Upgrading Lsi15s to LsiM705s AMP implications...

HAM

My current setup includes Polk Audio Lsi15s, LsiC, LsiF/X and PSW1000 Sub using an Integra DHC 60.5 Pre and an Integra DTA 70.1 power amp. As you know, the Lsi series are 4 ohm speakers and the DTA 70.1 runs them really well.

However, I am considering progressively making my way to the LsiM speaker platform which are 8 ohm. Therein is my dilemma... Am I force to upgrade all speakers (minus the Sub) at once or am I lookng at another Amp to make this migration?

Appreciate your input to help me think of the best way to make this happen the least painful way possible on the pocket book.

Thanks all!

F1nut

You can upgrade the speakers as desired and your current amp will be fine to use.

HAM

Hey F1nut, thanks for your response.

After writing the post I went back to the DTA manual and read that one of the settings is for speakers with 4 or more ohms impedance... "Connected speakers should have an impedance of 4 ohms or greater."

But given that the 8 ohms require less output power, will the 705s balance well with the other speakers until they are replace?

Trying to better understand how this would work effectively with loads of different impedances on a single amp.

Thanks bunches!

F1nut

You'll have to run the calibration program to balance things out. I'd suggest replacing the front 3 all at the same time for a better timbre match.

Emlyn

The LSiM line presents an easier to drive load than the older LSi line. The Integra amp is a good one. I'd recommend leaving it in the 8 ohm setting all the time, as the 4 ohm setting on these types of amps usually restricts current flow. As F1nut says, once you have the speakers connected run the calibration in your preamp and you'll be all set. Also, I agree you should replace the front speakers all at the same time. The LSiFX speakers are probably the best surround speakers Polk has ever made, so I would stick with those for the long term if I was in your situation.

HAM

Well guys, I was able to procure a pair of LSiM705s for just under $900 each directly from Polk Audio. The LSiM706C will be on the consideration list when a good deal comes along. In the meantime I will set the 705s up and see what I can do to calibrate them with my current speakers via the Integra DHC 60.5. I still need to understand how to properly set up the speakers within frequency range so that they are inline with each other but the Audyssey calibration does a pretty good job.

Will be back soon with some questions...

Thanks!

hochpt21

Congrats on the new speakers. Fine speakers indeed!

HAM

Thanks hochpt21! I am primarily a music listener. Big on Jazz, Latin Jazz ( and anything with a Latin influence) as well as Classical, Rock, etc. So I am hoping the 705s will take me where the LSis couldn't.

hochpt21

I upgraded from the 15's to the 705's as well a few months ago.

When I upgraded from the M70's to the 15's, my jaw dropped. It was a truly revolutionary experience in my world.

When I upgraded from the 15's to the 705's...the experience wasn't as face-punching, however, the sound was much fuller, more open, more perfect across the whole range.

If the upgrade to the 15's was like getting a really good shoulder rub...the 705's are like a full body massage

HAM

Ok, I just took the plunge purchased a brand new LSiM706C from E-ELECTRONICS through ebay for just under $800. At this point I am looking at a $2600 upgrade for the LSiM705s and 706C. This to replace my LSi15s and LSiC.

Hope the upgrade will greatly enhance my experience in the Music and Movie audio departments.

What seems to be falling short is my Integra DHC 60.5 7.2 Preamp. I upgraded from a Onkyo PR-SC5007 9.2 and music and movie audio seemed somewhat more cleaner and refined. When I originally configured the 60.5, Audyssey (the MultEQ XT: Auto Setup) set the Front/Center and Surrounds at 40Hz. When I changed them to 80Hz I noticed an improvement. Not really sure how to set the frequency ranges on these or the new LSiM when I receive them. Anyone out there got a Primer 101 explanation on how this works best and what I should look for?

You guys have been great!

Happy New Year to all!

HAM

PS. I believe I can get a lot more out of this configuration with the Integra DHC 60.5 Pre if I better understood exactly how to configure it properly. Integra has been solid! BTW/ the current set up is still with the LSi and the LSiM is coming next week so I will need to work on that once I receive it and set it up.

Thanks again!

HAM

One more note: These is one more brand new Polk Audio Center Channel LSIM 706c Midnight Mahogany on ebay from E-Electronic for US $789.99.

F1nut

Not really sure how to set the frequency ranges on these or the new LSiM when I receive them.

Set it to 80.

tonyb

F1nut wrote: »

Not really sure how to set the frequency ranges on these or the new LSiM when I receive them.

Set it to 80.

He doesn't know "how" to do that Jess. Which means he needs to read the manual to the Integra.

HAM

tonyb, I do know how to set it and I already had and got better results. What I was trying to communicate was that I would like to better understand what frequency should be set for each speaker pair, i.e., Front L/R, Center, Surrounds and Subwoofer to get a complete range. Thanks!

tonyb

HAM wrote: »

tonyb, I do know how to set it and I already had and got better results. What I was trying to communicate was that I would like to better understand what frequency should be set for each speaker pair, i.e., Front L/R, Center, Surrounds and Subwoofer to get a complete range. Thanks!

Hard for us to tell you exactly, which is why the 80 crossover point is as good as any for a starting position. Normally you want to set the crossover above where the speaker starts to roll off on it's lower limits. But again, that depends on the subs capabilities and your fronts. Adjust to what sounds good to your ears, nothing is written in stone.

That said, your preferences may be different than mine, your room different, associated gear different, all things that will play into your final settings. Experiment with the settings until your ears tell you "dang, that sounds good"....or let the auto calibration do it for you but you still may have to tweek a few settings to your preferences.