What surrounds to get? Will my receiver handle LSi15's?

RedRaptor

Looking to upgrade and seeking some advice.

Presently I'm using an Onkyo 809 with Monitor 70's in front, CS-2 Center and some Jaboo surrounds that came with the house (sound like speakers in tin cans). I upgraded to a 12" sub last year and I'm happy with it.
My listening habits are mostly music via FLAC or CD with a little Pandora for the times when I just want noise in the background.. I got the upgraditus last week and I purchased the LSi15's for front and the LSiC for center but they haven't arrived yet. Should get here Monday the 12th of March (2012) so I'll be setting them up soon.

Will my 809 be sufficient for the 15's?? Specs read 135watts per channel but I'm skeptical.
What surrounds would compliment this system? (thinking LSi7)

Thoughts??

James

tonyb

It's not the watts per channel, it's the ohms. The LSI's are 4 ohm and your receiver isn't up to snuff for 4ohm speakers. Translation, you'll need an amp. Keep the volume down until you can add one.

hochpt21

What tony said, but yes with proper amplification the 7s would be a good choice.

RedRaptor

tonyb wrote: »

It's not the watts per channel, it's the ohms. The LSI's are 4 ohm and your receiver isn't up to snuff for 4ohm speakers. Translation, you'll need an amp. Keep the volume down until you can add one.

That opens a new can of worms for sure!!!

Spent the past 4 hours checking out amps..

3 channel?
5 channel?
A? A/B? D?
Not to mention price.. $2000, $3000.. and up!

The fact that I'm learning much more about systems and sound is an understatement.

At least I can use the 809 as a pre/processor due to low level outs.

nhhiep

you can get a new emotiva xpa-3/2 for less than 1000. that will handle your lsi just fine

RedRaptor

CS-2 Center and some Jaboo surrounds

Let me correct that.. Jaboo should be Jamo

James

RedRaptor

nhhiep wrote: »

you can get a new emotiva xpa-3/2 for less than 1000. that will handle your lsi just fine

Interesting!
Also found the Outlaw Audio 7125 (7 x 190 watts RMS at 4 ohms, all channels driven from 20 Hz to 20kHz with less than 0.05% THD) for $999.

Any comments on Emotiva vs Outlaw Audio products??

James

nhhiep

I think Outlaw is a step above emotiva, in term of history and brand value. Emotiva is all about value, bang for the buck. The THD is pretty high for the rated power, but reviewers really like it.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-xpa-2

pyrocyborg

You're on the wrong forum to ask about Emotiva products... Some people hate Emo either because they advertise higher power than they really achieve (think about what every receiver, and because they are budget products.

However, if you go on many other forums, people will have a lot of good things to say about them.

So, yeah, I think Emo or Outlaw Audio products are good products budget wise. While far from being the best gear ever, they offer a lot of power, are 4 ohm capable and are cheap (when it comes to compare them to other amps rated at with similar specs). As for the amp itself, you can either go with a 5 or 7 ch [depending on your total number of speakers]if you like to drive your speakers hard (high volume). You can get a 3 ch if you do not want to listen at high volume, but prefer low to moderate ones. That way, you could connect a pair of LSi7 to your receiver, if it is 6 ohm capable (because LSi7, even if they are rated at 4 ohm, are more like 6 ohm speakers). I wouldn't recommand driving the LSi7 with a receiver at high volume level, because most receiver can get as low as 6 or 4 ohm: however, most don't have any trouble driving a pair (and only one) of "6 ohm" speakers.

And yeah, LSi7 are a great choice of surround speakers, as long as they are positionned at ear level because as the rest of the LSi line, their tweeters are very directionnal. Depending on the speaker placement, you could hear a difference when listening at a certain position compared to another one.

They can be wall mounted, but for better results, they should be placed on stands: a 30 or 32 inches tall one is probably preferable to get them at ear level (well, it depends on both your couch and your personnal height).

LSi7 are great musical and detailled speakers for the price. I prefer them to RTiA3 for Home Theater, even if some people say that the RTi line is "better" for HT, while the LSi are better for music. For my tastes, LSi are better speakers, period; but they are picky with positionning and very directionnal, with may not suit everybody's taste!

The LSi7 really shine in small room (2 ch), so I guess that in a bigger room, combined with a pair of LSi15 front and LSiC, they'll do a wonderful job, as long as everything is properlly powered!

PSOVLSK

http://home-audio.audioadvisor.com/search?w=nad+t955

I just picked up one of these to run in my HT (LSI 15's, 7's, C).

