LSI-15 Upgrade

isaiias

Hi Guys,
I wanted to get some suggestions on upgrading my current LSI15 system. I currently have the following set up:
-Denon AVR-4520CI
-LSI15(fronts)
-LSIC(Center)
-B&W In-Walls(Rears)
-Martin Logan Depth Subwoofer
I'm trying to choose between the following:
-Adding more power with an Emotiva XPA-5
-Replacing my LSI-15 with the Klipsch RF280P instead of adding more power
-Replacing the LSI-15 with B&W 683
My room is carpeted and about 15x20. I don't want to spend more than $1000 and I can purchase both speaker brands at speaker cost. I listen to movies 80% of the time and 20% for music. I usually play it at reference level.................

Any thoughts? In advance, thanks for your input!!

ZLTFUL

You run at reference level with LSi15s with just the AVR's amps?

Brave soul.

But that would be my first upgrade. The LSis LOVE power and an external amplifier will net you vast improvements in that regard.
The other speakers may not be your cup of tea if you enjoy the sound of the LSis as they tend to be a bit more "dynamic". But if you are looking for more out of your movies then the speakers may be a better way to go. I just couldn't make myself love the 600 series B&Ws...and Klipsch has never really done all that much for me.

isaiias

Thanks for the input. I've owned these speaker for about 8 years but I recently moved to a lager space. My gut tells me to buy and amp. In that regards would you recommend the XPA-3 and run the rears with the receiver? how about an XPA-5 and bi-amp the fronts?
Thanks for the help....

ZLTFUL

Just go with the XPA-3. You would have to double up on the power to get an audible difference at a given volume level so "bi-amping" would be worthless. I use quotes there because true active bi-amping requires completely bypassing the stock passive crossovers, using active crossovers and separate amplifiers for each post pair.

I currently have a 5 channel LSi system and use an XPR-5 to run it in my HT system.

hochpt21

I loved thi lsis when I owned them but if your 80% movies I would consider other speakers.

Joey_V

BW683 might be nice but I've not heard them next to the lsi15. Tough to say. Might be a nice move though and might get you to move up the chain later on.

Not too big of a klipsch fan.

tonyb

Keeping in mind your mostly movies with this system, the Klipsch are going to be more dynamic for that purpose and you won't need an amp with the receiver you have to power them.

EndersShadow

@isaiias

My best suggestion is this.

Buy the Klipsh from a local place you can return them if you dont like them. Put them in your system and get them dialed in. Then toward the end of your return period decide if you could live with them. If you could, sell the LSi's and then your good.

You might have to pay a restock fee on the Klipsh, but in the scheme of things that's the best way to hear them - how they sound in YOUR room with YOUR gear watching movies/music YOU like. A in-store demo will not be able to show you that as easily.

If you DONT like them, then you know you could buy a dedicated amp for your LSi's OR maybe upgrade to the LSiM's (discussed further down), which dont require a dedicated amp (though you should buy one for them anyway at some point).

The ABSOLUTE BEST WAY to do it would be to buy the Klipsh & the Emotiva at the same time and then see how the LSi's sound on dedicated power as well as how well the Klipsh sound on your AVR. They you would truly have a proper A/B comparison between the two speakers when properly powered. However thats quite costly so its not likely that option is in the budget, which is why I recommended the alternative first.

Personally I have a full LSi setup just like @ZLTFUL using LSi 15's, LSiC, LSi F/X. I have mine powered by a dedicated amp (B&K Reference 200.5) and the LSi's sound quite good. That said the center is IMHO the weak point in the line and could be better and running the LSi's on your AVR isnt doing them any justice.

I have run the LSi setup for 5 years at this point for at least 6 hours a day everyday minimum and have yet to ever feel like I needed to turn them off because the sound was fatiguing.

I have a buddy with a Klipsh HT setup and it sounds GREAT for movies, but I find I cant listen to them as long as the LSi's without fatigue, maybe one or two movies max, but definitely not a all day listening speaker (for me). He also runs different speakers in that space for his music.

I dont see you mention that you'd need to buy a new center if you go with the Klipsh fronts. You should plan on that if you replace the LSi 15's, otherwise it will sound funky. Your surrounds not timbre matching your fronts isnt "that" big a deal, but your front 3 MUST match to sound their best.

And lastly, if you do like the LSi's, moving up to the LSiM's may also be a viable alternative. The LSiM 703's would work great as fronts, paired with the larger 706c which is the biggest of the 2 centers and I believe you would be happy. These new versions dont need a amp, but they will benefit from one, but you could run them off your AVR. The 705's are also great as fronts, but they are over your budget once you add in the cost of the center.

Additionally if you sign up for the email deals from Polk, occasionally they run a special where they have knocked down the price on their entire line 50% which brings the LSiM's into your price range. Additionally if purchased direct from Polk, they offer a 6 month payment plan as well should that help you be able to get them.