LSi9 Questions....Upgrade Time...

chopin_guy
chopin_guy Posts: 9
edited November 2008 in Speakers
So I am looking into a speaker upgrade currently as I am looking for something more high-res and detailed. Right now I run RTi12's, CSi5, and FXi3's in a home theater setup, and I am looking to the LSi series for an upgrade--as even when I read and get recommendations over on Audioholics where I am very active the LSi's keep on coming up and I have been very happy with my Polk's thus far....

I just wanted to get some input from forum members here on those speakers as this is the Polk Forum. One of my concerns is amplification as I here you need to run an external amp with these...but I have gotten mixed reactions on that so not sure if anyone has any first hand experience with them. I just got a Denon 3808ci which is not a wimp of an amp but I also don't to damage it, the speakers, or sacrifice any performance...

So I will start the thread here as I am sure more questions will come up the the discussion progresses...Thank you all... :D
Panasonic TH-50PX80U / PS3 / XboX 360 Elite / Polk RTi 12's, CSi5, and FXi3's / SVS PB13-Ultra / Velodyne SMS-1 / Denon AVR-3808ci / Denon DVD-3910 / Monster HTS1600 x 2 / Logitech Harmony One
Post edited by chopin_guy on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2008
    Welcome to Club Polk. Most of the LSI line of speakers dip below 4ohms, and a receiver may be rated for it, but it is currant limited. An amp does really help in my experience. If you never want to really crank them an AVR will work, but even at lower levels a decent external amp is preferred.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited November 2008
    chopin_guy wrote: »
    ... One of my concerns is amplification as I here you need to run an external amp with these...but I have gotten mixed reactions on that so not sure if anyone has any first hand experience with them. I just got a Denon 3808ci which is not a wimp of an amp but I also don't to damage it, the speakers, or sacrifice any performance...

    So I will start the thread here as I am sure more questions will come up the the discussion progresses...Thank you all... :D
    Welcome to CP! The LSi range are rated at 4 ohm, so your receiver must be able to drive 4 ohm speakers. NAD, most famously perhaps, are always rated for 4, and even 2 ohms. Few other mainstream receivers can handle 4 ohms, hence the need for external amplifiers. Other than that, for two channel only, something like the h/k 3490 will work fine and is something of a bargain even, and LSi users that have it seem to love it!
    Alea jacta est!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chopin_guy
    chopin_guy Posts: 9
    edited November 2008
    Well the high-end Denons like the 3808 and up are rated to use with 4ohm speakers but I would probably add amplification at some later point or initially....More than likely cost will prevent me from purchasing all five channels at once and I might have to scale back to 2 channel and then build from there again...

    Does anyone have any opinions of the LSi9s vs. the lower lines like the RTis I have, and any comparison thoughts??? Minding you I use the system for both music and movies (probably 30% / 70% split on that one), and I have a rather picky ear as PHD piano student...
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U / PS3 / XboX 360 Elite / Polk RTi 12's, CSi5, and FXi3's / SVS PB13-Ultra / Velodyne SMS-1 / Denon AVR-3808ci / Denon DVD-3910 / Monster HTS1600 x 2 / Logitech Harmony One
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited November 2008
    chopin_guy wrote: »
    Does anyone have any opinions of the LSi9s vs. the lower lines like the RTis I have, and any comparison thoughts??? Minding you I use the system for both music and movies (probably 30% / 70% split on that one), and I have a rather picky ear as PHD piano student...
    Just about everyone here that gets really serious about music ends up leaning towards the LSi range, and probably also two channel listening, or the very old (buy used only) SDA products. The RT, RTi, and RTi A ranges, as their "Reference Theater" name suggests, are great for Home Theater. They are also fine for music IMO (it's what I have), if you do not get too serious about it, but for the very critical ear, the LSi (or SDA) are probably a must have. JMO.
    Alea jacta est!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2008
    Welcome ChopinGuy.

    As I told you over at Audioholics, your current speakers would benefit greatly from more power as well. Your Denon isn't even coming close to bringing them to their full operating potential.

    I know because I had a Denon 3802 once & when I upgraded to a Parasound amp, it was a night and day difference for the better.

    Around here we don't have a hateful attitude about amplification, and it is critical that you get it if you do upgrade to the LSI's.

    So do yourself a favor & get either an Emotiva XPA # or Outlaw Audio amp, or look on Audiogon for a used Sunfire, Rotel, B & K, Parasound, etc.

    And by the way, your Denon is NOT spec'd to drive 4ohm speakers. The lowest they go is 6ohms.
    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
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2008
    You need an amp. Period.
    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
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited November 2008
    As Cathy mentioned above, I think you will see a decent performance increase by putting an amp on the RTi12's you have now. I would get the amp first and run it with the speakers you have now. You may be impressed enough with the performance increase to keep your existing speakers for a while longer.

    If you still decide to upgrade, you will be set with proper amplification from the start of things.

    You asked for advice - there it is. Whether you decide to take it or not though - Welcome to Club Polk.....

    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)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited November 2008
    Welcome chopin_guy...as you've probably noted, the Polk forum is pretty much in diametric opposition to common wisdom at AH :D. I like McLoki's and others idea, find out what you've got with the RTi12s. Put one of those Emo amps on those big boys and stand back. I think you'll be surprised.

    If you become a participant here, you'll try stuff. It will cost, but you'd be surprised how we take care of each other, so it doesn't hurt as much or at all. You'll get spot on (mostly) advice about Polk products and audio in general. Hope you stick around.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chopin_guy
    chopin_guy Posts: 9
    edited November 2008
    As the more I read and the more I sit in front of my set-up and listen I would have to agree with what you all have been suggesting to me thus far. The amp will probably be the right place to start---that way if I do even decide to go with new speakers I will be properly set-up to handle them in the first place...

    I will probably wait to see what the Emo holiday sale is as it is rumored the XPA-5 will be $699 shipped which will be a pretty sweet saving indeed....I just need to figure out where to put the thing as it is 4 inches to deep for my shelving....:confused::eek:
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U / PS3 / XboX 360 Elite / Polk RTi 12's, CSi5, and FXi3's / SVS PB13-Ultra / Velodyne SMS-1 / Denon AVR-3808ci / Denon DVD-3910 / Monster HTS1600 x 2 / Logitech Harmony One
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited November 2008
    The XPA-5 will do your RTis good. I ran my RTi8, CSi5 and FXi3 on it when I still had them and the difference is immediately obvious. I wish they had the sale then when I bought it. Could've saved some cash :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2008
    chopin_guy wrote: »
    As the more I read and the more I sit in front of my set-up and listen I would have to agree with what you all have been suggesting to me thus far. The amp will probably be the right place to start---that way if I do even decide to go with new speakers I will be properly set-up to handle them in the first place...

    I will probably wait to see what the Emo holiday sale is as it is rumored the XPA-5 will be $699 shipped which will be a pretty sweet saving indeed....I just need to figure out where to put the thing as it is 4 inches to deep for my shelving....:confused::eek:

    Remember an amp has to breath;)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chopin_guy
    chopin_guy Posts: 9
    edited November 2008
    Oh yes, I know that Ben. My shelving is open air acutally...just not deep enough. I am looking in to getting a Sanus rack anyways as I will be up to 6 components with the addition of an amp and it is just starting to look too cluttered underneath my display...lol...
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U / PS3 / XboX 360 Elite / Polk RTi 12's, CSi5, and FXi3's / SVS PB13-Ultra / Velodyne SMS-1 / Denon AVR-3808ci / Denon DVD-3910 / Monster HTS1600 x 2 / Logitech Harmony One
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited November 2008
    I was in a similar situation as you a while back, as I had the Rti10's and was powering them with my HK635. It sounded good, but a bit too bright for me, for 2 ch music. I ended up getting a 220 watt B&K amp, which helped, but still too bright. I finally decided to go all out and go with Dynaudio floorstanding speakers. That did the trick for me.

    I agree with people's advice to start with getting a 2 ch external amp- you may be satisfied with that, if not then you are in a perfect position to upgrade speakers next. Your Denon could power the rest of your speakers.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2008
    Chopin, Nice setup you have there.
    Welcome to Club Polk!

    By the way, Emotiva's site has been updated as they promised.
    On sale and free shipping as of now.
    http://www.emotiva.com/
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chopin_guy
    chopin_guy Posts: 9
    edited November 2008
    Well I think I am going to save myself $100 bucks and just go with the XPA-3 as any quality AVR can power what little the surround channels do, and the front 3 channels are by far the most important for home theater and then you also have it for 2 channels listening as wel...

    And thank you mmadden, I saw the sight and those are some pretty sweet deals that they have going right now....
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U / PS3 / XboX 360 Elite / Polk RTi 12's, CSi5, and FXi3's / SVS PB13-Ultra / Velodyne SMS-1 / Denon AVR-3808ci / Denon DVD-3910 / Monster HTS1600 x 2 / Logitech Harmony One
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter