Small LSi or big RTi?

EricT43

Hey folks. I'm looking to replace my aging RT12's with something better. My budget would allow a choice between a small LSi (probably the 7, possibly the 9) or a bigger RTi (8, 10, or 12).

I know the LSi line is a step up from the RTi, but if you had the choice between a small top-line speaker and a bigger mid-line speaker, what would you choose?

FYI, I'm running a Denon 3802 and a Velodyne CT120 sub. I know that both the LSi and the big RTi will really need an amp to run well, and that would be my next upgrade. My system is used for 70% HT and 30% music, but I really want the music to sound great.

reeltrouble1

EricT43 wrote:

Hey folks. but I really want the music to sound great.

There are great things in store for you. LSI and an amp. How about previously owned here is an example (no affil) http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1147372922.

RT1

ohskigod

the small LSi, due to low impedance and whatnot, has the bigger need for seperate amplification. If the RTi12 is on you list of possibilities, I think you can budget a pair of LSi9's and some used amplification to get em going. Dont get me wrong, if you went with the RTi's, you be fine. Great line, especially if your heavier into HT usage then music. The LSi9 and used amplification would be my vote.

ohskigod

thats a good price on those 15's, shipping might make it prohibitive though, unless your in Texas

EricT43

Actually I AM in Texas

But even then, we're probably looking at $200-$300 shipping costs, that won't leave any money for an amp.

Actually I have been looking at used speakers. I've been talking to one person about a pair of LSi7 and the LSiC. The obvious advantage there is that my whole front soundstage could get an upgrade. But is the LSi7 going to be too small?

If I go with the LSi9's, then I'll have to continue using my CSi40 with them.

reeltrouble1

No, its not going to be 300.00 to ship, take a vacation, go pick em up. I would still go with the LSI bookshelf over the RTi. I have an HT and I enjoy it very much, but its not about HI-FI, yes timbre match it when you can, but its not that big of deal to me.

Also, check out our RuSsman's audio site, he usually has some type of kick butt musical speaker for sale and he has great deals. The vintage Polk Monitors and SDA line up can be had for less dough than the LSI and they are very musical speakers which handle double duty for HT as well.

You dont need to start with really big bucks if you watch for deals and are patient but those LSI look sweet.

RT1

McLoki

EricT43 wrote:

Actually I AM in Texas

But even then, we're probably looking at $200-$300 shipping costs, that won't leave any money for an amp.

Actually I have been looking at used speakers. I've been talking to one person about a pair of LSi7 and the LSiC. The obvious advantage there is that my whole front soundstage could get an upgrade. But is the LSi7 going to be too small?

If I go with the LSi9's, then I'll have to continue using my CSi40 with them.

I used LSi7's (with the LSiC) as my front stage for over a year and loved it. When you get ready to purchase more speakers, you can always purchase LSi15's and move the 7's to the rear speaker position. (Just trying to really confuse things.....)

Michael

EricT43

McLoki wrote:

I used LSi7's (with the LSiC) as my front stage for over a year and loved it. When you get ready to purchase more speakers, you can always purchase LSi15's and move the 7's to the rear speaker position. (Just trying to really confuse things.....)

Michael

While we're on the subject of confusing things...

My wife and I are in the process of building a new house. Due to the floorplan, we are going to have to go with in-ceiling rears. Depending on what fronts I have, I would go with either the LCi or TCi.

But the 7's would work great in the office

The 15's look like a good deal, but they are ebony and I really have my heart set on cherry.

Given my budget, my pre-owned LSi options are as follows:
1. LSi7 mains with LSiC center, maybe an amp too
2. LSi9 mains with CSi40 center, maybe an amp too
3. LSi15 mains with CSi40 center, no amp

And then back to the original question, would an RTi setup of some sort give me better performance for the money than one of the above options? Like for example, what if I could get a set of RTi12's to use with my CSi40 and no external amp...would that sound better than the LSi7/LSiC combo?

Shizelbs

I would not try to match up the LSis with any of the RTi series. Totally different sound, plus the difference in ohms. I think you would be better off going with the LSis. Everyone seems to remark at how large the LSi bookshelves sound. I don't think you would regret going with the LSis provided you have proper amplification. A good sub will finish off the low end that the bookshelves can't do.

reeltrouble1

It is difficult and likely impossible for anyone to determine what system would sound better to you based on some internet info. In general the LSI line has better pieces making up the speaker. The tweeter in the LSI is different for one thing. RT line is for theater, LSi for music, however, they can each do both.

