New LSIM 705s & 703s

Evermore

Hello everyone. I've been lurking for a while and this seems like pretty fun and knowledgable community. I just got a pair of LSIM 705s, and 703s are about to get set up in the home office... as soon as I get an amp.

Which leads me to my questions. I've been doing research on amps, and to be honest, I don't really want a huge AVR receiver in the office. I'll only ever be listening to music (it really is an office, really) and don't want this massive AVR box taking up space -- goodness knows the speakers are already big enough on their own.

IN reading folks opinions of amplifiers, and how they comment on the differences, that one is substantially better or warmer, or bass hits harder, or whatever... At what volume do people normally listen to make these conclusions? I don't generally (read: ever) have the system up loud enough to shake the walls, and also not ever really that much for huge bass hits. I know it's pure preference, but where is optimal listening volume for these speakers and at what level do you really start to notice the amp making a difference?

Thanks for the help. Glad to be here.

F1nut

If the first watt sucks, why bother!?!

Remember those words.

It's not clear what type of set up you're going after. If stereo why did you get 2 pair of speakers?

Evermore

The towers are for the main room, with an AVR, sub, home theater all the way, etc. Was going to use the 703s as rear surrounds, but then decided I needed some high quality speakers in the office... Now I just need to get a good amp to drive them. Been reading up on the forums here, and intrigued by these little tube amps.

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/171076/tube-integrate-small-speakers-suggestions/

tonyb

So then, the 703's are just for the office ? Not the 705's.....correct ?

If so, I think those little tube integrateds are a tad too small for the 703's. Those are for smaller bookshelf speakers and the 703's are pretty robust. What do you plan on using as a source for music....computer, CDP, streamer ?

Helps us to narrow down the choices, budget would help too.

Evermore

Thanks DSkip - I saw that and am trying to figure out if $700 is too much... Really intrigued by the amp, but whew...

Tony - as for budget... I'd like to stay in the $200-$300 range, though I have flexibility. You are correct, 703s are just the office, roughly a 12'x12' space, so don't think I need something crazy. As I mentioned in the original post, don't want to knock items off of shelves, but play music while I'm working. AVR takes up too much space, and honestly, is overkill (don't need HDMI, 7.2 channels, 3D this or that, etc)

Source, and I think I might get criticized for this, would be laptop, Spotify, pandora, MP3 collection. Digital music, essentially. After all, it's an office, not a listening room.

PSOVLSK

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/comment/2148302#Comment_2148302

The Menuetto/703 combo is so nice, but it looks like the Menuetto is more than twice what you are hoping to pay.

I also have a Rotel stereo receiver that I've been meaning to list for sale and just haven't done it. It's in great shape and performs well except for the tuner. I'll have to look up the model number when I get home, but I can certainly sell it in your price range.

tonyb

Evermore wrote: »

Thanks DSkip - I saw that and am trying to figure out if $700 is too much... Really intrigued by the amp, but whew...

Tony - as for budget... I'd like to stay in the $200-$300 range, though I have flexibility. You are correct, 703s are just the office, roughly a 12'x12' space, so don't think I need something crazy. As I mentioned in the original post, don't want to knock items off of shelves, but play music while I'm working. AVR takes up too much space, and honestly, is overkill (don't need HDMI, 7.2 channels, 3D this or that, etc)

Source, and I think I might get criticized for this, would be laptop, Spotify, pandora, MP3 collection. Digital music, essentially. After all, it's an office, not a listening room.

2-3 bones won't buy much, especially new. Marantz makes a decent smallish receiver that would power them enough. Maybe Tech might have something. Was going to suggest a vintage Sansui or Marantz, but since size is an issue, you'll have to stay with smaller integrateds. Peachtree makes a decent small integrated, even used you won't find them for 2 bones though.

My thoughts are, throw the 703's back into the HT system, get something smaller for the office, you don't need speakers that big or that nice for just listening to back ground music at lower volumes. That would open up cheaper power options too.

Evermore

Tony - thanks for this. I'm certainly open to prowling the used market - seeing what's available on Craigslist and what not. Sansui over here is going for $250 because the guy says "everyone wants one".... riiiiiight....

If I put these speakers back into the HT setup, I may be able to save some money on the power side, but I'll then have to buy more speakers. In the end, I'm thinking that may be more expensive than just getting some power for the 703s.

