More RTiA3 vs LSi7 observations

[Erik Tracy]

So...I've been living and listening to my LSi7s for several weeks now - got over 100 hours of time logged on them from movies, tv, and alot of music.

Like a nice pair of shoes - they feel broken in and I'm getting used to them.

But - I still have the RTiA3s and decided to do another round of comparisons between the two.

I used 3 CDs and some cable music to do this set of comparisons:
1) Peter Gabriel's "So"
2) Loggins and Messina (untitled)
3) Bryan Ferry's "Boys and Girls"

I chose these because there are several songs that are spacious, layered, and have good mixes with some dynamics to them (to me they don't suffer from the loudness syndrome).

I turned off any PEQ and GEQ on my avr and went with flat settings for both speakers.

Bottom line?

I can't decide! :D

Each speaker has strong points and weak points.

The LSi7s, I think, look better on my rig and 'fit' better.

They are sonically dense and cohesive - especially when pushed hard and loud. They don't strain, the sound stage stays intact and calm and doesn't collapse.

But - they lack detail in the mid-range and treble when compared to the RTiA3s.

When listening to layered music with the LSi7s, you can sense there is sound from the ensemble of instruments - each contributing something to the sonic effect, but its hard to 'push' into the layers with my ears to hear the individuality of the instruments. The sound is there - just quite can't get a good sense of 'seeing' the sound.

The RTiA3s are much more detailed in the midrange and treble - with the layered music I can easily move in and out of each layer and hear detailed sound of each contributing instrument. Crisper edges - more open.

But - the RTiA3s are a tad 'hot' on the high end. And when pushed hard, in comparison to the LSi7s, they strain and it tells. The sound stage starts to close down and the highs can get to be a bit much.

At lower volumes - the RTiA3s are in their element - airy, detailed, open, spacious. The LSi7s sound dull in comparison and it takes some prodding to get the LSi7s to 'wake up'.

If you like to do some serious listening at seriously loud (I was at -1.0db and the Leds on the Carver were vigorously dancing up and down!) room filling volumes, the LSi7s don't even break a sweat and deliver sonically dense rich sound whereas the RTiA3s loose dynamics and tend to sound strident on top when the mixes are busy.

Red wine or white, blondes or brunettes, ribs or steak, water skiing or snow skiing - I can't decide! :p

[Ricardo]

Nice review. Keep the both :)

[jaysonbarnett]

wow Nice Review And I have The older RTI4's 5.5Inch Drivers. I got more pairs of them (garage, bedroom, living room).

[Erik Tracy]

wow Nice Review And I have The older RTI4's 5.5Inch Drivers. I got more pairs of them (garage, bedroom, living room).

I used to have the RTi4s for fronts - still have them for surrounds. Gem of a speaker - especially for prices you can get them for now.

Cheers :)

[leroyjr1]

Which ones do you use for HT

[Erik Tracy]

Which ones do you use for HT

I've only got one rig - which doubles for HT and music.

I do more music than HT/movies.

Perfection is hard to find....will it ever be attainable?? :p

[Ron Temple]

Perfection is hard to find....will it ever be attainable?? :p

SDAs, tough to hang on the wall though :p.

A good friend used to own the 7s and sold them because he wasn't satisfied with the midrange...moved to GR Research AV1s and then AV2s...similar top end, but very rich and detailed mids. It's a kit speaker...just a suggestion.

Another consideration might be the Carver and/or your ICs. The Carver/RTi synergy is very high and the amp may just be too laid back for LSis. Ben's Silver ICs also sparked up my laid back rig.

Nice comparison...I agree 100% on the A3s, very detailed and sweet with the right material and volume.

[Doc99]

I agree. The Lsi's to me are very particular about what type of power amp you are pushing through them. Mine sound best with a Rotel RB1080,(out of the few I tried with them...Classe, B&K, Parasound). I have found Rotel amps are more on the bright side, and goes well with the LSi's.

[mantis]

If you prefer the Rtia3's then get rid of the Lsi7's. They are not for everyone. Nothing wrong with liking the rtia series more. Some do.

Both are good speakers and the Rtia's are much easier to drive.

Dan