Did I get the right speakers?

[ClemmonsHoo]

I just recently decided to put together a decent, non-HT stereo system. It will most likely go into a smallish 11x12 room. My receiver is a NAD C720BEE, my CD player is a NAD C521BEE, and I'm getting a Pro-ject Debut III turntable. As you can see, I'm trying not to spend a lot of money without sacrificing too much.

I live in an area where high-end stereo stores are few and far between, and their selections are minimal. That left me to purchase speakers basically sight unseen and untested. I have been combing thru hundreds of speaker reviews for the past 2 days. I was set on getting Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.3s, but I can't find them anywhere. I found a good deal on Polk Audio LSi9s and on impulse I decided to jump on them. It's a done deal.

I now have a little buyer's remorse as I dug a little deeper after the purchase and saw people saying that they were power hungry and would not match up well with the music I like - jazz and blues, some classical.

Are these folks right? I do not know as it will be a couple weeks before I get my receiver, and the speakers need to be shipped.

Thanks in advance.

[Frank Z]

Power hungry, yes. Not match up well with the music you like? That couldn't be farther from the truth! The NAD receiver that you listed may not be a powerhouse, but it is rated for 4 ohm loads. You may decide down the road to upgrade your amplification and take advantage of the pre-outs, you just never know when the upgrade bug is gonna bite.

Some folks here will tell you that you'll need to break in the speakers for X amount of time, I've never been a believer in that philosophy(I've already got my flame proof skivvies on). Placement is critical, so be prepared to spend some time playing around with the distance from the rear and side walls, toe-in, height, etc. Most of all..enjoy your new toys!!


BTW, Welcome to the forum.

[okiepolkie]

Your NAD should be plenty of power for the 9's. It is rated at 50 watts/channel at 8 ohms, so it should do a few more at 4 ohms. It has a good power supply and will drive your LSi9's very well.

Could they benifit from having more power? Sure. But, you won't be missing much by using the equipment you are using. I've always read, and experienced, good things about the LSi's and those types of music.

There will be varied opinions on this forum, but the only real test will be when you actually listen to them. I've really enjoyed my LSi7's, and I think you will probably enjoy the 9's as well.

[LuSh]

Don't worry Clemmon's...I used a NAD BEE320 and 541 CD combo before I upgraded. To be honest the entry level NAD had more balls then the SimAudio intergrated I moved up to, but lacked alot of the refinement. You should have no problems with the Polks and your setup.

If it makes you feel anybetter I live in Canada where Canadian speakers are instilled upon audiophools at birth. Having listened to Energy Verita's, Paradigm Ref Studio 20's, and PSB Mini Stratus I settled on the Polk Audio's. The Polk Audio speakers might be a little laid back for full blown classical but is by far the best speaker in its class for Blue's, Jazz and acoustical.

[aaharvel]

your system's fine. I'm envious.
enough w/ the buyers remorse and enjoy your new system.

[ClemmonsHoo]

Thanks guys. I feel better. Also just found a set of Sanus SF-26Bs for a good deal at buy.com (although their shipping charge is a little outrageous). They should look sweet together though.

[Dennis Gardner]

Wow, I can't believe you guys are going so soft here. Did I miss the take it easy on new guys with small amps on Sunday memo?

The standard answer given around these parts is......................what the hell were you thinking that 50 receiver watts would drive those fabulous LSi9s!!!!! You need at least 200-300wpc to even approach the sweetness of the 9s!!!

Oh yeah, welcome to ClubPolk. Stick around keep your mouth shut and soak in all the wisdom spewed forth.

How was that? Now this thread will be consistent for all others searching about info for the 9s. I hate to confuse................;) :D

[Zero]

Welcome to the club. The others info has been for the most part, spot on (sans frank's stubborness to accept that break in is real :p ).

Don't worry about not going with the P'digms. While it is all taste, etc.. Your Polks have a solid build quality thats pretty difficult to match for the price, good drivers and a compotent cross-over. The 9's in particular are very special. I think you will be happy for awhile.

Just one fair warning; The Lsi system is GAURANTEED to give you 'the bug'. You've been warned!

[Frank Z]

It's as real as all of the measured data that supports it.

[Zero]

mmm hmmm

[Early B.]

The answer depends on your goals. If you're looking for a starter system with the ability to upgrade, then the 9's are fine. If you don't plan on upgrading the NAD at some point in the future, try another "less worthy" pair of speakers. Some of us hate to see speakers not being powered to their fullest potential.

BTW -- the speaker stands may be insufficient for the 9's. You're talking about putting a speaker with a width of 8 5/8" and a depth of 15 1/4" onto a 6" x 6.5" top platform. You may have to do a few things to keep them stable such as using blu-tac, lead shot, and buck shot if you have kids.

[gregure]

First of all, the Lsi 9's are wonderful speakers, and are best put to use in a two-channel rig, in my opinion. You really can't beat the performance offered by the LSi series for the $$. Second, I applaud your decision to go w/ Polk rather than Paradigm. Paradigm are a bit overrated in my book, and no two-channel system should contain speakers that employ metal dome tweeters. It's just a not a high-end kind of sound, and doesn't offer the openness and non-fatiguing sound that soft domes or ring radiators offer.

If you want to get the most out of those 9's, however, I suggest going w/ better amplification. You won't get near the bass or depth of sound field those speakers can offer with a 50 watt receiver, even if it is NAD. For the money, I think a great choice would be the Primare I21 Integrated amplifier. It is a superb little unit, very sleek, very minimalist, but exceptional sound quality. I used to work at Magnolia Hi-Fi, and would often show people how much better quality electronics can really be. Primare has tremendously powerful sound, despite modest wattage ratings. For instance, I would often play music through high-end speakers and switch from Denon, Marantz, Pioneer Elite, and even B&K receivers, the B&K rated at 150 wpc, and then I would switch over to this sleek, 75 wpc integrated amp from Primare, and it would easily kick the **** out of every other amp in the room. That would really make your 9's sing, and the bass would be so much that you could even find yourself considering not adding a sub. Retails for $1500. Sure, there are a lot of other options out there, but for the money I think Primare is the integrated to beat, especially for a nice little two-channel system such as the one you're creating. It puts out 125 watts into 4 ohm, but it's really more about the current than watts.

Check out more info about it here: http://www.sumikoaudio.net/primare/products/i21.htm

Happy listening.

[cfrizz]

Welcome Clemmons! You have got yourself a fine setup. The LSI's are power hungry, but as Frank said since you have preouts, when you are ready in the future, you can add separate amplification to it to really make those speakers sing.

Until then, enjoy your new setup!!!!

[steveinaz]

I think the Lsi9's are fantastic with jazz material.

[*Seby*-Polk-]

I think the Lsi9's are fantastic with jazz material.

Agreed. Fantastic for jazz and blues. Slowly rock too. but NO HEAVY METAL !!!!!