LSI owners your speakers suck!

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  • bklynNupe
    bklynNupe Posts: 728
    edited May 2010
    If you are a novice like me and are wondering should I get this mod?
    I would highly recommend sending your 9’s out to one of the trusted members on this forum.
    I wanted to post my feedback on this thread because this is the tread that I was able to understand the most as a layman how this mod. would change my new speakers. Ben, Face and others who are tech. savvy continue to provide very useful information to folks like me who just know what good sh#t sounds like! :D:D:D
    Too many forums out there engage in techno-masturbation imo. anyway...

    I sent boards out to Mike (Face) given he is in NY and had them back the next week! :)
    Mike even took the time to explain how simple it was to remove the boards from my speakers.


    For me this mod was akin to when I added an external amp to my avr, the results are amazing and immediately noticeable.

    I can say without a doubt my new lsi9's have much cleaner hi’s and the bass is fuller. Keep in mind that I’ve only had my modded 9's back for a week and when I sent my 9’s out they were about a week old. The burn –in should only make these babies better.
    I’m really curious if this mod would make my rtia9’s more musical? I used to use the rti’s for HT and music, but now that I have the Lsi9’s w/mods. I no longer like the way the rti’s sound for music.

    Either way, I’m sold on this particular mod, It was certainly worth the time, effort and minor expense.

    emotiva xpa-2
    emotiva xpa-3
    Denon 3312ci
    Rtia9 /csia6 / FXi A6
    Samsung LN46A650
    SVS PB-12-NSD sub

    Audio Research SP-9 MKIII (GNSC mods)
    W4S ST250
    Lsi 9 (mods)
    W4S DAC-2
    Mac Mini
    Audio Aero Prima CD player
    Pro-Ject debut
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited May 2010
    bklynNupe wrote: »
    If you are a novice like me and are wondering should I get this mod?
    I would highly recommend sending your 9’s out to one of the trusted members on this forum.
    I wanted to post my feedback on this thread because this is the tread that I was able to understand the most as a layman how this mod. would change my new speakers. Ben, Face and others who are tech. savvy continue to provide very useful information to folks like me who just know what good sh#t sounds like! :D:D:D
    Too many forums out there engage in techno-masturbation imo. anyway...

    I sent boards out to Mike (Face) given he is in NY and had them back the next week! :)
    Mike even took the time to explain how simple it was to remove the boards from my speakers.


    For me this mod was akin to when I added an external amp to my avr, the results are amazing and immediately noticeable.

    I can say without a doubt my new lsi9's have much cleaner hi’s and the bass is fuller. Keep in mind that I’ve only had my modded 9's back for a week and when I sent my 9’s out they were about a week old. The burn –in should only make these babies better.
    I’m really curious if this mod would make my rtia9’s more musical? I used to use the rti’s for HT and music, but now that I have the Lsi9’s w/mods. I no longer like the way the rti’s sound for music.

    Either way, I’m sold on this particular mod, It was certainly worth the time, effort and minor expense.



    What exactly did you have done to them??? Any pics??
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • bklynNupe
    bklynNupe Posts: 728
    edited May 2010
    Without getting technical ( because I can’t :) )All of my resistors and capacitors were replaced.
    Sonic caps were used, the board came back and they were a lot bigger than before. Sorry I didn’t take any pictures but the mods were similar to the work done by these same mentioned members earlier in this tread. They have photos attached.
    Below is a list of the parts used:

    18uf x 4
    12uf x 2
    1uf x 4
    3.0ohm x 2
    1ohm x 2
    1.0uf capacitor to bypass the 260uf cap

    emotiva xpa-2
    emotiva xpa-3
    Denon 3312ci
    Rtia9 /csia6 / FXi A6
    Samsung LN46A650
    SVS PB-12-NSD sub

    Audio Research SP-9 MKIII (GNSC mods)
    W4S ST250
    Lsi 9 (mods)
    W4S DAC-2
    Mac Mini
    Audio Aero Prima CD player
    Pro-Ject debut
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    Glad to hear you're enjoying them.

