System Upgrade LSi9 vs LSI15

m-rorem

Sorry if this topic has already been discussed, please take the time to "share your wisdom" if you will.

About ready to pull the trigger on an upgrade from the following Polk system to a complete LSI system. Wondering which speakers I should go with for my main L/R?

Current Speakers:
RT55i Main L/R
CS400i Center
FX500i Side Surround
RT35i Rear surround

New System:
LSI9 or LSI15 Main L/R
LSIc Center
LSIfx Side Surround
LSI7 Rear Surround

My system also consists of the following head-end components:

Integra DTC9.4 Pre-Amp/Surround Processor
Integra DTA9.4 7-Channel Amp
Denon DVD5900 DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio
SVS PB12-Plus/2 Subwoofer

Currently running all speakers small with bass management set to 80hz, if I go with the LSI15s would the small config still be applicable? Are the 15s going to be wasted or harder to match with the sub?

Any input would be appreciated.

Half

okiepolkie

With the sub in play, the 9's will probably blend better, and are a little cheaper(although price doesn't look to be a determining factor). This is all IMHO.
Nice upgrade overall. The LSi series will help fulfill the potential of the Integra components better.
What are your plans for your old system?

polkatese

you have a very nice system! welcome to the forum!

With your setup, I would go with the 9, since your svs will be more than enough to provide you with the low. Having said that though, personally I really like 15 better than 9. I 've been going back and forth between the two (HT and two channels). Do you do mostly music or movie? If you do a lot of multichannel SACD/DVD-A, then I would suggest 15 for the front. And yes, I set mine for large. Any chance you can borrow both and test them out in your living room? Your Integra pre-power would handle them nicely, btw, although I found Integra to be a bit analytical for me. Have fun tweaking them.

Frank Z

15's

m-rorem

Originally posted by polkatese
you have a very nice system! welcome to the forum!

With your setup, I would go with the 9, since your svs will be more than enough to provide you with the low. Having said that though, personally I really like 15 better than 9. I 've been going back and forth between the two (HT and two channels). Do you do mostly music or movie? If you do a lot of multichannel SACD/DVD-A, then I would suggest 15 for the front. And yes, I set mine for large. Any chance you can borrow both and test them out in your living room? Your Integra pre-power would handle them nicely, btw, although I found Integra to be a bit analytical for me. Have fun tweaking them.

I do listen to multi-channel and 2-channel audio, but movies make up the bulk of my listening. However, I am an "old" 2-channel buff and when I do listen to music, I take it more seriously than I do movies. Having said that, my thought would be to run the LSI15 "small" in the pre-amps bass management, but large in the bass management of the Denon DVD5900 for music only listening?

As someone else pointed out, "cost" is not really a concern. I purchased the Amp and Pre-Amp ($5,000) to replace a Denon AVR3803, not because of any disappointment with it's performance, but mainly because I knew that the LSI's where going to be in my Hometheater room at some point.

I appreciate the input, along with the well explained reasons for the answers.

Any others?

Half

m-rorem

Originally posted by okiepolkie
With the sub in play, the 9's will probably blend better, and are a little cheaper(although price doesn't look to be a determining factor). This is all IMHO.
Nice upgrade overall. The LSi series will help fulfill the potential of the Integra components better.
What are your plans for your old system?

Planning to sell the "old" system, sans the RT35i (which are already spoken for). Not sure for how much, but was planning to offer it in the "flea market" on this board prior to "ebaying."

m-rorem

jmierzur

Originally posted by m-rorem
I do listen to multi-channel and 2-channel audio, but movies make up the bulk of my listening. However, I am an "old" 2-channel buff and when I do listen to music, I take it more seriously than I do movies. Having said that, my thought would be to run the LSI15 "small" in the pre-amps bass management, but large in the bass management of the Denon DVD5900 for music only listening?

Either should be fine. I have the 9's on 28" stands with two SVS PCU's. The 9's throw a wide, deep and detailed soundstage. I listen to two-channel music 95% of the time WITH the PCU's. I prefer listening to music with the subs so the 9's were the natural choice for me. They throw a wide and deep soundstage and sound better when relieved of bass duties.

m-rorem

Originally posted by jmierzur
Either should be fine. I have the 9's on 28" stands with two SVS PCU's. The 9's throw a wide, deep and detailed soundstage. I listen to two-channel music 95% of the time WITH the PCU's. I prefer listening to music with the subs so the 9's were the natural choice for me. They throw a wide and deep soundstage and sound better when relieved of bass duties.

I tend to think that if I am going to get the best use out of my sub, the 9's would be a logical choice and will likely be easier to place in my HT room. It is relatively narrow and I have a very wide TV (sony 60" GWIV), the 15's will really be in close proximity to my SVS Sub and Equipment Rack, specifically the "woofer" section of the 15's.

thanks for your insight, I really appreciate it.

m-rorem

jmierzur

Originally posted by m-rorem
I tend to think that if I am going to get the best use out of my sub, the 9's would be a logical choice and will likely be easier to place in my HT room. It is relatively narrow and I have a very wide TV (sony 60" GWIV), the 15's will really be in close proximity to my SVS Sub and Equipment Rack, specifically the "woofer" section of the 15's.

thanks for your insight, I really appreciate it.

m-rorem

I would use the SV sub with the LSi regardless of the model you purchase. They just do the low end better. Period.

If you get the 9's, make sure you get stands that are tall enough.

m-rorem

Originally posted by jmierzur
I would use the SV sub with the LSi regardless of the model you purchase. They just do the low end better. Period.

If you get the 9's, make sure you get stands that are tall enough.

When you say "tall enough" what it is the recommended for these?

mark

jmierzur

I have mine on 28" stands. This places the tweeters just below ear level. Since having the stands made, I changed love seats and the tweeters are now about two inches below ear level. If I was to get new stands, I would make sure the tweeter is at ear level so they would now be 30" stands. The tweeter should be about ear level.

Frank Z

Tweeters at ear level when seated.

If possible try to audition both the 9's and 15's before spending any cash. Everyone here has there own preferences when it comes to movie sound track and music reproduction. You might find someone else's description of the sound quality from either speaker may not jive with what your ears actually hear.

Good luck with you're upgrade.

m-rorem

Originally posted by Frank Z
Tweeters at ear level when seated.

If possible try to audition both the 9's and 15's before spending any cash. Everyone here has there own preferences when it comes to movie sound track and music reproduction. You might find someone else's description of the sound quality from either speaker may not jive with what your ears actually hear.

Good luck with you're upgrade.

Unfortunately, the only dealer for Polk in our area is about 250 miles away, so a loaner program isn't really an option. I will audition in their showroom but that doesn't do much for in home evaluation.

Leaning toward the 9's at this point.

Mark

jmierzur

Originally posted by m-rorem
Unfortunately, the only dealer for Polk in our area is about 250 miles away, so a loaner program isn't really an option. I will audition in their showroom but that doesn't do much for in home evaluation.

Leaning toward the 9's at this point.

Mark

Take lots of different types of music with you and spend as much time between the two as you can. Try to set them up the way you would in your room if you can.

Have fun listening.

m-rorem

Bummer my current stands are 22", guess I will be re-investing there also!

Let you guys know what I end up with, and I will post pics of completed upgrade when possible.

Thanks to all with input...

m-rorem

scottnbnj

beyond the height that you like your image, the height can change the tonal balance just like moving them in relation to a corner or wall. mine are settling in closer to the height of 25's than 15's.

if you're finicky about this, you might do better to reserve judgement until after break-in. the tonal balance will change and vertical image will grow as they loosen up.

)

sowen010599

I'd go wit da 9's.

The dry and airy sound of your Oinks will do well with the warm, laid back sound of the LSI's too. Sounds like a great match to me.

keith allen

The 9's are getting rave reviews thats for sure,saw them at #9 on the top 100 audio/video products for 2004

Joey_V

I have the LSi9s (upgraded from lsi7, which are now rears) and I must say that they are one heck of a speaker. If properly positioned (ear level, toed in, away from the wall by atleast 4-6 inches).... they are WONDERFUL!

keith allen

Toed in,what exactly is that?

fireshoes

slighty pointed in

newsman

I personally prefer LSi15, I think on hard bass passages, LSi15 do a better job staying balanced where LSi9 could sound boomy - but of course it depends on amp, room. In any case I took out 450 Polk sub out of my system since I got LSi15. For me there is simply no need for it right now, especially for music.

2+2

for what its worth, I have the LSi15 and listen primarily to music (90%). They have plenty of bass...in fact....can have too much bass which was tamed by using good interconnects and 200Watts/ch of Rotel power. I listen to a lot of classical music which has deep bass but its not loud. I know room dynamics plays a big role...

jmierzur

Originally posted by m-rorem
My system also consists of the following head-end components:

Integra DTC9.4 Pre-Amp/Surround Processor
Integra DTA9.4 7-Channel Amp

On a seperate note, how do you like your Integra units? I am in the market for a new pre/pro and have been looking at the Anthem Statement D-1. Never really looked at the Integra units. Found that there are several retailers in the local area.

I also noticed that the amp is a PWM unit. How do you like the digital amp? Was also looking at new amps further down the road. One digital amp that caught my attention was the new PSA units with their 'Gain Cell' technology. This might be just a dream at this time as the cost is substantually higher.

jmierzur

Originally posted by 2+2
for what its worth, I have the LSi15 and listen primarily to music (90%). They have plenty of bass...in fact....can have too much bass which was tamed by using good interconnects and 200Watts/ch of Rotel power. I listen to a lot of classical music which has deep bass but its not loud. I know room dynamics plays a big role...

He has a SVS PB12-Plus/2 unit and would be better off using this instead of the bass from 15's, even for two channel listening.

m-rorem

Originally posted by jmierzur
On a seperate note, how do you like your Integra units? I am in the market for a new pre/pro and have been looking at the Anthem Statement D-1. Never really looked at the Integra units. Found that there are several retailers in the local area.

I also noticed that the amp is a PWM unit. How do you like the digital amp? Was also looking at new amps further down the road. One digital amp that caught my attention was the new PSA units with their 'Gain Cell' technology. This might be just a dream at this time as the cost is substantually higher.

I am very happy with the pre-amp it has all of the latest and greatest features (excpent dolby prologic IIx), excellent build quality, balanced outputs, etc. At the 2k asking price, I think it is very competitive with just about anything out there.

The amp is also an admirable performer. At 3k it is a little pricey compared to some of it's competition, but I do like it's smallish size, lack of a/c consumption, quiet operation, and lack of heat output. Below it's "limits" of operation I think it sounds very good, as you reach it's limits (clipping) it does get a little harsh though. When I first looked at it's spec's I was quite concerned about the higher than average THD spec but in operation I can't say that I notice it being harsh. It DEFINITELY out performs the Denon AVR3803 I replaced it with, and in my opinion sounds much better than the Outlaw 7100 and very close to that of a Aragon 7x200 amp that I have auditioned.

mrorem

mantis

Alot has been said. I sold my Lsi9's and kept y lsi15's.

Unknown

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cmy330go

djwest78 wrote: »

"Analytical" as a description of how a speaker sounds and performs??? Seriously?

Seriously? He's not talking about speakers.

Seriously? This is a 9 year old thread.

txcoastal1

djwest78 wrote: »

"Analytical" as a description of how a speaker sounds and performs??? Seriously?

DJ I see you were trolling as far back as December '13 digging up an old thread from 2004, as for your response about "analytical" ....yes the term is used in describing audio....see link, includes a few more definitions that may be useful

http://www.hifi-advice.com/audio-lingo-info.html

drummer86

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1462438/please-rate-the-deal-that-i-just-got-on-these-speakers

This is even better. Especially posts #1, #17, and #18. Considering he was bragging about how much $$$ he spent on Polk. Turns out he bought his speakers second-hand and at a huge discount. Not the first or last time he got chastised for writing all caps in an audio forum either haha.