Setting up Polk LSi-9s - advice welcomed

philipjr

Hi everyone - new to the forum and first post. Sorry for being long-winded but thought I might give you a bit of background...

I purchased my first set of Polk home speakers a year ago. They were Monitor 60s and I was very pleased with them, although I decided I needed a sub for more impact. Next came the 505 ported sub. Then the 60s got upgraded to 70s. Then my wife put her foot down about the "huge" speakers in our modest sized bedroom. I am surprised she put up with it as long as she did, but she knows how much I love music. So then the 70s and 505 became RTi-A3s on nice cherry wood stands and a MicroPro 2000 sub. I loved the sound of this combo, although the tweeters could be a tad bright sometimes. Great air and presence though. The wife was happy with the much-improved appearance and compactness of the system. I kept them about five weeks before deciding to take the plunge and picked up a pair of brand new LSi-9s for $600. At that price, I just couldn't resist.

This brings us to today, where I have just set up my new LSi-9s and also my new Emotiva UPA-2 amp. I knew I needed more powerful amplification than my 100wpc Onkyo stereo receiver, and I knew I needed an amp that would be happy with a 4ohm load. At 185wpc@4ohms for $300, seemed like a great deal. And it is - it's got balls.

Okay here comes the part where I ask for the expert advice of you good folks who have had experience running LSi-9s. I am really liking the highs and midrange. It's the midbass that I am unhappy with. It is a bit much. At lower volumes it is fine, but as soon as you crank it a bit it becomes overwhelming and overpowers the rest of the music. I am thinking maybe I should have went with LSi-7s.

I welcome any setup advice, and if I can provide any more details that would help just let me know. I would like to know particularly about distance from wall, amount of tow-in (I am sitting close to the speakers they are on each side of my desk and my system uses the ASUS Xonar Essence sound card as a source), whether burn-in/break in will alleviate some of this and sweeten the sound, and how long that will take in your experience.

It is great to finally join everyone here - I have been reading for quite some time and I have learned alot. Sorry again for the long post, and thanks in advance for the help!

Phil

Rev. Hayes

Welcome to the club Phil!

I too feel that the mid bass is overwhelming with the 9's. Some of the problem seemed to be eliminated when I switched to the high pass outputs on my preamp and let the sub take up the bottom.

You might consider looking up the thread about Lsi crossover upgrades.

The only real fix I have found is to have another set of speakers handy to switch to.
The Lsi9's are fantastic for some music (acoustic/jazz) but others (classic rock etc..)it doesn't seem to play well with. (IMO)

mystik610

The LSi9's are surprisingly strong in the mid-bass region....Whether or not this is preferable is rather subjectiveI'd say they rival a lot of their lower end PSW subwoofers.

Are you using a separate subwoofer? If you are, what are you using as a cross-over frequency? The LSi9's will hit pretty hard down to 30hz...I can see where it might be excessive for some times of music. You can also try adjusting the equalizer settings on your AVR....turn the bass frequencies on your mains down.

As far as placement goes...move them away from the wall if it sounds too boomy. You might be getting a little bit of boundary gain which can accentuate the bass frequencies

philipjr

Hi guys! Thanks so much for the warm welcome, I really appreciate it. Since I first posted I have playing around with placement and toe-in. Moving them out from wall does lessen the issue, but if I am on the PC while listening I am a bit limited on how much I can move them forward without them being to far to image properly. It only lessens the issue though not eliminate it. Even cutting the midbass frequencies with an EQ just thins the sound out some I think I just really didn't need that extra driver. Maybe I should see if someone with some new LSi7s wants to do an even swap plus a hundred bucks or something. They really are overpowering in that range - I was expecting these to be way more accurate. My setup worked great with the RTis but I guess I will just have to keep the LSis further out from the wall.

