Choosing between LSI7 vs LSI9

fyrn

Hi, I am trying to decide between the LSI7 and the LSI9's. I currently have the RTI A3. So here are some questions.

1. Is there a significant difference between the two lines (RTI vs LSI) to justify an upgrade?

2. I have read that many owners are of the opinion that the 9's benefit from the crossover mods and is pretty much a must. Do the 7's have the same issue?

3. Without any mods, which one is better choice (all things consider) 7's or 9's?

Thanks, any opinions would be helpful

markmarc

First, tell us about your amplification and room size.

fyrn

The intended room is a medium size living room. The amplification is still an open issue so I can match it to the speaker a little better. So, if you have any suggestions on that end let me know.
Leaning towards an emotiva or a parasound amp

Jer.War

The tweeter alone is worth the upgrade from RTI to LSI; however, the LSI line has better imaging, and resolution. My buddy own RTI's and he agreed that the LSI sounded sweeter. The crossover mod isnt a MUST, I love my speakers stock.
As to which model (7 or 9) is better, I suppose it depends on what you will be using the speakers for (HT or 2 channel) and wheter this is your main/only rig.
I heard both prior to buying my speakers and I found the tweeter in the RTI line to be bright, a little harsh, and lacking the detail of the Vifa tweeter used in the LSIs

RuSsMaN

The Parasound is the route you need to follow.

7's vs 9's? How much bottom end do you want? The 7's are uber proficient, and the 9's can be downright shocking as far as the bottom end. Some prefer the imaging of the 7's, but the bottom end of the 9's is a jaw dropper.

Cheers,
Russ

dhart86

I demo'd both 9s & 7s. I just couldn't get the 9's to sound quite right. Tried different placements, stands and shelves. Then listened to the 7's and they just worked for me. My amp was a rotel rb 991 (200 watts)@8ohms. Later modded my 7 crossovers and I'm 4ever in love with these joints. The 7's are easier!

PSOVLSK

You can't go wrong either way.

My 7's are currently being used as surrounds in my HT and my 9's are in a 2-channel rig in the office. I moved the 9's to the office a couple of weeks ago and this is the first time I've used them without a sub. I'm very happy with the sound. The room is about 11x11 with 10' ceilings.

agfrost

I also believe the 7's are a considerably easier speaker to drive--Depending on the ability of your amplifier/receiver to drive low-impedance speakers this could be important.

fyrn

It seems that everybody says the 9's are hard to drive. Is the only difference between the two, the bass? They are be going to be use with a sub and mostly for music. It looks like I be better off with the 7's, they are cheaper too.

fyrn

Also, I have seen people talking about blue drivers vs gray on the LSI line. Is one better, older model, etc?

cembros

I say go with the 9's unless you really can't spend the extra couple of bucks.

PSOVLSK

fyrn wrote: »

It seems that everybody says the 9's are hard to drive. Is the only difference between the two, the bass? They are be going to be use with a sub and mostly for music. It looks like I be better off with the 7's, they are cheaper too.

I agree.

nooshinjohn

xcapri79 wrote: »

Duplicate post by mistake, sorry Keiko.

Every post you make is a mistake.

markmarc

As you can see their is solid support for either speaker. With an amp that can offer up good current on demand either speaker will bring a smile to your face. Yes, the LSi9's are demanding on amplifiers, so if you go that way be prepared to invest $$. I will say that I prefer the 9's myself and heartily recommend the x-over upgrade.

fyrn

markmarc wrote: »

As you can see their is solid support for either speaker. With an amp that can offer up good current on demand either speaker will bring a smile to your face. Yes, the LSi9's are demanding on amplifiers, so if you go that way be prepared to invest $$. I will say that I prefer the 9's myself and heartily recommend the x-over upgrade.

How much can you expect to spend on the crossover mod for the 9's?

cembros

does anyone have a link to explain the crossover mod for the lsi line?

Upstatemax

I have stock LSi 9's and a Parasound HCA 1500A and I'm in love with the combo...

As others have said the bottom end is just amazing for a bookshelf. The imaging and detail is great. The LSi 9's sounded good on my HK 3490, but once the Parasound got put in the mix, game over. I'm hooked. :cool:

dcmartinpc

Upstatemax wrote: »

I have stock LSi 9's and a Parasound HCA 1500A and I'm in love with the combo...

As others have said the bottom end is just amazing for a bookshelf. The imaging and detail is great. The LSi 9's sounded good on my HK 3490, but once the Parasound got put in the mix, game over. I'm hooked. :cool:

I run that same combo and also love it! Together they sing. I am still tempted to mod the LSi9 though!!!

Don

markmarc

cembros wrote: »

does anyone have a link to explain the crossover mod for the lsi line?

Here is an excellent thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72273&highlight=lsi9+modification

You can also visit Skiingninja.com, they offer an excellent version as well in either DIY or finished.

I had a perfect pair of LSi9's in the v.2 dark cherry. I sold them instead of upgrading the x-over. Incredibly foolish once I heard the level of improvement the upgrade made.

DavidRB

I have been thinking about the post Big Dawg told me to read and in the next six months I would love to upgrade from RTi 4?s to Lsi 7?s; I have a HK 3490 and I like it, but I see you guys suggest an amp to drive the 7?s. I want to be able to run the rti4?s and the Lsi7?s since my new place allows it.

What are my amp options (new and used) I like the idea of a used amp but only if I can purchase from a reputable forum member (I am in Mexico and if anything goes wrong it will be extremelly expensive for me to deal with thant) or a new Emotiva UPA 2 amp.

I hope you do not mind the post steal Fryn!! I mean no wrong just didn?t want to post the same questions over and over

EndersShadow

The LSi 7's can be run by that HK, and even the 9's, just at moderate volumes.

I have the HK3490 and plan to run a set of 9's or 7's myself....

DavidRB

thanks for the answer! moderate levels include the Lsi 7?s? no planning on playing them loud all the time, just want to be sure and Can I safely run the rti4?s and the Lsi7?s from the HK 3490?

EndersShadow

DavidRB wrote: »

thanks for the answer! moderate levels include the Lsi 7?s? no planning on playing them loud all the time, just want to be sure and Can I safely run the rti4?s and the Lsi7?s from the HK 3490?

You can connect both, but I wouldnt recommend using both A & B speakers AT THE SAME TIME.

Some other folks can chime in but I know the LSi 7's and 9's are able to be driven by that AVR.

But if you are going to crank it super loud or your room requires it due to size, you might be in a bit of trouble.

Call HK & Polk CS both and get their thoughts. If anyone would know it should be them

Either way if you go with the LSi's you will eventually probably want to get an external amp for them if nothing else.

Right now I plan to keep the HK and when I truly start building my 2 channel rig get a nice 2 channel amp, use the HK as a pre-amp till I can get one of those and a decent DAC (since my main source is my computer).

The LSi 7's and 9's are on my short list, along with others like Carver Amazings, Carver AL-III's ect.

Either way I would do a bit more research but if you drive each set (RTi and LSi) one at a time you should have no problem with the HK 3490.

Upstatemax

I ran my Lsi 9's off of my 3490 for a few months and they did sound good.

but once I connected my Parasound, it was just a whole new speaker.

They just seem to love power...