Can't Get LSi7's to sound good for rock music

Frank Z

DForeman wrote:

... due to room configuration and size constraints .

HMMM, how about a pic of the room or a drawing.

Tour2ma

Agree... in that size room I'd think your setup should work...

DForeman wrote:

1. I am using Denon's x-over and sub out.
2. Crossing over at 80 -- tried 100 but was too much
3. Not sure how to calibrate the sub - used Denon's auto set up function
4. Listening area room is about 13 x 15
5. Have moved the sub around with little success or difference

Also
Played with the equalizer a bit -- ended up raising the 63HZ level up 4 db which improved the overall sound.

First, I'd suggest you swap to the speaker level set-up and use your PSW's x-over. It should let you explore the 80-100 Hz x-over area that your Denon will not let you audition.

Calibration would be via SPL meter and test disk, e.g., AVIA, same as you would for HT. But you should get close by ear. The Denon's auto-function may not quite suit your ear. (You did have the mic at ear height at your listening position... yes?) Your EQ "tweak" is also telling you this.

Agree that the EQ is adding some distortion, but rather than simply increasing the mid's as you have been, try dropping the other frequencies. Of course, the freq range you've boosted is pretty much going to the sub, with some at the upper oend of the boosted range making its way to the 7's. Increasing the sub's level a tad may do the same thing. It would not be unusual to need different sub settings for different kinds of music.

On your move to 9's... Worth a shot, but, as you already implied, if your AVR is the limiting factor, it won't help. And as Sean (Zero) said early on, the LSi series just may not be for you. As popular as they are, tastes vary, and I am among those that prefer other Polks, past and present, to them... especially for rock...

Per pages 6 and 47 of your manual, you can set the 2106 up to bi-amp your 7's. Have you tried this? It should go a long way towards telling you if it's the lack of power or the nature of the speaker.

In the bi-amp mode, you can still utilize the 303's x-over. Simply route the LF speaker run through the sub, and the HF run directly to the 7's.

If you do end up opting to exchange, it would be worth auditioning the 9's and 15's with the music that's disappointing you on the 7's.

DForeman

Just tried bi-wiring the speakers and turning off the equalizer -- no change. The mids and highs sounded strained at the -15 volume level. It was worth a try, thanks.

Looks like I'll be shopping for an amp. Besides, I like the idea of having another component (you guys have me hooked).

markmarc

Moving up to the 9's is a good idea especially while you have the opportunity. How many hours of break-in have you given the 7's. On average 100 hours minimum is needed with most quality speakers.

First, what kind of speaker wire are you using?

Second, where are the speakers placed from side and back walls?

With the sound levels you want to listen at, a seperate amp is crucial. Audiogon is a good place to find a high current/power amp. For the money, the Adcom 555 at 200wpc will work nicely as it will balance well with the natural warmness of the LSi. Obviously, there are others as well, just remember not to overlook cabling. Make sure to replace the stock bi-wire bars. A short length of 12 gauge provides a strong improvement IMHO.

Tour2ma

DForeman wrote:

Just tried bi-wiring the speakers and turning off the equalizer -- no change. The mids and highs sounded strained at the -15 volume level. It was worth a try, thanks.

You know it's possible you are over-taxing your ears at that level.

Do you have an SPL meter?

How do they sound at -20?

Stew

DForeman wrote:

At higher volumes (-15 or so) the mids and highs start sounding somewhat distorted with a definite lack of soundstage.

It might also be worth looking at your CD player. I recently upgraded an old Yamaha CDP with new opamps (IC chips that serve as miniature amplifiers for those unfamiliar) and was amazed at how much I could change the sound of my SDA 2b's with different opamps. Different chips made dramatic differences in smoothness, bass response, soundstage, etc. It was my experience that any grainy sound in the mids and highs became much more intolerable at higher volumes. No idea what CDP your using but a good CDP or modifications to your existing one can dramatically change the sound of your system.

Stew