LSi vs LCi Speaker Decesions

craigpsu

I will be moving into a bigger house and would like some help picking out a setup for 7.1. Also in the same room off to the side I might put either two bookshelf speakers (LSi9) or the LCi speakers over by the pool table for music. The room is approximately 26' x 16' but that is only because the staircase comes down in the middle to 16' The real size is about 26' x 37' (the stair case kind of makes it three seperate spaces). There really is no place to mount the speakers on the imaginary 16' "wall." I know that might be slightly confusing but without posting a layout its the best I can do.

Here are the speaker I currently own:
Fronts: LSi15
Center: LSiC
Rears: LSiF/X (still in the box, might be willing to sell them if I go another route)
I am currently powering it with an XPA5 and Pioneer Elite SC-07 as the PrePro.

I am considering using some LCi speakers to place in the ceiling with the LSi15s and LSiC to complete the 7.1. Does anyone have any experience with the LCi series speakers to recommend for the surrounds and surround backs? I have read they are matched pretty well to the rest of the speakers I have. Is there any issues with using the rectangular speakers in the ceiling? I currently have a DSW Pro 500 but was thinking of using that in a seperate room with the VM 20s I have. I was going to buy the MicroPro 4000 for the big basement. The 4000 will be plenty for the big basement room right?

Second question would be how well do the LCis compare to the performance of the LSi 9s or LSiF/X speakers. I am thinking of using LSi9s or LCis for over by the pool table (a seperate space in the 26 x 37' room) its dimensions are about 12 x 21. I think the LCis would look better and would not get in the way but they seem to be more expensive and I am not sure if they perform as well.

I do plan on getting another Amp for the 7.1 surround and possibly powering the pool table speakers with an amp if needed. I assume I can put 200-300 Watts to the LCi series even though they call for up to 125/200? depending on the speaker.

Thanks

craigpsu

I usually only read the posts, but can someone give me a little guidance on what to say to actaully get a response to a thread?

I guess my main question is: does anyone know anything about the LCi or LCi-RTS series?

McLoki

Sub - it is pretty rare to havce to much. With that being said though, the 4000 is a nice sub and if nothing else - you can always add another if you feel it is not enough.

For home theater, the LCi should be very comperable to the LSi series. I would try to get positioning right with external speakers first though and then start drilling for the in-wall locations. SCompRacer has the LCi series in his home theater and may be able to give you a better opinion of its performance.

I have only heard of the LCi speakers installed in-wall. I have not heard or did not know you could put them in ceiling. You may want to verify that before your installation.

Amp power - basically don't worry about over powering them. You will be fine with whatever you decide to get. (have a 500wpc amp powering my speakers and they range from a rated 150-350watts)

Good Luck,

Michael

apphd

craig, hang in there some more will probably chime in here with some opinions. Sorry but I can't be of much help with your questions on the LCi, other than to say McLoki knows what he is talking about. So no worry about over powering them with a good amp. Maybe to add a little on the sub, which again I have not heard the 4000 but you have a lot of room you are trying to fill so I do not think you have any worries about too much, if anything maybe not enough. There would be few (if any) subs in that price range that, with only one, would be up to the task, or "over the top". But not knowing how much you like bass or how any sub will play in your room it's hard to say. Again like McLoki said if it is not enough sub, you can add another later.

McLoki

For the sub - other ones to look at (If you want other options than polk) would be Epik, HSU, eD and SVS. They are all good contenders for home theaters in large rooms.

The Micropro series are the only Polk subs I really recommend for home theater. A couple of those would work really well. (and would not be overly huge)

Good Luck.

craigpsu

The reason I am going with the 4000 and the LSi/LCi is because I can get a really good deal on polk equipment. If I had to pay full price I would have probably went a cheaper route and done some more research on other brands.

Relying to an earlier post, they have some round speakers in the LCi that are designated specifically for the ceiling, and I am checking on whether some of the rectangular speakers can be placed in the ceiling. As much as I would like having LSi 7/9/FX for the rears it might make more sense to go with the In Wall or Ceiling speakers, I am not sure about having 4 sets of speaker stands or how well the speakers would work when mounted so far away from the listening area. I am working on a room layout and as nice as this room is, the large size makes it a little difficult to get speaker placement down.

I am hoping to hear back from a few people on how well the LCi compares to LSi9 and LSiFX.

Thanks for the information so far....