LSi9 vs RTi 10 for HT

1hotsho

Any thoughts on which speaker combo would be better WITH the following set-up? HK 7300 and SVS sub. I will also be using in-ceiling speakers for the rears. 80% HT in a room about 15'X25'. The cost will be close between the LSi9 package and the RTi10 package, so any ideas on which way to go? NO extra amp at this time.

aaharvel

welcome.
lsi9 hands down.

Sami

aaharvel wrote:

welcome.
lsi9 hands down.

No question about it.

Ace944gs

Just came back from SoundAdvice (hate that place btw..) listening to the LSi9s that will be in my living room once I get a few more paychecks...compared to the RTi10s, LSi9s all the way. Very big soundstage, full sound compared to the RTis. Sounds like there aren't speakers in the room, but rather the band itself. I would say based on what others have said here that your HK will drive them, and will make it that much sweeter later on when you get an amp.

What are you going to do for your center? HT will require a comparable center to the LSi9s...

1hotsho

Yes, I wll get the matching center, LSiC, and the LC80is for the rear ceilings. Since these two speakers were similar in cost, that was the main question, which would be better.

Early B.

Nah. The RTi10 is the better choice for HT, especially if you're running it on a receiver. For the best SQ, Polk Lsi series should be run on separates, not a receiver. The RTi10 will fill the room with decent sound and will provide more bass, even with a sub in the mix.

Now if you plan on eventually getting an all-Lsi HT system with matching in-ceilings and separate amplification, then the 9's would be the right choice. Otherwise, go RTi.

wingnut4772

I agree that the LSIs are the way to go but if you are not prepared to get separate amplification later go with the RTis.

BIZILL

wingnut4772 wrote:

I agree that the LSIs are the way to go but if you are not prepared to get separate amplification later go with the RTis.

yes.

Sami

Even with that HK the LSi's will sound much better than the RTi's.

BIZILL

Sami wrote:

Even with that HK the LSi's will sound much better than the RTi's.

ONLY IF USING TEMPORARILY. THEN YOU CAN GET A SEPARATE AMP DOWN THE ROAD.

BIZILL

the hk will experience premature wear with the lower impedence. may be okay, but i wouldn't run it thattaway permanently.

Sami

BIZILL wrote:

the hk will experience premature wear with the lower impedence. may be okay, but i wouldn't run it thattaway permanently.

It will be fine. It has better PS than some separate amps.

Joey_V

As good as HK receivers are, a 4ohm load for an extended period of time is a pain to handle. The circuits arent designed to take that kind of current punishment. My HK330 shut off a few times (maybe 4 in the course of 6 months) while running the LSi9/7 4.1 combo at the same time.

I moved to separates (Rotel) and havent looked back.

The HK will be fine for now, but seriously think about going separates around 6-12 months from now.

KrazyMofo24

Thats also my plan I was considering the 10's, but the fact that I want to keep these speakers for a few years I am going to use on my h/k 335 and save for a better amp. I am also getting the Lsi15's later do you think the 7's would be easier to drive, and be better as surrounds later?

Tour2ma

Rti 10's are my favorite speaker in the current Polk line. For my taste the Lsi's are just too laid back. I get bored with them very quickly.

Proviso is that I heard both on a Denon AVR, which I think is a little more mellow than the HK.

But what any of us has to say matters not. Bottom line is what sounds better to you.

KrazyMofo24

But did you hear them on just a receiver? They are going to sound more laid back because they need more power.

aaharvel

lsi7's average a 6ohm load

Tour2ma

^^ Laid back does not mean underdriven. The Lsi tweeter is just a bit dull for my tastes (or my 53 year-old ears)...

I've heard Lsi 9's on a Sunfire Signature Grand... same results.

Sami

Joey_V wrote:

As good as HK receivers are, a 4ohm load for an extended period of time is a pain to handle. The circuits arent designed to take that kind of current punishment. My HK330 shut off a few times (maybe 4 in the course of 6 months) while running the LSi9/7 4.1 combo at the same time.

Yes but he has 7300 which is quite a bit more capable than a 330. Check out the PS on that and you'll see why it shouldn't have any problem with the 9's. Maybe if he was planning for 15's but 9's should not be a problem.

SKsolutions

I agree with the "yea's". I would have agreed with the "nay's". But I have them both and the 9 works quite well with the HK 635 or above. The PS/Caps/output transistors can handle the load better than many separates. I was planning on using my AVR as a pre/pro after a few weeks, but I continue to be astonished by how it SOUNDS. It's quite a match actually. I won't get into my qualifications, but it really is that good. I wouldn't have believed it, but I hear it everyday and at decent levels too. You won't be disappointed, VERY dynamic, great range and detail. I won't try to convince the naysayers, but give it a try. Your pre-outs aren't going anywhere, so give it a spin.

Toxis

I own the 9's and absolutely do NOT recommend them if you're only gonna use a receiver. Its like buying a Ferrari and only using 87 oct gas and never taking it over 50mph. WEAK!

I think my 3805 sounds better than any of the HK receivers (personal preference from someone who sells both and has owned both) and I couldn't stand the 9's off the reciever. Sounded pretty blah. Added an amp and dear god!

KrazyMofo24

How is that bad? They won't sound as good as the rti towers with just a receiver, but they will sound good, and having the option off adding an amp makes it worth it.

SKsolutions

You can drive 9's with an HK receiver, and it will sound VERY dynamic, detailed and musical. I would have told anyone that tried to tell me this that they well full of **** after I saw the impedance curve of the LSi9 and the specs of the HK, but it is true. Will it sound better when it's amped to the hilt with a design appropriate separate amp? I sure as hell hope so, but I am very satisfied as is. . . . I'm still drooling. I'm a veteran who's had access to multiple millions of dollars of Professional and Studio equip, and for my home on a budget, I couldn't be happier.

PRE-OUTS don't disappear

tbPAF

1hotsho wrote:

Any thoughts on which speaker combo would be better WITH the following set-up? HK 7300 and SVS sub. I will also be using in-ceiling speakers for the rears. 80% HT in a room about 15'X25'. The cost will be close between the LSi9 package and the RTi10 package, so any ideas on which way to go? NO extra amp at this time.

My new setup:

2 rti6
1 csi5
svs pb10-isd
2 rear surrounds in ceiling

I'm quite happy with the setup. Very full sound with an onkyo nr801 receiver in a similar size room.

I listened to the rti4's and the rti8 towers as well as the lsi15, lsi9, lsi7's. For my needs and current receiver setup, the rti6, csi5 sounded very very good. The bass on the rti6/csi5 combo is actually quite good, but the pb10 sub really fills in the bottom with my crossover at 80hz.

If I had the space beside the tv (instead of above), I was ready to go with the rti8's but the tv niched was not wide enough for towers + future wide-screen tv.