Amplification for LSI 15

isaiias

Hi guys,
I'm looking for some suggestions on upgrading the receiver in my system. I currently have the following gear:
-LSI15 for the fronts
-LSIC for the center
-Polk In ceiling for the rear
-Onkyo Receiver TXNR-609
-Martin Logan Depth Sub-woofer

I'm trying to decide between the following gear:
XPA-5 $900(I will use an old RXV-765 as pre-amp) or a Yamaha RX-A3030($1250) or a Yamaha RXA1030($1000)
The room is medium size(15x20), but open to the kitchen. If it helps, I listen to a mix of 95% movies and 5% music and my main music preference is hard rock. By the way, The prices provided are not retail as I work for a dealer. I was pretty much set on the Emotiva, but I read that the Yamaha's are now 4 ohm stable and provide higher wattage at this impedance.
I will highly appreciate any input from the forum

EndersShadow

Only AVR I would use with LSi speaker are Pioneer Elite SC models IMHO. I would either get the Emotiva new or or look at other used models for the same price that might save you a couple bucks.

I drive my 5 channel LSi setup (15's, C, F/X's) with a older Carver AV-705x 5 channel amp I picked up for 250 and they love it.

isaiias

Thanks for the quick response. It sounds like really good advice and I think that I will stick with a discrete amplifier. I can alsoget a Marantz MM7055 for around $900. What are your thoughts on the Marantz vs the Emotiva?

chumlie

For your application based on the specs alone i would go with the Emo.
Emo: 300 watts RMS @ 4 ohm ( all channels driven )
Marantz: 170 watts RMS @ 4 ohm ( 2 channels driven )

heartystatue

I currently have the LSI15, C, FX, set up using an XPA3 for the R, L, C. And an Onkyo TXNR809 for the rears. For movies it sounds pretty awesome. I just bought the setup a couple weeks ago and still tweaking a little bit on the music side but no problems with amplification.

amgala

FYI the Emo XPA-5 is on sale right now - 10% off

zingo

EndersShadow wrote: »

Only AVR I would use with LSi speaker are Pioneer Elite SC models IMHO.

I would agree with that as 95% of receivers cannot properly power Lsi speakers.

EndersShadow

isaiias wrote: »

Thanks for the quick response. It sounds like really good advice and I think that I will stick with a discrete amplifier. I can alsoget a Marantz MM7055 for around $900. What are your thoughts on the Marantz vs the Emotiva?

Personally I like the Marantz brand over Emotiva, but thats my opinion and I have never heard either unit. If the Marantz is rated for 4 ohms then I would honestly look at the spec's and go with your guts.

Me myself and I would look elsewhere than Emotiva, but thats because I am comfortable with buying used (depending on the source) to save a buck or two. Some brands I personally would look at are Parasound, Cinenova, Outlaw Audio off the top of my head.

By no means is this to be taken as me knocking Emotiva. They make a solid entry level amp that many people enjoy and never feel the need to upgrade from. Their amps come with a warranty whereas used amps normally do not, so you may save some bucks on the initial purchase by going used but only if the amp doesnt bite the dust.

As with all things audio YYMV.

jon s

I currently am using a Pioneer SC-67 (digital power receiver). It has no problems driving the LSi15 to really loud levels. I mean REALLY loud where the spouse complains from the other side of the house.

I also was able to power them with an Onkyo TX-NR906 receiver that was more than enough for the speakers.... Then again, that puppy weighed about 60 lbs. I got rid of the Onkyo because it had the infamous HDMI board failure that Onkyo is known for.

EndersShadow

jon s wrote: »

I currently am using a Pioneer SC-67 (digital power receiver). It has no problems driving the LSi15 to really loud levels. I mean REALLY loud where the spouse complains from the other side of the house.

I also was able to power them with an Onkyo TX-NR906 receiver that was more than enough for the speakers.... Then again, that puppy weighed about 60 lbs. I got rid of the Onkyo because it had the infamous HDMI board failure that Onkyo is known for.

Good to hear Jon, that AVR is on the short list to drive my center and surrounds and possibly my fronts too (have a more powerful Carver 2 channel amp there right now)

bondslex

You need as much as possible.

bondslex

Amplification that is as I am sure you are aware.

isaiias

Thank for all your responses. I've decided to pull the trigger on the Emotiva. I appreciate all the input provided........

F1nut

There's a lot more to quality sound than wpc and a cheap price.

tonyb

If I had a nickel........^^:cheesygrin: