LSi15s for surround Duty

zx_toth

Trying to take advantage of my wife's good mood ...

I have LSi 25s, LSiC in the front stage and have been talking and planning to get LSi9s for surround duty ... fo course funds keep slipping to other places so Ive not followed through yet.

A few months ago for fun I asked my wife what she thought of me getting speakers similar to the ones in the front (i.e. towers). She said "NEVER" and this is a communal living room so when guests come in to our only living room she doesnt want them to only see speakers. I didnt really see her point but no point arguing as at the time the Lsi9s seemed like a great addition to a 3.1 system lacking surround duty.

Anyhow fast forward to today. We just got a new runner on the stairs, new blinds, floor revarnished and the wife was very happy with how the house is coming along. She is mostly in a good mood but was especially today and thought I would for fun ask again about tower speakers in the rear. Asking what she thought of the idea of having LSi15s, the smaller brothers of the LSi25s in the reas as they "would match nicely" (trying to use women's train of thought of matching and the such). Without hesitation she said whatever I wanted was fine ..... I almost fell on the ground. I mean I was half considering ordering them and just putting them there and after a bit of a fight she would get used to them and not mind. This is kind of how I got my LSi25s I just kind of bought the LSi25s and told her they were going to be integrated in a 'classy way' into the living room and she got used to it.

I guess my question is the extra cost of going from a plan of going from LSi 9 to LSi15 worth the extra cash. I will be eventually getting a better sub regardlesss of whether I get the 9s or 15s so that is not a consideration (i.e. argument that 9s plus a tight sub are better). I would be interested in dabbling in some multi-channel music and thought perhaps the 15s would be a nice addition to the setup ...

... any thoughts.
... any thoughts from people with Lsi15s at surrounds?

Currently I have 4 channels on my Rotel 1085 amp (D Class amp) unused so I will have something to drive them, while my Lsi25s are driven by a Rotel 1080 (A/B? Class).

Thanks ahead of time for your answers.

Zsolt

tonyb

I would go with the 9's hands down.If anything,Upgrade the sub or add one.Nuthin' like two subs to knock your **** back in the chair.

Ender

Yeah, you don't really need another 2x 8" subs going at it from the back.

candjhuntley

I would wholeheartedly agree - the LSI-9s, from i've read from multiple reviews, are the best purchase from the entire LSI series. If you're already using the LSI-25s for depth - the LSI-9s would complement nicely - and like was said, use the extra money for a sub upgrade.

Have you considered LSI-7s in the rear? From what i've read, i wouldn't suggest them as mains in the front b/c of what you lose mid-range - but, unless i'm mistaken, you're not asking too much of your rear speakers, and since you can pick up a pair of LSI-7 for $400 including shipping / tax from Polk's ebay store, that gives you a LOT more to focus on elsewhere (including some flowers to make the special one even more happy). Just a thought - if you're doing things requiring what the 9s offer, then by all means do what you gotta do - but i wouldn't worry about 15s as rears.


PS - i guess you've probably posted about it - but i haven't seen - did you get those SDA speakers from San Fran? (that was you was it not?)

BlueFox

I started my current HT with LSi15s in the front, LSiC, and LSi7s in the rear (5.1 surround). Replacing my LSi7s in the rear with LSi15s was the second biggest improvement in my HT. The sound immediately became clearer, and more cohesive. I usually leave the sub off unless it is some insane action movie, so I immediately noticed a big increase in bass with having the 4 LSi15s versus the LSi7s.

Plus, it just looks a hell of a lot better than having speakers on stands.

Do it while the wife is in a good mood. You can always move them to another room for a 2 channel rig, or something else.

zx_toth

BlueFox wrote: »

I started my current HT with LSi15s in the front, LSiC, and LSi7s in the rear (5.1 surround). Replacing my LSi7s in the rear with LSi15s was the second biggest improvement in my HT. The sound immediately became clearer, and more cohesive. I usually leave the sub off unless it is some insane action movie, so I immediately noticed a big increase in bass with having the 4 LSi15s versus the LSi7s.

Plus, it just looks a hell of a lot better than having speakers on stands.

Do it while the wife is in a good mood. You can always move them to another room for a 2 channel rig, or something else.