To answer your question about the sub - I am running the micropro 2000 with the LSi9s but I like the way it sounds just fine. Thrilled with it actually. It is tight and accurate, and gets plenty loud if you want it to. It's a great sub for music, makes the 505 sound downright sloppy by comparison, and that a pretty good sub for $250. But I can turn it off completely and my boomy overpowering midbass is still there. I guess I was just expecting these to sound like the 7s, just fuller but still tight. It must just be my room - I know these are great speakers from all the research I have done on them and everyone's experience with them on the forums.

I had actually demoed the 7s and loved them, but found such a steal on the 9s that I got those instead for the same as what the 7s woulda cost me, without having heard them. My fault. I should just live with them a while and see how the sound changes as they burn in.

That's about where I am now - I was hoping that a good part of my problem is that the 9s and the amp are brand new. For those who have the LSi9s and a good amp, can I expect the sound to get substantially better over the next 150 hours or so of breaking them in? My RTi-A3s definitely opened up over the five weeks I had them. To be really honest, other than the somewhat overly extended highs the RTis did almost everything else right. They image and staged fairly well, but I was expecting the LSis to be damn near holographic. Maybe the average imaging is also a result of them not being broken in yet as well. At this early stage they really don't sound that much better than the RTis, which only set me back $260 from the Polk eBay store. They are an incredible value.

Let me know what you guys think about the break-in period, and thanks again for the warm welcome. This is a great community. I should have joined a long time ago.

philipjr

Oh and to Rev. Hayes - I won't be able to high-pass the 9s until I get a pre-amp. I was looking at the Emotiva USP-1, since it matches my amp and is reasonably priced. Also probably has a better low-pass crossover than the onboard on the MicroPro. As of right now I am just running analog RCA out of the Xonar straight into the amp, using the driver software to control the volume. Kinda missing the remote control capability I had with the Onkyo, another thing I would get back with a pre-amp. Realistically though, it will probably be around Christmas before I can afford it - just made some pretty major purchases here (for me anyways). Oh well, if you were ever really finished building your system it wouldn't be a hobby now would it? ; )

F1nut

Probably not the best speaker choice for near field listening, but best to judge that after they break in.

Get a better amp.

bklynNupe

Welcome to the forum Philip.
When your ready, you should seriously consider modding the crossovers.
Don't get me wrong the 9's are great, but the mods will make them fantastic.
Fellow polkies such as Face or Ben do them for members.

Enjoy!

mystik610

philipjr wrote: »

Oh and to Rev. Hayes - I won't be able to high-pass the 9s until I get a pre-amp. I was looking at the Emotiva USP-1, since it matches my amp and is reasonably priced. Also probably has a better low-pass crossover than the onboard on the MicroPro. As of right now I am just running analog RCA out of the Xonar straight into the amp, using the driver software to control the volume. Kinda missing the remote control capability I had with the Onkyo, another thing I would get back with a pre-amp. Realistically though, it will probably be around Christmas before I can afford it - just made some pretty major purchases here (for me anyways). Oh well, if you were ever really finished building your system it wouldn't be a hobby now would it? ; )

So you aren't using a processor at all right now? That could also be one of your culprits. Your LSi9's are probably being tasked to handle the full low frequency spectrum. If you aren't able to cross them over at a higher frequency, I'd follow the advice given here and get a high-pass filter.

The LSi9's weren't designed to be listened to nearfield. The tweeter needs some space to 'stretch out' to image properly, while the bass frequencies sound louder nearfield. The high's probably sound 'crowded' and are being overwhelmed by the low frequencies. The LSi9's are quite a bit pickier when it comes to placement than the RTi's.

LessisNevermore

Welcome to CP!

I have a pair of 9's powered by an XPA-5. You mentioned getting the USP-1, do it. You also mentioned expecting the 9's to be holographic, mine weren't so much, until I got the USP-1. It's a fantastic pre for the price, and a great match for your amp.

