B&W V/S LSi series

tapeshc
tapeshc Posts: 135
edited October 2003 in Speakers
Has any body ever done a side by side comparison between LSi and B&Ws.

I have sort of fixation for Polk Audio, I own RM7500 and looking to upgrade to LSi series.

All the time people keep saying that in that price range once can get B&W, Pardigm and many other brands. Even I keep wondering that if so many people want these brands there must be some thing. B&W I did see and heard them too but unless until you can compare them at the same place with same arrangement, comparison wont be right.

LSi are hardly available anywhere so I haven’t event seen them forget about listening to them.

I will appreciate if some one can help me here.
Thanks

Tapesh
Post edited by tapeshc on
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Comments

  • tapeshc
    tapeshc Posts: 135
    edited October 2003
    Sorry for this incompelete Qs.

    Here is my plan

    Rotel 1090 380Wx2 for mains
    Rotel 1095 200Wx2 for Center & surrounds
    Rotel 1098 PreAmp/Proc

    Lsi15 or Lsi 25 mains
    LsiC
    LsiFx sides
    Lsi9 or Lsi Fx surround
    LsiC back center

    PSW650 is already there from RM7500.

    Quite ambitious :D
    Thanks

    Tapesh
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited October 2003
    Depends on which series......

    Contrary to popular belief, B&W DOES make affordable speakers.

    I wouldn't say better or worse, just different. I own a pair of B&W 601S2 and love 'em. I think they compare very well with the LSi line......

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Ceruleance
    Ceruleance Posts: 991
    edited October 2003
    Sounds like a good plan for a system. the Rb-1090 might be overkill at 700 wpc into 4 ohms, it may make sense if you do a lot of 2 channel listening but otherwise the RB-1080 might fit the bill and is half of the price retail.

    I would check out some different processors besides the rotel, You may like something else better, I'm still not sold on the performance vs. value with that LCD. Processors like the Anthem AVM20 are in that price range but include balanced outputs which you can use with the rotel amps, may be worth considering.

    P.S. be sure to post pictures of whatever you end up with, we love pics here.
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  • vtec11
    vtec11 Posts: 82
    edited October 2003
    Ceruleance, good call on the amp, the 1090 is definetly too much power for the LSI's since there a 4ohm load..

    I think this is a good thing about the LSI's. As long as you have a good amp, you could save some money in buying a smaller amp.. Say in the 100-150wpc range, since in 4ohm it will deliver almost twice as much...
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  • jmierzur
    jmierzur Posts: 489
    edited October 2003
    As per my comments on your thread Help me choose ADCOM 7807 / B&K 200.7 / ROTEL 1095 and in agreement with Ceruleance and vtec11, the RB-1090 may not be required for your situation.

    A few questions:

    - How big is your room?
    - Are you looking for better sonic qualities in the mains amp?
    - What are your listening habits (detailed, accurate, loud, stereo, HT etc...)

    I am not trying to put you off the purchase of the 1090 as this is a great amp. I am asking these questions to help you determine if you require the 1090 for your application and to possibly save/redirect money to places where it will be more effective.

    For example, my room is 15x13x8. I have the RB-980BX (older and better version of the RB-1070) and the RMB-1075. Speakers are LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX and two Definitive Tech ProSub80's. I can achieve 95dB in room turning the volume 1/3 of the way. My next purchase will be to replace the existing subs with one, possibly two SVS 20-39PC+ subs. This will give me the most 'bang for the buck' and give me an accurate 20-20Khz system.

    Take the difference between the RB-1090 and RB-1080 and invest in a truly great subwoofer. As per forum member's comments, the SVS PB2-Plus comes to mind. Sell the PSW650. You will have a system the envy of many, including me (but on the other hand, I do not require that much power for my application).

    When you redirect the low frequency signal content to the subs with the 1098 pre/pro, your amps do not have to work as hard, giving you other gains in your overall system performance.

    Hope I was of help.

    Edit.

    To answer your original question, listened to the two, but not side by side. When I was looking, I narrowed the selection down and took the best couple home for a listen. In fact, I had to bring my current favorite to the store that sold LSi as they are a mass market local outlet and do not believe in home auditions. Go figure.

    Pick the series that best matches your tastes.
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