RT1

aaharvel

i would go with the lsi7/ lsic/ used amp combo

EricT43

Andrew, I think I am coming to the same conclusion. Now I just need the financial controller to approve the purchase.

2+2

Based on your use, I would go RTi12 over LSi7. The 7s sound good but they are small and do not provide a full sound. RTi12 is no slouch for music or theater...great speaker IMO. Also, IMO, LSi7 sound a lot more conventional than, for example LSi15 (and I am not talking about just the frequency response).....more forward and 2-D than the 15s. I dont know about the 9s but if you really want to go LSi, I would do 9s. Look at the depth dimensional difference between the 7s and the 9s. I suspect it would sound a better than the 7.....again, my opinion. All you 7 owners (which includes me), please dont get all hyped about my opinion....after all, it's just that...

Mazeroth

LSi15, use phantom center until you can save up a few more bucks to get an LSiC (can get one new for under $400). Then you'll never have to second guess your purchase, ever. Also, I shipped my pair of LSi15s from Ohio to California for like $120, insured, via UPS. I bet you can get them shipped for half that since they're in your state, or less.

Your receiver will power those 15s plenty well. In fact, the LSi15s *should be* at least 3db more sensitive then the LSi7s, which means they'll require much less power to get moving. There's no way in hell the LSi7 is 88db/1w sensitive. I'd give it 84-85db, tops (I've owned both).

EricT43

I knew you guys would end up trying to get me to spend more money!

Phantom center is not a bad idea. I'm pretty sure I could sell my CSi40 and RT12's for enough to get the LSiC.

Hmmm....

cbl117

I'd go with Mazeroths plan...$1K for a nice set of 15s is a good deal.

I ran LSi15s with a receiver for a few weeks and never ran into any problems, and when your ready, you can add an amp to your denon to help power them.

McLoki

Mazeroth wrote:

Your receiver will power those 15s plenty well. In fact, the LSi15s *should be* at least 3db more sensitive then the LSi7s, which means they'll require much less power to get moving. There's no way in hell the LSi7 is 88db/1w sensitive. I'd give it 84-85db, tops (I've owned both).

I thought it was interesting when I was running 4 LSi 7's and my LSiC I had all the speakers set to 0DB in the reciever. When I got my LSi15's, I now have to run my fronts at +2db. (they were purchased used and were already broken in) (all calibrated with a Radio Shack SPL meter.)

I have not recalibrated since I got them, so I will check the settings again later today when I get home, but I thought it was odd I had to run my 15's louder than I did my 7's. My setup is corner loaded and the 7's (since they are not as deep) were closer to the side wall than the 15's are. I don't know if that is the reason or not. The sound from both is very close, but the 15's definately have much more "presence" than the 7's did. Even at the same volume - they just have more impact.

I will test the numbers again to make sure I did not make a mistake when I get home. I am sure it is not an amp issue - maybe placement - but the 15's rquired about 2 db more volume in my setup to play at the same level as the 7's.

Wierd huh?

Michael

(BTW - you can see what my setup looks like by clicking on the quote in my sig.)

reeltrouble1

Just go see the Bank of MaMa get the dough and the 15's sit back and enjoy. Dont tell her yet about the amp your going to want in a couple months. Its the salami theory. You get a little piece at a time, till one day you look up and you have the whole SALAMI.

RT1

EricT43

McLoki,
I'm sure the sensitivity curve is not linear. Maybe at the volumes you are running, the 15's are less sensitive than the 7's. Or it could be placement, as you stated. Certainly the 15's will take up more space and will block a lot of the reinforcing reflections from the back and side walls compared to the 7's.

I like the salami theory.

wingnut4772

Warning!!:eek: Getting the LSIs will lead to 'Upgraditus'!

I used to have Rti speakers and an Onkyo receiver and I was perfectly content until I decided to get the LSI15s...which led to getting new amps to power them correctly, a new pre and all kinds of goodies once my virgin ears were opened up to the great possibilities. If you are up to it, get the LSis but for less of an obsessive headache stay with the Rt or Rti.

Demiurge

My vote is for the LSi series, that's what I have my eyes set on for the future. I just don't make the leap yet becuase I am not ready to spend the money on a new receiver, amps, and cables to fully enjoy the performance of that line.

Joey_V

I would go 9s as a base line.. not the 7s. But that's my opinion.... if you had to have me choose between an RTi8/10 and the LSi7, I wouldnt know what to do.