After that purchase, I'd look into finding a decent DAC, to run between your Xonar and the pre amp. (yes, we WILL spend you dry):D

To minimize the mid-bass hump, try getting them out away from the walls. Mine are about 2 1/2 feet to the sides and 4 feet from the front baffle of the speakers, to the wall behind them. they are about 8 feet apart, center to center. I sit about 12 feet back. This seemed to tame the peak somewhat.


I'm sure you'll be warned about using eq. If you absolutely have to use it, do so sparingly and try to use it to cut frequencies, rather than boost. Eq's can add noise, and screw with the phasing. (not good) A better option is to look into some simple acoustic treatments for the room, they can be done DIY very reasonably, and with great results....or you can purchase pre made.

Enjoy your new money draining hobby. :D

philipjr

To F1Nut - Is there something wrong with the amp I am running now? Is 185 watts per channel still not enough for the LSi-9s?

To the other poster wouldn't running SPDIF out of the Xonar into an outboard DAC defeat the whole purpose of having a high-end soundcard? I could run digital out of the motherboard integrated and get the same result if I was using a separate onboard DAC...

Not looking to spend $10K on my system just a couple grand on one that does most things right and is fun to listen to. I was under the impression that the equipment I am using, while certainly not high-end (that includes the LSi-9s), was at least competent and built well, and should sound good. My issue here is that I just dropped a grand and my stereo sounded better with the RTi-A3s and the Onkyo, and I know it should not be that way. Guess I should have just left well enough alone and been happy with what I had, which I was.

philipjr

To LessisNevermore - Thanks for the heads-up on the USP-1. Sounds like you have had good luck with it. F1Nut is of course right about their being better stuff out there than Emotiva, but I am going after maximum bang-for-the-buck here, as I have limited resources to work with.

What specific improvements did you notice when you added the pre-amp? I know I should get a little more out of my amp if it is not having to amplify anything under 60hz or so for the LSi-9s. That should clean up the sound a bit, especially at moderate and higher volumes.
Do you also feel the low-pass section of the pre-amp would be of better quality than the crossover integrated into the MicroPro sub? I know $400 is not a ton of money to spend on a component but I just want to be sure it will be worth the purchase...

Thanks guys.

philipjr

Guys - I folded two towels in half and draped them over the speakers so that they are gently surrounding the ports on the rear of the LSi-9s and the midbass went from muddy to clear as a bell, while still being plenty strong. It is definitely the back wave from the midbass bouncing off the wall - toe-in gives better mids, highs, and images better, but the way the ports are configured on the 9s it increased this room gain issue. I have them out from the wall and combined with the towels it sounds pretty nice now. I know that seems like a pretty ghetto solution but I will only need to do it when I listen at close to reference levels, and there is no way my wife is going to let me build panels to mount on the wall behind the speakers, so I guess I just found my workaround LOL...

Anyone ever heard of someone doing something like this? It is really funny it instantly solved 99% of my issues with the sound from the LSi-9s...

Bernal

Welcome to C.P.

---

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07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
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10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)

markmarc

Agree 110% with those that have pointed out that the LSi9's ARE NOT for nearfield listening. They need room to create their best sound. I had mine on stands at least 3 ft from the back wall and four feet from the side walls.

B Run

Hey man I was reading and thought that setup sounded like mine, then I realized I bought it from you on craigslist haha! Glad to hear you got to upgrade to the LSI's, and that the wife is happy. Thanks again for the speakers they sound great. -Brandon

LessisNevermore

philipjr wrote: »

To the other poster wouldn't running SPDIF out of the Xonar into an outboard DAC defeat the whole purpose of having a high-end soundcard? I could run digital out of the motherboard integrated and get the same result if I was using a separate onboard DAC...

Not looking to spend $10K on my system just a couple grand on one that does most things right and is fun to listen to. I was under the impression that the equipment I am using, while certainly not high-end (that includes the LSi-9s), was at least competent and built well, and should sound good. My issue here is that I just dropped a grand and my stereo sounded better with the RTi-A3s and the Onkyo, and I know it should not be that way. Guess I should have just left well enough alone and been happy with what I had, which I was.

