Lsi9 or TSi 200

[4heid]

I have a vintage Polk system, S10 fronts, psw200 sub, etc. with an HK receiver.
I am looking to upgrade the S10 towers to something smaller and am reviewing the 2 listed above as well as perhaps the RtI A3.

I am looking for a speaker that is uber clear that will shine with classical but also work with techno/metal and movies.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the difference between these 2 speakers? I am hoping not to break the bank either but dont want to settle for something less than par. I tend to keep things for the longterm as I have had the S10ś for nearly 20 years.

Thoughts?

TIA,
Chris

[4heid]

or perhaps should i be focusing on the RTi A3 or something upstream of the TSi line?

[cfrizz]

Welcome Chris.

It will all come down to how much money you want to spend. I would say go with the LSI 9s. However, you will also have to get a seperate amplifier to run them. Now if your HK has preouts, then getting a 200wpc @ 8ohms amp will make you a happy camper for another 20 years.

But if your HK does not have preouts, then you would not only have to get an amp, but also a new receiver or preamp.

If you purchased used gear from Audiogon it would save you some money.

[4heid]

thanks for the reply.
In terms of sound quality for my needs and interests, what are your thoughts on this lineup?
What will be lacking in each?

[mmadden28]

LSi is as up stream as you go in the current Polk lineup. Of particular claim to fame is its use of the Vifa ring radiator tweeter, read up a bit on the lineup here
TSi vs LSi? IMHO the LSi series is the clear winner, esp is music is the prime focus. The only downfall (but is it really??) is that you will likely require an external amp to bring out the LSi's best.
Otherwise I would go for the RTiA series over the TSi series.

[fossy]

Don't forget the used market -- normally you can get big bang for your $$$

[xcapri79]

or perhaps should i be focusing on the RTi A3 or something upstream of the TSi line?

Welcome to Club Polk. For two channel why not consider a pair of LSi7's?
They are less expensive and much easier to drive than the LSi9's.
It is likely that your HK receiver would be quite sufficient to drive them as my HK3490 drives my LSi7's just fine.
With music, the LSi7's will sound better than the TSi200's or a pair of bookshelf speakers of the RTiA line.

[cnh]

If you're NOT going to get a power amp to feed the LSI-9s they won't sound that good...a bit subdued without power. Then you should consider the Rti-A3s a nice bookshelf at a nice price. Can be powered by your current AVR!

If it were me....I go with the LSI-9s, get them on Polk's ebay site for about 699 a pair...find a 300 dollar stereo power amp of 200 watts/channel or so...and you're good, for now?

cnh

[comfortablycurt]

If you're looking for a nice musical set of bookshelf speakers, the LSi9's are the way to go IMO. They're some excellent sounding speakers, with surprisingly good bass. The high end is much more pleasing than the other Polk bookshelf models.

As others have said though, you'd likely need an external amp.

[maximillian]

Agreed with the above. The LSi9's or the 7 is a great speaker. You will want a subwoofer even for music. You can get a decent one for $300-$400. Don't forget stands or other mounting means.

Also, consider that some people still love the vintage polks such as Monitor 7's and 10's. These can be purchased for less coin.