[JRobin50]

I know it's a little late to ask now but better late than never. Today I purchased Polk Audio LSi15's, LSiC Center Channel, and LSiFX Surrounds. I shoud recieve them in a week or so but I was wondering how well they perform. I haven't heard them personally but I read good things about them and I figured since they were top of the line Polk they had to be pretty good (and the price was decent). I am powering them with an Onkyo TX-SR705 Reciever, Sony Blu-Ray,Toshiba HD player and a 47" Philips LCD. These speakers cleaned out my speaker budget so the sub will have to wait for a while. I have an old Cambridge Soundworks 12" sub I could use till I can get something newer. The speakers I'm replacing are Bose Acoustimass 16's with the jewel cube speakers which I've kind of lost my taste for. Anyone with experience with these speakers have any words of wisdom for me? I would appreciate any input. Thx

 

[cyberbri]

Those look pretty nice. Definitely a huge step up from the Bose. I'm sure you'll love them.

 

[SoundChex]

Not directly on point, but...


If you have any issues with LSiFX surrounds, you might try using four of the Bose satellites for L/R-Surround and L/R-Rear [configured LARGE] with the Acoustimass bass module placed center(ish) back, as a shared woofer.


In any event, if the Cambridge Soundworks sub is insufficient on its own in the short term, I expect you could Y connect the Acoustimass bass module's LFE input too, even without the satellites attached. Until you get something you really like (and can afford!)


Just a thought... Anyway, hope you enjoy the Polks! [I love mine, but they are from the low end of the Polk product line!]

 

[VectorLabs]

The Polk LSi tweeter is one of the best tweeters I have ever heard at any price. Although I consider the LSi line I bit boomy in the bass region for my tastes the smooth highs that tweeter puts out is just awesome. By the way that Onkyo receiver is just not going to cut it for the LSi I am afraid. They are 4ohm speakers and can be very power hungry once you crank them up. You might be able to get away powering the rears and maybe the center, but the fronts will definitely need a separate amplifier. I suggest you look into a 3 channel amp at the very least.

 

[JohnLocke88]

First off congrats on your purchase. Those are very nice speakers. I have a set of RTis that I love.


Just as kind of a reiteration of previous suggestions, I'd say the most important piece of advice is to get a separate 2 or 3 channel amp. I have the 705 and I feel like I'm taxing it running @ 8 ohms into RTi8s, 6s and a CSi3. IIRC the LSis are significantly more power hungry.

 

[VectorLabs]



Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnLocke88 /forum/post/14185339


First off congrats on your purchase. Those are very nice speakers. I have a set of RTis that I love.


Just as kind of a reiteration of previous suggestions, I'd say the most important piece of advice is to get a separate 2 or 3 channel amp. I have the 705 and I feel like I'm taxing it running @ 8 ohms into RTi8s, 6s and a CSi3. IIRC the LSis are significantly more power hungry.

Yeah that 705 will go up in smoke with a quickness if you even try to push the LSi even a little loud.

 

[datgai]

You should love them coming from the Bose setup

 

[piker]

"Yeah that 705 will go up in smoke with a quickness if you even try to push the LSi even a little loud."


Not true. I've run the Lsi15 off this receiver very loud for extended periods of time on numerous ocasions with no ill effects to the receiver or speakers. That being said, I would agree that a seperate power amp is a good idea for those speakers.

 

[VectorLabs]



Quote:
Originally Posted by piker /forum/post/14187116


"Yeah that 705 will go up in smoke with a quickness if you even try to push the LSi even a little loud."


Not true. I've run the Lsi15 off this receiver very loud for extended periods of time on numerous ocasions with no ill effects to the receiver or speakers. That being said, I would agree that a seperate power amp is a good idea for those speakers.

Just the LSi15 and not the center?

 

[ekb]



Quote:
Originally Posted by JRobin50 /forum/post/14170419


I know it's a little late to ask now but better late than never.

Not really. You are now committed to what you bought.

Quote:
I haven't heard them personally but I read good things about them ...

How can you spend that kind of money on something that you haven't heard?


Ed

 

[meeks32]

You should ask that question to every SVS, AV123, Swan, Epik, ED owner out there. He should be fine, the LSI's will be great speakers once he gets an amp for them & if he doesnt like them, they hold their value pretty well & could resell them.

 

[WaveyD4vey]

ya i must agree the tweeter on the LSi's is extremely smooth almost to a fault if that makes sense...i know when the Frys by my house was selling them for $200 a piece last year i almost jumped on em but didnt...like the other peeps said might wanna get an amp for the fronts...nice speakers overall!

 

[Kclone]

I have heard great things about this speaker. About the bass, can't better amplication get better control over the boomyness or is that just the nature of the speaker?

 

[vinipux77]

Kclone, yes, you are correct, the reported "LSi boomyness" is usually a function of poor placement and inadequate amplification.


- Val

 

[hammong]

You should be fine with the TX-SR705 and the LSi speakers. Make sure you configure your Onkyo for 4 ohm impedance through the speaker menu.


Another thing to consider is a decent subwoofer, and setting the speakers for "small" size all the way around in the menu, with a subwoofer crossover of 80 Hz. That will offload those low frequencies from the LSi's and put them where they belong, on the subwoofer. It eases the load on your Onkyo significantly.


Greg

 

[captive]



Quote:
Originally Posted by VectorLabs /forum/post/14170622


The Polk LSi tweeter is one of the best tweeters I have ever heard at any price. Although I consider the LSi line I bit boomy in the bass region for my tastes the smooth highs that tweeter puts out is just awesome. By the way that Onkyo receiver is just not going to cut it for the LSi I am afraid. They are 4ohm speakers and can be very power hungry once you crank them up. You might be able to get away powering the rears and maybe the center, but the fronts will definitely need a separate amplifier. I suggest you look into a 3 channel amp at the very least.

Pretty much This. I have the Polk LSi25's (powered 10" sub over the 15's). I have an Adcom GFA 555, 325watts into 4 ohms and the 25's just eat it up. LSi's are power hungry, the more power the better.


I love them though, even cranked up listening to metal they sound amazing and are crystal clear.

 

[davdev]

I loved the lsi's when I tested them, but I will agree with the others, that the Onkyo aint gonna cut it. You can try it, but I would pay very close attention to any clipping, and heat being generated in the receiver.

 

[JRobin50]

ekb.........


I haven't heard a Polk I didn't like so when the deal (not retail)

presented itself I took it.

 

[DeusExa]

Carver power.......or not..

 

[McLoki]

The LSi line is very laid back. As you are looking at amps, you may be happier with ones a little on the bright side. Acurus make a 3 channel amp that is 200wpc. It can usually be found on the used market for around $400 or so. This would work great with your new speakers.


Enjoy, coming from what you had, you are in for a treat.


Michael