I looked around at new and used and I kept coming back to this amp. It pairs well with the LSi's and for the price it's tough to beat. With the free shipping it's $799 to your door. I ordered mine on Sunday night and got it on Thursday.

falconcry72

pyrocyborg wrote: »

You're on the wrong forum to ask about Emotiva products... Some people hate Emo either because they advertise higher power than they really achieve (think about what every receiver, and because they are budget products.

However, if you go on many other forums, people will have a lot of good things to say about them.

So, yeah, I think Emo or Outlaw Audio products are good products budget wise. While far from being the best gear ever, they offer a lot of power, are 4 ohm capable and are cheap (when it comes to compare them to other amps rated at with similar specs). As for the amp itself, you can either go with a 5 or 7 ch [depending on your total number of speakers]if you like to drive your speakers hard (high volume). You can get a 3 ch if you do not want to listen at high volume, but prefer low to moderate ones. That way, you could connect a pair of LSi7 to your receiver, if it is 6 ohm capable (because LSi7, even if they are rated at 4 ohm, are more like 6 ohm speakers). I wouldn't recommand driving the LSi7 with a receiver at high volume level, because most receiver can get as low as 6 or 4 ohm: however, most don't have any trouble driving a pair (and only one) of "6 ohm" speakers.

And yeah, LSi7 are a great choice of surround speakers, as long as they are positionned at ear level because as the rest of the LSi line, their tweeters are very directionnal. Depending on the speaker placement, you could hear a difference when listening at a certain position compared to another one.

They can be wall mounted, but for better results, they should be placed on stands: a 30 or 32 inches tall one is probably preferable to get them at ear level (well, it depends on both your couch and your personnal height).

LSi7 are great musical and detailled speakers for the price. I prefer them to RTiA3 for Home Theater, even if some people say that the RTi line is "better" for HT, while the LSi are better for music. For my tastes, LSi are better speakers, period; but they are picky with positionning and very directionnal, with may not suit everybody's taste!

The LSi7 really shine in small room (2 ch), so I guess that in a bigger room, combined with a pair of LSi15 front and LSiC, they'll do a wonderful job, as long as everything is properlly powered!

I agree with a lot of what you said. I am currently running an LSi system (15's, dual C's, and FX's). I just got it a couple weeks ago (thanks zero!). Before that I ran an RTi system (A9's and an A6 (thanks nap!). While the RTi's were certainly sweet speakers, and very fun for HT, I find the LSi's to be superior on every level... especially for music, but also for HT.

I also agree with what you said about Emotiva. My first experience with Emo started 2 days ago with an XPA-5 that I added to power my LSi setup. The XPA-5 replaced (3) Adcom GFA-545's I was using for the last couple weeks. The Adcoms did a great job, but I gotta tell ya, this Emo is kicking major butt. I bought it because I was curious (even given the negative feedback here), and I found a great deal on a used one (thanks Emlyn!), and so far this thing has exceeded my expectations. I think this weekend I'm gonna stick it in my 2-channel setup so I can really evaluate its sonics compared to some higher end power amps... but damn, for the price, I don't see how you can beat it. I'm very impressed, and keep in mind I'm usually a very critical 2-channel guy.

Anyway, the LSi's are really sweet for HT. I'm really digging some 5.1 channel concert DVD's!:cheesygrin: So much so, in fact, I've been seriously neglecting the 2-channel rig!

falconcry72

RedRaptor wrote: »

...What surrounds would compliment this system? (thinking LSi7)...

Any of the Lsi's will work. It really depends what you want it to sound like. The LSi-FX's are a seriously bad*ss surround speaker, but the 7's will work great too. I would say the 7's might be better for some multi-channel music, but the FX's would be better for movies. Personal preference type thing.

falconcry72

double post. whoops.

zane77

pyrocyborg before you jump on the "blast emo prducts bandwagon you ought to check your facts before you let your fingers go running off. just sayin! I know you have so many posts you are an expert

pyrocyborg

zane77 wrote: »

pyrocyborg before you jump on the "blast emo prducts bandwagon you ought to check your facts before you let your fingers go running off. just sayin! I know you have so many posts you are an expert

Sorry? I never blasted Emo, ever, and will never do. I'm not here to bash any brand, as it is not an objective way to do things, unless you have facts before you (what we have on most forums are opinions, not facts... but anyways, that's not my point). I just said that Emotiva isn't "the best gear ever", as none of their components really compare to 5000$+ gear. Is it great gear? Yeah, for their price, it's what I would call a "good bang for your buck" gear. Hell, I could even say the same from Polk. Far from the top, but far from the bottom too: They both offer rock-solid performance at their price point, but you couldn't call those two brands high-end. Let's say they are budget-minded oriented speakers and amp. They offer a great performance/price ratio, and I won't see myself getting any higher than a 2500$ stereo system in the future because there is a lot of disminushing returns once you go up on the ladder.