Now that I think about it, this logic may work for that Menuetto... Buy that for $700, or have to get new speakers + power which will be about $700 anyway....

DarqueKnight

Evermore wrote: »

As I mentioned in the original post, don't want to knock items off of shelves, but play music while I'm working. AVR takes up too much space, and honestly, is overkill (don't need HDMI, 7.2 channels, 3D this or that, etc)

Source, and I think I might get criticized for this, would be laptop, Spotify, pandora, MP3 collection. Digital music, essentially. After all, it's an office, not a listening room.

Have you considered one of Polk's sound bar systems with a wireless subwoofer?

https://www.polkaudio.com/sound-bars

Eight years ago I downsized from a full two channel system in my home office to a SurroundBar IHT (Instant Home Theater) system which uses my office computer as a source.


SurroundBar IHT system


The SurroundBar was the perfect size to fit under my computer hutch.


The wireless subwoofer is placed in a corner behind the chair on the right.


Former home office system with separate components and SDA CRS+ speakers.

I reviewed my SurroundBar IHT in this thread (sorry about the missing pictures-Photobucket wants me to pay them $400 a year to continue showing them):

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/90260/polk-audio-surroundbar-sda-instant-home-theater

PSOVLSK

I ran the 703/Menuetto in a home office. Not the ideal environment, but it sure sounded good when I was at the computer working.

FYI: The Rotel I have is the RX-1050. http://www.kenrockwell.com/audio/rotel/rx-1050.htm

Considering the tuner doesn't work well, I'd let it go for $200 to your door.

Evermore

DK - interesting idea. Hadn't really considered doing a sound bar. TBH, I have a JBL Charge 2 right now, which is decent enough, but I'm guessing most things will be an upgrade.

PSOVLSK - thanks for looking at the Rotel. I really need to think about this.

Evermore

@DSkip - Do you remember what the 12w amp was that drove the 705s at the 2015 LSAF?

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/128877/lsaf-lone-star-audio-fest-2012-may-4-6/p3

Read the entire thing and never a mention of what it actually was.

Told you I've been lurking.

Evermore

Errrr.... 2012 LSAF I mean...

txcoastal1

Evermore wrote: »

Errrr.... 2012 LSAF I mean...

DSkip wrote: »

Unison research simply Italy.

I own that exact amp that was used at LSAF. The Italy out performs it's specs. We had a shootout with a reputable 35watt tube integrated that did not perform well.

Therefore I will not recommend the the Jolida or pretty much anything under 50watts for the 703's...IMHO

erniejade

I have not heard this NuForce amp but it seems to have decent specs. $299 audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUDDA120

erniejade

Or maybe look for a used Nad?

Evermore

DSkip wrote: »

Unison research simply Italy.

Yours today for the low low price of only $2300!

I suppose that would blow my budget out of the water....

I can tell that this might turn into an expensive hobby -- need to prepare the wife for this.

Evermore

DSkip wrote: »

Honestly, Paul (PSOVLSK) has two excellent options for those 703's.

I'm almost there, just still trying to figure out an overall plan...

What about power for the 705s? They are part of the house AV in the main room, but right now just powered straight out of the AVR (Pioneer VSX 1121). It's good enough, and again, I don't blast music, so not hearing any clipping or anything, but I know these speakers have more to give than what the Pioneer is providing.

Wondering if I get the Rotel from Paul if he'll throw in the Menuetto as 'packing material'... you know, since it's small and will fill the cap in the box nicely....

Evermore

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Therefore I will not recommend the the Jolida or pretty much anything under 50watts for the 703's...IMHO

@txcoastal1 I think I'm a bit confused on this. Was the Simply Italy good for that particular setting (never been to the LSAF, so not sure how loud the music blares) but not to take home to power the speakers in a home environment? Or is it a decent amp for 705s, just not for 703s? Or is it just a rarity that punches way above it's weight?

