Rounding out an old LSi surround sound setup

mister_eff

I have a pair of cherry Polk LSi9's and an LSiC. I've long been using a different brand for surrounds to get 5.1, but I've been thinking of (finally) getting some used LSi somethings to get a matched 5.1 system. I'm powering them with an Emotiva XPA-5 dedicated amp. I do have a subwoofer, but it's nothing special (I've been in an apartment so I haven't been able to get anything particularly low/loud). I'm not looking to add height/rear speakers at the moment.

From what I've found, it seems like the LSi25 subwoofer often fails because of the built-in amp, so I'm not too keen on getting the 25s used when they're all quite old these days. Is that a reasonable take? Are the LSi25 powered amps more reliable than I'm making it seem?

I'm basically wondering if I should hunt for a pair of LSi15's or LSi9's. I'll likely upgrade my subwoofer eventually as well, but I suppose I could do that sooner if I went with the LSi9's.

I'm also wondering what people's thoughts are on continuing with LSi in 2024 versus just "starting over". I've long been pleased with the LSi9 sound, and starting over with a new system is expensive and not something I'm in a state of mind to do, so rounding out my old system seems like the most sense to me. I am, however, open to what other Polkies might suggest.

I care more about and listen to music more than movies, say 80/20, so the full range of the 15s looks appealing, though I hear that some people prefer upgrading the 15s 8" woofer with something no longer easily available.

Thanks for any feedback.

PSOVLSK

Maybe a pair of LSi f/x surround speakers?

If you’re thinking of getting 15’s and moving the 9’s to surround, I wouldn’t recommend it. I think you’d be better off keeping the 9’s and getting 7’s for surrounds.

If you’re happy with the LSi’s, I’d say keep them. They’re very nice speakers.

mister_eff

PSOVLSK wrote: »

Maybe a pair of LSi f/x surround speakers?

If you’re thinking of getting 15’s and moving the 9’s to surround, I wouldn’t recommend it. I think you’d be better off keeping the 9’s and getting 7’s for surrounds.

If you’re happy with the LSi’s, I’d say keep them. They’re very nice speakers.

Yeah, I was thinking of moving the 9's to the surrounds. Why would you not recommend that? I forgot to mention I listen to a fair amount of 5.1 music, and the long-time recommendation there seems to be to have the surrounds match the fronts as much as possible

PSOVLSK

In that case, yeah, all LSi would be optimal.

My main reason for not recommending the 9’s for surround duty is because of their size. Mounting would be very difficult. Now, if you’re going to put them on stands you’d be okay.