Rtia3 vs LSi9
What is the difference in sound between these two speakers. I have the Rtia3's that I use for my front R/L surround speakers. I listen to a lot of 2 channel music with a Technics SL-1210MK2 turntable. I drive the system with a Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver. The Rtia3's will get loud but I would like clearer sound. Are the Lsi9's that much better and worth the money. (Also, my center channel speaker is a Csi5 which may not work with the Lsi9). Not sure.
Thanks for your imput!!
Thanks for your imput!!
Post edited by dei08dei on
Comments
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The LSi9's smoke the RTiA3's. No they will not match your center also I wouldn't push the LSi9's with that receiver, not sure if it has pre outs but I would get an external amp to power them with.Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
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That clears that up. I was afraid I might have an issue with the center speaker. And then there is the amp issue. Just my luck!!!
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You like a clearer sound? I wouldn't classify the lsi 9's as having a clearer/cleaner sound.
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You like a clearer sound? I wouldn't classify the lsi 9's as having a clearer/cleaner sound.
I am looking for a clearer sound. Problem is I only have room for book shelf speakers. -
I've got to somewhat agree with leroyjr1 and ask what do you mean 'clearer' sound.
I used to have a very similar setup as you: RTiA3, V1800, 1200mkII (Denon DL-160 cart).
I also used to have the LSi7s.
But we all have different likes and dislikes and as the saying goes around here - "everything matters".
The phono input on the V1800 is adequate, but not what I would consider 'top tier' - so one option is to get an external phono pre-amp.
You haven't described what cartridge is on your 1210mk2 - so there could be some options there as well to get a 'clearer' sound.
Or are you, in general, still not happy with the sound from other sources thru the V1800 and RTiA3s? Do you have a CD player hooked up? Does that sound "ok" or do you still want that to sound 'cleaner'?
On my rig, I had a Cambridge Audio 640c V2 CDP hooked up to my V1800 and the RTiA3s - for a clean CD and at moderate volumes, the sound was what I would call quite "clean".
However, if I wanted to put on Iron Maiden's "Power Slave" and pretend I was at a concert and cranked it up - the V1800/RTiA3/CDP combo could sound a bit strained.
External amplification helped when I hooked in a left over Carver amp - but the RTiA3s will have a limitation in going loud for bright material.
I'd say going with LSi9s on your rig as it is, is going in the wrong direction, if you are strictly listening to your 1210mk2 and you want a 'cleaner' sound.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
I am looking for a clearer sound. Problem is I only have room for book shelf speakers.
What budget do you have in mind? There's a ton of nice clean sounding bookies out there. -
They are right I was only comparing the two speakers and I will agree with Eric as well. Not sure what your budget is but i really like the totem line of bookies + they are easier to drive..Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎
SVS SB16 X2
Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified
VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM
MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s -
Erik Tracy wrote: »I've got to somewhat agree with leroyjr1 and ask what do you mean 'clearer' sound.
I used to have a very similar setup as you: RTiA3, V1800, 1200mkII (Denon DL-160 cart).
I also used to have the LSi7s.
But we all have different likes and dislikes and as the saying goes around here - "everything matters".
The phono input on the V1800 is adequate, but not what I would consider 'top tier' - so one option is to get an external phono pre-amp.
You haven't described what cartridge is on your 1210mk2 - so there could be some options there as well to get a 'clearer' sound.
Or are you, in general, still not happy with the sound from other sources thru the V1800 and RTiA3s? Do you have a CD player hooked up? Does that sound "ok" or do you still want that to sound 'cleaner'?
On my rig, I had a Cambridge Audio 640c V2 CDP hooked up to my V1800 and the RTiA3s - for a clean CD and at moderate volumes, the sound was what I would call quite "clean".
However, if I wanted to put on Iron Maiden's "Power Slave" and pretend I was at a concert and cranked it up - the V1800/RTiA3/CDP combo could sound a bit strained.
External amplification helped when I hooked in a left over Carver amp - but the RTiA3s will have a limitation in going loud for bright material.
I'd say going with LSi9s on your rig as it is, is going in the wrong direction, if you are strictly listening to your 1210mk2 and you want a 'cleaner' sound.
Maybe I am using the wrong term (won't be the first time). I want there to be no noise in the background. I want the voices to sound like they are in the room with me.
My cartridge is a audio-technica AT440Mla. I do have a CD player hooked up and it sounds about the same as the turn table. If I had to change the book shelves, I would like something that will go with the center channel speaker. If not, then go with an external phono preamp. Budget wise, I have about $700 to play with. -
Well - all we have to discuss our hobby here on the internet are words - so yeah - definitions can be hard.
If by 'cleaner' you also mean 'detail' or 'clarity' (and I'll even offer up the term 'brighter' - especially in the treble), then I think that the RTiA3 will fit those terms moreso than the LSi9.
But, if you like to go loud - then the LSi9 will definitely hold its ground and sonic quality better than the RTiA3.
Your really should get out and put your ears on speakers to get a better feel for the sound you are after.
When I played my TT thru the V1800, I really had to turn up the volume to get to decent 'room filling' sound (not 'stupid loud').
I had a CSi3 as my speaker, and when I had LSi7s for a bit mated to the CSi3 - it was 'ok' - I mean you do what you gotta do, right? But it was not the 'right' center for the LSi7s.
Either way - if you want to keep the V1800 and the CSi5 - I'd recommend a good external amp first, and if you don't mind used, there are lots of good bargains on used power amps. After that, I'd possibly consider an ext phono preamp.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
You like a clearer sound? I wouldn't classify the lsi 9's as having a clearer/cleaner sound.
But they do.
I suspect the OP has more of an issue with gear than the speakers. But all things being equal the LSi 9's are a much better speaker and part of what's better about them is clarity and cleaner sound. The ring radiator tweeter is superb, but you need really good gear to take advantage. Better gear will also make the RTIa's sound better, up to a point.
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!
