Lsi15 or lsi9 with quality external sub ?

[polkseller]

I cannot decide between the lsi 15 and the Lsi 9 for my room.

I was planning on buying the RTI A7, but the speaker itself is too big for my girlfriend's taste. So I planning on the LSI instead .

I can buy the lsi 9 cheaper and add a quality subwoofer ( polk dsw500, HSu vtf, svs 10) or buy the lsi 15 without a sub.

This room (14x14 feet) will serve mainly for music and some movies. Later next year, I will install all equipment downstair in the future home cinema room.


Many people here says that the lsi 15 sub is just ok. Wich configuration will sound best..?

[rnp614]

I had the 9s but never the 15s...I would say just go with the 15s so you dont have to worry about stands. If you arent setting the speakers on stands then I'd go 9s plus capable sub for sure.

[PSOVLSK]

I have the 7's and 15's. For movies, I'd prefer the 7's (9's in your case) with a good sub.

[dkg999]

For HT I would vote 9's with a good sub. Obviously I'm slightly biased towards that opinion!

[Face]

You're going to need a sub regardless.

[lanion]

When you go to a HT you will need a sub regardless. That could be now or later... The LSi9s are really all you will need in that setup. I would also say get a sub. For the smaller end the outlaw LFM-2 and Outlaw LFM-1 compact are available for b-stock with free shipping. They Match the LSi9s very well.

[polkseller]

I found my Rti6 bass good for movies in my appartment right now. So I'm not a bass addict

maybe the lsi 15 will be ok for my taste for the moment in the living room. I will add a sub next year for my home theather room.

I hate stands, but I prefer the look of the Lsi9 over the Lsi 15...( grill on, it's not the best looking)

so I really dont know if I will get a better sound with the lsi9 and a quality sub instead of the lsi15 without a sub.

[devani]

LSi15 is 4 ohm....most likely you will need amp to power those speakers unless you have powerful AVR....I suppose that's why people recommend LSi9 with subs...

[dkg999]

The LSi9's are also 4 ohm nominal impedance. How powerful of amp/AVR you need depends on room and listening preferences. You really need an amp section with good dynamic reserves and quality build in the components used.

[polkseller]

my receiver is 4 omhs stable for Front speakers and develop 160 watts RMS x 2 @ 0.1% THD and more than 190 @ 2ohms. Distortion is very low and stay under 0,02% all the way up to 160.

I plan to upgrade to Rotel or other 5 channel monster in the near future. I want to get the best sound out of my future speaker.

I think I will go with the LSI 9 and a good subwoofer that can keep with the speed of the LSI9, so a dsw500 or another one that I dont know.

[furball]

I recently just purchased the LSi9's. From my experience, if your setup is mainly for music, the LSi9's go down low enough that you don't need a sub.

Without resorting to active external crossovers and quality stereo subs (the Velodyne 10inch or 12inch DD series sub is what I consider a quality sub), you are not going to be able to properly integrate a sub into your stereo setup.

For HT, the integration isn't that critical (integration problems aren't obvious), you you can get away with using a mid range sub running off your receiver's sub out.


The LSi15's have side firing woofers. They present placement problems. I have owned a pair of floorstanders with side firing woofers in the past, and the placement was always an issue, the bass coming from those side firing woofers never sounded right.


Do you have a place to audition them? That's the best way to decide what is best to your ears.

[polkseller]

Furball, I dont have any place to listen to them here in quebec, maybe in montreal but i'm not sure.

You just said something interesting, it will be difficult to integrate a sub to the stereo setup, why ? Is it because the Velo has variable db crossover slopes and not the polk?

I know yamaha receiver crossover for the sub is not very good, Harman kardon triple sub crossover is one of the best on the market. Maybe if I get another receiver I will get better sound with the auto-calibration process in the receiver that will chosse the good x-over slope and volume.

[bbeacham]

I have 4 LSi15s, LSiC, and a PSW-1000 sub. I used to have LSi7s for the back (5.1) but replaced them with LSi15s. After replacing them I noticed more bass with movies (sub turned off). I never use the sub with music, only with movies (action, SCI-Fi, etc.) that make use of a sub.

Although I had no problem driving the LSi speakers with a Denon 3805, Sony DA5000ES, and a Sony 7100ES, and had many enjoyable hours listening to music and movies with those AVRs, I have to admit that after I added a Sunfire TGA-5400 amp (800W x 5 @ 4 ohm) I rarely turn on the sub anymore. The bass that now comes out of the LSi15s is solid. It is amazing.

