Poll: Two 9's or one C

[gwh]

Let’s say you had the option of running two lsi9’s or one lsic for center channel duty and there was no price difference.

The two 9’s would each be fed their own separate amplifier channel (center signal split at the pre).

Which would you choose?


This is a poll but feel free to post any comments.





G

[Mjr7531]

If you run the two LSI9s, you'll get comb filtering, which isn't so great. You could run 6.1 and put the other LSI9 in the back...

[pblanc]

I have tried using one LSiC, one LSi9 and two LSi9s as center channel speakers. I prefer the sound of the LSi9 to the LSiC. In addition the width of the speaker works better on my TV stand (LSiC is too wide) and I think it looks better matched if you are using LSi15s, LSi25s or LSi9s as front speakers. I like the sound from 2 LSi9 centers even better. If comb filtering degrades the sounds, I guess my ears aren't good enough to hear it. A number of high-quality center channel speakers use horizontal arrays of identical drivers which should be equally prone to comb filtering, no? At any rate, as far as I'm concerned, if it sounds good, it is good.

[Lsi9]

I would go with one lsi9 if you are using lsi9s for the L/R.

Using two 9s for center would give you a 2 ohm load if my math is correct, you need a lot of power to drive that clean.

I just read you are using two amps, sorry

[Monster Jam]

Voted for the LSiC.

Sometimes "less is more".

[danger boy]

I like the idea of the LSiC.. that's what it was made for.. center channel audio.

If speaker makers thought that the best sound would come from the same 3 front speakers.. don't you think they would sell them in 3's instead of a pair? LOL Makes no sense.. but it sounded good.

[Monster Jam]

To be fair, my comment comes without ever hearing the two options side by side. I just think that I want to make the best use of the limited space I have. One thing my wife would not like to see is an extra speaker.

For what its worth...

[beardog03]

I think the LsiC is what yo should run, but it`s up to your ears..
I would only run one 9 , as stated many times before..

just Thought I would chime in..


I`m trying to stay away from the 360 for awhile...!!

[ND13]

Hmmmm....a PAIR of Lsi9s or one LSiC for the same $$$. I'd go 9s, just for the fact they could always be used for another purpose in the future, if the need ever arises.

[Larry Chanin]

Let’s say you had the option of running two lsi9’s or one lsic for center channel duty and there was no price difference.

The two 9’s would each be fed their own separate amplifier channel (center signal split at the pre).

Which would you choose?

G

Hi G,

I didn't vote in your poll because the answer really depends on the specifics of your particular situation, i.e., size of room, distance between mains, number of rows of seating, type and size of display (direct view vs. screen), type of listening (movies vs. critical listening to music), audience distributed in the room vs. solitary listener in the "sweet spot", etc.

I agree that if you are going to go with two centers, especially centers with rather low impedance, it would be better to provide each with their own separate channel of amplification. However, I'm not an avocate of horizontally oriented dual centers. In the following thread I discuss why its not a good idea to have horizontally oriented dual centers as opposed to vertically stacked centers.

Adding 2nd Center Speaker? (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=219043#post219043)


The following thread discusses comb filtering issues versus the potential benefits of vertically stacked centers in a home theater situation.

How's this for a center ch. solution (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=403038&postcount=15)


This last thread discusses my vertically stacked dual centers setup.

Dual Centers for Front Projection? (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20995)

Good luck with your project.

Larry

[szhleppy]

I'm happy with using 2 - LSi9s. When I took the 2nd LSi9 out of storage and added it to the other LSi9 for center duty, I noticed an improvement in dialogue quality when watching movies.

This probably could have been more easily accomplished with an appropriate calibration of the home theater, but why leave an extra LSi9 in hiding?

[Early B.]

Hmmmm....a PAIR of Lsi9s or one LSiC for the same $$$. I'd go 9s, just for the fact they could always be used for another purpose in the future, if the need ever arises.

This is exactly why I'm using a pair of Taylos as a center channel. Besides, I think it sounds better. This is the second time I've used a pair of bookshelf speakers as a center chanel, and they have both been better than a single center channel, IMO. You get a fuller sound.

P.S. -- I don't know what comb filtering is, but if it degrades the signal, I don't notice it.

[PolkWannabie]

The effect is likely to cancel some frequencies and double others ...

[Tequila]

Hehe...

Is a same question for me...I have two Csi3 to surrounds..and that sounds great, even better than two Rti6 on surrounds...then the Rti6 are now on back cahnnel and the two Csi3 on surrounds and other on center.:D

[MSALLA]

P.S. -- I don't know what comb filtering is, but if it degrades the signal, I don't notice it.

I think the comb filter stops the 2 drivers from emitting the same signals so they don't cancel each other out. I being basic here because I'm shakey on the specifics.

[pblanc]

Resonable link regarding comb filtering: http://www.moultonlabs.com/index.php/more/about_comb_filtering_phase_shift_and_polarity_reve rsal/
Those of you who have a pair of LSi9s as side or rear channel surrounds and an LSiC center may want to try one or both of the LSi9s as center(s) as an experiment. I did purely out of curiosity and found I liked one LSi9 center significantly better than one LSiC and two LSi9s much better. I have them arranged horizontly right up against each other on separate amps. Is comb filtering going on? Who knows, but if it sounds better why should I give a damn?

[gwh]

A lot of good information in the thread, thank you to all that replied and voted.

I'm going to stick with the LSIC and use the 9's for surround duty in place of a pair of 7's.


G