LSi9 v RTiA3 and Paradigm

karlos879
karlos879 Posts: 8
edited February 2009 in Speakers
Well, although I have heard the RTiA3's, there is no where in my city to listen to the LSi series. Which is very frustrating to say the least.

I have compared the RTiA3 with the Paradigm Mini Monitor (and the mini monitors won out there, just a bit warmer and larger/wider sound stage), and also heard the Paradigm Studio Reference 20's and was wondering:
1. How much of a step up are the LSi9's compared to the RTiA3?
2. Has anyone compared the Paradigm Studio 20 or Studio 40 with the LSi9?
Looking to buy the LSi9's, but still want to compare them to the Paradigms.
3. How might the two compare if I get LSi-9's and do the crossover mod mentioned here on the forum?

I assume I can get the LSi9's a lot cheaper from the eBay store compared to the Paradigms and will be better value for money.

Anyone have any ideas??
Thanks,
Karl.
Post edited by karlos879 on
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Comments

  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited February 2009
    First, I have owned the studio 20's and thought they were great. Nothing bad to say about them at all. I never compared them directly against the lsi9's, but if I had, my receiver would have been fried. The lsi line are 4 ohm speakers, and the paradigms are not. The paradigms might cost a tiny bit more, but getting a receiver that supports a 4 ohm load will end up costing you quite a bit more. The Lsi9's smoke the rtia3's though (I really don't like them that much honestly), so if your receiver can go 4 ohm, or you have pre outs and an amp, and wanna go polk then go with the Lsi9.
    "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
    Benjamin Franklin, February 17th, 1775.

    "The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
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  • karlos879
    karlos879 Posts: 8
    edited February 2009
    Yep, have a pair of bridged Rotel RB980BX's power amps, hanging off a Pioneer VSX-AS2. Plenty of power for anything!!

    Just don't know how the LSi9's compare to the Paradigm Monitor 20's or 40's.

    Think the value for money LSi9's might win out (from the eBay store) if I can't find a cheaper way of purchasing the Paradigms.

    Maybe I'll buy both......!

    Karl.
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited February 2009
    Please report back with a review of both speakers, IF you buy both:rolleyes:
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • karlos879
    karlos879 Posts: 8
    edited February 2009
    Well, I heard the Paradigm Studio 20's today and I was very impressed to say the least. Wonderful warm rich tones, right across the frequency range.
    They seemed to be a very flat speaker in terms of not colouring any part of the range. Superb with instrumental recordings. Nothing was overpowered. Nice bass response too for a bookshelf.
    I was really impressed with how they handled good quality live recordings. Sound stage was terrific, and really wide.
    I didn't want to leave!! Price here was somewhere around A$1700.

    The real problem for me is that I cannot audition the LSi9's anywhere here in Adelaide (Australia) so if I do buy them, it will be blind. I can't even get a price.
    But the big thing is that I could get a pair of LSi9's from the eBay store for a lot less. And with the thread on the crossover mod, sounds like they might be just as good.
    And probably A$700 cheaper in the end.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2009
    I've never heard a Paradigm that I enjoyed listening to.

    For the price, I would try out the LSi9. If you don't like what you hear, you can always sell them without taking a real hit.

    Concerning your amplifiers, you won't be able to run them bridged. The LSi9 is a 4 ohm speaker and in bridged mode, your amps are only 8 ohm stable. Here's the manual: http://www.rotel.com/content/manuals_archived/rb980bx.pdf
    "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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  • karlos879
    karlos879 Posts: 8
    edited February 2009
    mmm...thanks Face, overlooked that bit!
    Looking at my receiver manual, it states you can switch between 8 and 6 Ohm, no mention of 4....
    The LSi9's are the better value for money, BUT I just can't get to hear them first.
    They will end up being rears anyway, so won't be the primary fronts...
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  • Murray1
    Murray1 Posts: 193
    edited February 2009
    They will end up being rears anyway, so won't be the primary fronts...[/QUOTE]

    You may want to consider the LSi 7's for rears and save some $.
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