Polk LSi Speakers

mightymouse

For $1600, you could have gotten a really nice external amplifier.

jayman_1975

be83663 wrote: »

After many thoughts inspired and chanllenged by people in this forum, I have decided to upgrade my receiver from Onkyo TX-SR805 to Onkyo TX-NR905 for $1,600. It has a toroidal transformer and independent transformers for audio and video processing for independent power supplies. I am sure it will be better for handling 4-ohms speakers like LSi's than TX-SR805. There is a receiver from Rotel, a 7-channel receiver RSX-1067, for $2,199 also that also has a toroidal transformer and produces 100 watts/ch, 0.05% THD, 8-ohms, all seven channels driven. But I thought Onkyo TX-NR905 was better than Rotel RSX-1067. Thank you.

Unfrickinbelievable....it's like trying to reason with the wind.

tonyb

If thats what the dude wants to do,**** bells baby,go for it.Sooner or later,most likely later,you'll learn the difference between marketing hype and real world applications.

be83663

If I get a $1,600 Onkyo TX-NR905, then I can sell my current TX-SR805 for around $600, for example. But if I buy an amp, then I can't. But, in the case of amp, if I buy an amp for around $1,000, then I would be spending around the same amount of money as if I were buying 905 and selling 805. I looked at a 7.1 multichannel amp for around $1,000, Anthem PVA 7, for example, but it produces 140 wpc @ 4-ohms; and I don't even know if it is when all seven channels are driven, probably it is. But as my way to figure out how efficent and powerful the amp is, Anthem PVA 7 has for one thing, one toroidal transformer, just like $2,199 Rotel receiver and $1,600 Onkyo 905. So I figured that all three are at about the same level, and decided to go for my brand, Onkyo. Thank you!

venomclan

cfrizz wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek: OMG talk about the worst case scenario!!!:eek::eek::eek:

It was a rookie mistake and my first a/v purchase a long time ago. It was a complete piece of crap, though it was very high up on the Onkyo food chain. In the shop 3 times before ai gave it away.

be83663 wrote: »

I am glad that you are an Onkyo lover too that you had bought one too!

Make that was.

venomclan

be83663 wrote: »

If I get a $1,600 Onkyo TX-NR905, then I can sell my current TX-SR805 for around $600, for example. But if I buy an amp, then I can't. But, in the case of amp, if I buy an amp for around $1,000, then I would be spending around the same amount of money as if I were buying 905 and selling 805. I looked at a 7.1 multichannel amp for around $1,000, Anthem PVA 7, for example, but it produces 140 wpc @ 4-ohms; and I don't even know if it is when all seven channels are driven, probably it is. But as my way to figure out how efficent and powerful the amp is, Anthem PVA 7 has for one thing, one toroidal transformer, just like $2,199 Rotel receiver and $1,600 Onkyo 905. So I figured that all three are at about the same level, and decided to go for my brand, Onkyo. Thank you!

You are right Be, they are all the same....

be83663

I guess you don't know the real difference between them either......

venomclan

be83663 wrote: »

I guess you don't know the real difference between them either......

No need to, you already have it all figured out.

be83663

venomclan wrote: »

No need to, you already have it all figured out.

What do you know......

Ron Temple

Keep the 805 and pickup a nice hefty 2 channel amp to drive the fronts. If you don't notice a difference then you are only out the cost (which you can recoup) $3-400. Moving into the top end AVRs from the 805 isn't worth the difference in price...and what you really want to check out is the recommendations you've gotten...not spend good money after bad...though I don't think the 805 is a bad unit at all. All the rest of this argument is just passing gas. Find out if the majority is right (or wrong for you) without spending a ton of $.

GelatinousFury

I was one of the many Onkyo 805 owners to experience popping through the speakers as well as overheating. The receiver was in a wide open spot in a cool room with plenty of ventilation. This was when I was using it as a preamp only too. It was a shame because I really wanted to like the receiver.

