Inherited LSi25 7.1 setup, Questions about system, Amp

MaynardLD50

Hello all! I've been lurking here for a little bit now reading and even though I've found most of my answers I wanted to get some advice from other Polk aficionados:)

Long story short my father passed away in 2005. In 2003-04 I was working at Tweeter/United Audio and we got an amazing discount on Polk Audio once we began selling the speakers. My father ended up purchasing the LSi25's, LSiC, and two sets of LSi surrounds for 7.1 setup (crazy back then). You don't even want to know what we paid for it :eek: Unfortunately my father did pass shortly thereafter and he never truly got to enjoy them. Worse yet he had a son, me, who worked for Tweeter and didn't realize how much power these speakers needed. I'm embarrassed to say that I did not realize they needed as much power as you all have informed me of until about 3 days ago when I began reading the site :redface:

Bottom Line: I have this amazing system sitting in my basement hooked up to a Pioneer Elite VSX-32, please don't flame me!, powering all 5 currently For as much as I use it now it does it's job pretty well, but I've decided I want to start really using this system.

I'm by no means a rich man at the moment, but is there a "Best bang for your buck" amp out there that will make these speakers sing? Is there anything else you recommend I should get to really utilize this system?

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!

PrazVT

I think in general you're going to want a 7 channel amp [or 7 channels worth of amps]. Your receiver has pre-outs, so I don't think you need to worry about replacing that.

What's your budget like? There are lot of choices used or new ..just depends on what you're willing to spend.

MaynardLD50

Oops, forgot to mention budget! I was trying to keep it $700 and lower, don't want the CFO (wife) and Junior CFO (14 month old) to get angry with me Hopefully that's not too cheap.

PrazVT

It may be doable. I'd suggest checking out the multichannel amp section on audiogon or perhaps eBay.

Something like an Emotiva UPA 7 should fall in that range ($600). A NAD t973 is a little more at $900. just a quick glance at audiogon for those...

MaynardLD50

Thank you Praz, appreciate the quick replies. If you guys were picking out an amp for under $1000 bucks which would you choose? The best pairing?

SDA1C

Uhhh... 5 channel Sunfire....run the surrounds with the receiver.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?128255-Adcom-Sunfire

EndersShadow

SDA1C wrote: »

Uhhh... 5 channel Sunfire....run the surrounds with the receiver.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?128255-Adcom-Sunfire

I agree with him partially. What LSi surrounds do you have, the 7's or the 9's or the LSiFX? Your AVR should be able to drive 2 4 ohm speakers, but if its not rated for it that might be an issue later on down the road.

That said if you get a 5 channel Sunfire, you could always get a smaller 2 channel amp for the rear surrounds. You wouldnt need nearly as much power for the surrounds as you do your fronts.

domflane

That's a shame about your father. It's cool that you shared audio as a common interest and he left you an amazing speaker set. And a big + 1 for the Sunfire. That's one of the baddest multichannel amps you'll see for less than 1K. Don't be afraid of buying a used amp, especially here on the forum. You're saving $150 over a new Emo XPA-5 and getting a much better product. The LSi's should blow you away with this amp and you'll be killing youself for not doing them justice all these years. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

- Dom

MaynardLD50

SDA1C wrote: »

Uhhh... 5 channel Sunfire....run the surrounds with the receiver.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?128255-Adcom-Sunfire

Haha! I love the shameless plug ;P That's definitely an option that I'm going to keep in mind as I OCD research right now

EndersShadow wrote: »

I agree with him partially. What LSi surrounds do you have, the 7's or the 9's or the LSiFX? Your AVR should be able to drive 2 4 ohm speakers, but if its not rated for it that might be an issue later on down the road.

That said if you get a 5 channel Sunfire, you could always get a smaller 2 channel amp for the rear surrounds. You wouldnt need nearly as much power for the surrounds as you do your fronts.

