Newbie wanting LSi15

2+2

Sorry for the long post but would like your opinions/advice.

I just moved to a new home and bigger speakers are in order. The speakers will be used for 80% music, 20% HT. Of the music, 80% is orchestral classical, 10% dinner, and 10% hard rock. I have auditioned numerous speakers for the past month including Polks, Boston Acoust., Axioms, Paradigm, NHT, Definitives, Totems, Energy, JBL, Infinity, Athena, etc.

First, hat's off to Polk as LSi15 sound fantastic (RTis sounded pretty good too). This is significant since I hated Polks when I auditioned a bunch of them in the early 1990's. There are speakers that IMO sounded better including Boston's Reference and Paradigms Studio...but both of those were $2400 a pair...which gets to the problem....Polks are a bit out of my price range....

So my questions are:

1. I found an internet company selling these at a lower that retail but concerned about warrenty as I don't think Polk honors warrenties from non-authorized dealers. Is durability/quality an issue with LSi speakers for me to worry about warrenty?

2. Related to #1, I did not find "parts" for the LSi series in the Polk site. Why is parts for other series available but not for the LSi?

3. I am planning on getting some cheap surround sound speakers to run 5.1 (the center for the LSi is like $500!!)...at least until I can afford to get the rest. Is it a problem to run cheap centers and rears with different Impedence?

4. Related to #3, I need a new integrated AV amp. Because funds are an issue, less than $500. I have read the posts about Denons and 4 Ohm loads. Is there a preferred amp to drive LSi's? Purity of sound is extremely important to me so I will be adding an dedicated amp later. For now, I am seriously considering Yamaha RX-V650 for about $400. I think this amp actually has a 4 Ohm setting although I don't know if you can set it for each channel.

What to you think?
Your experience/input is appreciated.

audiobliss

I really don't know a thing on the subject, so this is more of a 'bump' than actual advice. However, I'll say what I think; someone will more than likely correct me.

1. I have no clue.

2. ditto

3. I'd say it'd be a pretty mixed response on whether you can mix speakers in a HT environment, based purely on sound. However, if you're powering speakers with different impedance with the same receiver, I'd say that won't work.

4. Obviously, nothing under $500 will do any of the LSi speakers justice, but I'd say that nothing udner $500 would even be worth the effort. From what you said, it seems that you're going to be adding an amp later on and be using the receiver that you get now for a pre-amp. If that's what you're going to do, I'd just think about the pre part of the receiver and buy based on that, 'cause nothing's going to work with the LSis for under $500

Now, probably everything I just said will be refuted by more knowledgeable members, thus reducing this post to a 'bump'. However, perhaps the posting of incorrect advice will help elicit more responses.

Whatever you do, I hope it works out!!

2+2

Audio bliss, I appreciate the bump....I have been researching answers to my own post as I am not getting much answers here.

Polk does have replacement parts available for the LSi 15...not sure why its not on the web.

As to mixing impedences, yes I am begining to find out that it is not a good idea. Denons discourage use with 4 ohm amps but slightly older Yamahas actually have a setting switch for 4 ohm speakers....figure that! But mixing appears to be discouraged.
It's interesting that I demoed the speakers using Yamaha 2400 and Denon 3805. I guess I will have to try and locate some cheap 4ohm center and surrounds or run 2 separate systems for music and HT. Sound quality in HT is extremely low on priority so may just go HT in a box....

Your comment about eventually using the receiver as a pre-amp is correct. That is the hope...but not a guarentee.

Anyone else? Bueler? Bueler?

pjdami

Hi and welcome to the forum.

What is your overall budget?

Congrats on liking the LSi out of that fine group of speakers you auditioned. The LSi are a good value and the best speaker that Polk is currently making in my opinion.

I preffered the LSi over the Paradigm Studio series as well. I found the Paradigms to be fatiguing to listen to over the long haul although they did have a clearer upper midrange / mid - highs.

I have / have owned four different pairs of LSi's and have had zero problems with the speakers. I'm sure that replacement parts are available if needed. You can contact Ken S. in customer service to be sure.

Buying from an unauthorized dealer without warranty is the risk / reward you face. If replacement drivers aren't all that expensive then it may be something to consider. I did purchase a couple of pair of LSi from an internet dealer like that but my LSi 15s I purchased from an authorized dealer.

As far as receivers, the minimum one I would recommend would run you about $1,000. That would be the NAD 753. For a few hundred more is the Rotel RSX-1056. You may also want to consider the Outlaw seperates as some folks like to run those on LSi as well. All these receivers can run 4 ohm loads with no issues.

Good luck with your search.

edit for Rotel model typo

amulford

1. & 4. - I am listenining to a pair of Polk SDA 2B's right now that have ALL of their original parts, They are circa 1989 or so. I wouldn't worry about longevity. However, I would worry about trying to "make do" with a (excuse this) substandard driving amplifier, ie. a less than adequate receiver. Shop around for pre-owned equipment. You can find some very good eqipment out there.

As far as brands go, there are many. Take your time and find what you like. Try out different stuff at various stores, etc., and go from there. Most manufacturers have a certain feel or sound. It's kinda like a signature. In all likelyhood, last years model will sound very similar.

There are a couple of receivers that can do what you ask, but you will need to save up for them.

2. - If they are in production, there are parts. The customer service department for this company is OUTSTANDING. You won't have a problem there, and you will be treated very well.

3. - this will depend on how you feel. I have run speakers that were not timbre matched. I didn't have too much of a problem, but I knew I was working towards a goal. Keep that in mind. and maybe you'll feel the same way. I've been building my HT set for 3 years. It's still not done, but Rome wasn't built in a day.

As far as running different impedances, I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a very good source which is capable of doing that. IMHO, I would get yourself an amplifier capable of handling a 4 OHM load to drive your mains, and let the receiver handle the rest. You can always upgrade later.

Don't take my word as Gospel. I am only giving you my opinion. In the end, you have to let your ears and wallet be your guide. I hope this helps....

2+2

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I was extremely surprised with the LSi15....enough to stretch my budget. I was looking to cap around $1000 for speakers so that I can get some other stuff but looks like the "other stuff" is going to have to wait. As noted, the only speakers that were of comparable quality in sound were the BA Refs and Paradigm Studio 100(?)....both were $2400 geesh.

Whereas I understand the comments regarding getting a powerful amp, that is not in the cards for a while. Granted I will not be acheiving hte full potential of the LSi15, it also doesnt make any sense to have the speakers and not listen to it waiting for my coffers to refill so that I can get an amp. My plan now is to enjoy it untill I can upgrade the amp. My Yamaha stereo amp bought 10 years ago has been driving a 6 ohm speakers since day 1 so I am counting on Yamaha quality to drive 4 ohms.

The home theater issue still needs resolution....looks like I will have to run 2 different systems.....no?

Mazeroth

Do what I did. LSi15s up front. Get a Harman Kardon AVR230 off Ebay for under $300. Then buy a single Crown XLS402A or XLS402B off Ebay for about $250. The Crown will do 400w RMS to each LSi15. With the Crown hooked up I almost cried at first; I'm not joking.

Enjoy this HUGE thread I started over at the AVS Forum site. Any other questions, feel free to PM me. I can even call you if you'd like.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=418666&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

2+2

Thanks for your interesting suggestion regarding Crown and pro-audio amps in general. It was a facinating read. Realestate is at a premium however and this is not a viable option...at least not until the basement gets finished.....