[furball]

To properly integrate a sub into a stereo setup, you need something like a 4th order active external crossover. Otherwise too much bass frequencies will bleed into your mains. And then you have to calibrate the volume between the sub and your mains. And even then, many times the sub still doesn't sound right with your mains, when playing music. You either get the sense that there is a hole somewhere in the bass frequency, or that there is just a tad too much bass.

That's why I never liked using subs when playing music. Just get a pair of mains that go down low enough, and use your mains without a sub.

The LSi15 would be perfect if it has front firing woofers.

[furball]

How is that PSW-1000 sub? I was actually thinking about picking one up for watching movies.

[bbeacham]

How is that PSW-1000 sub? I was actually thinking about picking one up for watching movies.

I like it. It replaced another Polk PSW???? sub, and it made a big, noticeable improvement in sound. Not only was there more bass, but it just seemed to fit in with the rest of the speakers.

I have it turned way down since there is something in my room that rattles when it is turned up. I need to find and fix that since it is kind of cool to get bowled over by explosions, etc.

[furball]

That's good to hear. Always liked the look of the PSW-1000. And since I already have the LSi9's, would like to stay in the family.

How does the PSW-1000 stack up against Polk's newer DSW PRO series subs? Is the PSW-1000 still the king of all Polk subs?

[polkseller]

I really dont know if the psw-1000 is faster than the dsw 500, but I think it's superior in term of lower bass and power (400w bash amp is splendid)

What is the crossover slope in the psw 1000 ?

[polkseller]

I have to admit that after I added a Sunfire TGA-5400 amp (800W x 5 @ 4 ohm) I rarely turn on the sub anymore. The bass that now comes out of the LSi15s is solid. It is amazing.

What ?? 800w x5 , are you crazy ?

[furball]

That I don't know.



What is the crossover slope in the psw 1000 ?

[fumoffu]

Well I just made a similar decision myself. I however had a DIY sub. This is for my HT, so a sub is a must! I don't think you can have HT with out a good sub, you just need that rumble and boom! I have really been enjoying just sitting and listening to music recently. So when I auditioned speakers, I really liked the more natural sound of the lsi15, the lsi9 sounded a little boomy to me. My set up isn't finished but I am quickly settling on on liking to sub, for music. I do like the tightness and punch alot, of my sealed dual 15" with 2200 watts :) but I haven't been able to get it to blend right.

You original post says you listen to more music, so maybe get the lsi15's now and when the next upgrade itch happens get a HT sub then.

Just my thoughts on the subject, hope it helps!

[bbeacham]

What ?? 800w x5 , are you crazy ?


No. Well, yes, maybe, but not in this situation.

[ohskigod]

What ?? 800w x5 , are you crazy ?


the LSi's will love every Watt. mine takes the 500 watts i send to the mains and the 300x2 biamp to the center without breaking a sweat.

probably not using all that power fully, but you know damn well those Lsi's will get whatever they need for whatever they are trying to do, and that is a good thing.

remember gang, underpowering kills speakers faster than overpowering them will. clipping = not good

[fumoffu]

remember gang, underpowering kills speakers faster than overpowering them will.

I must remember to never turn off my amplifier for fear of damage :D

[polkseller]

nice help to me guys,

It's very difficult to decide between 2 nice floorstanders or 2 lsi9 on Sanus stands...

Walter Moser from polk said that in my square room, bass will be a problem like many square room. THe lsi9 and dsw500 sub is the best choice he said, because I can move my sub/speaker to lessen the effect of bad bass room and also play with the Pro EQ setting on the sub.

That sounds right to me, no ?

[fumoffu]

This room (14x14 feet) will serve mainly for music and some movies. Later next year, I will install all equipment downstair in the future home cinema room.


Presumable these speakers will move to the new room. What are the dimensions of that room going to be? So now you have to consider the trade off between sound this year and sound next year. :D

[polkseller]

yep, cannot have 2 different complete system.

next year, I'll add something like a polk surrundbar to replace my audio system in the living room.

12x20 home theather room, 14x14 living room

[cyberhazard]

9's + Sub is working for me!:D

[Monster Jam]

Presumable these speakers will move to the new room. What are the dimensions of that room going to be? So now you have to consider the trade off between sound this year and sound next year. :D

Thats my line of thinking. Purchase for the home theatre in the future. If you know you will be elevating the satelites (wall mounts), then go 9s all the way around with a pair of good subs.

My Home theatre uses 4 LSi15s and the LSiC. I had to go floorstanding due to the room dimensions.

[polkseller]

2 subs ?? too complacated and 2 more chances to have in-room frequency cancelation no ?

I saw the naked LSI 15 on one post here, they look real good without the wood panels. They would be perfect looking in my living room.

I like to listen to music in stereo without a sub. The lsi 15 would be better for that but for the moment are not ''perfect'' for my square room and needs lots of power to shine... Next year, the lsi15 will fit my new room perfectly. Maybe I can buy the lsi 9 now with the lsi C and a quality sub and next year move the lsi 9 to the back and buy the lsi 15 ?

[DeusExa]

With a quality sub, you wouldn't need to get LSi9s - if you're planning to go that route, I would get a pair of LSi7s.

[polkseller]

oh no, I'm all mixed up because of you now...:confused:

[PSOVLSK]

With a quality sub, you wouldn't need to get LSi9s - if you're planning to go that route, I would get a pair of LSi7s.

I haven't heard the 9's other than at Fry's, but I've been told this is true. Some even prefer the 7's over the 9's. I do know that I'm VERY happy with my 7's and my sub I'm using with them is an entry level Velo.

[Face]

Maybe someone else can chime in who knows better.

I believe the LSi9's are a easier load due to them actually being closer to a 6ohm speaker. So if you plan on using a reciever(yuk) for the time being, I'd consider the 9's before the 7's.

Regardless, you're getting a great sounding speaker, I'm a big fan of the LSi series.

[fumoffu]

I believe the lsi7 have hooks on the back to be hung on the wall, where as the 9's don't. So if you are going to move them to the read/side surrounds this may also be a factor.

[polkseller]

thank you for all your epinions guys !

I'll try to figure out what I will buy. :)

The fact that I've never heard the lsi speakers and that it's a difficult speaker to drive is a not an easy task to decide what to buy.

[SKsolutions]

Using 9's and a Hsu. I prefer the 9's, but haven't heard the 15's in my own setup.

In that size room, you are going to have placement challenges. A square room is the worst shape when placing towers with subs because of standing waves. To get around the symmetry, you would have to bring the 15's an uneven distance from the rear wall, in relation to the side walls.
Go 9's with a sub in the corner. I am biased, but the advice is free

[bbeacham]

thank you for all your epinions guys !

I'll try to figure out what I will buy. :)

The fact that I've never heard the lsi speakers and that it's a difficult speaker to drive is a not an easy task to decide what to buy.

The LSi speakers are not difficult to drive. I have used a 120W/ch AVR to drive 4 LSi15 and an LSiC for a couple of years with no problems, and enjoyed every minute of both DVDs and music.

However, as with ANY speaker, the more power they have, the better they will perform. As I noted above, with an external amp the bass is much more solid with my external amp. And the overall sound quality is slightly better.

But, if I never purchased an amp I would still be enjoying my LSi speakers with an AVR. Just not as much as I am now.

[DeusExa]

The LSi speakers are not difficult to drive.

LOL


That is, if you have a Krell!

jk

I myself have a pair of LSi15s (the last pair i snagged for $400 at the Frys in Burbank, LA)
Looking hard for a LSiC that's priced under $300....

I will probably pick up a Carver around $300, if that's possible....

[McLoki]

We did a compare on the 15's vs 9's at the chicago polkfest last year. The comparison was close with I think about 7 or 8 people (out of 10) prefering the 9's over the 15's. (this comparison was for music, without a sub and with a really nice amp)

I did not really want to deal with stands since I have fairly young kids and large dogs so I have 15's and do not regret the decision. If you don't mind stands and plan on a sub anyway - 9's may be the way to go.

Michael

[bbeacham]

We did a compare on the 15's vs 9's at the chicago polkfest last year. The comparison was close with I think about 7 or 8 people (out of 10) prefering the 9's over the 15's. (this comparison was for music, without a sub and with a really nice amp)
Michael


That is interesting. Was it a blind test, or did they know which speaker was playing?

[McLoki]

They knew what speaker was playing. It was not scientific - but still the results were different than what most of us expected.....