCD. -
amp before source.....yes
you can get good amplification used for 200 or so if you really look. get the amp first, bang for dollar will be higher that route.
that said, should modding the crossover be in your future for more improvement? hell yes, but get an amp first at the least....I might even say improve source before you do as well......you still have alot of growing to do with those speakers in stock trim. they have alot more to give you as is if you feed em right
Incidentally, I had LSi's for the better part of 7 years before I touched a crossover, not saying thats a solid wait time to mod a crossover, just proving the point that I incrementally got more out of them improving other gear.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
I modded the LsiC and I'm happy with it now. It sounded better right off the bat but it did take about a week to really settle in all the way (i guess the caps needed burning in). Just make sure you can fit the boards back in when your done, It wasn't till my third try that I got the cap arrangement right and i felt like an idiot for just doing trial and error. The trick was to simply build up and not let anything come off to the sides, I also flipped the board. Ill try and get some pics up when I stop being so lazy. As far as your amp goes the specs seem to indicate that it should be driving your speaker fine especially if you are driving the high and low with their own 180 watt channel. Which Lsi Speakers are you looking to mod specifically?HT:
TV: Samsung UN55C8000 | Player: OPPO BDP-95 | Games: Xbox360 / PS3 | Party Music: Squeezebox Duet
Mains: LSi15 | Center: LSiC | Surrounds: LSiFX | Sub: SVS 20-39pci
Pre-Amp: Outlaw 990 | Power-Amp: Outlaw 7700
Cabinet: Salamander Synergy Twin 30 | Speaker Wire: Lowes 12AG w/ monoprice banana plugs -
I used to be a fan of quality used electronics. However, twice I have purchased a used amp which was supposed to be "fully tested and 100% functioning" (a B&K ST1400 II and a ST2140 II). At first all seemed fine, but when I would drive the amp a little harder (>40% volume) I would get poping and distortion. The ST1400 was real bad, the ST2140 would create lesser distortion only apparent at the tweeter. I live in a smaller town with no great options in terms of service. After theses two bad experiences I told myself I would hold out on an amp until I graduated and could treat myself to a brand new one. Unfortunately that is more than a year away and I have upgradeitus bad.
[The Ever-Evolving System
LSI15's (PNF Symphony cabels, modded X-Over and subs), LSIC, LSI7's, Rega Apollo CDP (PNF ICON ICs, modified PS cct.), Yamaha RXV-1700 w/ ipod dock, B&K REF200.2 (fronts) Samsung BDP-1600, XBOX360, Patriot Box Office Media Player, 42" Samsung LCD. -
I used to be a fan of quality used electronics. However, twice I have purchased a used amp which was supposed to be "fully tested and 100% functioning" (a B&K ST1400 II and a ST2140 II). At first all seemed fine, but when I would drive the amp a little harder (>40% volume) I would get poping and distortion. The ST1400 was real bad, the ST2140 would create lesser distortion only apparent at the tweeter. I live in a smaller town with no great options in terms of service. After theses two bad experiences I told myself I would hold out on an amp until I graduated and could treat myself to a brand new one. Unfortunately that is more than a year away and I have upgradeitus bad.
You can buy used gear on-line from reputable dealers that will stand behind what they sell. It's too bad you've had 2 bad experiences in a row from what I assume are individual sellers on ebay or audiogon. I've bought a lot of used stuff, including lots of tubes, and for the most part have had no major issues that couldn't be resolved.
Good luck
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
Damn my arm has been twisted..... Time to start the ol' used gear hunt. Maybe a rotel or parasound this time, though I liked the sonic signature of the B&K I didnt get the improvement in bass I was expecting (I think it was 35 amps peak to peak).
Thanks for the input guys.
[The Ever-Evolving System
LSI15's (PNF Symphony cabels, modded X-Over and subs), LSIC, LSI7's, Rega Apollo CDP (PNF ICON ICs, modified PS cct.), Yamaha RXV-1700 w/ ipod dock, B&K REF200.2 (fronts) Samsung BDP-1600, XBOX360, Patriot Box Office Media Player, 42" Samsung LCD.