I have 2 pairs of the LSiFX for rears and surrounds. I was thinking the receiver could candle those which is why I was originally looking at 2 Channel amplifiers. After more reading and research it really appears that to make this thing sing I should get a 5 channel amp at the very least. I also have a Mirage BPS 400 subwoofer that is behind my couch, but that is just icing on the cake for movies I hate saying it, but I wished Best Buy carried some nice amps. I have about $500 in gift cards to Best Buy that I have no use for

I just realized I'm probably going to need to look at new cables to connect to the speakers also. I'm using some Monster CL-1 wires right now that I'm sure you're cringing as you read that. Couple reliable brands or recommendations to point me in the right direction?

codyc1ark

You should be fine with monster for now, I'd focus on the amp issue. I'd hate to see you coming back here after frying your receiver watching Iron Man 2! All of the suggestions are good ones, I'm on the boat that you would be fine with a quality 5 channel amp, and running the rear surrounds off of your AVR. Adcom, Emo, and Rotel are great brands to get started with, I'm running a used Adcom GFA-7000 (200w x5) for my LSi's, and does a great job. Welcome to CP and good luck!

SDA1C

EndersShadow wrote: »

I agree with him partially. What LSi surrounds do you have, the 7's or the 9's or the LSiFX? Your AVR should be able to drive 2 4 ohm speakers, but if its not rated for it that might be an issue later on down the road.

That said if you get a 5 channel Sunfire, you could always get a smaller 2 channel amp for the rear surrounds. You wouldnt need nearly as much power for the surrounds as you do your fronts.

LOL ummm...Adcom 5400

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?128255-Adcom-Sunfire

LOL

I think your receiver would be plenty though to be honest.

MaynardLD50

Thanks Cody and SDA!

SDA I sent you a email seeing as I can't PM just yet

I'm impressed how professional these boards are. So far I haven't noticed any "OMG you idiot" type talk which is nice. As with most message board forums I was anticipating some flaming for posting what seems to be a simple "Duh you need an amp" question.

SDA1C

You are welcome to come hear my amped system. I run a Sunfire 5/425 that does outperform the 5/200 but only when you get to blistering volumes. The 200 would suit you perfectly I believe. I am not completely familiar with how much power the lsi's want but I strongly doubt the models you mentioned require as much clean power as the old tanks I use.

I am an hour south of Davenport you are more than welcome. ...Bring beer lol

SDA1C

EndersShadow wrote: »

I agree with him partially. What LSi surrounds do you have, the 7's or the 9's or the LSiFX? Your AVR should be able to drive 2 4 ohm speakers, but if its not rated for it that might be an issue later on down the road.

That said if you get a 5 channel Sunfire, you could always get a smaller 2 channel amp for the rear surrounds. You wouldnt need nearly as much power for the surrounds as you do your fronts.

I got to thinking (Look out!lol) Would it not be better to have the 5/200 then look for a large 2 channel for the fronts? I think that's how I would go. Use the receiver for the time being and keep an eye open for a 2/300 Sunfire to compliment the 5.

codyc1ark

SDA1C wrote: »

The 200 would suit you perfectly I believe. I am not completely familiar with how much power the lsi's want but I strongly doubt the models you mentioned require as much clean power as the old tanks I use.

I am an hour south of Davenport you are more than welcome. ...Bring beer lol

200 is plenty, I ran my 9's off a 90w Adcom and even at high volume it was just fine. I would at a minum get a three channel amp, but if it we're me I'd do a 5 channel.

BTW, I didn't see mention of a subwoofer? Let me introduce you to your next purchase.... :cheesygrin:

1C, next time I come back home, I'll have to swing through with a few NC brews and check out your rig!

SDA1C

Any time Cody. I have a DTS of the Police that needs played to death hehe. Hmmm beer.:cheesygrin:

MaynardLD50

codyc1ark wrote: »

200 is plenty, I ran my 9's off a 90w Adcom and even at high volume it was just fine. I would at a minum get a three channel amp, but if it we're me I'd do a 5 channel.

BTW, I didn't see mention of a subwoofer? Let me introduce you to your next purchase.... :cheesygrin:

1C, next time I come back home, I'll have to swing through with a few NC brews and check out your rig!

Oh I have Sub

Meet BPS400 aka "The Windowbreaker" Not a picture of my system, but that's the best photo of one I could find at the moment.

I would imagine that I could start out with the 5 channel amp for the time being though and slowly convince the wife of a second amp shortly thereafter

Monster Jam

Your dad had great taste in speakers!