    All caps were replaced with Sonic Caps with the exception of the 260uf. To keep thing simple it was only bypassed with a 1uf Sonic Cap instead of building an external board.
    "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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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited May 2010
    Nice feedback on your modded speakers Nupe. You made me feel like I'm missing out with my stock 7's. I contacted Face and he agreed to mod my 7's. I'm looking forward to the clearer, cleaner high's, better mid's and fuller bass. Thanks for taking on my project Face (your a real good dude) and thanks Nupe for giving me the motivation!
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • bklynNupe
    bklynNupe Posts: 728
    edited May 2010
    you can't go wrong! :D

    emotiva xpa-2
    emotiva xpa-3
    Denon 3312ci
    Rtia9 /csia6 / FXi A6
    Samsung LN46A650
    SVS PB-12-NSD sub

    Audio Research SP-9 MKIII (GNSC mods)
    W4S ST250
    Lsi 9 (mods)
    W4S DAC-2
    Mac Mini
    Audio Aero Prima CD player
    Pro-Ject debut
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited June 2010
    Got my modded Lsi7 XO's back from Face (Mike). The craftmanship is top shelf. Excellent work Face! Will post pics later. I can't wait to hear the sonic changes
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited June 2010
    Yay pics! Excited to see 'em.
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited June 2010
    Sorry about the poor quality pics....I didn't think to take the cover off of the board prior to sending out for mod. The pics don't tell the story. Sorry...... I'm learning!


    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49402&stc=1&d=1275748493http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachmhttp://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49406&stc=1&d=127574849http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49407&stc=1&d=1275748493http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49410&stc=1&d=12757484933ent.phhttp://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49411&stc=1&d=1275748493p?attachmentid=49403&stc=1&d=1275748493
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • bklynNupe
    bklynNupe Posts: 728
    edited June 2010
    Looks good!
    Mine have gotten significantly better, I'm sure you will notice the same dhart.
    I do now realize that I now need more power. I hooked up my emotiva xpa-2 just to see what they could handle and i was floored!
    I don't know if it's just the Lsi9's can handle or it it's the mods or both?
    I'm doing my research ( and saving funds) for the perfect amp for the 9's that will give me the best synergy.
    For a novice like me, these 9's and mods have really opened up a new comprehension of what good music can sound like in my home for a modest amount of cash. :D

    emotiva xpa-2
    emotiva xpa-3
    Denon 3312ci
    Rtia9 /csia6 / FXi A6
    Samsung LN46A650
    SVS PB-12-NSD sub

    Audio Research SP-9 MKIII (GNSC mods)
    W4S ST250
    Lsi 9 (mods)
    W4S DAC-2
    Mac Mini
    Audio Aero Prima CD player
    Pro-Ject debut
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited June 2010
    WOW! Now I get the title to the threat. My 7's sound X....O....LENT
    The modded XO's make it sound like a much better speaker. Thanks again Face!
    Lsi owners really need to check into getting the mod
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • Roland P
    Roland P Posts: 33
    edited June 2010
    I let a diy shop mod the crossovers on my LSi9's and LSiC.
    I'm really amazed by the results. Highs are much cleaner and clearer now. Better capacitors makes the LSi's really shine.

    Has anyone already modded their LSiFX's ?
    My HT - JVC DLA-HD2K - Rotel rsx-1065 - Polkaudio LSi9, LSiFx, LSiC - REL Storm III
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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    I would imagine so, but is this mod possible on the LCI/RTS inwall version of these speakers? Also has anyone done this? Not sure how they come apart..... lol
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2010
    It depends on how much room there is inside the enclosure. As for disassembly, are there any exposed screw heads?
    "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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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    The only exposed heads are in the back of the cabinet but they thread into the magnet of the drivers. I don't think these hold it together, its more to strenghten the cabinet. I believe there would be enough room, they are 3.5"deep, and 12"wide by 22" tall. So there is room inside above and below the drivers. These are not Biample for what it's worth. There is a grey oval area around the drivers that looks like it would "pop" off to expose the driver screws.... but my LC65I rear back surrounds look like this as well and those drivers mount from behind. They do not have built in enclosures though so they are easy to disasemble. My Center is the LCI/RTS c, and it uses an MDF encloser and it's easy to get to the X over on it, but i most likely would only do the left and right since im looking for the imrovement in SQ for when i listen to 2 channel. I may do all three but depends if i can get the RTS105s opened or not. These must not be very popular speakers, it seems not many people have worked on them or know much about them.
    Any help would be great!! It sounds like i could benefit from this mod as well if it can be figured out.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2010
    If possibly, I would do all three.

