LSi's and RT's

[seaslug]

Hey guys. I'm thinking about upgrading the front stage of my 6.1 HT setup from RT800i's/CS400i to LSi9's/LSiC. The wife won't let me upgrade my L/R surrounds to LSiFX just yet, because my white f/x300i's blend in with the decor just a little too well. I am currently running everything with an Onkyo TX-DS797 until I can convince myself that it's okay to spend 3 grand on a B&K AVR-507. So, here are my questions:

1. My receiver should be able to handle the 4 ohm load of the LSi's, but I was wondering if the change in load would affect the performance of L/R and rear surrounds. Normally, I would think that since each channel is driven independently, this should not make a difference. The reason I ask is, there is a setting in the hardware setup menu that I am supposed to select if even one speaker in the rig has an impedance of less than 6 ohms. Any idea what I am actually doing by selecting this?

2. I currently have a beautifully voice-matched 6.1 configuration, and even though I know the performance of the LSi's is a step up from my RT's/CS, I am concerned about maintaining a seamless transition from channel to channel. My Onkyo is THX-Select certified, meaning that--among other things--it is supposed to ensure timbre-matching across all channels. How a receiver can do this with speakers that have dramatically different tweeters, I have no idea. Any thoughts from those of you with mixed setups?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[STUFFMD]

Hey Seaslug,
On the setting on the Oink I did not notice any audible difference from the 6 to the 4 ohm setting...although they say to turn the volume down when you change the setting. Obviously you are supposed to be enableing your unit to handle the bigger loads demanded by the 4Ohm speakers.
My experience the Lsi and the Rt didn't match up great...but was useable with upping the LsiC volume up from calibrated levels, I don't think you would notice as much from front to back though.
If you are at all interested I have a like new black laquer LsiC/box/manuals the works, I would be willing to trade for your Cs400i.
I purchased the LsiC to test what I thought of the Lsi line, and would prefer to go to the Rt center.
Good Luck Stuff

[seaslug]

Thanks for the input, Stuff. The lower sensitivity of the LSi's is something that I'll definitely have to take into account. I appreciate the offer to swap speakers, but if I do decide to upgrade the front soundstage, my CS400i will be moving to the rear to replace the CS245i that I have back there now--at least until I buy a 7-channel receiver and a pair of LSi7's. Didn't you have a CS400i once upon a time? I thought I remembered that you and I had essentially the same setup this time last year.

[RuSsMaN]

Stuff,

Troy might be VERY interested in your swap idea in the not so distant future.

Cheers,
Russ

[STUFFMD]

Hey Seaslug,
I had the CS245i for the center originally, moved it to the center rear when I got the LsiC. I loved the 245 for Ht but was lacking musically...Like the rest of Rt line in general. The Lsi in my opinion is great for music..but I don't like the sound as well for Ht...Oh well.
Hey Russ thanks for the tip.....Hey Troy if your out there and at all interested ..let me know...
Stuff

[TroyD]

Stuff,

Shoot me an email at: troy.dion@seeb.af.mil

If you are serious about a swap and can hold off until I get back, I am VERY interested in such a trade. We would have to discuss terms as that doesn't seem like an equitable trade for you and I couldn't do that to a brother.


BDT

[Janusch]

Ah Troy you just beat me to the punch. I'm also in the market for a trade. Just switched over most of my RTI for the LSI.

If there is anyone else out there please let me know.
Thanks

[GregJ60]

A little over a year ago I replaced my CS400i with an LSi center. Both were positioned on top of my Tosh RPTV. I was also a little disapointed with the LSi for HT or dialogue. What helped my system was putting the LSi on a Wood Technology 18 inch center channel speaker stand. I place the stand about 5 inches in front of my RPTV. The top of the Lsi sits a couple of inches below the screen.

Greg

[seaslug]

Greg,

What does the rest of your setup consist of? How well does the LSiC blend? I've read some reviews that said that the LSiC was not video shielded particularly well. Did you have any problems with picture distortion when you had the speaker positioned on top of your RPTV?

[STUFFMD]

Troy D. You have mail.
Stuff

[GregJ60]

seaslug,
The rest of my system is LSi15's for front speakers and they blend quite well. I'm driving them with an ATI1505 5 channel amp and use a Rotel RSP1066 for my pre/pro. My surrounds are FX500i's that I hope to replace soon with the LSiFX. I use two SVS 20/39CS+ for subs and power them with an old Hafler DH500 amp.
I never experienced any picture problems with the LSi center. Even at very loud volumes. I probably never would though because the crt's are buried at the bottom of the set with a RPTV. I think this is only an issue with a direct view crt televisions. I'm almost sure I read somewhere here that there is a crossover fix or change for the LSi center that fixes this issue. Do a search or maybe someone else cares to chime in on this.

Greg