The reason I suggested the outboard DAC, is that every time I have used the analog outputs of a computer, the internal computer noises have been clearly audible. I'm currently running my computer's toslink out to an Adcom DAC that I bought for $200. No more noise. If it's not an issue with your card, cool.

philipjr wrote: »

What specific improvements did you notice when you added the pre-amp? I know I should get a little more out of my amp if it is not having to amplify anything under 60hz or so for the LSi-9s. That should clean up the sound a bit, especially at moderate and higher volumes.
Do you also feel the low-pass section of the pre-amp would be of better quality than the crossover integrated into the MicroPro sub? I know $400 is not a ton of money to spend on a component but I just want to be sure it will be worth the purchase...

Most notably, the imaging drastically improved. Every aspect of it, height, width, and depth.(I had considered it pretty decent before) Smaller details emerged from familiar material. Sounds appear to be coming from my surround speakers, but they are off. Worth every bit of the $400 to me.

If I understand your set up correctly, the crossover in the sub is the only bass management you are using. If that's the case, then yes, a separate pre amp will absolutely sound better, especially on the high pass side. I like the fact that you can select the crossover points separately for the high and low pass on this pre. The 30 day policy should make it a no-brainer to try it out.

BigMac

Hi and welcome to CP. A couple of things that have not been covered by you. If you are using your receiver's preouts (not sure of your model and did not see where you listed a dedicated preamp anywhere) you will be liimited by the receiver. A seperate preamp will always sound better than using preouts on a receiver. But, if this is a HT/2 channel rig then cool.

Another thing to consider is that if I am correct in assuming you are using preouts on your receiver make sure you have your speaker setting set to 'small'. This way your LSi9s are not trying to reproduce frequencies they are not capable of. When setting to small the lower frequencies will be sent to your sub. If your Onkyo is just a 2 channel receiver then that is the limiting factor by far. Get a seperate preamp to go with amp then the sound will change for the better. As far as the amp goes it's a good way to get into seperate amplification but..........like I was told when I was younger, if you don't have anything nice to say about something then keep your mouth shut,lol. Congrats and enjoy the tunes.

philipjr

BigMac wrote: »

Hi and welcome to CP. A couple of things that have not been covered by you. If you are using your receiver's preouts (not sure of your model and did not see where you listed a dedicated preamp anywhere) you will be liimited by the receiver. A seperate preamp will always sound better than using preouts on a receiver. But, if this is a HT/2 channel rig then cool.

Another thing to consider is that if I am correct in assuming you are using preouts on your receiver make sure you have your speaker setting set to 'small'. This way your LSi9s are not trying to reproduce frequencies they are not capable of. When setting to small the lower frequencies will be sent to your sub. If your Onkyo is just a 2 channel receiver then that is the limiting factor by far. Get a seperate preamp to go with amp then the sound will change for the better. As far as the amp goes it's a good way to get into seperate amplification but..........like I was told when I was younger, if you don't have anything nice to say about something then keep your mouth shut,lol. Congrats and enjoy the tunes.

Hi BigMac - not running the Onkyo receiver any more, replaced it with the Emotiva UPA-2. No preamp whatsover right now unless you count the Xonar, so also no bass management. The onboard DACs output analog to the amp. Would like to have high-pass capability - I think that would make a significant improvement to the sound, especially considering bow bass-heavy the LSi-9s are. Been breaking in the new amp and speakers all weekend. Only have about 15-20 hours of listening time on them so far, but either I am just getting used to the difference in sound between the RTi-A3s and the LSi-9s, or they are already beginning to sweeten up. Liking the sound much better now.

philipjr

LessisNevermore wrote: »

The reason I suggested the outboard DAC, is that every time I have used the analog outputs of a computer, the internal computer noises have been clearly audible. I'm currently running my computer's toslink out to an Adcom DAC that I bought for $200. No more noise. If it's not an issue with your card, cool.



