LSi series vs RTi or others

paymontna
paymontna Posts: 188
edited June 2008 in Speakers
I have had my Lsi 7's, 9's and LSi C for about 4 years now. I did not even have them hooked up for the last 2. I finally revamped my system 2 weeks ago and discovered that the whole system lacks something for HT. My system seems to lack 'presence'. It also seems a bit 'bright' to me with music. I know that sound from full range speakers is and extremely subjective subject. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this effect with the LSi series. Has anyone switched to another series or brand and been happier? Has anyone auditioned the SVS MTS-family speakers?

Pay
And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2008
    Uh, if you're finding the LSi line to be bright then I'm not sure what to tell you.

    What other components are in the system? Properly driven with suitable components, the LSi are anything but bright. I can at least see the argument for them not having the presence for HT applications, but bright, no.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited June 2008
    Yeah, I could see them being a bit too "laid back" for HT for some (those people should get RTIs, or, better yet, KLIPSCH!!!). . . but not me.

    What are you using to drive the speakers? If it's not a separate amp or at least a 4-ohm capable (not just stable) receiver with high current, you either need to update/upgrade your components, or get different speakers.

    I have an LSi setup run by just a receiver and it sounds great. . . granted, the receiver is a beast (B&K AVR 507S2). More like separates welded together in a 60 lbs chassis. . . with more than enough Aluminum to start an alloy company.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • paymontna
    paymontna Posts: 188
    edited June 2008
    I am using the B&K ST 5.125 and the B&K ST 3.125 to bi-amp the FL, RL, and C speakers. I have the Denon 3803 AVR as the main component. They do not seem bright on the HT side but they do lack presence. They are bright on music. I have the treble down -4dB. I am thinking it is a setting in the AVR.
    And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited June 2008
    Yeah, you might want to make sure you have any room correction EQ turned off.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
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  • paymontna
    paymontna Posts: 188
    edited June 2008
    adam2434 wrote: »
    Yeah, you might want to make sure you have any room correction EQ turned off.
    Pure direct would eliminate that as a probable cause though right?
    And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    Where are you located? Maybe you can demo another set and see if the same sound there is what you are getting with yours. (just to see if it is a synergy thing in your system or the sound is just not up your alley)

    I find my LSi system excellent for home theater and music. (A little to laid back with home theater, but after some tweaking of other componets in my system, they are getting more in line with my tastes)

    Those that have upgraded from the LSi's seem to step up in cost a decent amount as well. Von Schweikert or Dynaudio have both been favored upgrade paths by multiple club polk members. (of course there are others, but those two happen to come to mind)

    If you find the LSi's to bright for your tastes, I am not sure what direction to lead you other than maybe it would be worth while to at least investigate other parts of your system or, most importantly, the room you are listening in. (room treatments anyone?) I can assure you - most find the LSi's anything BUT bright.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2008
    McLoki wrote: »
    I can assure you - most find the LSi's anything BUT bright.

    Michael
    I agree. Must be a combination of associated gear and the room.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited June 2008
    Check the settings on your center channel. Play with large, medium and small. That will make a difference, particularly for HT.
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2008
    paymontna wrote: »
    I am using the B&K ST 5.125 and the B&K ST 3.125 to bi-amp the FL, RL, and C speakers. I have the Denon 3803 AVR as the main component. They do not seem bright on the HT side but they do lack presence. They are bright on music. I have the treble down -4dB. I am thinking it is a setting in the AVR.

    What is the source you are using for music and HT?

    This can make a significant difference. I used a $150 universal Onkyo and upgraded to a $500 dedicated NAD CP player and it made a significant difference in sound quality for music.
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  • paymontna
    paymontna Posts: 188
    edited June 2008
    I have a Sony SACD player and I would go look to see exactly which model it is but it is in between periods,:D and I an almost out of time. I am looking to get a Samsung Blue Ray and HD DVD Player. I listen to very little music on that rig; HT is my main concern. The speakers do not seem near as bright on HT but, they are a bit laid back. I thought about doubling up a set of 9's on the front channels since I am not gaining much with the bi-amp set up.
    And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited June 2008
    You need a full set of Klipsch speakers and a Yamaha receiver.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited June 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    You need a full set of Klipsch speakers and a Yamaha receiver.

    LOL

    I've got my treble (HK analog treble knob) up 50% on the dial. I knew when I bought the LSis I might find them a bit laid back, and I did.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • paymontna
    paymontna Posts: 188
    edited June 2008
    phuz wrote: »
    You need a full set of Klipsch speakers and a Yamaha receiver.


    Aren't Klipsch Reference Speakers noted to be on the sharp side vs. the warm side? I would not mind hearing a pair. Best Buy only carries the Synergy Series I believe. I do no know of any other dealers in my area w/o driving a ways.

    Pay
    And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • lynx
    lynx Posts: 43
    edited June 2008
    paymontna wrote: »
    Aren't Klipsch Reference Speakers noted to be on the sharp side vs. the warm side? I would not mind hearing a pair. Best Buy only carries the Synergy Series I believe. I do no know of any other dealers in my area w/o driving a ways.

    Pay

    Magnolia, inside Bestbuy, carries the Klipsch Reference Line
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  • paymontna
    paymontna Posts: 188
    edited June 2008
    lynx wrote: »
    Magnolia, inside Bestbuy, carries the Klipsch Reference Line

    Is that at select store locations only? I have not been in a Best Buy in ages.
    And I mean calling all cars, blackhawk down, mushroom cloud, Three Mile Island, lock the door behind you kind of mad.:mad:
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  • lynx
    lynx Posts: 43
    edited June 2008
    paymontna wrote: »
    Is that at select store locations only? I have not been in a Best Buy in ages.

    I don't think so. All the bestbuys aroung my area have a Magnolia inside.
    Call your local BB to check.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2008
    I believe the Klipsch comment was a joke.

    If you want something warmer than the LSi series, you can try Tannoy.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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