RT35i vs. LSi 7 or LSi9

[gplracer]

I have rt35i speakers. How much better would the LSi 7 or LSi 9s be for home theater use? Thanks!!!

[michael_w]

this _________ much better.

It's really hard to say... it depends on your electronics and taste. Personally there isn't really any competetion between the two as the LSi's will smoke the rti's but you have to have the electronics to back them up with otherwise you won't be using them to their full potential.

Try and audition them side by side on the same gear if you can to put things in perspective for you.

[Joey_V]

LSi9 are one of my favorites from the Polk lineup... though, if you can get the 15s, you'll be better off in my opinion.

However, between purely bookshelf speakers, the 9s are tough to beat.

Good luck with your choice!

Joey

[VR3]

Keyword is Home Theater....

You wont notice to much difference, overall... sure may be a lil more detail and clarity...

But it wont be mind blowing... music on the other hand...

[michael_w]

Very true. I didn't really catch that one. In general Home Theater is a little easier to make sound decent but for just simply listening to music in 2 channel there will be a pretty big difference.

[Joey_V]

Keyword is Home Theater....

You wont notice to much difference, overall... sure may be a lil more detail and clarity...

But it wont be mind blowing... music on the other hand...

The question really is:

If he gets the 9s for HT use, will his music time go up as a result of a better speaker?

[Sami]

The question really is:

If he gets the 9s for HT use, will his music time go up as a result of a better speaker?

:) Excellent point. I know mine did when I switched from RTi's to LSi's. I can say that it sounds much better in HT as well, much cleaner and more enjoyable.

[Joey_V]

I concur with Sami!

[gplracer]

Thanks for the responses. Here is some more information and some more questions. I have rt35i in the front and the cs400i as the center channel. The rear speakers are RT-5 speakers. I also have two SVS 20-39cs subs. I like to watch movies but I also am a big fan of concert DVDs. My receiver is a Onkyo TX-DS595 which is 75 watts per channel. Would this receiver be able to run the LSi 7 or LSi9? Also would it sound ok with the center channel that I currently have. I will upgrade it later. Thanks!!!

[cfrizz]

In a word, NO!

Do a search on receivers & LSI's here. There is a ton of info on this subject. But the bottom line is the LSI's require more power than a receiver can put out by itself.

[gplracer]

Oh well!

[Joey_V]

You can run it.. I'm sure you can. I can run my 4ohm Summits on a cheap $150 Pioneer receiver that my brother owns.

BUT, you arent getting the best of the speaker that way.

If you want to go with 9s, go with the 9s. Then upgrade the rest of your equipment as time comes. Just dont play your music too loud (or movies) and dont overly stress the receiver.

Joey