I think you stopped reading after my first sentence; and at your defense, I could say that yeah, my sentence was probably poorly formulated.

As for the NAD amp PSOVLSK linked, it seems like a great amp. I like how NAD understate their wattage (well... they probably don't, but their amp offers a lot of headroom just in case for short amount of time).

And OP: remember that it is preferable to get quality amplification to power those LSi. Sure they love power, but they'll really shine if you power them with quality gear, even if it is "only" a 100w per channel amp. Think of it as if you were to put 87-89 fuel in a car that requires 91-93 to perform as designed: sure it'll work, but you'll only hinder a part of it's real performance (well... some cars won't like that, but most won't die... anyways, that analogy isn't part of the actual debate). I've seen speakers running off a 20w amp obliterating the same pair powered with a 300w amp in terms of sound quality (versus sound pressure level).

Well, what I just said is really subjective, as some people prefer loud volume over good sound, but I'm kinda sure you do not, as you aim for a pair of LSi, not your typical nightclub "booomy" party boxes.

zane77

pyrocyborg wrote: »

You're on the wrong forum to ask about Emotiva products...

I f a person has a question about an audio product THIS IS THE FORUM to ask it if you don't like the question dont answer it

Drenis

zane77 wrote: »

I f a person has a question about an audio product THIS IS THE FORUM to ask it if you don't like the question dont answer it

Wrong.

I believe this is the "polk audio" forum, not Emotiva. Like with any brand, if you ask a question about something non-polk, like most other boards out there you will get opinions about products that vary from site to site. No where is it stated that someone earns the right to talk about Emotiva based on the fact that it's an "audio product". Pyro stated a truthful comment regarding the majority of opinions regarding that brand. How is that bashing? Boy are you ever offended.

If you read something you don;t agree with or dislike, do you not have a choice to respond? Stop trying to stir a pot that's already empty.

tonyb

zane77 wrote: »

pyrocyborg wrote: »

You're on the wrong forum to ask about Emotiva products...

I f a person has a question about an audio product THIS IS THE FORUM to ask it if you don't like the question dont answer it

Or just as important, if you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question.

pyrocyborg

zane77 wrote: »

pyrocyborg wrote: »

You're on the wrong forum to ask about Emotiva products...

I f a person has a question about an audio product THIS IS THE FORUM to ask it if you don't like the question dont answer it

I used this particular sentence to tell that some people here could bash Emotiva. As I said before, this sentence was poorly formulated and I'm sorry if I offended you. However, if you took the time to read the rest of my post, or even the next sentence, you would have read what most objective people think about Emotiva.

pyrocyborg

Drenis wrote: »

I believe this is the "polk audio" forum, not Emotiva. Like with any brand, if you ask a question about something non-polk, like most other boards out there you will get opinions about products that vary from site to site.

Drenis, just to clarify your statement: even here, in this very Forum, you'll have conflicting opinions about Polk products! :cheesygrin:

And @Zane77: Some of us aren't fanboys or anything. We just like good products that pleases our ears and our budget. And if Polk suits you, as it suits me, then great and enjoy! Same goes for Emotiva and almost any brand out there, but please, we should stop using statements like "best .... ever" for any product, as nothing is really the best at everything you'll throw at it (or the best money-wise). It may be the best for your budget, your needs and your tastes, but not the best ever. Not that you used that kind of statement, but this is what we often hear out there.

For example, I could say that my Subaru Impreza is "da best car ever" but even in Canada, I know a lot of people who don't care about AWD: but for me, as I often have to go through roads with few inches of snow and ice, it fits my needs. Same goes for anything you'll ever buy. As long as you're happy with it, and that you can give good honest advice to other people about it, you're good to go. Some people tend to be emotional about their purchase and will either give a positive or negative feedback to other potential buyers. A lot of people do not even take the time to add comparisons in their reviews, or even add a hint of logical information... so in the end, you get a bunch of flawed reviews based on emotions. This isn't bad, but it doesn't help you in taking a good decision.

