LSi 15's

[EndersShadow]

So I got approval from the wife to purchase a pair of used LSi 15's. I am planning on pairing them with a CSi5 which I need to order parts for.

I am writing this in advance of getting them so I can mod them on the day of pickup. I will be ordering the parts in advance of purchasing the speakers so I can do this quick. I am in no way shape or form going to touch the crossovers for these currently. I might take this on at a much much later date, but I am trying to keep things simple for this beginner.

Here is what I am thinking about doing after a bunch of research and reading on this forum:

1. Replace the 8" woofers with DB840's
2. Wrap the PowerPort tube with Dynamat Extreme

Now here come a couple questions I have for you guys on these.

1. I know some of you put dynamat on your passive drivers (mostly in the SDA and RTA lines). I was wondering if this was needed/recommended for the LSi's? Do I only need to do this if I keep the stock woofer, but not if I replace them with DB840's?
2. I also wondered if I should apply dynamat to the 6 1/2's as well.
3. Is there a need for more polyfill in these? I know sometimes it is a bit sparse
4. Do any of these apply to a CSi5 center such as adding dynamat on the woofers, adding more polyfil, ect.....
5. Anything else I should give a try that a beginner would have no trouble doing?.

[tonyb]

Can't help ya on the upgrade thing, but let me be so bold as to ask, why not get them home and give them a listen first ? Just askin' is all.

[EndersShadow]

Can't help ya on the upgrade thing, but let me be so bold as to ask, why not get them home and give them a listen first ? Just askin' is all.

Already given them a listen on my amp with a different pre and with my music (just not at my apartment, but it was pretty similar in size). The reason for upgrading at the time of purchase is simple. I have X amount of cash to do with as I please. This is a one time deal with my wife and I know if I dont do it as quick after purchase as possible it probably will not happen.

Some of that stuff I can do bit by bit but specifically the woofer upgrade is something that from a cost perspective I want to do when I have cash to do both at the same time. Then while its open why not add some dynamat (I have some sitting in my car as we speak) to the woofer and port tube while its open.

Then if I have to do that, why not try to do the 6 1/2's at the same time?

[Smigro]

Already given them a listen on my amp with a different pre and with my music (just not at my apartment, but it was pretty similar in size). The reason for upgrading at the time of purchase is simple. I have X amount of cash to do with as I please. This is a one time deal with my wife and I know if I dont do it as quick after purchase as possible it probably will not happen.

Some of that stuff I can do bit by bit but specifically the woofer upgrade is something that from a cost perspective I want to do when I have cash to do both at the same time. Then while its open why not add some dynamat (I have some sitting in my car as we speak) to the woofer and port tube while its open.

Then if I have to do that, why not try to do the 6 1/2's at the same time?

Off topic but I like the look of your Monitor 60's. Did you paint them yourself?

[EndersShadow]

Off topic but I like the look of your Monitor 60's. Did you paint them yourself?

No, they are actually T90e's which are basically the European version of the Monitor 60's. They just came like that.

If I weren't going to rebuild a CSi5 I would be painting my CS2. I might paint the Monitor 40's rim or just switch them out with my Infinity Primus 162's from upstairs..

[Smigro]

No, they are actually T90e's which are basically the European version of the Monitor 60's. They just came like that.

I like the look of those...I may try to emulate that. I like how the port is still silver.

[EndersShadow]

I like the look of those...I may try to emulate that. I like how the port is still silver.

Yeah, I keep the covers on them as I like the all black look. I am not a fan of lots of color, hence why the Monitor 40's and CS2 bug the crap out of me . That and since they dont match the T90e's its one of those OCD things for me

[Smigro]

Yeah, I keep the covers on them as I like the all black look. I am not a fan of lots of color, hence why the Monitor 40's and CS2 bug the crap out of me . That and since they dont match the T90e's its one of those OCD things for me

I hear you on the OCD. I just bought Monitor 30's for my heights not realizing they were series II, now I want all of mine to look like them. DAMN OCD!!

[EndersShadow]

I hear you on the OCD. I just bought Monitor 30's for my heights not realizing they were series II, now I want all of mine to look like them. DAMN OCD!!

Or you could try to find someone on here you could exchange your series II with for series I's. Just a thought....

Now back to my questions about LSi 15 mod's

[Smigro]

Or you could try to find someone on here you could exchange your series II with for series I's. Just a thought....

Now back to my questions about LSi 15 mod's

Good call...sorry for derailing your topic, please continue.