    As far as popularity goes, most consumers who purchase in wall speakers generally aren't into hot rodding gear.
    "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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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    I figure all three would be best.... and the center would be the easiest. I guess it will come down to weather or not polk desgined these to be opened up and how much it's gonna cost me to do this. I can't see why they would seal them without expecting to need to open them up at some point. If i can pop that front trim peice around the drivers off, i bet the screws are behind it. since the only screws on the back go into the driver magnet. If the screws are not on the front under the trim i don't think they where meant to be serviced.
    It seems like most people that buy comercial speakers would not be into "hot rodding" IMO, but my comment also aimed at the fact that there is not much posting on these inwalls or reviews or anything really which leads me to believe they are not too popular. They are the best speakers i have had, and i have some serious car systems in my day. These are very good especially for an inwalls. I have seen alot of people on forums dissin inwalls as well, but these are not your average inwall either.
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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    Can anyone help me out here?
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited June 2010
    jbrady wrote: »
    Can anyone help me out here?

    Maybe,what specifically?
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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    Trying to do the X over upgrade on my LCI/RTS inwall versions of the LSI 9. For one, i am not sure how to open the enclosure up. 2 im not sure whats needed to do the upgrade since no one seems to have done this on the LCI/RTS 105 or the LCI/RTS C speakers.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited June 2010
    I can't help with the enclosure opening as I've never seen a pair,but if you can get access to the xover try to determine the values of the capacitors in the hipass (tweeter) section.If these are cheap mylars or electrolytic types then a good starting point would be to replace them with premium polypropylenes.
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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    Ok thanks, i will see what i can do without destroying them :) lol It looks like the front "trim" piece around the drivers may pop off to reveal screws. There are non on the back other then the 2 that thread into the magnets on the drivers. Those are just to stiffen the cabinet from what i have read. 2 screws hold a sealed cabinet together does not make sense either.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2010
    You might just want to give Polk Customer Service a quick call. They may be able to tell you how to get to the crossover and may even send you a schematic for it.

    Well worth the time to call - let us know what they say.

    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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  • supra94tt
    supra94tt Posts: 8
    edited June 2010
    Hi, any recommended mods for M70's?? Did a search but nothing came up.
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  • jbrady
    jbrady Posts: 7
    edited June 2010
    I will try polk and see what they say.... good thinking :)
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited July 2010
    After about a month or so and over 150 listening hours, my LSi7 mod is really giving me what I was hoping for. The speakers are more opened and detailed. The highs are extended, but still butter smooth. The bass is punchy. Mid's sound very good. This mod was well worth it. I can't get off these things a night, my music sounds amazing. If your contemplating this mod......Just do it! Thanks again Face, excellent work! I may be making another request in the near future, hope you can do another mod for me
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited August 2010
    I have a question for you guys: I have almost no space in my entertainment cabinet for another amp, so would it be silly to upgrade my lsi7s while I am only powering them with the HK? It runs about 145 watts into 4 ohms stereo on various test bench results, so not bad but I know mo' better power would sound better. but since I don't have the room would I notice a real difference with just the crossover upgrade for the foreseeable future?

    Peace,
    Paul
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,210
    edited August 2010
    I'm speaking from opinion and not experience, but I'd think you'd still see a nice improvement.

    I've got to get my 15's modded. I spoke to Ben in March and was ready to get it done, but I ended up putting it off. It's about time to JUST DO IT!!!
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2010
    You would still hear an improvement from upgrading the caps, it just may not be as significant.
    "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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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited August 2010
    Okay thanks face. Do you know how much the upgrade for the lsi7s is (I searched through this thread and didn't see a list) and would you be interested in doing the upgrade and for how much? it may be out of my range for the moment, by I am selling several things so hopefully I might be able to pull it off soon.
    Peace,
    Paul
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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