7 Channel AMP for LSi setup

MrDHEJ

So looks like I'm going to upgrade sooner then later. What would be a good amp to drive a 7 channel LSi system?
I looked at the NAD T955 and T975 amps, and for some reason there is a $2000 price differance, for just two more channels... Would like to keep the price to around 2k.

PrazVT

the 975 has more power - especially the dynamic power at 4 ohms, not just 2 more channels. Read the data sheets carefully.

I have the M25 and have heard the T955. I think the 975 would be plenty.

NewHTguy

Not trying to discourage you from the NAD, but I just saw this deal at AA and thought I would pass it along.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAC5250
It is only 5 channels but if your receiver is powerful it might be able to push rear channel lsis as long as they are modest (like lsi7s).

Face

This is what I use in my HT: http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/p/74030/117839/339145

chumlie

NewHTguy wrote: »

Not trying to discourage you from the NAD, but I just saw this deal at AA and thought I would pass it along.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAC5250
It is only 5 channels but if your receiver is powerful it might be able to push rear channel lsis as long as they are modest (like lsi7s).

Nice price on that Parasound.

mole'

http://www.earthquakesound.com/cng_7.htm



http://www.meetgadget.com/gadget/26336/Earthquake+Sound+Cinenova+Grande+7

MrDHEJ

6 grand is a tad much. I was also looking at the outlaw brand of amps, from what i read the founder used to be with nad?

My reciever has plenty to push a pair of LSi9's. As it is now, it's pushing LSi15's, LSiFX's, and LSiC. 15's are bi ampd, was waiting to run the LSi9's in the rear till i got an amp.

Would it sound ok to run just the rears on the reciever with an amp running the front 5? I have little to no experience with that kind of setup. That parasound would definitly have more juice, espically only running 5 speakers vs 7.

Hows the parasound sound compared to the nad?

chumlie

Can't knock the nad. But i do love my Parasound. For that price its hard to beat. It states its like new with a warranty.

tonyb

A 5 channel amp would do wonders for you, letting the receiver handle 2 surrounds should be ok. I sure hope your keeping the volume respectable running all those LSI's off that receiver. Your taxing that puppy fairly well.

tonyb

I want to expand alittle so as not to start another war. A few things, while some manufactures rate their AVR's as being 4 ohm compatable, you have to read specs carefully because they vary in meaning. Usually they rate a receiver into 4 ohms with 2 channels driven, not 7. Also, what they do on some is limit the current in 4 ohm to keep the receiver from overheating. A speaker rated at 4 ohm lives and dies on current, see the problem ? Granted, not all do this, but alot of them do, so read specs carefully.

Another thing I want to point out, is the 809 in 7 channel mode is good for 78 watts, still beefy by midline standards. I know I always point out the 7 channel specs here on the forum, but now I will point out why. Lets throw watts out the window for a minute because it really has less to do with anything. All channel driven specs are mostly done with sine waves, who listens to sine waves ? What it does give you however, is an insight to something more important than watts.....reserve power. Why is reserve power important ? For those dynamic passages in your music/movies that calles upon the receiver to belly up at an instant. When you see a big discrepancy between 2 channels driven and all channels driven, thats a clue that not alot of reserve power is on tap with 5 or 7 channels added. Also, lets be real here because specs are misleading. A receiver doesn't put out all that power at once either into 7 channels. It's very rare that at any given time, all 7 channels will need optimal output. The only scenario I can think of is using all channel stereo and cranking on the volume dial. Now with movies, there is a kicker, all channels are never needing all that power at once, but and it's a big but, if you have low power reserve and your playing a pretty dynamic movie say in Blu-ray, are you quick enough to turn that volume down when the soundtrack demands all channels on deck at full bore ? Granted, it doesn't happen often, but when it does it only takes the snap of a finger to clip.