[cnh]

Lsis don't have 6 1/2" drivers....they're 5 1/4". Will let the experts chime in on dynamating, but my intuition tells me that considering the materials they are made of, that wouldn't make that much of a difference in their sound. I find little to no resonance, reflections, etc on my much lower LSI-7s which have the same two upper drivers?

As far as silver-faced Monitors, I keep my grills on and only take them off if I want to blind someone? lol

cnh

[EndersShadow]

Lsis don't have 6 1/2" drivers....they're 5 1/4". Will let the experts chime in on dynamating, but my intuition tells me that considering the materials they are made of that wouldn't make that much of a difference in their sound. I find little to no resonance, reflections, etc on my much lower LSI-7s which have the same two upper drivers?

As far as silver-faced Monitors, I keep my grills on and only take them off if I want to blind someone? lol

cnh

Yeah, like I said when I get the 15's the Monitor 40's will go upstairs and be replaced by the Primus 162's and the CS2 is getting replaced with a CSi5 that I am going to paint the small silver trim piece black on. Then everything will be black w/ the exception of the cherry sides on the 15's which the wife actually really liked.

I was thinking that with the cabinet being pretty solid the dynamat might not be needed on the 5 1/4s (my bad about the wrong size lol). Any thought on the adding some to the sub or do you think the powerport tube would be just about the only thing needing it?

[Ron Temple]

I have no clue as to what dynamating 15s will or won't do for you...my guess...not much. Crossovers are another story. Changing out the bass drivers is something else I know nothing about. I haven't followed LSi upgrade threads much (except the first crossover mod ones). What is the replacement driver going to get you in combination with stock crossovers? I guess I'm in the camp that says bring them home and listen to them first.

[EndersShadow]

I have no clue as to what dynamating 15s will or won't do for you...my guess...not much. Crossovers are another story. Changing out the bass drivers is something else I know nothing about. I haven't followed LSi upgrade threads much (except the first crossover mod ones). What is the replacement driver going to get you in combination with stock crossovers? I guess I'm in the camp that says bring them home and listen to them first.

From the impressions I have read its goes deeper, plays faster and tightens up the bass.

Here is the thread I am talking about

From the instructions it doesnt look too massively difficult, hence my debating undertaking it. The first guy to do it already had modded x-overs but many of the other folks report the same conclusions even on the stock x-overs.

[PSOVLSK]

I have 15's and have done four upgrades and here are my opinions on each:

1) db drivers: Definitely worth it for the price. The bass is a little tighter and a little deeper. They won't all of sudden rattle pictures off the wall, but it's a nice improvement.
2) Mortite: No noticeable difference.
3) Dynamat on the port: Maybe a slight improvement, but not really worth the time, money or effort put into it.
4) XO's: Start saving for this upgrade and have it done in a year or so. I won't go so far as to say it's like getting new speakers, but it is a very noticeable improvement.

Considering the db upgrade will only cost about $100, it's easily the best bang for buck upgrade for the 15's.

Crutchfield has Buy One Get One Half Price. Scratch and Dent is even cheaper, but not sure if you can get the 2nd at half-price.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB84...ssi=0&tp=13722

[EndersShadow]

I have 15's and have done four upgrades and here are my opinions on each:

1) db drivers: Definitely worth it for the price. The bass is a little tighter and a little deeper. They won't all of sudden rattle pictures off the wall, but it's a nice improvement.
2) Mortite: No noticeable difference.
3) Dynamat on the port: Maybe a slight improvement, but not really worth the time, money or effort put into it.
4) XO's: Start saving for this upgrade and have it done in a year or so. I won't go so far as to say it's like getting new speakers, but it is a very noticeable improvement.

Considering the db upgrade will only cost about $100, it's easily the best bang for buck upgrade for the 15's.

Crutchfield has Buy One Get One Half Price. Scratch and Dent is even cheaper, but not sure if you can get the 2nd at half-price.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB84...ssi=0&tp=13722

That was kinda my thought on the db drivers. I figured easy to do, and whatnot. Crutchfield is good and all, but I can find em cheaper than 120 for both which is what the total cost would be.

Not looking for more bass, just better bass, even if its at the expensive of how much there is. The plan is still a SVS PC-12NSD to augment whatever I get for my fronts.

The xovers are a possibility later but for now they will be enough of a step up that I will be more than happy for at least a year. I hope

[McLoki]

Someone should mention it - are you sure you want to pair LSi15's with the CSi5?

I would either get the LSiC or some of the RTi (or RTiA) towers...

Just sayin'.

Michael

[EndersShadow]

Someone should mention it - are you sure you want to pair LSi15's with the CSi5?

I would either get the LSiC or some of the RTi (or RTiA) towers...

