LSi7 vs LSI9 for 75% HT 25% music

markeric

Hi all,

I'm new here and need some advice. I'm looking to upgrade my budget front stage (RT15i, CS175i) to LSi. Haven't decided on which center as according to this forum, many members run an LSi9 vs the LSiC. That is stilll up in the air. My main issue is between LSi7 and LSI9. I've heard both in a High-Fi Buys here in town. I'm not an Audiophile, but they both seemed nearly identical to me except that during A/B comparison the LSi9 sounded more full bodied in the mid-bass, maybe warmer is a good word. They were being run from a reciever, I know not the best choice.

My current setup is front stage set as Small with a Pioneer 1014TX 110W x 7. I will add a 3 channel amp that drives 4ohm loads maybe at 200W x 3, use the Pioneer for surrrounds. Xover is set to 80Hz, sub is Polk PSW350. When I buy the LSi's, I may Xover at 50Hz, and eventually will most likely upgrade the HSU10" sub.

Given my use of a sub, xover at 50-80Hz, any reason LSi9 would still be a better choice? Also, where is best place to but at reasonable cost. I've heard to be carefull buying online due to frauds? Any feed back is appreciated

Early B.

Get the 9. It'll be better for HT use. Keep the crossover at 80 Hz. Shop online; buy used (approx. $500 - $600/pair). You'll also need a good pair of stands. Try Parts Express. Get another 9 for use as a center channel. Periodically, check the Flea Market here or audiogon for good deals on the 9.

markeric

Early,

I'm inclined towards the 9's since the price is not much different. I'm just wondering about the benefit since I would be using a sub. Also, I've heard of some folks actually preferring the LSi7's

Good advie on the stands, I already have the parts Express premiun steal stands

madmax

I'm one who prefers the 7's. Very natural sounding. I listen to just about everything and the 7's really do a great job. That extra midbass just didn't do it for me, I guess. Many seem to like the 9's better for whatever reason though.

I was going to list an extra set of ebony LSi7's I have on Ebay in the next week or two. I bought the extra pair for the office but never used them. I decided to go with the cheapy R-15's instead. If you decide on the 7's I can cut you a good deal.

madmax

Early B.

I used to own the 7's and hooked them up to my HT system for a minute. They sounded a bit shy, even with an SVS helping them out. If your system will be used mostly for HT, you gotta go for speakers that give you the most impact. The 9's ought to provide a bit more beef than the 7's.

However, if you land a good deal on the 7's, pick them up. Then grab the 9's later on and put the 7's in the rear. Sounds like a plan, man.

mantis

I would get the 7's for another reason adding to what has already been said. They are wall mountable. You can hang the fronts , center and rears all onwall. How sweet is that???

Dan

markeric

Madmax,

Sounds tempting, but I need Cherry. I am ready to make a purchase. I've seen some stuff pop up in the auction section, but they're usually gone quickly.

trees

I bought 7s, 9s, and a C for my HT/Music system from Enversions, Inc. in San Diego. Best price I could find for new A-stock on the net, and they are an authorized Polk dealer. Adam was the dude that I dealt with. Everything went perfectly.

Testing the 9s vs the 7s in enhanced stereo mode on my NAD 773, the 9s are just better, a lot better! Same with running the test using the two sets of speakers as stereo pairs. The price difference was not that much.

Not sure about the C. I'm replacing a CSi20 so I think that the C is just great. Better than using another 9? I don't know.

Trees

madmax

Once you decide which ones you want you may want to put a WTB ad in the flea market. That way you won't have to "catch them" before someone else does.
madmax

Toxis

Personally, I own and highly prefer the 9's over the 7's. The 7's seem to have more of a gap between the midrange and tweeter IMO. The 9's fill that gap and seem to dig a little deeper as well. Benefit is you can run your 9's at 60htz and have less work for your sub to do and that'll keep your sub a little cleaner. Just my thoughts.

fireshoes

I've always like the 9's better. They sound more open to me. It seemed like the 7's had a tubby midbass area.

markeric

Trees,

Thanks for the advice. I asked Enversions for a quote after your post and got it this morning. They are $100 less than retail here...and thats after shipping. Best deal I've seen except eBay....which I'me a little cautious about due to gray market.

jdhdiggs

Originally posted by markeric
Madmax,

Sounds tempting, but I need Cherry. I am ready to make a purchase. I've seen some stuff pop up in the auction section, but they're usually gone quickly.

I have three pairs in Cherry (older color-more yellow than dayglo orange) that will be going up soon, Markeric, I hearby declare you to have "dibs" when they go.

Right now I'm trying to decide to sell all three or just two pairs.

markeric

Digs,

You selling 7's or 9's?

jdhdiggs

7's. Basically everything in my sig is being sold off in the next three or four weeks. Could you activate you PM button so that if your interested, we don't have to bore everyone else with our discussion?

markeric

Diggs, done.

jdhdiggs

YHPM

markeric

Thanks for all the help here. I've decided to go with 7's due to WAF, practical issues. I don't have a dedicated theater and the 9's are too deep/heavy for both my stands and the fact that these speakers are in a location in the room that leaves them prone to getting bumped when walking by.

When I have a dedicated room, 2 years maybe....I have the option of adding 9's and moving 7's to the surrounds.