Receiver matched to LSI9 and LSIC

davidinajijic

Hello Everyone:

This is my first post. I'm seriously looking into buying LSI9's (two fronts) and the LSI Center. Later on I'll probably add 2 LSI7's for the rear. My question has to do with powering the system (since I've read that the LSI series need a lot of push to get the best sound). Are there A/V receivers that can get the job done or should I be looking at a dedicated amp? Any brand suggestions would be appreciated. The room they'll be used in is about 16x20 ft.

Also, the only other speakers I'm considering are the Swans D2.1 Customs. Has anyone here ever done an A/B test with the LSI9's and the D2.1's? I'd like to hear the results.

Anyway, glad to be here and thanks for the help.

David

tonyb

Not too many receivers in the sub 2000 buck range that will do 5 4 ohm speakers well. Buy a receiver with preouts and look for a good used 5 channel amp.

dorourke07

An amp will be necessary. My Lsi9's found much better control and tightness in the bass and midrange once I added the amp. Also, the sound stage openned up more with the improvement in power. I enjoy the laidback and warm sound of the Onkyo with the Lsi's but others might have a different opinion. If you can demo a few receivers first it would be your best bet.

carwashguy

Like my Onkyo NR-1008 that I initially used to run my setup. It has pre-outs, so you can add an amp down the road.

dorokusai

Easy.

Any B&K AVR and I run a full 5.1 LSi setup on an Onkyo TX-NR5008. You could grab an older B&K for <800 w/ everything but HDMI. YMMV.

chadam44

An amp would definitely give them the juice you need, but if you are looking to go the receiver route, anything that has gotten a THX Ultra/Select certification will at least keep your mains powered reasonably well. Can't remember if Ultra meant all channels were 4ohm stable or not but I know Select is at least the fronts at 4ohm stable. You can score decent deals on older Onkyo 8xx series or do what I did and go for a Pioneer SC series with the ICE powered amps; pioneer direct refurbs go for around $600 if you shop around. Havent had a problem with running anything on my SC25, plus it has pre outs incase the need for an amp arises at some point.

dorokusai

You don't need an external amplifier with a B&K AVR....but some still do.

pearsall001

NAD is also one of the few AVR's that can handle a 4ohm load. My current LSi system came after I had my Rotel RMB-1095 5 channel amp. I have to take the amp out of the loop & give my NAD a whirl for awhile to hear how it performs pushing the LSi's just to quench my curiousity.

mantis

pearsall001 wrote: »

NAD is also one of the few AVR's that can handle a 4ohm load. My current LSi system came after I had my Rotel RMB-1095 5 channel amp. I have to take the amp out of the loop & give my NAD a whirl for awhile to hear how it performs pushing the LSi's just to quench my curiousity.

You will be delighted on how the NAD performs. Very dynamic and clear. The Rotel amp could be sold and you would gain some room in your room. But it' to pretty and powerful to do such a thing. You could also sell the NAD and get the T175HD preamp , just a thought.

pearsall001

mantis wrote: »

You will be delighted on how the NAD performs. Very dynamic and clear. The Rotel amp could be sold and you would gain some room in your room. But it' to pretty and powerful to do such a thing. You could also sell the NAD and get the T175HD preamp , just a thought.

I thought about the Rotel / T175HD combo. I did some research & made a few phone calls & the conclusion was that the T175HD would be a step up from my present T765 AVR on the digital side, but to make a leap in analog performance the Master Series M15 HD pre pro is where you want to be. And for now since my older Sony TV doesn't have HDMI, just componet & DVI it's not worth the move. I currently use a combo HDMI/DVI cable from the Oppo to the TV & I use the analog out to the AVR from the Oppo. No complaints on the performance picture or sound wise. When the TV eventually goes is when I'll start looking for a new AVR/pre pro.

niente

As the many replies note - LSI's do respond to power

i ran my system with my Onkyo 803 and it was actually VERY good - everyone that listenened to it (except the audio officiandos) were simply amazed at the sound.

Then i added the Parasound........who turned on the lights!!

Go AVR with Preouts for sure- that way you can add to it with amp as budget allows or desire overcomes you

Jer.War

+1

I ran my LSI15's on my Yamaha RXV-1700 at first which allowed me to biamp the fronts (it also was rated for 4 OHMS).
Prior to bi-amping the sound was very thin (little bass and poor dynamics). The sound greatly improved when I biamped the LSI's. However, there seemed to be a sweet spot of volume. Below the sweet spot there wasnt much impact in the mid-bass and bass, above the sweet spot, the high range and upper midbass were over pronounced which made everything sound high pitched and heavily fatigueing. This was due to the fact that the AVR did not have the current or dampending factor to control the LSI driver as they should (though rated at 4 ohms, at some frequencies the impedance falls closer to 2 ohms).
After a few problematic buys on Ebay with B&K amps, I have purchased a B&K REF200.2 amp and hooked it up through the preouts of my AVR. The result is wonderful. The system did not sound horrible before--most thought it was wonderful, however I am a critcal listener and knew that the LSI's had more to offer. The sound was too shrill at some volumes, weak at others, and the bass was weak and a little bloated.
With the dedicated power amp on the LSIs the sound has more impact at lower volumes and the frequency response is even as I turn it up. Also the mid-bass and woofer have come alive.
If I were you I would start with a high quality AVR (high wattage and current per-channel, that is equipped with pre-outs) to start with. The preouts will allow you to expand and improve your system if you find it necessary.
P.S I am in LOVE with my system on 2ch music, and my blu-rays rock the house; as long as I dont get a noise complaint I couldnt be happier.

[Deleted User]

dorokusai wrote: »

You don't need an external amplifier with a B&K AVR....but some still do.

I have my 9's paired with a B&K 202 AVR. Very nice. I was able to purchase my B&K off Ebay for about $300. Cheers. :cool: