Lsi FX versus Lsi 9's

tnathan

I have a polk lsi system sub, fronts, center that is connected to an HK receiver and parasound amps. The data I run through it is a dvd-audio/sacd, dvd's, cds, and a 5.1 media center. I am looking to buy the side surrounds and can't make up my mind based on what I heard. I was told that a dipole/bipole is better for 5.1 movies to give you a background echo. However, direct speakers are better for sacd/dvd-audio. Is there a noticable difference. Which way do most people go? It seems like a lot of people talk about setting it up for what your predominate use will be. If it is just a delay issue would is it possible to buy lsi 9's for sacd and turn on a dsp theater setting for dolby digital. I also thought I could set a delay in my receiver. Could I get the same effect by setting a delay? I just hate the thought that I have to comprimise one way or the other. Any thoughts?

Tim

Airplay355

you wont be comprimising, you will be happy with whichever you want to get. don't worry about what people tell you, go out and listen to the speakers yourself, then decide what you want.

idealty

Actually, with the LsiFx in bipole mode, the sound will still be localized. In essence, bipole mode combines the benefits of a monopole (localized sound for music) with the benefits of dipole (dispersed sound for movies). Trust me, you will not have any loss of quality with music using the LsiFx. Just a wider soundfield:) However, if your room isn't that big, than you may not need the wider soundfield, in which case i would just get the lsi9s.

tnathan

I didn't realize that. That is helpful. Iwas frustrated thinking i ad to choose between great stereo or HT. With how much they cost, I didn't want to end up withsomething that made me happy half the time. Thanks

Airplay355

the lsifx's will give you a more dispersed sound field, they are designed to be hung on a wall and use the wall to create reflections that make it harder to pinpoint surround effects. some people do not like this effect with multi channel music so they go with lsi9's or 7's as rear speakers.

on the other hand, some people don't like the localization of sound effects from lsi'9's in an HT application. the lsi9's soundfield will be more direct then the lsifx's. some people prefer the lsifx's sound for movies while others prefer the lsi9's.

this is why i suggested you go out and actually listen to the speakers in both an HT and multichannel music format situation. what you are hearing about these speakers are peoples opinions not facts, so you might find that you like the lsi9's better in HT and music and that you dislike the way the lsifx's sound.

Kevinvb11

Where will your surrounds be placed? I'm currently in a similar situation deciding on my rears as they will be next to my sofa and not 5-8 feet behind me facing towards the sofa

I'm leaning towards LSi 7's as they will be facing me plus I love five chanel stereo with music.

tnathan

I did some more research. There are monopole, dipole, bi-pole speakers. I saw one manufacuturer that advertises a switchable bi, di, mono speaker. It looks neat. I am not sure I get the difference.

I think
1) bi- is that the speakers are driven out of phase.

2) di- the speakers are driven in phase.

3) mono- I would think are also driven in phase.

The only difference I could think of is that they are not directed towards you in di versus mono. If I buy a mono and turn it around to face the wall do I get a di?


Right now I am in an appartment, but I am planning on building a house. So right now my surrounds are right off the couch. But I could envision that I will have a larger family room in the near future. I like the looks of the lsi'9s on the pedistals and it gives me more versatility with speaker placement. As I have moved around, I have found that are not always walls where I want to place my speakers.

From what I gather, mono's tend to be too sharp for HT especially if placed near your listening position.

Bi's, Di's are criticised for being too muffled for SACD, DVD-Audio. I am leaning towards the 9's because they seem better for SACD, they are more versatile as far as mounting goes. What do you think?

Kevinvb11

Originally posted by tnathan
[B

Right now I am in an appartment, but I am planning on building a house. So right now my surrounds are right off the couch. But I could envision that I will have a larger family room in the near future. I like the looks of the lsi'9s on the pedistals and it gives me more versatility with speaker placement. As I have moved around, I have found that are not always walls where I want to place my speakers.

[/B]

I would honestly wait till you see your new home/room size. You have no idea what the situation will be like and you plan on moving out as soon as it's built I would assume. Just get by with what you have and then make a serious consideration when you get there.

KVB

Whadyasay

Bi-pole...both sets of drivers in phase, more direct/localized sound, but still spread out.

Di-pole...both drivers out of phase, more diffuse/harder to pinpoint, best used for surounds directly to the side of listener..

Mono-pole...one set of drivers used, just like a regular bokshelf speaker, probably best used for SAVD and DVD-A.