So I called the vendor I bought it from and sent it back. They sent me a brand new one. The new 805 displayed the same problems as the one I'd just sent back. At this point I'm determined to eliminate the overheating. I put 3 120mm computer fans on top of the receiver to help exhaust hot air out of the top of the receiver, but it made no difference.....still popped and overheated. After that I started reading online and found out many other people were having those problems.

I really would've liked to hook my 5 LSi speakers directly to the Onkyo 805 to hear how it handles such power-hungry speakers, but honestly, the thing was already overheating from running just the preamp section. I'll take my Rotel and it's superior (thermal dissipation) design any day. I can watch a 3-hour movie at loud listening levels and the Rotel never gets hot to the touch at all. There are other things to consider in the receiver vs. amp debate besides toroidal transformers.

I have since changed receivers to a Denon 3808ci for DTS-HD Master Audio as well as Dolby TrueHD decoding, and I'm still using the Rotel 1075 amp. I'm very pleased with both components.

maximillian

GelatinousFury wrote: »

This was when I was using it as a preamp only too. It was a shame because I really wanted to like the receiver.

How hot did it get? Did you try turning off the amp section? I think some AVR's have A+B switches that you can turn off which I think turns off the amp section. For example, on my Yamaha 7.1 I am not driving the fronts with it, only the surrounds (still need a center). If I don't have either A or B turned on then there is no sound from the surrounds (only the fronts which are out of the preamp section).

dkg999

The Onkyo AVR's experienced over heating problems in the original production runs, per many threads on different audio/HT forums. I believe they have that fixed in the newest models. The Onkyo AVR's, among others, now seem to have a problem with at least one of the new HD audio codec's. Personally I have listened to the 800 and 900 series Onkyo AVR's in some extended sessions and I find that they may have great pre/pro sections but the amplifiers are pretty underwhelming as far as SQ is concerned. There's more to an amplifier section than just pure power and dynamic capability.

be83663

What do you guys know?

No; I am just kidding!

The last few feedbacks have been some of the most helpful advices in the past one week since I joined this LSi speaker forum.

Yes, I am confused and feel that I have to rethink about the whole set up after having spent $4,000 on 7.1 LSi speakers and subwoofers alone. Thank you though! It is not as easy as I thought to have a nice 4-ohms speaker home theatre system!!!

jayman_1975

It blows my mind that this guy figures the amp section in a $1000 reciever (which is designed to do all the processing, video upconverting, tuning, audio video switching etc) is on par with the amp section in a $1000 amp (which is designed to do one thing...make power). Hey Be....did you used to go by polk_audio_lsi on this forum awhile back....cause you crack me up as much as he did.

be83663

jayman_1975 wrote: »

It blows my mind that this guy figures the amp section in a $1000 reciever (which is designed to do all the processing, video upconverting, tuning, audio video switching etc) is on par with the amp section in a $1000 amp (which is designed to do one thing...make power).

I know that multichannel amplifier can be made so that it acts as many monoblock amps for each channel combined into one unit.
So I thought it is also possible to build a receiver that has separate amp and pre-amp (processor) sections built into one, and have that amp section have separate amp sections or as much like separate as possible (price would go up as it is separate as possible) for each channel. But manybe receiver with certified 4-ohms performance was built with 2 or 3 channels loaded with 4-ohms speakers driven simultaneously in mind, but not as many as 7 4-ohms speakers driven simultaneously in mind. That's what I am thinking at this point for now!

No I didn't; this has been my first week! Honestly, I didn't duisguise myself! And I can tell you that generally, I don't appreciate comments like yours!

knownalien

There are no magic bullets. You get what you pay for.

dkg999

be83663 wrote: »

So I thought it is also possible to build a receiver that has separate amp and pre-amp (processor) sections built into one, and have that amp section have separate amp sections or as much like separate as possible (price would go up as it is separate as possible) for each channel.

