Polk LSiC installation and operating issues - Advice Please

[jdono52]

I recently purchased a Polk LSiC center channel at a discounted price and finally had the opportunity to install it at home this past weekend. I will be honest, I purchased the center channel based completely on consumer reviews and the purchase price I was offered. In other words, I did not listen to it prior to purchase and realize this was a mistake, but I do have time to return it if I cannot manipulate it to my liking.

Yesterday, was the first chance I had to enjoy some listening of music/movies. To say the least I was not impressed and am convinced I am not giving it enough power, have screwed up the wiring installation in some manner, or am not choosing the proper decoding matrix.

System is running off of a Boston Acoustics AVR7120. I ran Dayton compression fitting banana plugs from the receiver with 14 gauge wire to the bottom set of female terminals on the back of the center channel. However, the LSiC does offer two sets of terminals for wiring. Should I be running a set of speaker wire to both terminals? If so, why would running two sets of wire make a difference? Furthermore, I understand these speakers are 4 ohm, but I did not adjust the output to accomodate the 4 ohm load. Should I be trying to run a 4 ohm load rather than 8 on this channel? Any advice you could give would be most appreciated.

Thanks

 

[j_garcia]

If the receiver is 4 Ohm stable, power shouldn't be an issue, though these speakers are relatively demanding. Usually when a receiver has a switch to allow it to operate lower impedance speakers, this is effectively a currently limiting feature for protecting the speaker and receiver and is not the best choice. If this is the only 4 Ohm speaker running on the receiver, it should be OK.

Between the two sets of binding posts, is there a jumper connecting them? If not, you aren't hearing the whole speaker and will need to connect them together, preferably just with a short piece of the same wire you used to connect the speaker to the receiver. Connecting 2 sets of wires is a waste of time.

Next, in your receiver's setup, make sure it is set to small so that it isn't being fed a full range signal.

I've owned LSis and I'll be honest, I'm not a total fan of them. They are good speakers, just not my taste.

 

[jdono52]

Polk LSiC Question

If the receiver is 4 Ohm stable, power shouldn't be an issue, though these speakers are relatively demanding. Usually when a receiver has a switch to allow it to operate lower impedance speakers, this is effectively a currently limiting feature for protecting the speaker and receiver and is not the best choice. If this is the only 4 Ohm speaker running on the receiver, it should be OK.

Between the two sets of binding posts, is there a jumper connecting them? If not, you aren't hearing the whole speaker and will need to connect them together, preferably just with a short piece of the same wire you used to connect the speaker to the receiver. Connecting 2 sets of wires is a waste of time.

Next, in your receiver's setup, make sure it is set to small so that it isn't being fed a full range signal.

I've owned LSis and I'll be honest, I'm not a total fan of them. They are good speakers, just not my taste.

Thanks for the thoughts J.G. To answer your questions:
1. The LSiC is the only speaker that would be running on 4 Ohm impedance and I am a little hesitant to switch this channel only. Is this concern justified, has anyone had any experience with a similar situation?

2. There is a jumper plate connecting the two pairs of binding posts on the back of the speaker. Does this mean, biwiring would do little to intensify the sound quality?
3. The center channel is set to small in the configuration options.

Any recommendations on music/movie dialogue I could use to complete some thorough testing?

Thanks for the help.

 

[ttowntony]

jdono52, sorry to hear you are running into issues with the LSiC.....configured properly I can assure you this is very fine center speaker.

The previous replies are correct in helping you resolve issues. With this speaker as well as the entire LSi series it comes down to adequate amplification and/or placement. First, receivers are NOT recommended for the LSi series as they usually do not support a 4 ohm load. I am not familiar with the Boston Acoustics receivers, so I do not know if it will go 4 ohm or not. Most have a switch to go either 8-6 ohm, though. Secondly, placement can be an issue. Try and keep the center open.

Also, just setting a speaker to small is usually not enough. Does your receiver have a test tone feature? Often the center needs to be adjusted because it's either too hot or is not set with adequate output. Try pumping it up 2-3db hotter than your mains and see if that helps.

Anyway, the LSiC is a good center. I have one in our showroom hooked to the Parasound A51 amp, which is 5x250W and it has no problems. Actually, it does quite well and mates good with the LSi9 system. For it's relatively small stature, it does quite well.