Are Polk LSI9's and Denon AVR3312CI a good match???

Sean_Heins
Sean_Heins Posts: 9
edited April 2012 in Electronics
Thinking about picking up some Polk LSI9's and Denon AVR3312CI to power them.

I can get the receiver for about $680 (pretty much my ceiling). I play vinyl often (Music Hall 5.1) so having a phono pre-out is important... or I can get a preamp, but that would cut into receiver $$$. I also want surround capabilities. Is this receiver (Denon AVR3312CI) my best option that includes a phono? Will it power the LSI9's? I'm just not sure if 125 watts at 8 ohms is going to be sufficient for the 4 ohm Polks, although I haven't settled on the Polks. I will use the receiver equally in stereo and a 5.1 surround set up. Any other suggestions within the $680 range are welcome.

My very first speakers were some Polk bookshelfs- I am thinking of upgrading to the LSI9's and using the old Polks for surrounds now, but am also open to suggestions or comparable speakers. I considered some Def-Tech 40's as well. I have not heard them side by side but I recall liking the sound of both. It has been a few years though. I also just purchased the Polk DSW Pro 500 sub- not sure if it will matter with matching sound of sub and speakers.

Thanks in advance for any input!
Post edited by Sean_Heins on
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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,171
    edited April 2012
    No not really, not to get the best from them. If you keep the level down it will do. Does this model have pre-outs? If so that gives you the option to add an amp so you won't be stuck later on. What are you running for surround speakers?

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited April 2012
    Welcome ot Club polk.

    If you do a bit of searching around, you will find lots of info on proper amplification for the Lsi series. I would suggest buying a slightly less expensive (preferably used) receiver that has pre-outs and then a 2 channel amp such as an adcom 545 or 555.

    Good luck!
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • Sean_Heins
    Sean_Heins Posts: 9
    edited April 2012
    Yeah, it has pre-outs, but I would be broke after the purchase so they wouldn't do me much good for at least a year. Kind of sad... I was going to use some old R1's for the rear surrounds.
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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited April 2012
    680 for a AVR3312CI is a good price.

    is that new?


    that AVR has Pre-outs. you could add on an ext amp later down the line.
    mole'
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited April 2012
    So why no go for a slightly older model like this one:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-AVR-3310CI-7-1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-/200738627562?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2ebcf45fea

    Buy a square-trade warranty and an external amp and you will be blown away by the sound...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • Sean_Heins
    Sean_Heins Posts: 9
    edited April 2012
    That would definitely be a good option. Thanks for the link.

    When I saw the 3312 I just got really excited becuase it has "Air Play" so I could finally enjoy all my music from my computer effortlessly.
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  • Sean_Heins
    Sean_Heins Posts: 9
    edited April 2012
    It is not new, but its actually $579!
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