Amp or Receiver for 2 Channel Kitchen set up

chadam44
chadam44 Posts: 68
edited May 2011 in Speakers
So, I spend a little bit of time in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, and otherwise sitting at the table reading/eating/drinking/etc. I recently got a few pairs of LSi7s and was thinking about putting a pair to task in the kitchen with a 2 channel stereo or amp. Any suggestions that would drive them with proper amplification (ie 4ohm; for those kitchen beer pong or card games that need some nice background noise to keep you entertained) and not take up a ton of room? The speakers will be mounted up high on one of the walls but I do not have a ton of counter space to dedicate to a stereo/amp. Would like to keep it kind of cheap too, maybe under $300. Let me know what you guys think can be done, all suggestions are appreciated.
Post edited by chadam44 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2011
    Assuming being a kitchen rig, they'd probably be played at low to moderate levels? If so, just get a receiver. The low impedance only becomes an issue when driving the amp at higher than typical levels.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slk55amg
    slk55amg Posts: 305
    edited May 2011
    I have two SONY ES Receivers that are rated for 4ohm use.
    Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited May 2011
    A couple of the Onkyo claim 4ohm, and I had my set-up running on a Pio1020 for a couple weekd till my sunfire and sc35 arrived
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chadam44
    chadam44 Posts: 68
    edited May 2011
    I have a cheapo sony receiver from like 10 years ago that I can hook them up to, but to be honest, I never really liked how it sounded. I have seen a few 2-channel onkyos on craigslist around here recently and was thinking about those since they are technically rated 4-ohm. Dont know how loud I would go with the set up, but knowing me, I would end up wanting to crank it up a bit at times.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chadam44
    chadam44 Posts: 68
    edited May 2011
    Might sell the speakers though, dont have a lot into them and could always find something easier to drive for less coin.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2011
    For 200-300 or so you could buy a new HK stereo receiver, or possibly a Marantz 4023 refurb. A used NAD would also work. Any of these can power the LSI-7s for the applications you suggest above. I have used an HK 3490 on those speakers and its fine at lower (non-reference) volumes. A used NAD C325 could be had for around 300--an integrated that also works well with these speakers.

    All pieces mentioned above can run in 4 ohms.
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter