Moving to LSi series...AMP/AVRsuggestions?

iareslan

Hello Everyone;

I have recently purchased a complete LSI series: Lsi-15's, alongside the Lsi-C, Lsi-FX and Lsi-7. To add to that, I have also purchased the NAD C275 AMP for those front channels to make sure I get the best performance out of my 15's, and from what I've read, I hear the Polk - NAD combo is great! ?

However, this leaves my remaining Lsi's (C, FX, & 7) to be powered up. Do you recommend I go with a separate AMP for these channels, or can I stick to the AVR and power all those remaining channels from the AVR itself. I hear the Yamaha AVR's can support/drive 4-Ohm impedance's quite well, however, not sure of how they "actually" perform, or if this setup will heat up and reduce the performance of the overall system.

The other option would be to connect those remaining channels onto an external AMP such as the Emotiva AMP (UPA-5). I found that they are at a pretty good price point (much less than the XPA-5), and I need to know if the UPA series would be good enough to power up those remaining channels? However, this means more $$$ to dish out!

Would appreciate your suggestions here...shall i stick with the AVR to power Lsi's (C, FX, & 7)? That would be easier on the pocket! Or do i have to go to the power AMP option (UPA)? Or would the UPA be a bad choice?

Thanks,

Isy

chumlie

What AVR are you useing ? Maybe a used 3 channel amp and let the AVR run the 7's.

iareslan

I haven't decided on the AVR yet, but I'm thinking on the Denon 3312. I've heard about th Yamaha, but have only looked at the 3076.

Also, why would you recommend the lsi-7's to run on the AVR?

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

Denons sound pretty good with Polk speakers. And of the Yamahas, I prefer the newest series (the Aventage). As for the LSi-7s, their impedance swings into the below 4 ohm realm hardly occur and in fact they're usually a lot closer to the 6 ohm level than 4 so it makes sense to use what amp power you have to drive the least power hungry speakers in your set and spend most of the budget up front where it "counts' and it's "needed". Not a lot of surround info in the back!

Good Luck!


cnh

chumlie

I prefur the Pioneer Elite's myself. cnh answered your 7 question better than i would have. FYI. when you get enough posts to PM. MKZ has a real nice 5 channel B&K that he's selling (AV5125) for $550. Would work nice for you.

iareslan

Thanks...
So will the NAD c275 AMP (2channels) be enough to power the Lsi-15? (150W continuos power @4ohm; 410W Dynamic power)
And is the Emotiva UPA-500 (5 channels) be enough to power the rest? (140W @ 4-ohm)
I want to get the most out of the setup! So I want to make sure I feed the right/enough power?

Ps. I will most likely get the Denon 3312 AVR to complete the set. So I can connect the 7's to the AVR (or) to the UPA-500 since I have the channels available. Which do you recommend?

tonyb

How big is the room and do you plan on blasting these speakers at fairly high volumes ? I would say your amp choices are adequate but not optimal.

iareslan

Room is 6 x 6 meters.
And high volumes are a must, don't want any limitations there! :eek:
So what would be "optimal"?
Shall I get rid of the NAD in your opinion?

cfrizz

iareslan wrote: »

Room is 6 x 6 meters.
And high volumes are a must, don't want any limitations there! :eek:
So what would be "optimal"?
Shall I get rid of the NAD in your opinion?

Thank you for giving us this info and welcome to Club Polk.

The LSI's are 4ohm speakers that require serious power to play to their full potential. Add in the fact that you don't want any limitations there answers your question.

Forget the UPAs, if you are going to get and Emotiva then get a 5 channel XPA. The bottom line is you should get as much power as possible at 8ohms of prefferably not less than 200 watts to ensure that the speakers have what they need when they need it. Everyone around here always wants to give the 7s less, but I know from experience that they will heat up a receiver or lesser watt amp enough to fry an egg on top of it.

You can widen your options if you are willing to go used with brands such as Parasound, Sunfire, Rotel, B&K, etc.on Audiogon.

Yes it is going to cost you more money up front, but this is a piece of gear that you will be able to use through all other upgrades to your system. Doing it once & doing it right the first time around will save you from having to repeat the process if you buy the wrong gear just because it's cheaper.