You have a lot of options where amps are concerned. I am confused though - are you running 7 LSi speakers, or 5? I have both an Adcom and a Sunfire running LSi speakers. I think I like the sound of the Adcom slightly better, but I prefer a brighter sound.

MaynardLD50

I'm rocking LSi25's up front, LSiC, LSiFX for my Rears.

I'm torn now because I have a guy locally in Chicago that's offering the Sunfire 5x200 for $900. I am looking at the XPA-5 and also considering the Outlaw 7500. The problem I have is I can't demo any of these damn amplifiers and I hate to buy one without hearing them.

Any fellow Chicago people out there? Any opinions on the above Amps?

SDA1C

I'm 2 hrs south if you wanna get together.

MaynardLD50

SDA1C wrote: »

I'm 2 hrs south if you wanna get together.

That is a strong possibility! I'm sorry I missed out on your Sunfire I saw what you sold it for and I cried.

Syndil

My suggestion is to buy used, audition the gear in your home, and if you find something you don't like, resell it. I have done this countless times and am convinced it is the best way to buy audio gear. I always recoup whatever I have invested in the equipment I am selling, and many times I have actually made a small profit. I'm good at marketing, I guess.

I'd start looking at 2-channel amps for your fronts, or maybe a 3-channel for fronts/center. I think that should be your priority. The AVR should be enough to power the surrounds until/if you decide to add an amp for them later.

I'm also very happy with Adcom amps; I currently own two of them. All kinds of great Adcom amp deals on eBay and Audiogon. Up on Audiogon right now, you could get a 2-channel GFA-5400 (or 585 or 555II) and still have money in your budget for a GFA-7000 (or 6000 or 7605).

SDA1C

MaynardLD50 wrote: »

That is a strong possibility! I'm sorry I missed out on your Sunfire I saw what you sold it for and I cried.

JUst let me know man. I agree the sound will change in your home but if you are ampless at the moment I can give you a pretty good Idea of what a little power will sound like.

MaynardLD50

What do you think of this amp guys? Good pairing? Fair price?

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/458552

Also, how do you feel about Bi-Wiring? Seems a lot feel that it is a waste of time, but some say there is a huge advantage. Keep in mind this is generally going to be for home theater not music.

tonyb

Good price, good amp, I would take a shot at it for a 5 channel sunfire.

EndersShadow

MaynardLD50 wrote: »

What do you think of this amp guys? Good pairing? Fair price?

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/458552

Also, how do you feel about Bi-Wiring? Seems a lot feel that it is a waste of time, but some say there is a huge advantage. Keep in mind this is generally going to be for home theater not music.

Better Price: http://www.carveraudio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=104

AND this amp has been recently gone over to ensure its functioning by the guy who helped created the amp (Bob Carver).

SDA1C

I'm not saying this is the case as I do not know this seller personally but He was bidding on my 5x200. My first guess would be he flips gear so knowing the history of it might not be all that accurate.

Also, I prefer the amps with the gold plated binding posts. Don't put too much weight to the the 225 thing. It's probably putting out 225 but you will never hear it compared to a 200.

SDA1C

EndersShadow wrote: »

Better Price: http://www.carveraudio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=104

AND this amp has been recently gone over to ensure its functioning by the guy who helped created the amp (Bob Carver).

I would call on these (and speak to a person) to verify their availability. I was after a 425 they had listed and didn't receive a response (phone nor email).

MaynardLD50

So this guy on Audiogon accepted my offer of $1000 shipped, should I stick with that or jump at that Carver audio site? I can't even find a phone number for the Carver audio website, seems weird.

SDA1C

OK take this with how ever many grains of salt you wish ... I have heard from 4 different folks that the sunfire amps are no longer supported and parts are becoming very scarce.

Bill Dibble passed and I believe he was integral to keeping the sunfire vintage work going. What date was the cutoff I am not yet sure.

P.S. I bet he did accept your offer lol.

EndersShadow

Some sunfire stuff is not possible to repair. Hereis the info you need in that

http://www.carveraudio.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1567


About getting ahold of that amp on the carver site try googling bob carver. He's got a new company that should have contact info. It's hard to look it up on my iPhone