Just sayin'.

Michael

I am aware its not a total timbre match, but hell I heard a CSi A6 paired with SDA's and could tell it wasnt a match...

I have the empty box sitting next to me. I have seen some LSi C's go for about 225. There is one on Agon for 250. But the parts of the CSi5 are less than I can buy a CS2 for on newegg lol.....

The LSi's are a go, its not often I get approval for stuff like this :). Trust me I cant pass on em.

[Dennis Gardner]

I am aware its not a total timbre match, but hell I heard a CSi A6 paired with SDA's and could tell it wasnt a match...

If you don't have the listening skills to hear this difference, I might suggest you get the 15s, leave them stock, work on proper placement, (if you can hear the differences) and use the $$$ burning a hole in your pocket to get ahead on rent/house payment or save for a vacation with the wife for letting you buy speakers you don't have the ability to enjoy.

I'm just statin' the obvious......

[PSOVLSK]

That was kinda my thought on the db drivers. I figured easy to do, and whatnot. Crutchfield is good and all, but I can find em cheaper than 120 for both which is what the total cost would be.

Not looking for more bass, just better bass, even if its at the expensive of how much there is. The plan is still a SVS PC-12NSD to augment whatever I get for my fronts.

The xovers are a possibility later but for now they will be enough of a step up that I will be more than happy for at least a year. I hope

Alone, you'll get both more and better bass. If you'll be using a sub, I don't know how much of an improvement you'll be able to notice.

The 15's are a fine speaker stock. I think you have the right idea to wait on the XO mod. If you decide to get them done it will be a nice little upgrade. If you never get them done you'll still have a great set of speakers.

Enjoy

[DSkip]

If it helps at all, I picked up my LSiC off CL for $200 and it didn't have a scratch on it. My impression was that he bought it and hooked it up, then never moved it. It took me about 4 months to find that deal though, and I felt lucky to get it then. You should be able to find one for a reasonable price if you wait long enough.

On the mix-matched front stage, I don't know that you would really be able to tell the difference until you heard one that was matched. It was never really apparent to me until I got the LSiC with the LSi7's. It was so seamless then that I now really understand why its a "big deal".

[pearsall001]

I've read alot about the XO mods for the LSi line but I've got to tell you I'm extremely pleased with my stock LSi system. At present the XO mod isn't even on my radar. I think the gear that they're mated with really makes or breakes them. It's not always the speakers that need the upgrading.

[EndersShadow]

Alone, you'll get both more and better bass. If you'll be using a sub, I don't know how much of an improvement you'll be able to notice.

The 15's are a fine speaker stock. I think you have the right idea to wait on the XO mod. If you decide to get them done it will be a nice little upgrade. If you never get them done you'll still have a great set of speakers.

Enjoy

While I do have a sub, its not really being used too much due to neighbor issues. I am hoping to modify placement this weekend to basically next to the main listening area. It might not be the ideal placement for overall bass, but it will put the most dead space between either neighbor in my apartment.

If it helps at all, I picked up my LSiC off CL for $200 and it didn't have a scratch on it. My impression was that he bought it and hooked it up, then never moved it. It took me about 4 months to find that deal though, and I felt lucky to get it then. You should be able to find one for a reasonable price if you wait long enough.

On the mix-matched front stage, I don't know that you would really be able to tell the difference until you heard one that was matched. It was never really apparent to me until I got the LSiC with the LSi7's. It was so seamless then that I now really understand why its a "big deal".

I might wait it out a bit and see, but I can tell you no way in hell am I going to pay MSRP on a LSiC when for less than 200 (dont want to put an exact number on it) I can have a fully functional CSi5. Although I might just do it anyway to start with and then move it upstairs to the bedroom w/ the Monitor 60's I wont be selling and make a decent bedroom system.

I think my old CS2's destiny is to be given to my dad and then have him purchase some Monitor 30's for his fronts.

The one main thing I like about the LSiC is the finish matches the 15's.

I've read alot about the XO mods for the LSi line but I've got to tell you I'm extremely pleased with my stock LSi system. At present the XO mod isn't even on my radar. I think the gear that they're mated with really makes or breakes them. It's not always the speakers that need the upgrading.

Yeah like I said I had the opportunity to listen to the 15's on my amp with my music so I at least know how they sound there. I doubt there will be a massive difference since the only diff is going to be that I have an Integra rather than NAD as my pre-amp. That any my room is a bit bigger and layout isnt as fun.

To give you an idea of what I am working with here is a pic of the layout. The sub is in Option 1's location and the couch and chair and a half are switched.