Most notably, the imaging drastically improved. Every aspect of it, height, width, and depth.(I had considered it pretty decent before) Smaller details emerged from familiar material. Sounds appear to be coming from my surround speakers, but they are off. Worth every bit of the $400 to me.

If I understand your set up correctly, the crossover in the sub is the only bass management you are using. If that's the case, then yes, a separate pre amp will absolutely sound better, especially on the high pass side. I like the fact that you can select the crossover points separately for the high and low pass on this pre. The 30 day policy should make it a no-brainer to try it out.

LessIsNeverMore - thanks alot for the feedback on the USP-1. I think you have pretty much talked me into ordering one. Before, I did not see any use for a dedicated pre-amp but if it improved the sound that much for you then I am gonna pull the trigger on one soon. I can sell the Onkyo and the RTi-A3s and get about exactly enough to cover the USP-1. Particulary excited about the improvements in imaging and staging you mentioned. You really do have to upgrade everything in your system in order to fully appreciate the LSi-9s - that's no joke...

philipjr

B Run wrote: »

Hey man I was reading and thought that setup sounded like mine, then I realized I bought it from you on craigslist haha! Glad to hear you got to upgrade to the LSI's, and that the wife is happy. Thanks again for the speakers they sound great. -Brandon

Hi Brandon! Good to hear from you!

I am glad you are enjoying the Monitors you bought from me. I know I had a lot of fun with them. Now it is time for you to buy my RTi-A3s so I can pick up that preamp I need LOL - it has been a few weeks so maybe your wife won't kill you now for buying more speakers haha

Keep in touch bro.

LessisNevermore

philipjr wrote: »

LessIsNeverMore - thanks alot for the feedback on the USP-1. I think you have pretty much talked me into ordering one. Before, I did not see any use for a dedicated pre-amp but if it improved the sound that much for you then I am gonna pull the trigger on one soon. I can sell the Onkyo and the RTi-A3s and get about exactly enough to cover the USP-1. Particulary excited about the improvements in imaging and staging you mentioned. You really do have to upgrade everything in your system in order to fully appreciate the LSi-9s - that's no joke...

I think you will be very pleased. A suggestion, let those 9's break in first, and get to know the sound signature, before adding yet another component to the mix. Another one I'll repeat. Put some distance between your seat and the speakers, like the others suggested. The 9's really aren't nearfield friendly.

B Run

philipjr wrote: »

Hi Brandon! Good to hear from you!

I am glad you are enjoying the Monitors you bought from me. I know I had a lot of fun with them. Now it is time for you to buy my RTi-A3s so I can pick up that preamp I need LOL - it has been a few weeks so maybe your wife won't kill you now for buying more speakers haha

Keep in touch bro.

Haha I think my next purchase is going to be an amp or a new receiver, and i haven't broke it to her yet. I want to hear those LSI's when you get em all set up, i bet they sound great. I managed to blow the tweeter in that CS1, i still have no idea how. Luckily they sent me a new one and it should be in next week. Everything sounds great other than that, especially the 505.

philipjr

B Run wrote: »

Haha I think my next purchase is going to be an amp or a new receiver, and i haven't broke it to her yet. I want to hear those LSI's when you get em all set up, i bet they sound great. I managed to blow the tweeter in that CS1, i still have no idea how. Luckily they sent me a new one and it should be in next week. Everything sounds great other than that, especially the 505.

