Taking the plunge - LSi9's; need advice

BrianV
BrianV Posts: 57
edited July 2006 in Speakers
Ok, my setup currently consists of:

-Polk Monitor 60s
-CS2
-Monitor 30s in the rear
-Velodyne 12" sub
-Pioneer VSX-1015TX

I originally bougt it as a home theater setup but then started using it more for music. I run music in 'Stereo' mode since it sounds the most natural. Although I'm happy with the performance of the Monitor 60s, I'm looking for even cleaner, more natural sound.

I run a 50hz crossover on the front pair to the Velodyne and I'm happy with the Velodyne's performance in music. Due to that, I don't think the LSi15s or LSi25s are necessary.

I'm particularly interested in crystal clear highs and detail. I don't think upgrading to the RTis will improve my situation that much since I don't need the bigger woofers and the silk-dome tweeter is very similar in design to the one on the Monitors.

That said, do you think based on what I've explained that LSi9s on stands would be the best fit? I'm really not that wise on speakers and only know what sounds good to my ears and sometimes don't know why I think it sounds good.

I will likely finish the set off later with an LSiC and possibly upgraded rears. My final question is regarding the amp. My Pioneer puts out 120w per channel and is often referred to as 'Powerful' for receivers in that price range (~$500). However, it is a more movie based receiver. Is bi-wiring absolutely necessary with these speakers? How would it run on just the receiver?
Post edited by BrianV on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited July 2006
    IMO if your're going to pony up for the LSi9's, you should take the plunge on an external amp as well. Even something like an Adcom 545 (which can be had relatively cheap) would be a major improvement over the Pioneer -- even though it puts out less wpc spec wise. As such, the Lsi9's are 4 ohm speaks and really shouldn't be run with a receiver.

    As for bi-wiring -- it's not necessary. But by doing so, you may find a better balance between the tweeters and the woofers. I prefer it personally, and noticed a difference (just nothing to knock your socks off).
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrianV
    BrianV Posts: 57
    edited July 2006
    Ok, now I understand. You're not bi-wiring the speaker you're just using the pre-out on the receiver and using a dedicated stereo channel amp.

    Would the receivers internal xover still work? I'm currently running the Pioneer's 50hz crossover to go to the Velodyne and I'm happy with how that's working.

    Would it be a complete waste of time to try and power the LSi9s on the Pioneer receiver until I find a decent amp like the Adcom 4400. One of my audiophile friend only has great things to say about Adcom.

    Thx
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited July 2006
    Yes... the receiver's crossover settings can still be set when using an external amp. It might not be a complete waste of time to run the Lsi9's with your receiver, but you'd only be tapping a small portion of their potential. Moreover, you risk sending your receiver into thermal protection mode by overworking it.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2006
    Don't buy the Lsi9's unless you're going to power them with an external amp.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited July 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Don't buy the Lsi9's unless you're going to power them with an external amp.

    +1
    I'm with Early on this. Your receiver isn't meant to power 4 Ohm speakers.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GATOR3000
    GATOR3000 Posts: 355
    edited July 2006
    My Denon 3806 is rated at 120wpc……….yeh right!…………..When I powered my Rti’s with B&K amp 105wpc it was like day and night. No comparison to Denon’s 120wpc. As zambie boy said “you will be risking sending your receiver into thermal protection”. I’m pretty sure she will clip especially if you try to run those Lsi’s at higher volumes.

    Gator :):)
    Theatre System 5.1
    Sumsung HP-S5053 plasma
    Receiver Denon AVR 3806 Pre/Pro
    Parasound HCA 1500A amp (front L/R)
    Parasound HCA 1000A amp (centre)
    B & K AV5000 amp (bi-amp + surround)
    Dynaco ST70 tube amp (Herbie HAL-O9)
    polkaudio Lsi15 (Cherry) 2-channel
    polkaudio Rti8 Front (Cherry)
    polkaudio Csi5 Centre
    polkaudio Rti6 Surround
    polkaudio PSW1000 Subwoofer (Cherry)
    Original A8T CD
    Pioneer DV-275 DVD Player
    MONSTER CABLE MP-HTS3500MKII Powercentre
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2006
    What Early said, & don't settle for less than a 200wpc amp!
    Early B. wrote:
    Don't buy the Lsi9's unless you're going to power them with an external amp.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • josh_parsons626
    josh_parsons626 Posts: 219
    edited July 2006
    Honestly man no matter how much wattage a receiver SAYS it puts out NO RECEIVER can power 4 ohm speakers. They just aren't built to. For now I think you would be alright with just a 2-channel amp cause your're just getting the LSi9 and nothing else. But IMHO if you are wanting to upgrade to the whole setup, even if it's months down the road I would go ahead and get a 5-channel or 7-channel amp, depending if you want 5.1/7.1 now. Even though you have the extra channels doesn't mean you have to use them, and doesn't mean it's gonna sound like junk because they're not being used. But listen to these guys. When they say the LSi series HAVE to be driven by external power it's because THEY DO! It'll fry your receiver that you just sunk x amount of money into. And before it frys you will think they sound like **** because they dont have enough power to make them properly sound right.
    Don't forget to look at My Home Theater :D

    Receiver - Onkyo TX-SR503
    Fronts - Polk Audio Monitor 40
    Center - Polk Audio CS1
    Surrounds - Paradigm Cinema ADP
    Subwoofer - Velodyne VRP-1200
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited July 2006
    Some receivers can handle the LSI's very well. However, you are talking $1K+ receivers. At that point, getting seperates is a much better value.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrianV
    BrianV Posts: 57
    edited July 2006
    What's a good recommendation for a 5 channel amp that could power LSi9s, LSiC, and maybe rear LSi7s?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2006
    Good bang for the buck:
    www.outlawaudio.com

    More expensive & just as good:
    Parasound
    Rotel
    Adcom
    Etc.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited July 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Don't buy the Lsi9's unless you're going to power them with an external amp.
    +1234567890.

    I don't think it has to be 200w or more necessarily. My amp puts out 150w/ch at 4ohm and it's MORE than enough but it's powersupply is big enough to run an entire house off of it...
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2006
    Agreed Toxis. However, having a 200w amp will mean that not only will it drive the speakers with ease & not break a sweat, but it will have tons of headroom for extremely loud passages without straining!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sickicw
    sickicw Posts: 456
    edited July 2006
    I disagree with some of the previous posts, but i do agree that you need an external amp. I also believe that the cheapest way get the lsis to sound there best is to bi-amp them with an external amp. Giving each lsi9 speaker two power supplies will in effect change the average impedance from around 4ohms to around 8 ohms (per input) which will make the speakers sound much more dyanmic as well as allow for a lower crossover point.
    Speakers: LSi9 x 2, LSic, LSiFX x 2, Velodyne HGS-15
    Amps & Power: Rockford Fosgate T8004 x 3, Cascade Audio APS-55 power supplies x 5, and 1 farad capacitor.
    Electronics: Denon 3806, Toshiba HD-A1, & Sony KDL46XBR2
    Accessories: Anti-IC interconnects, 8 Mondo Traps from Realtraps, and Salamander furniture.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter