Which LSi, polkie guy

[Mazeroth]

Looking for opinions on LSi9s vs LSi15s. I've read about 50/50 reviews on these speakers with people choosing the 9s over the 15s or vice versa. I never had a chance to listen to a 9 but did have LSi15s and an LSiC in my house and auditioned them A/B. In my opinion the LSi15 had MUCH better mid-bass and midrange than the LSiC. This is where my stress begins:

I'd like to get another set of LSis but can't choose which. I have an SVS 25-31CS+ so my bass is covered. This means I don't really need the 8" in the LSi15. BUT, the LSi9s have to accomodate for their lack of bass with dedicating a 5.25" strictly to 200hz and less bass. The LSi15s are going to run me $400 more than the 9s so that's a factor there. Good stands will be about $100 so we'll say a $300 difference.

Then there's the aspect of blending with a subwoofer for 2-channel music, as I rarely watch movies. Could I get away with the LSi9s and the SVS, setting the 9s to small? Or would I be better off with the 15s (I loved their mid-bass and mids) and setting them to small, feeding the 8" in the LSi15 little information?

Gah, then there's the argument with speaker height which can be adjusted with bookshelfs on a stand...the list goes on and on.

Here are the specs of the 5.25" for each speaker. As you can see the LSi15s utilize the 5.25" a lot more for mids while the LSi9 has to dedicate one totally to bass reproduction, which, with a 5.25", isn't much. Hell, with the LSi15s I could go no sub with 2-channel which would sound more natural, but with the 9s I pretty much have to use one. Oh, and having the LSis and only using them for 10-20 hours (no lie) was pretty stupid. I sold them because of the move and needed the money.

Sorry if I'm rambling; I truly am. Been an extremely long day and I'm going to go crash now. Thanks!

(LSi15's 5.25"s)
Crossover
(mid-high array) Driver 1: HPF at 150Hz 6dB/oct, LPF at 800Hz 12dB/oct.
Driver 2: HPF at 150Hz 6dB/oct, LPF at 2.4kHz 12dB/oct.

(LSi9's 5.25"s)
Crossover Driver 1: LPF at 200Hz 12dB/oct,
Driver 2: LPF at 2.4kHz, 12 dB/oct.

[Frank Z]

What do you own now?

[Mazeroth]

I currently have (speaker wise):

Polk LSi7s
Infinity Overture2s (my first love)

I really didn't want to sell my LSis but with the move and money being tight I had to. I'll have plenty of money as backup in the bank in a month or so and enough to buy new LSis. I just can't figure out which to go with :(

[Frank Z]

If space is a consideration, get the 9's. The SVS will more than make up for any bass that the 9's a lacking in. The 9's do put out a tremendous amount of of low end sound considering there size. anytime I have friends or family over, they are surprised at the sound coming from 9's.

Since you've owned the 15's you'll know what to expect from them.

[Toxis]

I vote 9's and a sub. I am very impressed with the midbass from the 9's in comparison to the 15's. The 15's need a lot of power to get the depths you'd expect. Again, IMO.

[Mazeroth]

I hear you guys. Power to the LSi15s wouldn't be a problem as my amp does 2x400w RMS at 4ohms. I haven't heard the LSis with a sub before because my SVS will be at my doorstep today sometime (can't wait!). Maybe a good test will be the LSi7s with the SVS, and if that impresses me then I know the LSi9s will. But I tell you what, there's just something about those tall, piano finished LSi15s! :D

[nemos2]

I vote for the 15's, as long as you can feed them power, and space is not an issue. Either way, they are both great speakers...

[polkatese]

I would vote for LSi15 too. I had spent time switching the 15 and 9 at least a couple time, for two channel listening. For movies, 9 and a good sub would be fine, but for two channels without sub, 15 is better to my ears.

[2+2]

I think polkatese is right....you should follow your expected use. If you to alot of HT, LSi9's may be better since you already have a sub. If you do classical music, LSi 15. If you do hiphop/rap where exaggerated thumps are required, LSi9 may be fine...etc. you get the point.

[tryrrthg]

You can make a very nice pair of speaker stands for about 30 dollars. so don't think the stands have to be very expensive. I made a pair with hardwood for about $60, IIRC.

My vote would be for the 9's

[madmax]

My vote is to stay with the 7's or move to a different line.
madmax

[Mazeroth]

madmax,

Have you ever heard an LSi7 compared to an LSi15? I had them both hooked up to a 400w RMS amp and to an 80w RMS amp and the LSi15 annihilated the Lsi7, in my book. I love my 7s but man, the 15 is a killer.

Any reason you feel this way?

[madmax]

I had all three. I think the '7 is more musical and less irritating to listen to. We may be listening for different things.
madmax

[Toxis]

Originally posted by Mazeroth
there's just something about those tall, piano finished LSi15s! :D That's why I originally wanted to go with the 15's. I love the look of a beautiful tower. But I think I'm still going to go with the 9's...