Just the answer I was looking for!:D Im laughing to myself because really I think in my mind I already had decided that I wanted the 15s because it just would look beastly having four towers pounding sound at my head and chest. I would love to have my two best friends from back home (Nova Scotia) check out such a set up as they watch their movies with el-cheapo cubes thinking its great ... LOL. Your experience going from the 7s to 15s is the type of info I was looking for!

Despite all the other very valid opinions above, I think I will go with the 15s because it would be freaking cool looking and even if they would give me incremental gains over the 9s in my current setup that would be worth it for me .... often in this hobby we are happy with just a little better, a bit more gain from small changes (wires, placement, toe in, height, etc) that if I can gain something from the 15s instead of the 9s for me it would be worth. Hoping that like Blue Fox it will infact be a big improvement over what would be from 7s or 9s.

Oh well, Ill haveto wait until what my tax return says this year ... last year I got $4k back so Im hoping for about the same this year than I m in with the 15s.


Z

candjhuntley

zx_toth wrote: »

Despite all the other very valid opinions above, I think I will go with the 15s because it would be freaking cool looking and even if they would give me incremental gains over the 9s in my current setup that would be worth it for me .... often in this hobby we are happy with just a little better, a bit more gain from small changes (wires, placement, toe in, height, etc) that if I can gain something from the 15s instead of the 9s for me it would be worth. Hoping that like Blue Fox it will infact be a big improvement over what would be from 7s or 9s.

Lol - hey - the only opinion that really matters is yours - and if the aesthetic value is that much (which yes, that would be awesome to have), then by all means, go for it!

I still hold to sticking with bookshelves myself - and hearing what the above poster had to say about the 7s, i'd go with 9s. Just from everything i've read, the 9s are the sweet spot in the LSI series as long as you already have the sub 50hz range covered, which it sounds like you do. But they definitely don't have the wow factor of walking into a room and seeking 4 towers staring at you.

What's important is that you make sure that a year from now you're not regretting your decision and saying, "Man, i just wish i would have..." So go ahead, follow your gut, get the 15s and never look back!

Sherardp

If the plan is to build a 5.1 setup, I'd go either LSiFX or LSi7s. The surrounds don't really push a heavy load as much as the front soundstage does. You can go for either of the two mentioned and not miss a beat, as it's all in the setup of the pre/pro. If you plan to do allot of multichannel music then sure go for 9s. But for a nice HT(1st), Music (2nd) based rig 7s would get my vote. Put that unused coin toward the SVS PB13U and you'd have one sick rig for sure.

treitz3

LSi-9's.

BlueFox

Stick with the 15s. HTs perform optimally when all speakers are the same. I can say that from experience, not via anecdotal ideas, theories, fantasy, or wishful thinking. You have absolutely no idea what will be contained in the surround channels in future DVDs, and it is best to be prepared to handle all current DVDs, and future DVD releases.

tonyb

BlueFox wrote: »

Stick with the 15s. HTs perform optimally when all speakers are the same. I can say that from experience, not via anecdotal ideas, theories, fantasy, or wishful thinking. You have absolutely no idea what will be contained in the surround channels in future DVDs, and it is best to be prepared to handle all current DVDs, and future DVD releases.

The Lsi 9 can handle anything the 15's can when you have a sub in the mix.A good sub is 10 times better than that in a powered tower,not even close.Other than that,I don't get your other statement on future DVD's....what exactly do you think it will contain that only the 15's can handle?

donedroolin

ZX_TOTH, Hey I have LSi15's and an LSiC. Had LSi7's untill my nieghbors kid stuck a pencil in one. I have been using a set of FXi3's I had from my prior setup. I have been thinking of getting another set of LSi15's for the rear also. Now however I am not sure these guys make allot of sense about the rear speakers not doing as much as the front speakers. I may just get a set of LSi9's. I do have a an awsome Sub woofer. What would the woofers in the 15's really do. Like Blu Fox said it was a Great improvment, but he also said he keeps his sub off most of the time. I love my sub and have it on all the time watching a movie. So I think the LSi9's would work awsome as rears and can handle what the 15's can. You did not say if you had a sub or not, I would get the 9's and a GOOD sub. As far as stands go I have seen some nice store bought and home made ones here. Any how let us know what you get and how much of a difference it makes. Good Luck.