Yeah for the money that sub is a great bargain - good output and goes decently low for being ported. It is a worthy match for the Monitors. Did you agree that running that sub made it unnecessary to run 70s over the 60s? if you are high-passing the 60s you don't really need the extra output in the lower registers that the 70s offer. What I can tell you is that if you only have $300 to spend on an external amp then the Emotiva UPA-2 is a great bargain. It has alot of "oomph" and also has a gain control so you can still use the other channels on your home theater receiver to power your center and surrounds and match the output level on the left and right speakers to the other channels so they balance out nicely. Then, for two-channel stereo listening you will have much improved dynamics from the additional headroom. You should consider it unless you have enough money to go with something higher-end, but the UPA-2 is perfect for the way I am using it. The extra power it makes with a 4ohm load is nice to have for the LSi-9s...

Give me a call any time you want to swing by and give the new setup a listen. I would enjoy getting your impressions of it and could also make you a list of some good music to check out that you might not have heard yet. I have pretty eclectic in my musical tastes since almost anything recorded and mixed well sounds wonderful on Polks when set up correctly, from the Monitors on up to the RTi-A series and LSi series. Have a good week man!

philipjr

LessisNevermore wrote: »

I think you will be very pleased. A suggestion, let those 9's break in first, and get to know the sound signature, before adding yet another component to the mix. Another one I'll repeat. Put some distance between your seat and the speakers, like the others suggested. The 9's really aren't nearfield friendly.

Will do, and thanks for the advice. One thing I am noticing already is that after getting a grip on the midbass issue and taming the 9s a bit in that range (moved the desk out from the wall about 8 inches and moved the speakers out from the wall a foot), nearfield listening is really not that bad. You are certainly right that the imaging and staging improves when you move your listening position back a few feet, but they are plenty enjoyable now for listening at lower volumes while working on the PC. I move them out another foot when relaxing on the other side of the room and they sound even better when I do that...

Another thing I can tell you is that I appreciate those Vifa ring radiator tweeters more and more every time I listen to the system. They have great extension and detail while still sounding really warm and smooth, which I like. I like the airiness (sp?) of the RTi-A3s in the treble, but they were not near as smooth or realistic sounding. I was never a huge fan of jazz, but I got hold of a few albums in FLAC from a singer named Patricia Barber just to enjoy the high quality of her recordings. Incredible stand-up bass that sounds phenomenal on the LSi-9s - one of the many instruments the 9s do very, very well. It really does feel like you are in a small jazz club about six feet from the stage. Amazing. Loving this setup now - should just get better and better as they continue to break in...

LessisNevermore

philipjr wrote: »

Will do, and thanks for the advice. One thing I am noticing already is that after getting a grip on the midbass issue and taming the 9s a bit in that range (moved the desk out from the wall about 8 inches and moved the speakers out from the wall a foot), nearfield listening is really not that bad. You are certainly right that the imaging and staging improves when you move your listening position back a few feet, but they are plenty enjoyable now for listening at lower volumes while working on the PC. I move them out another foot when relaxing on the other side of the room and they sound even better when I do that...

Another thing I can tell you is that I appreciate those Vifa ring radiator tweeters more and more every time I listen to the system. They have great extension and detail while still sounding really warm and smooth, which I like. I like the airiness (sp?) of the RTi-A3s in the treble, but they were not near as smooth or realistic sounding. I was never a huge fan of jazz, but I got hold of a few albums in FLAC from a singer named Patricia Barber just to enjoy the high quality of her recordings. Incredible stand-up bass that sounds phenomenal on the LSi-9s - one of the many instruments the 9s do very, very well. It really does feel like you are in a small jazz club about six feet from the stage. Amazing. Loving this setup now - should just get better and better as they continue to break in...

Cool, congrats. You are on your way to a very enjoyable little rig.
Enjoy! (the speakers will keep getting better as they break in)

philipjr

xcapri79 wrote: »

Welcome to Club Polk. The UPA-2 is ok, but a pair of UPA-1 monoblock amps are a better choice for the LSi9's. The LSi9's dip below 4 ohms and need the current. The UPA-2 is a fine amp for 8 ohm Polk Monitor speakers or for the LSi7's, however the higher end LSi's will sound much better with more power. The USP-1 is a fine preamp. I enjoy it with my UPA-1's.

