Phuz, question for you bud!

polkatese

Phuz,
If I remember correctly, you have 2 pairs of LSi9 and LSi15....what is your take on 9 compared to the 15? On 2 channel, and if you put them side by side, what would you notice the most? It's killing me not being able to audition the 9 around here, and since I am not sure whether I need/want the 7 or 9 (leaning toward the 9, since it seems to be able to stand alone w/o sub if I have use it in my bedroom, at least according to the review). I trust you had plenty of opportunity of comparing the 15 and 9, which is close enough for me, to deduce a swag on the merit of 9, wrt 15, and use them to make decision on 9 wrt 7.... thanks bud!

ps: you have one pair of both, right ? (cherry/ebony on the 9)

phuz

You are correct sir.

I think what you really want to know is if I think you should get the 7's or the 9's, I say go with the 9's. You will be really suprised what the 9's can do in 2 channel applications. You will wonder if Polk's specs are right and where the heck the low end is coming from.

The differences that I have noticed between the 9's and 15's are mostly on the low end, and a tad bit in the mid range. The 15's of course have a bit more low end extension from the 8" subs and larger power port. I'm not quite sure how, but the low end of the 15's tends to have a slight effect on the mid-range and mid-bass. Although the 15's present an overall fuller sound, the middle frequencies suffer slightly. Don't ask me how or why though. Maybe it's the crossover design in the 15's. *shrug* I think it might also be how I have them placed and acoustics in my room.

The 9's are just... well... killer. They have an incredible low end when compared to many towers, and I think they pretty much blow any bookshelf out of the water in low end extension and overall. The mid-range and overall detail and clairty seems to be a bit more precise on the 9's. Again I'm not sure if it's because of the absence of the sub bass frequencies, crossover design, or cabinet design.

You might not even notice the difference.

I got the 15's because I wanted towers, and because I knew I wouldn't be getting a sub for a while. Besides I don't like messing with subs for 2ch.

I've never heard the 7's. I bet they are nice, but you'll probably want a sub to go with em even for moderate 2ch listening.

I hope this helps!

phuz

Another note.

I like a very full sound. I don't want to be left wanting more or better. I think this is how they compare.

7's will leave you wanting more. You will heard bass strings being plucked, but not much of the actual note being played.

9's will make you very happy. You will hear the bass notes being played, kick drums thumping, but *might* miss the really low frequencies that often acompany those things.

15's will give you everything. That low end oomph and even some couch vibrating bass that movie soundtracks have. A complete and full sound. Overall best for me, because the slight mid-range/mid-bass anomaly is hardly noticeable.

polkatese

Phuz,

Originally posted by phuz
The 9's are just... well... killer. They have an incredible low end when compared to many towers, and I think they pretty much blow any bookshelf out of the water in low end extension and overall. The mid-range and overall detail and clairty seems to be a bit more precise on the 9's. Again I'm not sure if it's because of the absence of the sub bass frequencies, crossover design, or cabinet design.
You might not even notice the difference.

Perfect! this is exactly what I was looking for! Since I've been very satisfied and "used" to listening to LSi15, I am really trying to gauge where those two models stand against it, and you had summarise it very well, my friend.

I like a very full sound. I don't want to be left wanting more or better. I think this is how they compare.

Hear, hear...another point that I am not willing to compromise...

Thanks a bunch, phuz! btw, what's driving the ebony in the other room, if I may ask?

cheers,

phuz

Originally posted by polkatese
btw, what's driving the ebony in the other room, if I may ask?

Nothing yet. I tried hooking them up to my old JVC receiver and it sounded like ****, and the receiver choked. heheh I haven't been able to get anything to add to the bedroom since I've been unemployed.

In the long run I want to get a multi-channel amp for my HT setup, and move my Rotel amp (and get a Pre to match) in the bedroom. Till then the ebony's are hangin tight in their box.

First thing I did when I got my Cherry 9's was listen to em and compare for a few days, not to mention that I've heard Steve@3dai's 9's a few times(it's his fault I've blown all my cash on LSi speakers).

polkatese

Good luck with your search, Phuz...and thanks again!

phuz

Anytime.

Let us know what you get and what you think.

polkatese

Phuz,
placed an order for the 9 today, will try to drive it with my old denon avc-3030, we'll see when it gets here. btw, I love my 15 even more after it seems to break in, details galore! (or may be it's actually because of the sacd-1000 had also breaking in, who knows, either way, love it!)