That's why I own a B&K AVR. It comes close to what you describe at a pretty reasonable price. I value audio SQ and performance over a bunch of the latest features. My B&K AVR can power a full 7.1 of LSi speakers at pretty high volumes and not break a sweat!

be83663

dkg999 wrote: »

That's why I own a B&K AVR. It comes close to what you describe at a pretty reasonable price. I value audio SQ and performance over a bunch of the latest features. My B&K AVR can power a full 7.1 of LSi speakers at pretty high volumes and not break a sweat!

Thank you, because I can compare between what you mentioned with Onkyo's. I did look at B&K AVR 507 Series 2, but it is too expensive for me, at least $2,600 at the cheapest place I could find. One thing I noticed is that whether it is 505 for 5 channels or 507 for 7 channels, they are the same 55 lbs; so I guess it is not that there are separate amplifiers for each channel, because otherwise 507 should weigh more than 505. At least it looks like a very good receiver with separate pre-amp and amp sections; but too expensive for me! Good for you that you have one!

venomclan

be83663 wrote: »

What do you know......

I know better than to join a club of knowledgeable people who have been in this hobby for a long time, and basically tell them that they are all wrong for buying anything other than Onkyo.

tonyb

Bottom line is that there is no comparison between the amp section in an AVR to a seperate amplifier,period.Get your receiver,but as others have said,a seperate amp for at least the 2 front channels would be beneficial.You could also buy used and save alot of coinage.Members here are giving you advice not only from experience,but also on keeping your gear for a long time as the money some stuff cost can get up there.Think of powering 4 ohm speakers with an AVR like running the engine in your car at redline all the time.How long do you think that engine would last?Sure...you could do it...but should you is a whole nother story.Enough has been said here to give you some direction,in the end,do what you will friend,it's your coin.

be83663

I meant to say the following reply.

be83663

I will try the 7.1 mode LSi set-up with Onkyo 805 for now. Since I live in an apartment, after I get LSi speakers, I will try to play at a moderate volume level and not even at moderatly loud level, or until the receiver gets only as hot as it gets when I use it with 8-ohms Polk Audio Monitor series speakers in 7.1 mode that I have right now. I think it's too early for me to say if I need to do something about the receiver for now, since I haven't even tried the set-up with LSi's and I don't know how hot it will get if I play only as loud as I can play with my neighbors around.

If I notice that even playing at this moderate level seems to overheat the receiver, then I will either buy Onkyo TX-NR905 for $1,600 or Anthem MCA-30 (3-channel 265 wpc at 4-ohms only for three front channels) for about $1,000. I know all of you would choose the latter over the former option if you were in my case, but I still like the one piece choice for space-saving reason, beside the fact that I am an Onkyo fan (I think it will allow me to paly it a little louder or with less stress at the same volume level as the 805). I will let you know after I actually try and do some experiment with LSi's and my Onkyo 805 in my neighbor friendly apartment setting. Thank you for all your advice though!

jayman_1975

go with the Anthem man....i have the the older 5 channel version and it's great. It pushes my speakers better than my Arcam AVR300 did....and that reciever my friend will whoop the **** out of your ONK any day of the week.

be83663

jayman_1975 wrote: »

go with the Anthem man....i have the the older 5 channel version and it's great. It pushes my speakers better than my Arcam AVR300 did....and that reciever my friend will whoop the **** out of your ONK any day of the week.

Thanks for your advice.

