LSi15's or LSi25's?

betaomega04

LSi15's or LSi25's?

Very simple question...I’m wanting to get a refurbed pair off of ebay and I’d like to weigh the pros and cons of each set. Hopefully you guys who own them might be able to get some insight. Thanks!

I currently own a pair of Emotiva XPA-1's that are pushing RTi12's...they sound great, but I'd like to upgrade my fronts and eventually everything all around if they meet my expectations. So for now, I’d like to develop a good 2-channel system for the release the XMC-2, and then I’ll look into surrounds.

mantis

I think the Lsi25's are a better sounding speaker for any duty. Not to mention you get built in subs. Nice.

Dan

phipiper10

I'd like to answer without answering Lsi9 w/sub. Provides more flexibility than the built in sub.

Otherwise I think the 15s should be adequate. Can't say I've heard the 25s however.

YMMV

genjivn

The amps in the LSi25 run pretty hot, even in the off mode the amps still consume power (LED is on and the heat sink gets warm). The only way to turn them off completely is to disconnect the power cords from the AC outlet. Both of my amps have a slight buzz but cannot be heard if you are more than 5 feet away. I am not sure if this is normal or not but I can live with it.

In auto mode, if I set my LSi25 to full-range, the amps switch on and off between tracks on CD. If I set the cut-off freq. at 40Hz then it only happen once in a while especially in movies with long silent scenes. So I guess the switching circuits operate base on how active the inputs are. I like mine set at full range so I have the amp in the on mode all the time and switch it to off when done

I realize that you have 2 XPA-1 which are more than enough to drive either the 15 or the 25. If you like a little more bass extension go with the 25. Bi-amping is not an option with the 25 since it is so internally.

The 25 cabinet is taller and deeper and yes they are heavier but their sizes are perfect for my room. The LSi15 dimension is close to the Def Tech 7004 at Best Buy while the LSi 25 is to the 7002.

Fatwalnut

If you amps stay warm when you are not using the 25's, then they are defective. When in stand-by, the amps should be room temperature, not hot.
Contact Polk customer service and see what they can do for you. I had to replace one of my amps a while back for this reason. Good luck.

bdtae5656

Fatwalnut wrote: »

If you amps stay warm when you are not using the 25's, then they are defective. When in stand-by, the amps should be room temperature, not hot.
Contact Polk customer service and see what they can do for you. I had to replace one of my amps a while back for this reason. Good luck.

Hey Fatwalnut,
I just purchased a pair of LSI25's.....along with a EMO XPA-3 to power it. What are some tips that I can get from you when setting up the sub on the 25's.
Thanks,
-Matt

genjivn

Fatwalnut wrote: »

If you amps stay warm when you are not using the 25's, then they are defective. When in stand-by, the amps should be room temperature, not hot.
Contact Polk customer service and see what they can do for you. I had to replace one of my amps a while back for this reason. Good luck.

the amp is definitely not at room temp but it is not like what i should be worried about. Beside my old velodyne sub is the same when it is in stand by mode so i think it is normal for class A/AB amp.

Fatwalnut

No, the amps should be room temperature. Make sure you have the switch set to stand-by mode on the amps. You should hear an audible pop/click when you send them a signal. If you don't hear that your amps are staying on continuously and not going into stand-by mode. Like I said I had the same problem with one staying warm to hot when not in use. "defective" Replaced it with a new amp, now nice and cool when not in use, in stand-by mode

Fatwalnut

bdtae5656 / Matt
Set both knobs on the speaker amps to 12 o'clock position and take a listen. Try to avoid turning up the speaker amp bass volume too much or setting the cross-over to high, these speakers are designed to give a nice low fill and not room shaking bass. The upper speakers are cut off at 80hz, and adjusting the cross-over will not change that. You might have to set your "subwoofer" if you have one to reverse phase to blend with the LSi's. Also if these speakers are new, they might sound kind of flat for awhile. Give them some time to stretch their little legs.

bdtae5656

Fatwalnut wrote: »

bdtae5656 / Matt
Set both knobs on the speaker amps to 12 o'clock position and take a listen. Try to avoid turning up the speaker amp bass volume too much or setting the cross-over to high, these speakers are designed to give a nice low fill and not room shaking bass. The upper speakers are cut off at 80hz, and adjusting the cross-over will not change that. You might have to set your "subwoofer" if you have one to reverse phase to blend with the LSi's. Also if these speakers are new, they might sound kind of flat for awhile. Give them some time to stretch their little legs.

They are refurb from Polk...I'll diff try that. I dont have a sub yet but will in time. Im working next to get rears....But most important is getting the amp and 25's working properly

bdtae5656

Fatwalnut wrote: »

bdtae5656 / Matt
Set both knobs on the speaker amps to 12 o'clock position and take a listen. Try to avoid turning up the speaker amp bass volume too much or setting the cross-over to high, these speakers are designed to give a nice low fill and not room shaking bass. The upper speakers are cut off at 80hz, and adjusting the cross-over will not change that. You might have to set your "subwoofer" if you have one to reverse phase to blend with the LSi's. Also if these speakers are new, they might sound kind of flat for awhile. Give them some time to stretch their little legs.

What does reverse phase do to them??? Another quick question...if Im hooking the subs up to my AVR where does the RCA cable need to go on the back of the speaker? I've tried all of them and the same result

McLoki

I tried both and kept the 15's. In my room with my equipment - I just liked them better. Realizing I have a bad room for bass - I was mucking the the levels on the 25's all the time. What was right for a song - sucked for a movie, etc...

I do wish the 15's came with the larger sub of the 25's though (and the lower crossover point).

Michael