Used rsi 9 question

Flash!

Hi there, im a new member and i just purchased a pair of used rsi 9's for a pretty good price. i tried them out on an ok receiver they sounded pretty darn good. Well, my ? today is: what is the life expectency of these speakers they sound great, but being used i am worried i will only enjoy them for a short time. cosmetically the don't look that good, but the speakers and tweeter are perfect. Thanks, and nice to meet you all.

comfortablycurt

RSi9? Do you mean LSi9? RTi A9? I don't believe Polk makes a speaker called the RSi9. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that of course.

edit-where are my manners? Welcome to Club Polk!:D

obieone

LOL! IF they're Polk's, they should be around a long time. We got people on this forum with 30+ year old Polk's. But please get back to us with the CORRECT model #, because if you're driving an LSi9 with just an AVR, you'd be better off getting a separate power amp. Actually, the same could be said for the RTiA9's as well.
Again, welcome to the forum.

comfortablycurt

obieone wrote: »

LOL! IF they're Polk's, they should be around a long time. We got people on this forum with 30+ year old Polk's.

Nah...Polks are garbage.;) Didn't you wonder why the box said "Use Once and Destroy"? lol

But yes...they should last you well through your lifetime if you take care of them.;)

Flash!

obieone wrote: »

LOL! IF they're Polk's, they should be around a long time. We got people on this forum with 30+ year old Polk's. But please get back to us with the CORRECT model #, because if you're driving an LSi9 with just an AVR, you'd be better off getting a separate power amp. Actually, the same could be said for the RTiA9's as well.
Again, welcome to the forum.

Sorry, they are lsi9's and man they sound good with my 13 yr old receiver in biwire mode. What kind of difference will I notice with a seperate amp. My receiver apears to drive them ok, but i do notice they move in and out a lot if i turn it up to high. Thanks for the welcom guys. One last dumb question: Can the sides be sanded and then reapply the clear coat.

Lowell_M

What AVR are you driving them with? In general, if you add separate amplification, you will notice more detail, more separation of instruments, a more solid sounstage (the sense of L and R goes away and blends into one seamless stage) and the depth of the sound increases, giving you a 3D feel to the music.

The Lsi speakers are difficult to drive and demand a lot out of a typical AVR, which causes distortion and ultimately might damage the speakers if pushed too hard.

...OH and welcome to the club. There are a lot of smart people here who can help you get more enjoyment out of your audio hobby. ...and there's a few jackasses, but you'll figure that out on your own.

Flash!

Ahh.... I get it now. They sound very good at a somewhat low level, but after cranking it up it does distort a little. can i still use them with my receiver as long as i do not turn it up to the point that they distort. As soon as i can afford it i will buy a new receiver and seperate amp. My current receiver does not have pre-out connections for the seperate amp. thanks for the clarification.

Lowell_M

They will be fine if you don't rock out too hard until you can buy a separate amp and AVR. there are good deals on the forum all the time on AVR's, Preamps, amps etc. So, don't be afraid to ask questions and get your learn on. Do you use the AVR for home theater, or just 2 channel music?

Flash!

I use my 13 yr old sony for home theater and music, but unfortunately it does not have pre-outs. Only one for the sub. How dow i know if it has pre-outs? would it specifically say preout?

Flash!

What do you think of a Carver tfm 42 amp for my home theater setup. I will use it for the lsi9's in front and the rest through the regular receiver. I found a used one for $350

Lowell_M

I'm not a big fan of the Carver amps, but everybody's ears are different. The good thing about used equipment is most of the time if you don't like it you can sell it for just about what you paid for it.

ADCOM is always a good way to start out and branch out from there. You can find GFA-545 amps quite frequently for around $200 I think. I've heard Heiny9's Lsi9's with the GFA-545 and they sounded sweet.

Your receiver would need to have pre-outs, though. Yes, it would say pre-out by the output.

Also, another thought. If your budget is tight now and you wouldn't be able to pick up both an AVR with preouts and an amp. I am considering selling my Harman Kardon AVR-635. It has rock solid power for an AVR that would drive Lsi9's decently until you could afford an external amp and use it's preouts. Just a thought, though. There are many other options. Hopefully somebody else will chime in with their take on your situation also.