candjhuntley

donedroolin wrote: »

ZX_TOTH, Hey I have LSi15's and an LSiC. Had LSi7's untill my nieghbors kid stuck a pencil in one. I have been using a set of FXi3's I had from my prior setup. I have been thinking of getting another set of LSi15's for the rear also. Now however I am not sure these guys make allot of sense about the rear speakers not doing as much as the front speakers. I may just get a set of LSi9's. I do have a an awsome Sub woofer. What would the woofers in the 15's really do. Like Blu Fox said it was a Great improvment, but he also said he keeps his sub off most of the time. I love my sub and have it on all the time watching a movie. So I think the LSi9's would work awsome as rears and can handle what the 15's can. You did not say if you had a sub or not, I would get the 9's and a GOOD sub. As far as stands go I have seen some nice store bought and home made ones here. Any how let us know what you get and how much of a difference it makes. Good Luck.

I've said it before - and i'll keep saying it - from everything i've read, the LSI-9s are the sweetspot in the LSI series. They have amazing handling of incredible sound - and as long as you have a sub to handle anything sub 50hz, you're good to go and won't miss a thing. The above 50hz category, they are on par (and might be even better from what reviewers have been saying) than the LSI15s. So if you invested in 9s and a GOOD sub - then you won't be missing a thing at all.

That has been, and continues to be my recommendation. But the most important thing is what you can live with. It sounds like the OP really wants 15s and the wow factor they bring aesthetically. And if that's the case, then if i were him i'd get the 15s while he still can so that 2 years from now he's not kicking himself wondering what it'd be like if he had.

But if you're content with what sound quality the rears bring (and the LSi9s ARE beautiful speakers - don't misunderstand), then you can't go wrong with the 9s.

Take that for what it's worth.

Stevenmbell

They are gr8 for speakers period so having the extra bass is a plus. I can't afford them but if I could they would be my surrounds.People think surrounds need to be small, That is not the case at all. The problem is most will not go the extra dollar for surround speakers. Go to a good theatre there surrounds are the same as threr primary speakers.don't listen to people who judge speakers on just bass or there loudness you'll be all smiles if you go with the 15's:D

donedroolin

zx-toth, If you get the 15's please let us know your opinion. If it is worth it or not. Awsome I hit 200 posts YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

zx_toth

donedroolin wrote: »

zx-toth, If you get the 15's please let us know your opinion. If it is worth it or not. Awsome I hit 200 posts YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donedrollin: LOL ... Im glad I could be of service in you attaining your 200th post. I think Im nearing my 300th, if not already, not sure when I become a Polkateer or whatever the next level of Polk___ that is


Everyone else: Im anxiously awaiting my tax return ... first a bit on the Line of Credit, a bit for grad school and than the remainder on some LSi surround speaks.

Clearly, the topic of surround speakers is heated. For sure the LSi 9s are the 'golden child' amongst may Polk forum members .. the speaker that is great anywhere in the system really (upfront, surround, two-channel) while the LSi 15 seems like the preferred tower of power up front in a HT set up ... the LSi 25 in this regard is the Rodney Dangerfield of the LSi series ("He gets no respect").

From the great discussion and presentation of opinions I have come to the following conclusions ...

1) The LSi 9s are the consensus choice for surround speakers in a full LSi setup - some might even consider them over kill - opting for the 7s.
2) I conclude that I would NOT be disappointed with using the LSi 9s as my surround ... especially considering I have not had surround speakers for over a year now, having the great sounding 9s would be pure heaven.
3) Two Polk members who have had both the 9s and 15s in the surround position prefered the 15s. That is an extremely important point ... that from trying both they prefered the 15s. I cant ignore that ... though I know that the 9s would be great .. Im not dissing the "golden child of the LSi series" Im just saying that two members noticed an improvement. Since I wont be in the position to audition both (no dealer carries Polk LSi series nearby, I have to order them from Polk's Canadian warehouse) I have to put weight on these statements. Additionally Darque Knight, the SDA extrodinaire uses LSi 15s as surrounds ... thats got to count for something
4) Though I cant say money is not an issue because that would be a lie but since HT is a hobby of mine I dont mind cheaping out in a few other areas of my life to accomodate a purchase that I really want.

