Newbie Needs Help with LSi setup

tmaung

Hello everyone. My first post here so don't flame me. I have been reading somewhat but man there are so many threads I don't have the time to read them all.

My current setup is a Denon 3310ci with Monitor 60s bi-amped, CS2 center, and TSi 100 as surrounds. I also have a psw650 for my sub. They sound good enough for me at the time and within my budget but I want the big guns now. They were all bought used and separately hence my collection is affordable.

I am not on a big budget at all like some of you folks and I am going to be SLOWLY upgrading but I want to know what should be on my savings list so I can plan/purchase accordingly.

I have bought the LSi7 and LSi/C already but haven't connected them yet. Will my Denon be able to handle them to their full potential?

I plan on purchasing the LSi15s in the future. If I bi-amp them, will they sound okay? I know most people recommend buying a separate amp for the 15s so should I get a 2ch amp or a 5ch amp? Would I be needing extra power for the center and surround as well? Also LSi9s are similar to the LSi15s without the woofer. So should I still go with the 15s? My room is tiny like 12x14 square room. Do I need the woofers from the 15s as well as a subwoofer?

Lastly, I haven't looked into subwoofers yet. The PSW650 is already boomy. Any advice would help.

My budget for a separate amp would be around 1000 after purchasing the speakers.

Oh and I forgot that I have a APC 1500watt battery backup thing that says it is also a line conditioner. Would I be needing a separate one as well? I understand there are awesome stuff out there for $$$$$ of money but please recommend me something that is not super expensive but also great sound.

tmaung

Do you guys think that going with the Emotiva XPA-5 is overkill for the rear? Should I just go XPA-3 and hook up the rears directly to the Denon?

tmaung

Nm...

PrazVT

Hi - welcome to CP. I think the XPA-5 would do nicely. There's no danger is giving the speakers extra quality power.

Also, you should take a look on Audiogon and see what other 3 or 5ch amps are available (Parasound, Adcom, NAD, Rotel, etc.).

tmaung

Thanks for your suggestion. In the meantime, Emotiva is having a sale on the UPA-5 so I ordered that and it should be in today. I am planning on moving that to a second room later on but hopefully it will suffice in the meantime.

Monster Jam

I'd like to hear a review on your upa-5 when it arrives.

bluecomet

You are better off with the xpa-5. The LSi series speakers are all 4ohm. I know from personal experience the LSiC will not sound right with a normal AVR that cannot handle a 4ohm speaker. Once I used the proper external amp it was night and day. The speaker totally came alive and was seemless with my Lsi 25's. Emotiva is descent equipment and you should enjoy your system in that size room. If you want a better rear surround speaker I would suggest the Lsi F/X speaker. You could use the 7's for rear centers if you have a 7.1 system. Good luck.

ohskigod

the LSi7 is the easiest of the LSi to drive.

the Emo will be a good start, if you get the 15's into the mix, a beefier amp might be warranted (used market for the win), but in that small room won't be a big emergency. congrats on going the all LSi route, it's a good way to go.

tmaung

Thanks all. I got the UPA-5 last night but I cannot open it yet for another week while the room is being prepared. I am repainting the whole room dark chocolate color. Right now I haven't bought the mains yet. Still checking the used market for LSi9s or Lsi15s. After that, I will definitely invest in the XPA-5 and use the UPA-5 in another room.

I will keep in mind about the LSi F/X as well. I want to complete the 5.1 before thinking about 7.1. I am also buying a new couch and installing remodeling the whole room so budget is kind of tight at the moment.

devani

keep us updated on how you like everything...i used to have XPA-5 and LSi setup and a baby came along

tmaung

So my theater room is not done yet but didn't keep me from opening the UPA-5s. They made a huge difference in the sound from all speakers. I still have my old polks as main while trying to find an Lsi 9/15. I am truely impressed by it. Also the UPA-5 weighs like a freaking ton. I will end up spending a bundle on an equipment rack to hold that sucker! If you can still order it, GET THE UPA-5 for the price and use it as a paper weight if you have to. It is well worth the price!

veerapaneni

tmaung wrote: »

So my theater room is not done yet but didn't keep me from opening the UPA-5s. They made a huge difference in the sound from all speakers. I still have my old polks as main while trying to find an Lsi 9/15. I am truely impressed by it. Also the UPA-5 weighs like a freaking ton. I will end up spending a bundle on an equipment rack to hold that sucker! If you can still order it, GET THE UPA-5 for the price and use it as a paper weight if you have to. It is well worth the price!

I have 1 -2 months old Complete Lsi15 setup incuding Center and LSiFx speakers on sale. Also have Micropro 4000 Sub. They are not yet broken. I went to Paradigm signature series. Where are you located ?

tmaung

Virginia. Please pm me your email and I would like to inquire about them.