Upgrade?

[PolkFan1]

I was thinking of getting some lsi9's over my current rti8's.I only listen to music that is it. Mainly rock, pop , modern stuff. I am using a harman kardon hk3480 2channel receiver and like a cheap $80 dollar sony dvd player as the source to play music cd's. That is it. So I was wondering IF I were to get some lsi9's would it be a night and day difference or what? I plan to get an amp and cd player down the road.

Thank You :-)!

[steveinaz]

I don't know that anything is a "night & day" difference, but the Lsi9, IMO would be a formidable upgrade to the Rti8.

The Lsi9 will benefit from a powerful/good quality amplifier.

[PolkFan1]

what would be a good amp? I was thinking maybe some outlaw 2200 blocks or adcom or something. By the way is the amps just as important as having a good source?

[steveinaz]

Outlaw, Adcom, Parasound, etc, good clean power. As far as the amp/source question, I think you get more amp for the money, then you do source...if that makes any sense.

[reeltrouble1]

its a system with no part playing a bigger role than anything before or after itself.

keep in mind if you were to get a "good" source its going to reveal some good things and quite possibly some not so good things about the entire rig and the formats you use, its easy to play ring around the rosey with your question, you gotta start somewhere, so the LSi 9 would be a great beginning.

RT1

[skipf]

is your HK3480 rated to drive a 4 ohm load? Also keep in mind the LSi9's like a LOT of power. I'm pushing mine with a Carver M-500t which is approx 500 WPC into 4 ohms.

[steveinaz]

If you have a medium to large room, and like to listen at high levels, I'd recommend 200 WPC (or more).

[Early B.]

Before considering speakers, trash the cheap source and buy a nice CD player. You haven't really heard your Rti8's yet.

You have a nice 2-channel receiver, so hold onto that one for a while. However, it ain't gonna push the Lsi9's appropriately.

[madmax]

I too am in the 200 wpc camp. I would think about "bigger speakers" too. Bigger speakers usually sound better when using lesser electronics. Just opinions though.
madmax

[ND13]

,.....

[ND13]

is your HK3480 rated to drive a 4 ohm load?

Yes. I ran 2 pair of SDAs at once(A+B) on the lower 3380 model with no issues.

[beardog03]

you should check the flea market...there is a great cd player for sale...cheap !




*shameless plug**



I use lsi 9`s with a Parasound amp ....500w@ 4ohms

[SKsolutions]

I've had both the 8's and 9's, and there is no comparison. The 8's threw more sound, but the 9's still kill them. I've run the both on HK, with and without a separate amp, and the 9's with just the receiver will give you good taste of what is to come when you upgrade your power. That receiver is pretty stout in the current department, but still won't match a good separate amp. You will be able to hear your upgrade improvements more so with the 9's too.

[Chicomoralessxm]

This is a little off track, Just wondering has anyone paired creek with polk or dynaudio before? just wondering Creek evo int amp specifically

[PolkFan1]

Thank you for all the help everyone. By the way my current hk3480 2 channel receiver is rated at

150 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms

[PolkFan1]

Can anyone recommend a good cheap set of stands because these things are very long. I was thinking of just slapping 1 other set of 40 dollar sanus stands together with ones i have now hahaah im cheap.

[ND13]

DUUUUDE........just hang 'em up from the ceiling with nets.

[cstpeter]

Can anyone recommend a good cheap set of stands because these things are very long. I was thinking of just slapping 1 other set of 40 dollar sanus stands together with ones i have now hahaah im cheap.

Audio Advisor has Energy stands on sale for $29.95. I have a pair for my office rig--very sturdy and well made.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENCST

[Zero]

Polkfan1, The general advice you have received thus far is pretty on point.

First and foremost, you need to ditch that cheap source. Budget a good $250-300 and hop into a better CD player (inexpensive Arcam DIVA series units would be an excellent choice).

Follow that with a decent set of interconnects. Nothing crazy. Just something that will get the job done (used pair of Kimber Hero's may not be too bad)

The HK receiver is surprisingly good for the monies. No, it wont have the balls of a well designed separate amplifier, but it has a sound to it that's fairly competitive with entry level separates. Hold onto it for awhile... It's gunna take a good bit of cash to truly oust the thing when it comes to pushing speakers like the LSi's. Oh yeah, forget about vintage Adcom or anything Outlaw - thats just a step back..sound quality wise. More doesn't equal better, thats for damned sure.

That said, the LSi-9 will trump those RTi-8's in nearly every regard. Although the 8's will still provide a wider sound-stage and more dynamic punch... I think that once you get the 9's dialed in... you will soon forget about all that as you will begin to enjoy your tunes on a whole different level.

[AndyGwis]

I have those Energy stands as well. Killer set of speaker stands for $30. They would be especially good for the 9's as they are sturdy, have a nice wide base, a decent sized top platform, and are about the right height for the taller LSi9's.

The only complaint I have about the energy stands is that they are a bit short when using bookshelfs that are small in stature. Not tall enough to get the tweeter to the proper level and clear the foot of my bed. I have them in my bedroom, obviously.

I will shortly have a pair of LSi7s that will be run on my HK 3480. I have no doubt the amp section will be plenty for those speakers in my smallish bedroom. I'd run the 9's on your HK as long as you like, but keep an eye out for a great deal on a 2-channel amp. You could probably find a great amp for $200 - $300 and just run the HK as your pre. Man, I have a real crush on my HK3480, so versatile for a modest 2-channel setup and leaves plenty of room for upgrade. Plus, they're only $150 - $250 new if you look hard enough.

[PolkFan1]

I wonder how 2 outlaw monoblocks 200wpc for rti8's over my 2 channel hk3480 reciever which is only like 120wpc would do. would that make them sound better at lower volumes