In conclusion I am decided on ordering the LSi 15s once all my Canadian funny money falls into place in the next few weeks and Ill let you guys know how things go.

Zsolt

alphaone

zx_toth wrote: »

Donedrollin: LOL ... Im glad I could be of service in you attaining your 200th post. I think Im nearing my 300th, if not already, not sure when I become a Polkateer or whatever the next level of Polk___ that is


Everyone else: Im anxiously awaiting my tax return ... first a bit on the Line of Credit, a bit for grad school and than the remainder on some LSi surround speaks.

Clearly, the topic of surround speakers is heated. For sure the LSi 9s are the 'golden child' amongst may Polk forum members .. the speaker that is great anywhere in the system really (upfront, surround, two-channel) while the LSi 15 seems like the preferred tower of power up front in a HT set up ... the LSi 25 in this regard is the Rodney Dangerfield of the LSi series ("He gets no respect").

From the great discussion and presentation of opinions I have come to the following conclusions ...

1) The LSi 9s are the consensus choice for surround speakers in a full LSi setup - some might even consider them over kill - opting for the 7s.
2) I conclude that I would NOT be disappointed with using the LSi 9s as my surround ... especially considering I have not had surround speakers for over a year now, having the great sounding 9s would be pure heaven.
3) Two Polk members who have had both the 9s and 15s in the surround position prefered the 15s. That is an extremely important point ... that from trying both they prefered the 15s. I cant ignore that ... though I know that the 9s would be great .. Im not dissing the "golden child of the LSi series" Im just saying that two members noticed an improvement. Since I wont be in the position to audition both (no dealer carries Polk LSi series nearby, I have to order them from Polk's Canadian warehouse) I have to put weight on these statements. Additionally Darque Knight, the SDA extrodinaire uses LSi 15s as surrounds ... thats got to count for something
4) Though I cant say money is not an issue because that would be a lie but since HT is a hobby of mine I dont mind cheaping out in a few other areas of my life to accomodate a purchase that I really want.

In conclusion I am decided on ordering the LSi 15s once all my Canadian funny money falls into place in the next few weeks and Ill let you guys know how things go.

Zsolt

Since I got my LSi15 and LSiC the other day, I have been pondering a lot whether I should also get the 15s for surrounds. I like how they sound a lot and beacaue I listen to SACDs they may do better in the rear for me.
However, I have a question: The way things are in my room, I need to place them close to the walls. Since the wofers are on the side, what's the closest I can place them to the wall?
Also, is it necessary to place them higher than the fronts?
I read that for new formats like SACD, Master Audio and Dolby True HD, it is better to have them at the same hight.
Anyone knows anything about this?

BlueFox

alphaone wrote: »

Since I got my LSi15 and LSiC the other day, I have been pondering a lot whether I should also get the 15s for surrounds. I like how they sound a lot and beacaue I listen to SACDs they may do better in the rear for me.

Exactly.

However, I have a question: The way things are in my room, I need to place them close to the walls. Since the wofers are on the side, what's the closest I can place them to the wall?

I do not know what is the closest, but my front LSi15s are toed in, and the front of the front speakers is 12" from the wall, while the rear of the front speakers is 8" from the wall. This is in a room 11' by 12', with the TV and speakers at the 11' side.

The rear LSi15s are opposite from the recommended use. That is, the L&R are reversed. This is because they are at the back of the room, next to the rear wall, and at the ends of my couch. In this position they are perpendicular to the side walls, and aimed directly at the couch. By being reversed, the woofers are aimed out into the room, rather than being directly against the wall. Seems to work great.

Also, is it necessary to place them higher than the fronts?
I read that for new formats like SACD, Master Audio and Dolby True HD, it is better to have them at the same hight.
Anyone knows anything about this?

I have no idea about having the speakers at differant heights.

However, I will be ordering 2" solid maple speaker platforms for these speakers, and that will raise them about 3" higher. When I placed my PSB Synchrony 1 towers, in my 2 channel rig, on 4" maple platforms, I noticed an increase in brightness. I suspect that was from both putting the tweeter more at ear level, and the sonic benefit from using maple speaker platforms. Of course, this increase in brightness was minor compared to the increase in clarity that resulted from the maple platforms.