Jer.War

Well here is my first post, nothing groundbreaking, but had to get my feet wet somewhere.
Since installing a polk system in my car back in highschool (almost a decade ago now), I was always impressed with polks detail and clarity. This was reinforced when my friend purchased some RTI12's for a home system (I was green w/ envy). Now, a few years down the road I decided to get a little HT/Music setup going. I did not have a huge budget, but thats what credit cards are for. I started looking at used RTI speakers on ebay, etc. My first purchase was a decent receiver. I bought a Yamaha RXV-1800 for a killer deal and went from there. Next up was a CSI 3 which I was quite impressed w/. But as I started looking at surround speakers (thought about RTI-6's) I noticed a good deal on a pair of lsi7's on ebay. Over a couple of days I managed to justify the slightly larger expense and popped for them. Then a little while later a pair of LSI15's came up for a great deal. I figured what the hell, may as well have mathcing fronts. So in little of 3 weeks I went from getting a modest HT system, to getting polks best in the line speakers; naturally my budget swelled from original projections, but such is life....
When I hooked all these speakers up to my modest receiver I was pleasantly suprised. The tweeter on the LSI alone made it worth the upgrade ove the RTI's (always found them a bit bright and fatiguing). After listening to these speakers for a month I only regret that I dont have to money right away to spring for a power amp. The receiver I have does a good job w/ the 4 ohm load (the fronts are biamped), but it is apparent that the speakers would benefit from a separate power amp. For HT the speakers sound fantastic, but while listening to music the lower end lacks control and punch.

These speakers are very detailed and will outline any weaknesses in other areas of your system (amp, cables, source, recordings). I wouldnt hesitate to buy these speakers, well worth the bit more money over the RTI, whether music or HT is your primary goal (These babies sound amazing for HT and give me shivers with some nice jazz or acoustic music coming through em).
My only problem now is that I want to hear these beauties with a proper power amp setup.... And I desprately need an LSIc (the CSI3 is nice, but it is definately a weak point).
Though I am a while away from recovering from this audio expense and I will be heading back to University (no money for loooong time) I am looking for a brand of amp that will do these speakers justice and will snag one up if the right deal comes along. This forum is a wealth of information and led me to spiring for the LSI15's once I already decided on the 7's. So.... Thanks for the advice everybody, and to anyone thinking about the LSI's.... buy em and you will never look back. Are the the end all be all..... no. But for that price range they compete with the 5 times more expensive Paradigms I listen too and have detail and clarity along the same lines as my bosses Martin Logans.
As I look back on this post, it reads like a biography....oooppss;but in my defense I am sitting at work getting paid to sit here and it sure beats working, hope if helps somebody.
More to come I am sure
Jer

heiney9

Jer.war, welcome and nice first post ^^^. Stick around for the humor, debate and fun.

H9

be83663

I am still waiting on my LSiC for the fourth week from High Decibels, but I have hooked up a pair of LSi9's for the front, another pair of LSi9's for the back surround, and LSiFX for the side surround for now. I am only using the front two with my Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver to listen to the music until my $500 Emotiva arrives next week. The music seems to sound better than my previous Polk Audio Monitor 70's front speakers, especially in mid-base and overall; I am not a really critical listener so I can't describe accurately.

cfrizz

Welcome Jer.War. Congrats on your system.

be83663

Yes, I ordered two pairs of LSi9's, a LSiC, and a pair of LSiFX a month ago. It took them three weeks to have LSi9's and LSiC in my possession. They shipped these about 10 days after I placed an order on their website, and it took another 10 days for me to receive them because they put less weight than what the actual package would weigh (e.g. they would put down 42 lbs for a package of LSi9 that actually weighs 60 lbs), probably to pay less on the shipping with UPS and this in turn takes extra days for UPS to correct it, causing an unnecessary delay! I never got LSiC after a month, they said that it is in such high demand that they are still awaiting a response from Polk Audio after their request, and that there are other dealers who are ahead in the Polk Audio waiting list so that they don't know exactly when they would have in stock. Yet they charged my credit card a week after I placed an order, way before they shipped any of them.
So, order from them only if you are willing to wait a month or two. I ended ordering LSiC from Crutchfield for $100 more than HighDecibel price, but they sent me Polk Audio Atrium 45-Outdoor/Indoor speakers that is worth at least $150 for free too!
From High Decibel, I saved $700 for two pairs of LSiC9's and LSiFX compared Crutchfield prices, but wasted a month of time and about 30 e-mails sent to them asking what is going on! So be prepared to wait if you want to save money; theirs are NEW and have Serial Numbers and everything, but just takes a way too long to get even if you are mentally prepared that it will be late!!! :mad::(;):D:cool::p:)