Polk LSi 9s & 7s or 7s all around in 5.1?

Drew_veloce

I'm trying to determine what the sound difference would be between a 5.1 setup with LSi9 fronts and LSi7 surrounds and a 5.1 setup with LSi7 speakers all around. Assume a decent subwoofer and LSiC center in both. The primary use would be movies. Oh, and the room is 14 x 17 but with an open floor plan out to the left of the couch.

I've heard both speakers, but I haven't been able to audition two different setups to really hear the difference. I think both speakers sound great, so I really can't lose either way, and both setups seem perfectly legitimate to me.

Will the LSi9 just give me more bass or something? I'm personally more interested in detail than booming power, which is what (along with budget!) kept me away floorstanders like the LSi15s and such.

I'm not really looking for technical details between the two, just to hear if anyone has experience comparing the setups and what their impressions are. Thanks.

Toxis

Well, if you've heard them both, you should know the difference between the two speakers. I feel the 9's blend much better where the 7's leave a gap in the sound. And for $200 more (retail), why NOT get the better speakers?

polkatese

Originally posted by Drew_veloce
Will the LSi9 just give me more bass or something? I'm personally more interested in detail than booming power, which is what (along with budget!) kept me away floorstanders like the LSi15s and such.

FWIW, I have 9 in front, Fx on side, and 7 on back. Given the choice, for mainly movies use, I would go with 15, then 9, then 7. It's not so much of bass need, since I do have a very decent Velodyne to compensate for the low-end, but the 15 have a much better soundstage, ambiance, and fullness (for lack of better term) compared to the 9 and 7. If you have the option of 9 vs. 7 for the front, I would recommend 9 with no hesitation, even for movies. YMMV.

lomic

I had 7's in the front - there's no question for me, the 9's smoke them across the board.

Joey_V

9 > 7 no questions asked.

Go for 9s for fronts and 7s for rears. If you were a baller... you would go 15s front, 7s back.

Drew_veloce

Thanks all -- 9s in front and 7s in back it will be.

Frank Z

It will also depend on what the intended use is. If you plan on listening to a lot of multi-channel music then using identical speakers all the way around is a sure fire hit. If it's a system for movies and music the 7's in the rear is a good choice.

timothyj

I want you all to do blind listening tests on Lsi9 vs. Lsi7 with a sub handling 80hz and below. Then I'll consider the 9's.

Anyone willing?

Drew_veloce

Originally posted by Frank Z
It will also depend on what the intended use is. If you plan on listening to a lot of multi-channel music then using identical speakers all the way around is a sure fire hit. If it's a system for movies and music the 7's in the rear is a good choice.

The system is almost all movies.

Frank Z

Originally posted by timothyj
I want you all to do blind listening tests on Lsi9 vs. Lsi7 with a sub handling 80hz and below. Then I'll consider the 9's.

Anyone willing?

Can't do it...I sold my 9's.

Joey_V

I can do that... give me time. After midterms are over, I'll dedicate an hour or so to do this sort of comparo.

timothyj

We have a brave soul, folks!

I actually really would appreciate anyone owning 9's & 7's who would do this. Blind listening is the only way to be honest in audio.

It is too easy to buy a new pair of speakers, play your best recordings, and make a new post where you affirm your purchase:)