To compensate, I placed Aurolex Acoustic Foam behind the PSBs, and that dialed them into nirvana. Since my HT/surround sound room is already acoustically treated, I am not anticipating that problem, but if it does happen I know what to do.

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/plinth.php

donedroolin

Zx_toth, You are a Polkateer, way to go. I currently have my speakers set to small, all of them. What are yours set at, if small will you change them to large when you get the second set. Boy now I am really pondering getting another set of 15's. I think I may have to try on my wife what you did. Four 15's set on large now I am intrigued,may have to go for it.

Braddles

Hhhhhmmm..... "What ever you want is fine" ...........HHmmmmmm

I would tread very carefully mate. In translation this usually means "go ahead.... if you dare". Refer to #4.
Here are some other words you may misunderstand.

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE (translation for men)

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the F1 before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.

* Send this to women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!


I would stick with the 9's Mate.:D

candjhuntley

Braddles wrote: »

I would stick with the 9's Mate.:D

Nice humorous post - and oh so true - but not in the OPs case. Remember, he caught her in a good mood and jumped on it - i get the impression she was feeling so good she really truly didn't care what he wanted to do.

Of course, i would remind her before purchasing to see if she even was paying attention and remembers having given that green light

BlueFox

xcapri79 wrote: »

Just received another pair of of the new version LSi15's for surround duty. There are finished better than the older version.

That is interesting. What is the differance? The only differance I have between my two pairs is the first set is the lighter cherry, and the second set is the darker cherry. Other than that they are identical.

Pinsongs

zx_toth,

I really like the Lsi15's for surrounds and the Lsi25's in the front. For critical music listening, I don't need or use a sub. For movies the sub is always great to hear.

e

Pinsongs

BlueFox wrote: »

Exactly.




The rear LSi15s are opposite from the recommended use. That is, the L&R are reversed. This is because they are at the back of the room, next to the rear wall, and at the ends of my couch. In this position they are perpendicular to the side walls, and aimed directly at the couch. By being reversed, the woofers are aimed out into the room, rather than being directly against the wall. Seems to work great.




http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/plinth.php

Thats exactly how I have mine, it really is a great sound, i have often wondered if i should monkey with switching the Lsi25's like that. Giving the tweeters more distance apart. just a thought.

thuffman03

less than 15% of sound comes out of the back speakers during most movies. Can't see any reason to put that much money into a set of LSI's. I have an old set of Advent II speakers for my rear speakers. They only reason I will be buying something else is to mount in or on the back wall and they will not be full range speakers.

Pinsongs

I like to listen to lots of "Music" with all LSi's on. Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" is unbelievable!

McLoki

thuffman03 wrote: »

less than 15% of sound comes out of the back speakers during most movies. Can't see any reason to put that much money into a set of LSI's. I have an old set of Advent II speakers for my rear speakers. They only reason I will be buying something else is to mount in or on the back wall and they will not be full range speakers.

A valid point - but consider what a small percentage of the sound actually comes from your subwoofer (and what would you spend on that).

I had a nice sounding system when I had RM-6600 speakers mounted as my rear speakers. There was a very noticable improvement by switching those out for the LSi7's I have now though. I consider the money spent on my LSi rear speakers as money very well spent.

I agree when prioritising your budget, You should update your rear speakers last if you are building as you get funds, I would not recommend just ignoring your rear channels though. As with everything in this hobby - you have to find the point of diminishing returns you are comfortable with and stay in that range. I do think when your theater is all said and done - it is worth having all speakers (except your sub) from the same speaker line. (since your rear speakers are involved in all sound that happens outside your front stage - and there is a lot of combining of sounds that happens between your front and rear speakers)

Michael

Monster Jam

Pinsongs wrote: »

zx_toth,
For critical music listening, I don't need or use a sub.

Be advised - snarky comment ahead:

I've read the phrase "critical music listening" more than just once. I must be in the overwhelming minority, but what the hell does "critical listening" mean?!

Well, I suppose I know what it means, but I couldn't imagine listening to music like I was the studio engineer putting the song together.

The next rock concert I go to, I'll sit intently in my chair, hand on my chin, nodding my head in high-brow manner. LOL

This concludes the test of the Snarky comment system.

Pinsongs

yep

I have been an audio engineer in the music business for many years.

Critical means just that.

e