Center channel with LSi-15s if LSi-C ultimately unavailable

brentba

I'm waiting for delivery of a pair of LSi-15s (as many of you know). For now, I will be digging an Infinity alpha center channel speaker out of the closet that I've had for about 10 years to use for movies, etc. Ideally, I'd like to pick up an LSi-C on the used market, but I've not yet seen any up for sale.

If I am ultimately unable to get my hands on an LSi-C, does anyone have any other recommendations for a center channel that will mix well the LSi-15s for multichannel audio. I'm assuming if I'm patient, I will be able to find an LSi-C up for sale somewhere (especially as die-hard Polk fans begin upgrading to the LSi-M series), but I'm looking for other options, just in case I ultimately cannot find one.

I'm wondering if the new LSiM center channel will be my best option.

And before you ask, I will definitely wait until I have an external amp before adding another LSi to the mix.

Thanks.

EndersShadow

Be patient and wait for the LSiC. The new LSiM center wont match well since its voiced differently and also a 8ohm load. There are some out there that will pop up eventually

sponger

So on which amp did you end up deciding? Emotiva?

brentba

sponger wrote: »

So on which amp did you end up deciding? Emotiva?

Haven't decided yet

The Emotiva XPA-3 looks interesting. Certainly plenty of power to spare and will allow me to add the center channel without buying another amp. I've read a lot of reviews on the Emotiva amps -- from what I've gathered they are fairly strong performers overall, but seem to fall a little short in the mid-high range and may not provide quite as much of a 3D sound-stage as some higher end amplifiers. Mid range transparency and soundstage/imaging is something that is important to me (more so than strong bass performance--where the Emotiva reportedly excels) so I'll probably continue to search the used market for some "higher-end" amps as well.

Can anyone share their experience with Emotiva paired with the LSi series? Does Emotiva allow the LSi to show it strengths in mid range transparency and imaging?

VTO888

What are you going to run them with in the beginning? Or what avr do you have now? I am a EMO/LSi owner.

brentba

VTO888 wrote: »

What are you going to run them with in the beginning? Or what avr do you have now? I am a EMO/LSi owner.

I'm going to run them with a Yamaha RX-V867 (carefully) in the beginning while shopping for an amp. Have you been satisfied with the Emo/LSi combination?

BlueFox

I upgraded my LSiC to a PSB Synchrony One center. It blended in just fine with the front LSi15s.

Subdusted

I have the same problem, however, I will be buying an LSIM center. It may not perfectly match the LSi 15s but.. it's a better speaker than LSIC and the clarity of the dialogue is what's most important.. and, I don't think they are THAT different for it to be an issue. Plus, it's next to impossible to find a new LSIC and used is.. it's just used. And the LSIM will be brand spanking new.

Subdusted

as for the 4-8 Ohm thing... I don't believe in it anymore... I've seen so many so-called 8 Ohm speakers dip down to 3 and sometimes even lower than 3 Ohms that it's just another ridiculous marketing statement.

Monster Jam

As an alternative, you could run two LSi7s or LSi9s in lieu of an LSiC.

I've been considering this idea...

ALWALLER

Are the PSB Synchrony One center-- 1650 dollars?

Drapolas

I am looking for an LSiC Center Channel for my new setup: there are some occasional ones on eBay, but the last one that surfaced was not in good condition. I decided to take the plunge and go with the previous LSi Series. I have just received a pair of LSi15s (which sound great), and liked them so much that I placed an order for a pair of LSiF/X and LSi7s. Do you think I could use 2 LSi7s in lieu of the LSiC. Would you recommend hooking them up in series to my amplifier (if the LSi7s are rated at 4 ohm the combined impedance will be 8 ohms). Any thoughts and insights will be appreciated. Is it safe to wire the LSi7s in series? Anyone tried this configuration? Thank you!

angelsfann02

I have experience with the Lsi-c, Lsi-15's and Emotiva xpa-5. I absolutely loved that set-up. I ran different amp like Parasound and Adcom, but always went back to the Emo. As for the Lsi-c, while it is the designed center for any Polk Lsi system, I always found it to be lacking. Never clear enough for me, never dynamic enough for me. I really disliked the cascading crossover. I felt the Lsic was lacking something. I always wanted to do the crossover mod that so many others have done, but never got around to it.