And I want you to understand that I tend to be as objective as I can be, whatever the subject is (and I'm studying a subject that most people wouldn't even consider as objectivable... lol... but at least we try). Sure, I may not know about a certain subject, but at least, I'll point it out. I may also speak from experience, but here again, I'll tell you if I do so. And I try to read as much scientific literature I can, I love that . I'm far from being an expert, even in my particular domain, but I assume I may know more than most mortals out here. I'm still learning, and will always be.

So... could we go back to topic please?

PSOVLSK

I should add that the NAD I linked replaced an XPA-5. Not because I didn't like the Emo, just because I wanted to try something different.

If I get around to it I'll write up my opinions in another thread, but bottom line is the move was pretty lateral.

falconcry72

zane77 wrote: »

pyrocyborg before you jump on the "blast emo prducts bandwagon you ought to check your facts before you let your fingers go running off. just sayin! I know you have so many posts you are an expert

Chill. pyrocyborg was defending Emo, not bashing.

RedRaptor

And OP: remember that it is preferable to get quality amplification to power those LSi. Sure they love power, but they'll really shine if you power them with quality gear, even if it is "only" a 100w per channel amp. Think of it as if you were to put 87-89 fuel in a car that requires 91-93 to perform as designed: sure it'll work, but you'll only hinder a part of it's real performance (well... some cars won't like that, but most won't die... anyways, that analogy isn't part of the actual debate). I've seen speakers running off a 20w amp obliterating the same pair powered with a 300w amp in terms of sound quality (versus sound pressure level).

Hey Pyro, I'm with ya on that.
I have not set a budget but am willing to go a couple of grand.

That Outlaw 7500 looks nice at $1600
The XPA-5 looks good too and the price is nice at $900

I've also spent some quality time on Flea-bay checking out expensive amps that are being sold for half or less of original MSRP.

Rotel RMB-1095
McIntosh MC-126
Sunfire Cinema Grand 2000 five
NHT Power5

to drop a few names

I'm regretting the purchase of the 809 as the HDMI quit working just a few days after I bought it. Read too many horror stories about Onkyo warranty to send it back.

James

P.S. I always run 93 in my Raptor

pyrocyborg

Well, for you budget, you have a lot of choice! However, as the LSi are kinda picky with gear, I think it may be interresting to buy new, and return it if you're not satisfied. As I say to many people, getting the right gear for both your ears and your budget is a long journey.... but it's a rewarding one once you get something you really like.

And...too bad for that Onkyo... Can't you send it back to your store for warranty work? I mean, are they able to carry the manufacturer's warranty or is it only a Canada thing?

RedRaptor

I'm really leaning toward the Outlaw 7500.

Any dissenters??
Will I regret that purchase as I regret the Onkyo??

May pull the trigger tomorrow depending on how fast they can ship them.. leave on March 26 for lands far away and would like to receive them before I leave or wait till I get back.

James

tonyb

Rotel or the Sunfire would be a better choice imho. Don't forget B&K too.

heiney9

The Emo would be last on that list. Not on my list, because it would never make the list.

H9

RedRaptor

tonyb wrote: »

Rotel or the Sunfire would be a better choice imho. Don't forget B&K too.

Dang it!!

Stop changing my mind! :evil:

Found a reconditioned 17" Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II 425 x 5 Amplifier by Carver for $2000 on the Bay.
He has "make an offer" might be interesting to make an offer of $1400.
Not too shabby for a $4000 retail unit.

Thoughts?

James

RedRaptor

Whoa!
Just reading the owners manual for the 17" Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II 425 x 5 Amplifier by Carver.
The signature series pumps out 850 watts per channel into 4 ohms???
I would call BS but it's made by Bob Carver. I remember Carver amps from my high school days. Legendary.

My first thoughts were.. speakers smoking from so much power.

I see plenty of good reviews for the Sunfire products.

James

ravaneli

Also, keep in mind the dealer price of XPA5 would probably be ~ 2000. Funny thing is human perception. Emo cuts the price in half by cutting the dealers off, and instead of getting appreciated for that, they get the image of 'cheap product = you get what you pay for'

I wonder if Emo doubled the prices on all of their products the approval ratings in the audio community would improve : )

devani

i had XPA-5 for a while I had full LSi setup....I also wanted to see/hear what they had to offer.....In the end, I moved on and tried other things as well.....

for HT, i think they are fine and for someone on a budget it's a great way to get into separates....