Like in the other thread on Poly switches, a seperate amp gives you the reserve power needed, especially on 4 ohm speakers to not only give you better sound quality, but to protect your gear, your speakers, and some peace of mind. Of coarse the usual caveots apply, your gear/speakers, listening habits, everything works hand in hand. Start thinking reserve power instead of watts when looking to power multiple speakers and you should do fine.

Just bringing this up because I see a few still driving LSI's from midline receivers and only wish to help some protect their investment. This hobby of ours doesn't get any cheaper, the rabbit hole runs deep. Good luck to the OP on getting an amp and enjoy the tunes.

MrDHEJ

tonyb wrote: »

A 5 channel amp would do wonders for you, letting the receiver handle 2 surrounds should be ok. I sure hope your keeping the volume respectable running all those LSI's off that receiver. Your taxing that puppy fairly well.

I'm still leaning towards a 7 channel amp, but haven’t tossed out the idea of a 5 channel with the rears off the receiver. Found lots of rave reviews for that parasound 5250. Lots of rave reviews for the nad 975 as well though.

I haven’t pushed the 809 anywhere near max, though I don't currently need to with my entertainment room being small; I'm only 7' from the main speakers. Though the receiver isn't getting hot, and the fans haven’t even come on. I know all will be better off with a dedicated amp; it's just decideing on what one to get.

I haven’t been able to find out if the Onkyo TX-NR809 has current limiting, but it does let you set the speakers to 4ohm, so it may. I was reluctant to even say I was driving those LSi's with that receiver. I've seen some perty big flames from other members in regards to driving LSi's with anything other than a dedicated amp. But worry not, last thing I want to do is hurt either piece of equipment, you just have to respect the throttle.

So now I'm leaning towards the parasound. I'm guessing the receiver can handle a pair of LSi9's in the rear? If the receiver can handle those in the rear, would the sound be irregular being driven from two different power sources?

chumlie

You can always add another amp if the sound displeases you.

tonyb

The 9''s are harder to drive and can dip into the 2 ohm area but as a surround speaker I don't see that happening. Kind of a waste for that speaker in a surround position, have you thought about FXI6's as surrounds ? Better dispersion of the surround field and easier to drive. Just a thought.

BTW, that Parasound sounds nice and should work well.

Face

tonyb wrote: »

The 9''s are harder to drive and can dip into the 2 ohm area but as a surround speaker I don't see that happening. Kind of a waste for that speaker in a surround position, have you thought about FXI6's as surrounds ? Better dispersion of the surround field and easier to drive. Just a thought.

+1...

I would give the W4S linked above a second look though.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/amplifier-reviews/43865-wyred-4-sound-mini-mc-7-channel-amplifier-review.html

http://hometheaterreview.com/wyred-4-sound-mini-mc5-multi-channel-amplifier-reviewed/

niente

another vote for the Parasound 5250 at that price!

and for TonyB's statement on AVR power--pretty much nails my experience with LSI's and my Onk

MrDHEJ

The parasound and wired 4 sound are a definate no go in my book. Looks like I'll be going with the NAD t-975, or maybe the M25 unless I see something else of intrestet.

I had wondered about using the LSi9's in the rear. Not sure why the previous owner assembled the combination. I really have no other place to use them in, so i'll put them up for sale and get another set of LSiFX's.

gp4jesus

+tonyb.

Hope you take this the right way. The picture in my mind, while reading that detailed post, was you sitting on a well padded chair w/ sniffer of brandy in one hand speaking in a voice about a notch and a half maybe 2 above a whisper.

Further, that info would make a great sticky. I will copy & paste that into a note file on my phone. Then these type discussions come up, I'll copy & "post" saying from tonyb. Good stuff.

To the OP: many receivers shouldn't have trouble driving just side or rear channels if something "beefy" powers the big stuff (LCR)

Shalom, the "other" Tony

mole'

i use my AVR to power my rear speakers on my bedroom setup and have before on my old front room setup

mole'

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunfire-Cinema-Grand-5-Channel-Amplifier-200wx5-RMS-looks-Great-No-reserve-/330710821597?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D15%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7472092789941989215