Questions on potential purchase of LSi9

Phaijai

Hello, new forum member and hopefully a new owner of some LSi9s and LSiC later this evening. I just have some general questions that I am hoping the forum board can help me with. I am relatively brand new to the world of amps and high end audio so please be patient with me. I am currently using an Onkyo TX-SR707 but will be considering either a Carver or Rotel amp later in the future as I have read on numerous threads that the additional and true wattage will really make the LSi9s shine. In the meantime, I assume the wattage of Onkyo will be sufficient? The tech specs are as follows:

Power Output
Front L/R:
100 W + 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz,
0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

Center:
100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%,
2 channels driven, FTC)

Surround L/R:
100 W + 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz,
0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

Surround Back L/R:
100 W + 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz,
0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

Dynamic Power
240 W (3 ohms, 1 ch)
210 W (4 ohms, 1 ch)
120 W (8 ohms, 1 ch)

Since the LSi9s are 4ohm, I take it that I would switching my Onkyo settings from 8ohm to 4ohm to avoid messing up my receiver. Does this mean that the wattage pushed will be 210W? Or am I reading that incorrectly? What if I decide to wire the LSi9s in a bi-amp configuration? Would I really see any benefit to doing this?

Also, just as a general question, I assume the LSi9s are shielded since it's main purpose are for fronts?

disneyjoe7

Dynamic power isn't true power, and stating that don't read 100w as being true watts either. Now saying that get an amp as soon as possible as those speaker require some nice clean power, and no receiver can do it nicely.


Welcome to Polk Audio Forums. Stick around you'll learn something.

PolkieMan

It will be alright as long as you don't play it loud. What do I mean by that? Well say as loud as you normally listen to your TV when you are 8-12 feet away from it. I blew a mid bass and a tweeter in my 2.3TLS with a Carver TFM-25 so power does not mean it's ok to crank it way way up either. Keep your Onkyo TX-SR707 where it can breath, more heat less power and unit life. I have my 808 sitting on a open stand. I am running my 2.3 TLS with it CS2 center and Monitor 70 rear. Now when I listen to music, sometimes a little louder than movies I use the pure audio 2 channel mode. Your not getting as much to the fronts with all channels driven besides good music should be just stereo.

B Run

Phaijai wrote: »

Since the LSi9s are 4ohm, I take it that I would switching my Onkyo settings from 8ohm to 4ohm to avoid messing up my receiver. Does this mean that the wattage pushed will be 210W?

No it means your receiver will limit the current and not sound very good honestly. I'd just be very careful about volume until you get an amp, I passed up a great deal on some Lsi9's for my living room because I didn't want to try powering them off my avr and wasn't willing to buy an amp AND new speakers.

F1nut

Since the LSi9s are 4ohm, I take it that I would switching my Onkyo settings from 8ohm to 4ohm to avoid messing up my receiver.

Switching to the 4 ohm setting reduces/restricts the current output. You are better off leaving it set to 8 ohms and keeping the volume level down.

Does this mean that the wattage pushed will be 210W? Or am I reading that incorrectly?

Incorrectly.

What if I decide to wire the LSi9s in a bi-amp configuration?

True bi-amping requires separate amps, each with its own power supply and the use of active crossovers. AVR's are incapable of true bi-amping.

Would I really see any benefit to doing this?

Not with an AVR.

Also, just as a general question, I assume the LSi9s are shielded since it's main purpose are for fronts?

LCD and plasma TV's are not affected by magnets.

PolkieMan

Well I don't know much about them they look kinda small and the spec say 20-200w so you would think 100w would be ok for 90db. But they are 4 ohm and that 100 is only with 2 channels on . Which gets into another term I hear a lot "High Current" at 4 ohms or 8 ohms you would want high current thus the reason for the big caps and transformers this gives you more reserve and better speaker damping (control) right?

PolkieMan

You do have pre-outs for an amp so you are in luck
Page 12 #22

http://filedepot.onkyousa.com/Files/own_manuals/SN29400008_TX-SR707_En_web.pdf?CFID=2100565&CFTOKEN=83169167&jsessionid=f030ab3eedfe9c6918a9b19275e51234c3e1

PRE OUT: FRONT L/R, CENTER, SURR L/R,
and SURR BACK L/R
These multichannel analog audio outputs can be
connected to the analog audio input on a multichannel
power amplifier for when you want to use the
AV receiver solely as a preamplifier

nooshinjohn

PolkieMan wrote: »

ItI blew a mid bass and a tweeter in my 2.3TLS with a Carver TFM-25 so power does not mean it's ok to crank it way way up either.

You drove the TFM-25 into clipping if you popped a driver on your TL's. That amp is not one I would pick for driving these speakers properly. At a minimum, I would use a TFM-45 or a Sunfire sig on them....

I agree withe all here that it would b best to get an amp sooner rather than later for your LSi's, and until then, don't try to replicate theater volumes at home or damage will occur to something.

Phaijai

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. I recognize the fact that if I want good clean sound out of the LSi9s that good clean power has to go into them. Unfortunately, the seller sold the speakers to someone else who was able to get there sooner than me.

Really sucks because now I am back to my original dilemma of continuing my search for a decently priced LSi9s or going forward with some LSi15s....

steveinaz

Just watch the volume level until you can get into more power, and you'll be fine. The Lsi9 is a fine speaker.

B Run

Phaijai wrote: »

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. I recognize the fact that if I want good clean sound out of the LSi9s that good clean power has to go into them. Unfortunately, the seller sold the speakers to someone else who was able to get there sooner than me.

Really sucks because now I am back to my original dilemma of continuing my search for a decently priced LSi9s or going forward with some LSi15s....

Have you considered some Lsi7's? Much easier to drive, especially off an avr. You could always use them and either move them to surrounds or sell them later on if you want to upgrade. Just a thought, welcome to the forum!

Phaijai

I did consider the Lsi7's. I actually started with the LSi15s in mind because I was dead set on floor standing towers. Then, based on my read on numerous threads, I decided that LSi9 and a subwoofer might give me a good combination of clean highs and mid range and low end but in a bookshelf form factor. I'm concerned that LSi7 might be too much of a compromise. Mind you, I have not heard any of the LSi speakers and only basing my impressions on what I have read. I have heard my friend's RTi 12s which compelled me to look into the LSi line. I just felt the high end on the RTi 12s felt too muddled.

pyrocyborg

Phaijai wrote: »

I'm concerned that LSi7 might be too much of a compromise.

Some people do find the LSi7 with a sub to be more musical than the 9 paired with a sub... but it's all a matter of taste. With decent amplification, the 9s will really shine

nguyendot

cbow8 wrote: »

phaijai i use alot of onkyo avrs. i havent had yours but i run my lsi15 on my txnr 808 135-7 channel avr in pure audio mode (2) channels only it sounds great i have had no issues.(lsi15 basically just a lsi9 with a sub) i have also had my lsi7 hooked on a txnr 3007 and it sounded great. your amp is 4 ohm stable and as long as your happy with the sound i wouldnt worry anymore about it. if you start hearing cliping or you avr goes into protect mode you need to make an amp purchase. i have seen onkyos protect themselves. i have only toasted two.one was cheap bookshelf model i hooked up wrong and other i dropped it lol.(teen years). ps i have also ran my lsi15 on amplifiers too425x5 200x5 and now coming kismet monos. you can go louder without distortion was the main benefit for my experience. enjoy those are nice sounding speakers.

You could double the top of that Onkyo as a grille while you use it. I had the NR807 which is the same amp section and it leaves quite a bit to be desired.

Phaijai

Well despite losing out on the craigslist sale of the LSi9s, I went to Frys on Monday and found a pair on sale for $500. Pretty good deal and I figured worth buying to demo at my friend's house; he has RTi12's set up for front L & R. Didn't want to jeopardize his Onkyo so didn't really push them too hard but based on what I heard, I loved the mids and highs - not too bright and with a bit of warmth. I'm certain these would sound "cleaner" once they are properly amped. As everyone has said, low end was crazy for a bookshelf speaker. I did feel that it was a bit muddled at times but again, I didn't really get a chance to mess with settings or placement.

I was intent on keeping these and shopping for stands and a decent sub. However, the next day, I checked for LSi15s on ebay and ran across a pair of open box for $700 from a Las Vegas seller. Spoke to the guy on the phone and placed my order with an estimated delivery date of 7/27. I figured that after the stands and sub, the LSi9s would be around the same price as the LSi15s and perhaps the 8" sub would hold me over until I decide on a quality sub.

Now, I've spoken to someone locally about this and they tell me that the LSi9s actually have better low end than the LSi15s, solely because of a different crossover. If that is the case and I feel that the LSi9s just sound better to me, then I guess I could off load the LSi15s to my friend and he can upgrade from the RTi12s. If I like the LSi15s, then I have the option of returning the LSi9s with Frys 30-day return policy. In any event, I feel like I have options and can demo them at my own leisure.

I'll definitely keep you all updated on my decision. I do appreciate all the input. It's really helpful.

pyrocyborg

Well, the LSi9 do not have better low-end than the LSi15, given both are properly powered: the crossover thing may or may not affect your tastes. However, to sound good, the LSi15 will need a minimum of 100-120w @ 4 ohm, while the LSi9 could do great with 50 or 60w, depending on your room size... it might makes a difference in amplification type (i.e. separates vs integrated), thus, in price.

Personnally, I think the LSi15 won't sound good on any but a high-end receiver... it will probably affect your choice. Myself, I am a fan of standmounted bookshelf and a subwoofer, more than towers, but it's all a matter of taste as it roughly cost the same (in term of speakers/stands/sub). The benefits of going for bookshelf is the easier load on the amp.

Phaijai

Soooooo, just my luck.....I received the LSi15s, unpacked them, and discovered the seller sent out two different finishes. The left is cherry but the right is the black finish. No big deal really since I e-mailed him after hours and he was very responsive. A replacement should be shipped on Monday along with a return shipping label. The only pain in the butt is the repackaging of the return. I'm sure you all can appreciate how heavy these guys are and how cumbersome it is to repackage it. lol.

Anyways, I have done some research about ampifiers on the forum and looked on craigslist for a decently used amp. May I ask for some feedback on Adcom? I am looking at the GFA-7605 which is a 5 channel amplifier. I figure this would give me the option of adding my center channel later in the future...if I am lucky to stumble on a LSiC. It shows a 175W x 5 channel which I think would be sufficient. What are your thoughts?

http://www.adcom-usa.com/gfa-7605

leroyjr1

what's your budget for an amp?

Phaijai

About $600...

The other option is a Marantz mm7055 from Magnolia for $999