Modifications To My LSi9 Speakers

jmierzur

I am thinking of enhancing my LSi9 speakers. My new speaker wire is non bi-wire with 5/16” OCC copper spades. The binding posts on the LSi accept 3/8” spades. I would like to keep these spades intact on the speaker cable. I was at the point of re-terminating the speaker end with Eichmann Bayonets.

I started thinking that the binding posts on the LSi’s do not look to be of the best quality. Maybe it would be best to replace one set of binding posts with Eichmann Cable Pods. As well, I would also remove the second set of binding posts from the signal path by placing all internal wiring on the Eichmann binding posts.

I would be removing four sets of unknown quality (most likely brass) binding posts from the signal path, two sets that I do not require or want. In their place would be two sets of high quality binding posts.

Does this sound like a good plan? Could there be any issues with placing both sets of internal wiring on one binding post?

PS - I am not worried about the warranty at this point. They have performed great for the past 3.5 years.

steveinaz

Hey, if you're handy, why not? I don't biwire, and I would do the same thing if I had a pair of biwirable speakers. I don't know that replacing them is necessary, but if you're bored--what the heck.

Airplay355

You could upgrade the binding posts, but I wouldn't get rid of the other set all together. If you ever decide to sell the speakers, that won't be to great, and if you get an upgrade bug and decide to biamp, you wont be able to anymore. Just upgrade to 4 better binding posts.

VR3

Why bother? The LSi posts are above par for what is the norm on speakers.

jmierzur

Steve - No, I'm not bored. I have ulterior motives. I had an interesting experience last weekend. I have a CD of Carmina Burana. It is a good recording; involving sound and dynamic. The CPO orchestra and choir were performing this piece, so I purchased good tickets for the concert. The performance was very much like the CD except the sound was crystal clear and the dynamics were explosive. Need I say more?

Airplay – Replaced pieces will be stored and disconnected pieces will be left in place (can’t leave holes on the terminal plate). I do not need to bi-amp the speakers. I am currently bi-amping at this time using L+R subs for two channel audio. I do not need to replace all four terminals as I will never use all four sets at once. These will move upstairs when I upgrade.

Sid – See Steve’s response. The binding posts look like standard issue to me and are most likely constructed of brass. Good drivers, solid cabinet, premium components in the crossover, questionable binding posts. Think I will update the weak link in the chain and be done with it.

Gentlemen, thanks for the responses.

steveinaz

Go for it, part of the fun is tweaking, improving, etc. Shoot, while you're in there, put some high grade wire in as well. Lsi9's are definitely deserving of some improvements/tweaks, it's a great speaker.

Rock on brotha

bertram

One of the greatest recorded Carminas, for many THE greatest, is the Michael Tilson Thomas/Cleveland Orch on CBS records, from 1974. There was a half-speed-mastered "audiophile" LP and a non-audiophile CD (MK 33172). On WQXR FM radio in NY, host Victor Campos played a Dolby-A studio master tape copy of it on his cult "Adventures in Sound" show in the '70s which did much to spread its fame. No one has ever come close to matching soprano Judith Blegen's "Dulcissime" movement and it was done on the first take, too. The choruses, too, are infused with an elemental force. In case you haven't heard this performance, try to get a copy!

jmierzur

Steve - Haven't opened then before. What wire did you have in mind?

Bertram - I will look for that version. Thanks.

VR3

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-309 - similar to that correct?


Here ya go http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=093-557

You wont hear a difference in wires with those short lengths...if you could, I would be changing mine out

steveinaz

You'll have to pick Sid's brain on choice of wire. He's the DIY'er around here.

VR3

Originally posted by steveinaz
You'll have to pick Sid's brain on choice of wire. He's the DIY'er around here.

Something that dosnt oxidize fast....

I believe the wire Signal Cable uses is called Liberty, and PE sells it (name might be off) - use that.

EDIT: Its not liberty, Mantis was talking about it a while back, do a search for Mantis Wires or w/e

EDIT #2: It is called Liberty and PE does not sell it!

audiobliss

Come on, man; I thought you knew something! If we have to rely on you for DIY stuff.......:rolleyes:

VR3

Originally posted by audiobliss
Come on, man; I thought you knew something! If we have to rely on you for DIY stuff.......:rolleyes:

Hmm, I dont see the point in upgrading the LSi wiring, its already a nice awg of wire as is...

jmierzur

I had a quick look at Percy Audio to see what chassis wire or speaker cable he has. There is a local audio store that has many different types of chassis wire and speaker cable. At this time, I was not planning on modifying the internals of these speakers. If required, I will perform the necessary operation on the speakers.

Sid - Overall AWG is not high on my criteria list for wire selection. Any wire I use is enameled or insulated. All connections would be treated with Caig after installation. Thanks for the link to the WBT binding posts, but I have decided on the Eichmann product.

dorokusai

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
Something that dosnt oxidize fast....

I believe the wire Signal Cable uses is called Liberty, and PE sells it (name might be off) - use that.

EDIT: Its not liberty, Mantis was talking about it a while back, do a search for Mantis Wires or w/e

EDIT #2: It is called Liberty and PE does not sell it!

Signal Cable does not use Liberty Cable.

jmierzur

I finally had the chance to perform the necessary surgery to replace the binding posts.

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
Why bother? The LSi posts are above par for what is the norm on speakers.

Why should one go through such lengths? To start, the binding posts are not above par for speakers.

Once one speaker was updated, it was noticeable that the speaker pair did not share the same tonal qualities. With two updated, the sound is clearer and more detailed. It is especially noticeable in the midrange/treble.

There was no reason to update the binding post terminal plate to the one provided by the link to Parts Express. In fact, if you look at the cut-away drawing of the LSi9 speaker on the Polk site, it shows the crossover is mounted to the back of the terminal plate, so swapping is not possible without major work.

As far as the bi-wire comment, I would prefer to spend the same money on one better cable than two mediocre cables per speaker side.

Internal wiring did not need any changes. The binding posts are connected to the crossover via 18 awg silver coated thick stranded cable. So to all those who agonize over the awg of jumper cables; don’t worry, be happy. The cable length is too short to stress over.

In short, I am only disappointed in the fact that I did not contemplate and execute these changes sooner. For the past three years I have been missing what the speakers are truly capable of.

Till next tweak.

PS. May have all cables cryo treated next week.

mantis

I find nothing wrong with changing out the binding post. As long as the quality is going up , why not.

There are some hidden sound quality found in binding posts and even in RCA ends. Check out WBT. They released some new RCA Next Gen ends that are suppost to sound even better then there last ends. I read an entire review of them using Kimber Select cables. They said the Next Gen ends made a incredible sounding cable even better. I can't see why this wouldn't apply to the binding posts.

I will agree that the LSI binding posts are above average. They are very well built and you will need to use even higher quality posts.

jmierzur,
I would like to see your before and after pics.Not to mention a nice review of your findings. I see you have already started.

Dan

malikarshad

I'm also interested in how it turns out. Please keep us posted about your findings

jmierzur

The LSi binding posts may appear above average on the exterior. Pop the binding plate cover off and see how the wire is connected to the posts. Not the best method, in my opinion.

There are no pics as I do not have a digital camera. Envision the bottom binding posts replaced with Eichmann binding posts. The top posts remain intact and are not used.

Review will be in the future as there is only about 6 hours on the posts.

jmierzur

Originally posted by jmierzur
Till next tweak.

PS. May have all cables cryo treated next week.

It is now next tweak. All system wiring will be going in for cryo treatment tomorrow. Looks like the above comments will be the extent of listening to the swapping of the binding posts.

mantis

NO review yet???

Come on man lets here it. What was the difference? The posts sound like from what I read are a better connection.

Dan

F1nut

In my experience I've never noticed a change in sound quality from changing binding posts, although I continue to do it anyway because most stock posts are rather cheap looking.

Cables and crossover upgrades will give you noticable results.

mantis

I upgraded the Binding posts on my SDA 2b's, I didn't notice anything at all. I think I still have the old Polk plastic binding post for them. I replaced with Phoenix Golds for like 12 bucks or so.

The Eichmann Cable Pods look intresting. I wonder....

Dan

jmierzur

Mantis,

I listened with the new binding posts for several hours, let the system play for about 10 hours then the company that was cryogenically treating my cables was running the machine. All cables were removed from the system at that time. I never had a chance to have a good listen to the speakers before the cables disappeared. Too many things happened in a short period of time at that point.

Mantis and F1nut,

One speaker was modified, then replaced in the system. It was clearly evident the modified speaker sounded much more detailed. It was especially noticeable in the treble and midrange. I did one speaker at a time in order to test if this change made any difference. It does and I would do it in the future without any hesitation. If I borrow the neighbor’s camera again, I will take a picture of the removed binding post and let you be the judge wire connection method.

I am not sure which binding posts you are using F1nut, but the Eichmann CablePods did made a difference.

F1nut

I use Cardas/Colver binding post, short billet Copper posts, Rhodium over Silver plate. Billet Copper nut, Gold plate. Glass filled nylon insulator.

I'm not doubting your experience, just that most folks I know and pro's too will tell you that they don't make much, if any difference in sound quality, but they certainly don't get in the way either.

zeppage2

zombie thread alert