Dilemma - RTi vs. LSi

falcon

I have two choices in the setup, both used with HSU sub VTF-3 MK2 and Pioneer 72TXV receiver.

1) Fronts - LSi 15
Center - LSiC
Surround - LSiFx

2) Fronts - RTi12
Center - CSi5
Surround - FXi5

Guys, I would appreciate any input. I'm torn between these two setups.

Thanks.

VR3

music or ht?

falcon

Probably 70-80% HT.

VR3

RTi* probally

Unless you spend that over 30-20% critically listening to music, then LSi

McLoki

If you are going to stay with that AVR, I would go RTi (and rethink the 12's or get at least a 2 channel amp) If you don't mind stepping up to a 5 channel amp, go LSi and don't look back. Then again - I am biased for the LSi (with good amplification)

Michael

falcon

Well, the sales guy wanted me to upgrade to LSi series. He told me that the receiver would handle them fine.

So, my avr is not adequate to drive RTi12?

Are LSi as good for HT as RTi12?

Also, what are some good amps, moderately priced. Can't spend 5k.

Thank you.

Whadyasay

Well, your receiver will really be walking the razor's edge wit the LSi15's, since they are 4 ohms AND equipped with a 8" woofer. You really need a good amp (external or areally beefy one in a receiver) to take advantage of the LSi's. I would questioin that sales guy's recommendation. The LSi's are terrific for HT, but they need substantial power. If you want to look into some affordable amps, Outlaw Audio is a good place to start.

cfrizz

+1 What he said!!!!

Whadyasay wrote:

Well, your receiver will really be walking the razor's edge wit the LSi15's, since they are 4 ohms AND equipped with a 8" woofer. You really need a good amp (external or areally beefy one in a receiver) to take advantage of the LSi's. I would questioin that sales guy's recommendation. The LSi's are terrific for HT, but they need substantial power. If you want to look into some affordable amps, Outlaw Audio is a good place to start.

McLoki

falcon wrote:

Well, the sales guy wanted me to upgrade to LSi series. He told me that the receiver would handle them fine.

So, my avr is not adequate to drive RTi12?

Are LSi as good for HT as RTi12?

Also, what are some good amps, moderately priced. Can't spend 5k.

Thank you.

Your amp will drive the RTi12's but they will sound much better with a decent amp that can supply lots of power and current. (It will also help your other speakers sound better since all the power in your AVR will not be going to your front speakers.)

I really like my LSi's for music and HT. (I am about 90% or so HT) It is a personal preference though. You might like the experience better with the RTi line I can't make that decision for you. I think the LSi's are more accurate (making them a better music speaker) but the RTi's are designed with HT in mind. Listen to both and decide. Either way you will have people agreeing with you.

For amplification - do you mind purchasing used? If you must have new outlaw has a number of good amps for not alot of money. I have seen NAD for decent prices before as well. If you are willing to purchase used, you can go with near anything and could run at least your front 3 channels off separate amplification for about $500 or 5-7 channels for about $1000.

Anyway - I am sure you will be happy with whatever you decide on. It sounds like you are setting up a great system.

Michael

aaharvel

LSI. you're going to want high-quality amplification regardless.

unbridled_id

Almost everyone (myself included) feel the lsi's are superior with music. I don't see why this superiority would not extend outward. I have owned many rti's ... 25, 38, 10's.. I now own the lsi-9's and the one difference I noticed out of the box was the high end being more detailed and realistic with the lsi's, they are really nice with vocals and percussion.

fireshoes

I own both...LSi in a heartbeat (music or HT). You will probably want that amp though.

Airplay355

I agree with fireshoes. Lsi are amazing at HT.

sickicw

I have both, and LSi are much better than the rti, however the lsi are much harder to properly power. The LSi speakers average about 4 ohms of impedance and can dip down to 2 ohms. This means to properly power em you need a good amp that can put out enought power down to 2 ohms. I was not impressed with my oulaw amp. Some amps that i am looking into are krell showcase, krell 3250, and sunfire theater grand. I am also experimenting with car audio amps for my 4 ohm lsi speakers. I bought a rockford fosgate from crutchfield and it is in the mail. Car amps are cheaper, are specificly designed for 4 ohms load, and put out LOTS of current. Ill post something when i get it integrated with the rest of my home audio system.

McLoki

sickicw wrote:

I was not impressed with my oulaw amp. Some amps that i am looking into are krell showcase, krell 3250, and sunfire theater grand.

Give one of these a try. This is the same model that I have. You will be amazed at what it can do. (you can get more info on it by clicking the link in my sig.)

Michael

Sami

falcon wrote:

1) Fronts - LSi 15

Go with LSi's but consider the 7's and 9's as well since you're running a sub. Check the Flea Market for separate amps, good deals there all the time.