How much can TSI500s handle? (want to bi-amp w/ Adcoms)

hagmanm2

Ok, so I just laid my hands on one of the best deals ever and snagged an Adcom GFA-555 MKII and an Adcom GFA-5503. Both are 200wpc - the 555 is 2 channel and the 5503 is 3 channel. My question is would I be in danger of blowing up (like: *kaaaabooooom!*) my 500s if I bi amped them?

I'm pretty clueless in this area so I'd like some more general info:

Besides "blowing up" speakers, what sort of problems would be expected if a high-powered amp drives speakers not rated for their wattage?

When Polk 'rates' the wattage of the speakers (20-275 w/channel) is that for the total speaker? First, I'm assuming "w/channel" means "per speaker" - is that correct? Second, the 500s can be bi-amped (the drivers run separate from the tweeter), so does that mean if they were truly bi-amped they should run at half the wattage, or does it mean that the tweeter can handle 20-275 and so can the 4 drivers?

Any other enlightening information would be truly appreciated.

*Also, (and I may post this in a separate thread later) I'm not planning on keeping both units, but I do want to give them both a thorough testing. Based on my setup (see my sig), do you guys with ADCOM experience have any recommendations?

Is one hardier than the other? I've already done a little testing and so far they both sound identical... so besides sound what advice can be offered. Thanks much! wow, didn't mean to type so much.

cnh

One of those amps is 'plenty' of power for a set of 500s. No, you won't blow your speakers because you'll take out your ears before you reach power distortion levels on Tsis with those amps? Bi-amping is NOT necessary with that kind of power on Tsi-500s.

Denons make a fairly 'nice' pre/pro as AVRs go. I've used that combo myself in the past with the TSI's predecessor, the M-70s same power rating and similar design. Denon AVR 2807, Adcom GFA-555, M-70s--plenty of power pretty good sound, you'll like it!

A speakers power ratings are not particularly important. What is is that you don't run whatever amp you have to clipping. It is distortion or too little power that kills speakers--not too much! Some people here run LSis with 400 or 500 watts per channel amps that exceed their power rating with no ill effect. In fact the speakers (4 ohm) LIKE the power. The TSIs don't need 'that' kind of power, though.

Enjoy the new toys....

cnh

dane_peterson

Nice snag on some solid amps. They should serve you very well for a 5 channel system. Most Polk speakers (with the exception of large SDAs) should be very happy with a single channel worth of your Adcom's power.

Happy listening.

rru2s

cnh wrote: »

It is distortion or too little power that kills speakers--not too much!

Even a quality amp might not save your speakers if you play a recording in which the source material represents highly distorted electric guitar -- essentially the same amplitude signal shape (square wave distortion) coming from your playback source material, equivalent to overdriving your rig's amp. The shape of the waveform to the speaker defines what is "clipped", and that can be caused either by your amplifier or actually present in the original source material. So if distortion kills speakers, then don't play your live Led Zeppelin at high volumes, whether through an expensive Adcom or through a cheaper system.

reeltrouble1

You can play all the Zep you want, bi-amp does not put the amplifiers power equally to each set of drivers.

CNH is giving you good advice. As a general rule keep your volume knob on your pre-amp under the 12:00 position around 11:00 and you are going to be OK,still will be loud naybe too loud, I know its fun to use what you have so if you want to bi-amp go ahead, I have done it, not really my bag though. What actually happens, well get your learn on, but each set of idrivers receiving a signal through their respective cross-over gets different amounts of power. Make sure you remove the connector from the upper/lower binding posts.

Have fun.

RT1

hagmanm2

Thanks for all the input guys. I just got done playing around with all my gear and posted a short review on another thread to hopefully give Jimbobwey some usable advice.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103426

Man, I couldn't tell you how pleased I was with the Adcoms, such and improvement! They had me grinning ear to ear! The M-40 was doing an acceptable job of pushing them before (notable but marginal improvement over the Denon), but both Adcoms brought these speakers to life! Before it sounded like a piece of cardboard was sitting in front of the speakers and now it sounds like they're twice the size. I'm still extremely happy with the Denon, which will now be performing pre duty only (until I get some nice surrounds). So yes, I decided to keep the 5503.

All that being said, I tried bi-amping the speakers (the tweeters driven by the 555 and the mids pushed by the 5503). Call me crazy, but I really couldn't notice a difference. I switched from bi-amping to single and back again, paying close attention to the vocals, bass lines, drum kicks etc and for the life of me couldn't hear any noticeable difference.

My conclusion: cnh is right. One Adcom was providing enough power to push the 500s into their sweet spot, so using two Adcoms with similar specs was offering an insignificant amount of improvement (for my ears anyways).

I don't see any reason why I'd ever upgrade from the 5503 with these speakers. I'm more than happy with where the progression of my system has finally taken me.