LSI9 watts requirement

fyrn

New to the separates world.
I have read over and over in this forum that the LSI9's need a lot of power to perform well. What exactly is consider "a lot" of power in watts/ch? 100, 200, 300, 1000?

steveinaz

If you want to rock them to higher levels safely, I'd (personally) be looking at a minimum of 150 watts/rms @8 ohms; and make sure the amp is fully capable into 4 ohms. If you're going to listen to them at strictly low to moderate levels, less power could be used, but should still be stable into 4 ohms. At any rate, a high current amp is a must.

Now the "variables":

1. Room size
2. How close to the speakers will you be
3. Define "loud"
4. Room acoustics

B Run

The answer is 157.6 watts. Just kidding, but typically with these the more clean high current power the better. I'd go quality over quantity for sure, but 200wpc @ 4ohms isn't a bad place to start. But Steveinaz is right about all the different variables than come into play.

Lietuvis91

There are plenty of 2 ch amps out there that do 200w/ch @8ohms and roughly 300w/ch at 4 ohms that will do the job well. Look for something like that and you will be good ;-)

fyrn

steveinaz wrote: »

If At any rate, a high current amp is a must.

This begs another question what is a "high current"" amp? Is there another spec I should look at other than wpc into 4ohms or is "high current" just a marketing phrase

tonyb

This doesn't have to be rocket science, any solid state amp in the neighborhood of 150 plus watts will work fine. Tube amps is another story but we aren't going there...are we ?

You also failed to mention if they will be used in a HT or music environment, the size of the room, or if you are looking for a 2 channel or 5 channel amp.

In another thread you posted about which amps are better. Thats up to the individual listener. From what people around here use, Parasound,B&K, Adcom, Carver or Sunfire, would be good places to start with the Emo bringing up the rear. Doesn't mean the emo won't suffice, just SQ preferences by those using the above mentioned are geared more towards the brands I mentioned. Tons of other brands too that people use, just comes down to personal preference. Thing is, pick one and get your feet wet. SS amps can last along time, but once you start hitting the 15-20 year old amps, usually some refurbishing needs to be done so take that into consideration.

mole'

adcom 5802 is a good amp for these correct.

300x2 @8
450x2 @4


or would this be too much power?

steveinaz

Mole--

You'd have enough headroom that you'd likely hear compression of the soundstage before you'd do any damage...remember, speakers also have a maximum SPL that they can safely output.

ADCOM is a fine choice.

steveinaz

fyrn wrote: »

This begs another question what is a "high current"" amp? Is there another spec I should look at other than wpc into 4ohms or is "high current" just a marketing phrase

VERY generally speaking, 45 amps and up would be relatively high current output. My HCA-1500A is 60 amps. "Wattage" ratings are where you're likely to run into marketing hype on lesser equipment.

For whatever amp you're looking at, look for a 4 ohms rating on output power in the specs; if it's listed, and it's a respected brand, you're probably good to go.

Remember, as resistance (ohms) goes down, current flow (amps) increases; but the amp has to be robust enough to be able to deliver the amount of current necessary to accomodate the load---or lack of.

kawizx9r

High-current and ability to handle the lower loads.

Pretty much what everyone else stated above.

nwohlford

fyrn wrote: »

This begs another question what is a "high current"" amp? Is there another spec I should look at other than wpc into 4ohms or is "high current" just a marketing phrase

A quick, rough rule of thumb for "high current" is an at least 50% increase in power from 8 ohms to 4 ohms using the same standard for the measurement. Amp makers do play with these numbers a little (e.g., understating the 8 ohm power so the 4 ohm looks better, using different measurement criteria for 8 ohm and 4 ohm). In general, the brands you mentioned in your other post will be "high current" under this definition.

sk1939

Not to hijack, but I have a pair of refurbished 9's on order. Any problems powering them off of a HK3490?

tonyb

Not really, just don't go banana's on the volume dial, you should be ok.

Upstatemax

sk1939 wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a pair of refurbished 9's on order. Any problems powering them off of a HK3490?

My 3490 ran my LSi 9's fine, but my Parasound really brought out what they can do.

PrazVT

VERY generally speaking, 45 amps and up would be relatively high current output. My HCA-1500A is 60 amps. "Wattage" ratings are where you're likely to run into marketing hype on lesser equipment.

What Steve said - when possible, I try to find the peak current rating on amps. In my limited experience 45amps + a decent wattage rating + the amp being solidly heavy tends to = success

I'm driving my LSi9s with a NAD c375bee integrated (c275 amp equivalent). 150w / 410w dynamic + 50Amps peak current. Totally kicks ****. Rarely turn the volume up much past 1/4.

fyrn

which one would you prefer for the 9's? parasound 1205 or rotel 976 (biamped)

JimAckley

sk1939 wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a pair of refurbished 9's on order. Any problems powering them off of a HK3490?

In regards to power, my HK3480 did just fine with my LSi25s as well as my LSi7s. FWIW, while the amplifier section is great, I thought the preamp section of the HK was garbage compared to the other gear I had available. Because of that, I eventually just sold it and settled for having better sound at the cost of power. Just puttin' in my .02

To the OP, That parasound would be great. Are you trying to build a home theater? If you are, that amp is perfect. If not, look for a 2-channel model. Audiogon.net is a great spot to look for used amplifiers. You can find some really beefy ones used at the same price as the lower models brand new. Give it a look!