Wanting pair of speakers for 2 channel... LSI9?

[Snoodge]

I have been wanting a pair of speakers strictly for 2 channel music listening and ive specifically been lusting over the Polk LSI9. I love the looks and from the reviews ive read theyre fantastic... Is there anything that competes with this speaker for less money perhaps? Im looking around the $500 / pair price range realistically. Ive found the LSI9 as cheap as $650 / pair online.

[garretwp]

I assume since you are looking at the LSi9 and your price point, you want to stick with bookself speakers? Have you went out and listened to the speakers for yourself? As many would suggest go out and listen to as many speakers as you can. You can get some good bookself speakers for your price point. I have not listened to the LSi9, but I have listened to the LSi15 floorstanding speakers and they do sound pretty good. You do have to take into consideration that the LSi line are 4ohms. How will you be powering your speakers for 2 channel? Will you use a receiver, preamp and seperate amps? The Polks will require some good power. If you can give us some more info on your setup, I am sure we can help you more. Also there is another post on someone asking about a dedicated stereo/music setup not far down the forum.

- Garrett

[Snoodge]

I would be using a Denon 1905 receiver as a preamp feeding a pair of Marantz MA-6100 Mono THX Ultra Amplifiers most likely... Im negotiating to buy these amps as I type this. I previously had a pair of Parasound Mono thx amps but sold them. That was a mistake.

[garretwp]

Then you should not have any issues with powering 4 ohm speakers! Have you listened to the LSi9's? I would strongly go out and try them out. They are a nice line and I was seriously considering the LSi15's before I found out that they were 4ohms. I am using a panasonic xr55 digital receiver. One of these days I will upgrade to a preamp and seperate amps. But for now I enjoy it very much. Have you considered looking at anything else? i.e. B&W, KEF, Boston Acoustics, Monitor Audio, Paradigm, and the list can go on! Go out and looks at your options and demo as many as you can. Bring your own music and take your time. I just took the risk and bought some Swan 6.1 floorstanding speakers and I must say they do sound good as well as look good! My previous speakers were Definitive Technology SM450's.

- Garrett

I wanted to add, that I listened to Polk, Focal, Defintive Technology, Boston Acoustics, Engergy, KEF, Martin Logan and a few others I can not think of right now before I bought the Swans as an upgrade.

[Snoodge]

My current speakers are Mirage M390is towers. I really do love the sound, but to me theres a certain two channel sparkle that can ONLY come from mini-monitor type speakers that are crossed over and dont have to produce any bass information. Im even heavily considering picking up a pair of SVS SBS-01 mini monitors. Just because I like simple, sealed enclosures with flat frequency responses.

Any forum feedback on these little guys? seem like a steal @ $225 / pair.

[Snoodge]

Also, how good are the Ascend 340's for music use? They look like a home theater speaker from the driver configuration but are they a good music speaker?

[garretwp]

There are many threads about this speaker. I have not heard them personally, but many people seem to like them. Another option if you are going to look at ID brands would be to check out Swans 2.1 line and even the 2.2 line. You can check them out at theaudioinsider.com. The 2.1's from newegg would be a steal if you decide to go that route. But you will be taking a risk at those prices as they do not offer a return policy. If you get the 2.2's from Jon @ theaudioinsder, he offers a 30 day return policy. He is a really nice guy to talk to and knows his stuff. It can not hurt to give him a call! At newegg the 2.1 line in Black Cherry is going for less then 300 a pair. My Definitive Technology speakers I had before I just bought the Swan's were great and sound good. They did require the subwoofer to help with the lows, but that is with any bookself speaker. These are just my opinions and I am sure others will disagree with me. Sorry if I am sounding like a broken record, but doing research and listen to what is out there is a must! If your a risk taker the ID brands are a good way to go.

- Garrett

P.S. here is a very long thread about the Ascend 340's - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=591331&highlight=funny+story+ascends