LSi9 v RTiA3 and Paradigm

[karlos879]

Well, although I have heard the RTiA3's, there is no where in my city to listen to the LSi series. Which is very frustrating to say the least.

I have compared the RTiA3 with the Paradigm Mini Monitor (and the mini monitors won out there, just a bit warmer and larger/wider sound stage), and also heard the Paradigm Studio Reference 20's and was wondering:
1. How much of a step up are the LSi9's compared to the RTiA3?
2. Has anyone compared the Paradigm Studio 20 or Studio 40 with the LSi9?
Looking to buy the LSi9's, but still want to compare them to the Paradigms.
3. How might the two compare if I get LSi-9's and do the crossover mod mentioned here on the forum?

I assume I can get the LSi9's a lot cheaper from the eBay store compared to the Paradigms and will be better value for money.

Anyone have any ideas??
Thanks,
Karl.

[messiah]

First, I have owned the studio 20's and thought they were great. Nothing bad to say about them at all. I never compared them directly against the lsi9's, but if I had, my receiver would have been fried. The lsi line are 4 ohm speakers, and the paradigms are not. The paradigms might cost a tiny bit more, but getting a receiver that supports a 4 ohm load will end up costing you quite a bit more. The Lsi9's smoke the rtia3's though (I really don't like them that much honestly), so if your receiver can go 4 ohm, or you have pre outs and an amp, and wanna go polk then go with the Lsi9.

[karlos879]

Yep, have a pair of bridged Rotel RB980BX's power amps, hanging off a Pioneer VSX-AS2. Plenty of power for anything!!

Just don't know how the LSi9's compare to the Paradigm Monitor 20's or 40's.

Think the value for money LSi9's might win out (from the eBay store) if I can't find a cheaper way of purchasing the Paradigms.

Maybe I'll buy both......!

Karl.

[obieone]

Please report back with a review of both speakers, IF you buy both

[karlos879]

Well, I heard the Paradigm Studio 20's today and I was very impressed to say the least. Wonderful warm rich tones, right across the frequency range.
They seemed to be a very flat speaker in terms of not colouring any part of the range. Superb with instrumental recordings. Nothing was overpowered. Nice bass response too for a bookshelf.
I was really impressed with how they handled good quality live recordings. Sound stage was terrific, and really wide.
I didn't want to leave!! Price here was somewhere around A$1700.

The real problem for me is that I cannot audition the LSi9's anywhere here in Adelaide (Australia) so if I do buy them, it will be blind. I can't even get a price.
But the big thing is that I could get a pair of LSi9's from the eBay store for a lot less. And with the thread on the crossover mod, sounds like they might be just as good.
And probably A$700 cheaper in the end.

[Face]

I've never heard a Paradigm that I enjoyed listening to.

For the price, I would try out the LSi9. If you don't like what you hear, you can always sell them without taking a real hit.

Concerning your amplifiers, you won't be able to run them bridged. The LSi9 is a 4 ohm speaker and in bridged mode, your amps are only 8 ohm stable. Here's the manual: http://www.rotel.com/content/manuals...ed/rb980bx.pdf

[karlos879]

mmm...thanks Face, overlooked that bit!
Looking at my receiver manual, it states you can switch between 8 and 6 Ohm, no mention of 4....
The LSi9's are the better value for money, BUT I just can't get to hear them first.
They will end up being rears anyway, so won't be the primary fronts...

[Murray1]

They will end up being rears anyway, so won't be the primary fronts...[/QUOTE]

You may want to consider the LSi 7's for rears and save some $.