How big of an improvement are the LSi's over the RTi's

1fastz28
1fastz28 Posts: 122
edited May 2009 in Speakers
i currently have some RTi a7's and its time for me to upgrade, i'm either going to go with an RTi setup with a9's, csi a6 rears and center. but i'm thinking about getting the LSi 15s with the LSi center and rears, unfortunately no one around here sells the a9s or the 15's so i can't demo them, i have a denon 3808 and i know that the LSi's are power hungry so an amp is also in the plans

anyone ever own both? could use some help
setup
Panasonic 46pz85
Polk RTi A9's
Polk CSi A6
FXi A6's
Energy s12.3 sub
Denon 3808ci
Pioneer elite dv-79
Monster 1850
Denon dp500m w/ grado green
PS3,XBOX 360, NES
Post edited by 1fastz28 on

Comments

  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited May 2009
    Ive owned the RTiA series,the Lsi series is more Musical by far.I would say that the
    RTiA are Very Good on HT-OK on Music. The Lsi Very Good on both:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
  • 1fastz28
    1fastz28 Posts: 122
    edited May 2009
    danz1906 wrote: »
    Ive owned the RTiA series,the Lsi series is more Musical by far.I would say that the
    RTiA are Very Good on HT-OK on Music. The Lsi Very Good on both:D
    i listen to more music than HT, id say its 70/30 music to tv/movies

    how power hungry are they, would i need to upgrade my denon immediately?
    setup
    Panasonic 46pz85
    Polk RTi A9's
    Polk CSi A6
    FXi A6's
    Energy s12.3 sub
    Denon 3808ci
    Pioneer elite dv-79
    Monster 1850
    Denon dp500m w/ grado green
    PS3,XBOX 360, NES
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited May 2009
    Dissenting opinion, but given with respect....I prefer the RTiA3 vs LSi7 for music.

    I found the LSi7 high end too laid back and recessed. I like that high end sparkle for the music I listen to that is spacious and layered at moderate volumes.

    It took too much power to prod the LSi7s to wake up....but that is just me and my perferences on my system.

    Obviously....your tastes, system synergy, and preferences will differ.

    It's all about choice and what works best for you.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    I've heard both series like most of you. And it's a tough call if you haven't because it is personal. I, also, think the LSIs are much more musical and do not believe that music should be as in your face as it is with Rti-A7s....the 9s are a bit less bright.

    I prefer smooth and mellow, to bright and loud. Rtis HT great. Music? You really have to decide for yourself. But if we're voting. LSIs at least 9s preferably the towers (15/25s).

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • 1fastz28
    1fastz28 Posts: 122
    edited May 2009
    i think the a7's do a phenomenal job with music, and i'm sure the a9's are better, but it seems that the lsi series is just dedicated to music
    setup
    Panasonic 46pz85
    Polk RTi A9's
    Polk CSi A6
    FXi A6's
    Energy s12.3 sub
    Denon 3808ci
    Pioneer elite dv-79
    Monster 1850
    Denon dp500m w/ grado green
    PS3,XBOX 360, NES
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2009
    As Danz pointed out, they are good with BOTH music & movies. Give them all the power they need to sound their best & you have a winner for both.

    And yes, you should shop for an amp first. Some brands that are liked around here are: Rotel, Parasound, Outlaw, Nad, B & K, Sunfire, Emotiva, Adcom, just to name a few.

    You will find that an amp will even make a difference with the speakers you have now. Try to get 200wpc @ 8ohms to hear a clear & definite improvement.

    You can get more bang for your buck getting used from Audiogon.
    danz1906 wrote: »
    Ive owned the RTiA series,the Lsi series is more Musical by far.I would say that the
    RTiA are Very Good on HT-OK on Music. The Lsi Very Good on both:D
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2