Upgrade from RT35i
lbouthillier
Posts: 3
Hi all,
I've got a 5.1 home theater setup using a pair of RT35i as front left and right, RT25s as rear surround, a CS245I center, and a PSW350 powered sub. It's powered by a Sony DA555ES. I'm not in love with the RT35i's -- in an older setup I'd had Monitor 7Bs as front-left/right attached to the same system, and the sound was truly wonderful. I went to the RT35i's to save space, and was never as happy as I'd been with the 7Bs (which I now no longer have).
Anyway...I'm building a new room and have an opportunity to upgrade the speakers. The room will be 20X26 with a vaulted ceiling. I was intending to use ceiling speakers (LC80i perhaps) for rear surround, and look for a suitable upgrade for the front-left/right. Bookshelf would be best, as they'll be part of a wall unit at one end of the room (although I can entertain other options).
One option is the LSi7 --- compared to the RT35i, these are significantly more expensive, but what sort of difference in sound quality can I expect? (I've been unable to locate a local dealer that has any in stock to listen to.) Secondly, are there any older models (on the used market) that may be a good upgrade from the RT35i?
I know the most important advice is "listen to them" -- and I will. But I'm looking for some general guidance and thoughts based on the knowledge and experience out there.
Thanks,
Larry
I've got a 5.1 home theater setup using a pair of RT35i as front left and right, RT25s as rear surround, a CS245I center, and a PSW350 powered sub. It's powered by a Sony DA555ES. I'm not in love with the RT35i's -- in an older setup I'd had Monitor 7Bs as front-left/right attached to the same system, and the sound was truly wonderful. I went to the RT35i's to save space, and was never as happy as I'd been with the 7Bs (which I now no longer have).
Anyway...I'm building a new room and have an opportunity to upgrade the speakers. The room will be 20X26 with a vaulted ceiling. I was intending to use ceiling speakers (LC80i perhaps) for rear surround, and look for a suitable upgrade for the front-left/right. Bookshelf would be best, as they'll be part of a wall unit at one end of the room (although I can entertain other options).
One option is the LSi7 --- compared to the RT35i, these are significantly more expensive, but what sort of difference in sound quality can I expect? (I've been unable to locate a local dealer that has any in stock to listen to.) Secondly, are there any older models (on the used market) that may be a good upgrade from the RT35i?
I know the most important advice is "listen to them" -- and I will. But I'm looking for some general guidance and thoughts based on the knowledge and experience out there.
Thanks,
Larry
Post edited by lbouthillier on
Comments
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The 7's are going to be too small for the room you're describing. I'd suggest a pair of 9's and an LSiC. If at all possible keep them out of any entertainment center/wall unit.
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Larry,
I have PM'ed you. -
Just a note to follow-up on my previous request for advice....
I bought a pair of LSi9 and an LSiC to replace my RT35i/CS245 system. Although the new room in which these will eventually live is not yet complete, I've set them up in the old space for now.
The experience validates the advice I was given -- that the RT35i's are too small for a large-ish space and the LSi9's are not. I can also say that I'm extremely pleased with the sound from the 9's. Two things are immediately evident:
1) The overall sound is nothing short of superb. While I've never been particularly impressed with the RT35i setup (compared to a prior "Monitor 7" system I once owned), the LSi9's are breathtaking. I'm truly delighted with these, which are the finest-sounding home speakers I've ever owned. (I've worked in recording studios for years, where speaker product lines and standards are somewhat different.)
2) The intelligibility of movie and TV dialogue is greatly improved. The entire family have noticed the difference, which is not subtle. This is I think due to the improved fidelity of the LSiC, as well as its better ability to fill a large room that has a few too many hard surfaces.
Thanks again for the great advice on these speakers!
In response to a request I received to buy my used RT35i's: they're still pretty good speakers, and I'll most likely find a use for them elsewhere in the house.
Larry
