Upgrade center speaker fromCSi3 to LSiC

[DAMCB]

My current 7.1 HT system consists of Polk RTi4 front. surround, back. and Polk Csi3 center speakers. I want to upgrade to LSi9 fronts, LSi7 surround and backs eventually by starting with a LSiC center. I have a Denon 3805 receiver w/120 wattsx7, and a Velodyne 3750 sub. All speakers are currently set to small with a crossover of 100Hz to the sub. Due to financial constraints (wife), I will probably be buying the remaining LSi speakers over a 12mo. period. I have the following concerns with this upgrade: 1) Would the Denon drive the LSi 4ohm speakers without damage along with the RTi's ? 2)Will the Denon's auto setup/eq program compensate for the volume differences? 3) Will there be an audible difference in voice matching? I know that larger amps would be better for the new speakers so I will plan on yet another upgrade. In the meantime I will listen to HT and music at moderate levels and check for overheating and distortion. Thanks.

[McLoki]

1) yes, but I would not go much above -15 to -20 when listening.

2) Yes, Volume will not be a problem. you could also just get a radio shack spl meter (about $40) and calibrate it yourself. Something about that auto-eq just scares me. If it chooses to boost the wrong thing that could be really bad. Then again, my fears could be unfounded.

3) Yes - the speakers will no longer voice match. (until you are done) since you have an ending plan where everything will be matched, don't sweat it. Your best bet would be to save your money and purchase your front stage at the same time. (the 9's and the C) that way you will minimise the impact of not being timber matched.

If you usually listen to movies fairly loud, save yourself the potential hassles and get an amp for at least the front 3 channels. (your denon should drive 4 lsi7's in surround mode just fine - if you decide on LSiFx get an amp for those channels as well) If you have the money to spend, get a 7 channel amp and be done with it.

If you just don't listen much louder than -20 (say -15 or so max) you may get by without the amp, but you will never really hear what the LSi's are capable of.

It sounds like both the setup you have and the one you are moving to are very nice. Enjoy the upgrade and welcome to club polk.

Michael