I suppose either way it doens't matter too much as it's WAY out of my price range at this point, but just curious on your thoughts.

txcoastal1

LSAF is hotel room size environment 12x14 ---8.5' to listening position

705's a little easier to drive. SET amps more forgiving for soft clipping

WLDock

Here's a cool little piece , a used NAD D 7050 for $449....new online $700-$799 ...reg retail $999
:https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-with-warranty-and-free-shipping-2017-08-23-integrateds-811087cb-9364-4fab-951e-7edab0e98a48

In my mind I can picture this thing somewhere in the house...been interested in hearing one for a few, They get a lot of nice feedback...check the reviews around the net.
https://nadelectronics.com/product/d-7050-direct-digital-network-amplifier/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MACz5fVL6k



There's some cool youtube videos out there with it driving some towers. ...all things considered. Listen with headphones.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mycNvrT1kLo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TOAlfnD36Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjUSLRiwsTI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5is3mNgwWYg

Evermore

WLDock - interesting. This is what ernie recommended a few posts back I think. Did a quick google of nads and very quickly stopped searching... if you know what I mean. Actually, I found some amps, but very pricey and not this... this makes more sense.

50w @ 4ohms so it's about 25W @ 8 ohms? Seems to drive these speakers pretty nicely tho.

Has anyone around here heard one of these things?

WLDock

Yeah, 50W at @ 4 Ohms and no analog inputs for $999 retail is a bit of a turn off on paper. However the switching Direct Digital tech is very efficient and many say this piece sounds more powerful and clear then the spec would lead one to believe. Still.... even at $700 it still is a little steep. Plus some of the features have to be controlled through the Apple app. So, not a piece fore everyone but seems like a solid pickup at that used price if one needs something small, network, DLNA features, bluetooth, 24 bit DAC, AirPlay, app features.

There is much feedback around the net.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/nad-d7050-anyone-heard-it
https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/97957-nad-d-7050-review/
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/26701-nad-d-7050-listening-impressions/
https://www.avforums.com/threads/any-views-on-nad-d7050-suggestions-for-alternatives.1857171/
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/173-2-channel-audio/1518256-nad-d-7050-2-channel-dac-amp.html
https://www.amazon.com/NAD-Direct-Digital-Network-Amplifier/dp/B00F0Q8D4E#customerReviews
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-cQ5llo1vegk/p_745D7050/NAD-D-7050.html#CustomerRevPane

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/nad/1.html
http://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/588-nad-d-7050-integrated-amplifier-dac
https://www.whathifi.com/nad/d-7050/review
http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article/nad-d-7050--pound;799/20377


If that does not sell you, there is a DENON unit that is a little cheaper....but no netwoking ability. Apparently it used the same Deode Zetex amp modules as the NAD.
https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hifi/amplifiers/pma50

$269.99 used - http://www.ebay.com/itm/263159934005?rmvSB=true
$399.99 dealer re-certified - http://www.ebay.com/itm/272785682971?rmvSB=true

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1947769-nad-d7050-vs-denon-pma-50-a.html

msg

Man, Walt, I always learn something from your gear posts.

WLDock

msg wrote: »

Man, Walt, I always learn something from your gear posts.

How I wish I could own more gear...LOL. Well, lets keep the info flowing. Here's a white paper on the NAD / Diodes Zetex switching amp technology

http://www.goodwinshighend.com/manufacturers/nad/M2-white-paper-EU-Web.pdf

Kurt300

Evermore wrote: »

WLDock - interesting. This is what ernie recommended a few posts back I think. Did a quick google of nads and very quickly stopped searching... if you know what I mean. Actually, I found some amps, but very pricey and not this... this makes more sense.

50w @ 4ohms so it's about 25W @ 8 ohms? Seems to drive these speakers pretty nicely tho.

Has anyone around here heard one of these things?

Our intramural football team was named the Nads, so that our dorm could be colorful while cheering for us.

Evermore

nbrowser wrote: »

WLDock wrote: »

Can you imagine an integrated amp that can make a pair of RTiA3 bookies sound phenomenal for music? Yes it's possible and happens in my home! The NAD C326BEE

Was out of town traveling for a while, but now back to searching for a decent amp at the right price. Found this NAD C326BEE on Ebay for $150 on eBay right now. Seems the interwebs speaks relatively highly of it....

Also found this Rotel RKB-2100 on Craigslist for $240... Very very little that I can find on the Net about it. Big and beefy. Beeeefy.

deronb1

Cambridge makes a nice 2ch reciever. 100 wpc. $400 -500 bucks.

Evermore

Just found a couple of Adcom GFA5400's for $125 each.... At that price, thinking about getting both to run the 705s and the 703s... And if they suck, can probably resell for a profit?