Point taken on the additional power - you really can't have too much headroom. Let me ask you this question - would I be able to get by OK with running the USP-1 with the UPA-2 and being able to high-pass the LSi-9s at around 60hz or so? That should free up some reserve power on the UPA-2 if it isn't having to produce that bottom octave from 30-60hz... What do you think? Aside from saving the money I would have to shell out for additional amplifiers, I also should mention that I own a condo so in consideration for my neighbors I don't really need to be able to tear the building down with volume. I do most of my critical listening at fairly moderate volumes, that don't seem to strain the UPA-2 much at all even though it is running full-range right now. I am really surprised at that fact - it barely gets warm, even after extended listening sessions. Also, it just sounds better when I don't crank it too high since it keeps the reflections at a reasonable level as I don't have any acoustic treatments in the bedroom...

Considering those points, would my best move be to pick up the USP-1 pre-amp now instead of selling or sending back the UPA-2 and dropping $700 on two UPA-1 monoblocks? That is the way I am leaning at present. I don't think I can afford to do the other, although I can always upgrade later when I get the itch again (as if it ever goes away LOL)...

Just kind of stoked about the USP-1. LessIsNevermore got me excited about the idea of purchasing one. His input is of course welcome here on the options I outlined above.

You have all been a huge help to me already and I appreciate all the ideas you have given me to think about. Decisions, decisions!

B Run

When you get ready to upgrade i might have to take that UPA-2 off your hands for ya haha. I'll give you a shout soon, i want to come check out your new setup. Sorry to keep getting off topic but i dont have enough posts to pm yet so i have to post on here.

LessisNevermore

The UPA 2 is adequate.(for now) You won't be reaching the full potential of the speakers, but it's far better than running them off an AVR. At this stage, IMO, your best bang-for-buck improvement will come with a separate pre amp. You can always upgrade the amp later. (might even find a sweet deal on the used market)

Hell, you might find that your current amp is all you 'need', but it's no joke, that these speakers will take all the clean power you want to throw at them.

philipjr

LessisNevermore wrote: »

The UPA 2 is adequate.(for now) You won't be reaching the full potential of the speakers, but it's far better than running them off an AVR. At this stage, IMO, your best bang-for-buck improvement will come with a separate pre amp. You can always upgrade the amp later. (might even find a sweet deal on the used market)

Hell, you might find that your current amp is all you 'need', but it's no joke, that these speakers will take all the clean power you want to throw at them.

Are you running a sub? I was wondering how strong a signal the USP-1 puts out on the sub channel. Occasionally my MicroPro cuts out completely when listening at low volume, and I have to keep the voluhe sub at 30-32 out of 40, so I was hoping that the USP-1 might solve that issue and allow me to turn it down a bit while maintaining the same level of low bass...

Also, this is the first system I have ever built around a PC. So the Xonar Essence itself dos not act as a preamp? I read the USP one can swing all the way up to 9 volts on the highpass channels and I know that is a nice strong signal that will be easy for the amp to amplify. I am not sure the signal strength coming from the Xonar but it is very strong. Would that lessen the improvement in sound from the USP-1? I will most likely still get it due to the high pass capability and significant improvements in staging and imaging that you mentioned. That 3D soundstage and holographic imaging you mentioned that you gained when you added the USP-1 has me looking forward to ordering one...

philipjr

OK just read that the signal on the sub out only goes up to 1 volt, which is kinda weak - has that been an issue for you if you are running a sub?

LessisNevermore

philipjr wrote: »

OK just read that the signal on the sub out only goes up to 1 volt, which is kinda weak - has that been an issue for you if you are running a sub?

Not an issue at all. My sub volume is at less than 50%, and the sub is not corner loaded, it's out into the room a bit.