LSi15 vs. LSi9

kevhed72

I am in the process of re-building my HT / audio system pretty much from scratch. My original idea was replace my current Yamaha receiver with a RX-V1800, speakers would be LSi9's in front (due some space constraints), LSi7s for the rear, LSiC, and Polk PSW505 sub. I have been calling all over and found a local place that has LSi15s discounted to $1200/pair. My next though was, ---- it and spend the extra $ for the 15's. When complete, my system will be used for HT about 60% of the time and music about 40%. My survey for the Speaker Gurus online is :
1. Do I go with the LSi15's and explain to my wife we have 2 new family members living in the house....Polk L. and Polk R.
AND
2. Will the Yamaha V1800 receiver now require an external amp for the 15's.

I scrolled through some of the past posts and have my own ideas, but would like feedback from you all before making this investement...

BLACKHAMMERJAMM

9's are nice but 15's rock... put them in the front and back...

phuz

Both the 9s and 15s (and the LSiC, and LSi7) will require an amp, so that's pretty much a moot point.

If you have little ones or pets, you may want to consider the 15s simply so that there is less of a chance of a child or pet knocking over stands with a heavy LSi9 on it. Don't let the idea of the LSi9 being damaged bother you much, but think about the potential of injuring your children or pets (this is a good one to use on the wife) if the LSi9 were to get knocked over.

The 15s are awesome speakers, especially for music in a 2 channel setting. Not that the 9s aren't. But I often prefer a full low end from my mains that is already matched to the rest of the speaker, instead of having to match a sub in a 5.1 (HT) environment to fill out the low end of a 2 channel (music) setup.

McLoki

At the last Chicago land mini-polkfest, we did a shoot outbetween the 9's and 15's. There were about 12 or so of us there. It was non-scientific and not double blind, but we all thought the 15's would walk away easily. (and with different, more bass heavy music they may have) but the 9's won the shootout 9 - 3 (or about that anyway).

It was very close and they are both great speakers. (you also have to put the 9's on stands so don't forget to add that into their cost) In my case, I had large dogs and small children at my house (a deadly combo for speakers on stands) and went with the LSi15's. I have been very happy with my choice and do not regret it in the least.

You will be very happy with either speaker.

Regarding the Yamaha - I would at least consider a 3 channel amp for your font speakers and let the rears run off your Yamaha. I am not sure if the Yamaha is stable into a 4 ohm load or not, but you will find out quickly. Provided the yamaha does not shut down due to excessive heat, it should work. I will warn you that the bass may be a little sloppy and the speaker will not sound as clear and precise without and external amp though.

Sounds like a nice system (sounds good at my house anyway). If you plan to use it for more than 30%HT though, I would seriously consider a different sub. The newer Polk subs are supposed to be nice (although I have not heard them). I would look at sub manufacturers, SVS, eD, Epik, HSU or Outlaw. Obvouily there are others, but those are all really good bang (or in this case boom) for the buck. Within their lines, it comes down to how large of a room you have and what you need to pressurize. When purchasing a subwoofer, it usually pays to purchase one model above what you think you need. (just my opinion)

Good luck and enjoy,

Michael