Just picked up some LSI 25's

[runyonwc]

I just picked up some LSI 25's last week and I'm on the fence whether I like them or not. They are not brand new I purchased them used but they are in pretty decent shape. Right now I have them powered by a Marantz 7400 that will sometimes go into protection mode because it isn't really rated for 4 ohms.

I think the LSI's sound pretty good but to me they are missing some mid bass or something... The subs are hooked up through the LFE jack and I've turn the XO knob all the way to the right and I have the XO at 80 Hz on the receiver.

I'm coming from a pair of 1970's Pioneer HPM 100's that had modded crossovers. They would shake the house but were a little bright. The polks seem a little more laid back but not really as loud.

Will the LSI's come alive once I get a decent amp to drive them? I mainly do 2 channel music but occasionally will use them for movies. Will the Emotiva UPA-2 be enough or is the XPA-3 what I need to be looking at? I'd like to stay under $500 for the amp.


Thanks for all your help!

[zeppage2]

A pair of Outlaw M2200 mono-blocks will drive them nicely. You can find them used on AudiogoN and eBay quite regularly in the $200 range for each.

[hockeyboy]

Don't go cheap on the amp, you'll regret it. Given the choice of 185 watts on the UPA or 500 on the XPA you will definitely notice a HUGE difference. If the specs are right on that XPA you will suddenly discover you have some awesome speakers.

[DSkip]

Get some nice power to them and then decide how you like them. They are sweet speakers and really benefit from a good amp.

[mantis]

If I where to buy older LSi's I would go for a pair of Lsi25's. They are by far the best overall sounding speaker in that line.
Now with all that being said , they do require much better gear then you have. For now put them into small fronts and get all your bass from LFE to them. Don't over due the subs as you will ruin your midbass and is what I believe you are doing now.
Make sure you use good quality speaker wire and Subwoofer Interconnects.

[codyc1ark]

Make sure you use good quality speaker wire and Subwoofer Interconnects.

Now why would he do that???


Welcome to CP runyonwc!

You've got some great speakers from what I understand, I'm sure once you spend some time dialing them in, you'll be happy. Mantis gives you good advice, and I do know there is a lot of reading if you just search LSi25 here, good luck!

[tonyb]

You need power to the 25's, plain and simple. Keep the volume down untill you can throw an amp into the mix or you'll risk doing damage to the speakers,or receiver.

[runyonwc]

Thanks for all the input! Right now I have the speakers set to small and the subs hooked up via LFE. Sometimes I cross them over at 80Hz but sometimes I like them on 100Hz. I have the volume on the sub to about half and the filter all the way up.

Would the Marantz 7400 be ok as a pre-amp? I'll work on getting the best amp I can. I'm leaning towards the Emotiva XPA...

In the deal, I also got a pair of RTI6's, a CSi5 center, some FXi surrounds, a PSW404 sub, and the Marantz receiver on top of the LSIs for $1000. Will any of the other speakers match with the LSIs or not? I was surprised how good the RTIs sounded.

[tonyb]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/2380570919.html

Here's a nice one and better than the emo stuff. For 250, a no brainer.

[runyonwc]

Assuming what was true? What are you talking about

[mrbigbluelight]

Huh ?

[runyonwc]

I don't know, there was a post right before my last that said "if this was true, I would have called 911....." I have no clu what they were talking about and now that post is gone???

[mrbigbluelight]

Thanks for the info, cool !
I thought my reading comprehension had gone to heck in a handbasket.

[mantis]

Thanks for all the input! Right now I have the speakers set to small and the subs hooked up via LFE. Sometimes I cross them over at 80Hz but sometimes I like them on 100Hz. I have the volume on the sub to about half and the filter all the way up.

Would the Marantz 7400 be ok as a pre-amp? I'll work on getting the best amp I can. I'm leaning towards the Emotiva XPA...

In the deal, I also got a pair of RTI6's, a CSi5 center, some FXi surrounds, a PSW404 sub, and the Marantz receiver on top of the LSIs for $1000. Will any of the other speakers match with the LSIs or not? I was surprised how good the RTIs sounded.

I'd sell all the RTi models and finish out the LSi system. LSI/fx or LSi7's surrounds , and a LsiC. The Psw404 isn't even as good as the Lsi25's subs so that can go 2.