Powering LSI9's

Ginn
Ginn Posts: 46
edited December 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
Hey guy's,

Do you think the Cambridge Azur 640a will be enough to power a pair of LSI9 speakers for audio, or do you think they need more juice?

If not what would you recommend?

http://www.hifiengine.com/library/cambridge-audio/azur-640a.shtml

Cheers,
HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

Office
LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
Post edited by Ginn on
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited November 2013
    I would say it's on the light side. Parasound, B&K, would be my top 2 choices,
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited November 2013
    what's your budget?
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited November 2013
    I already have a big ht system so I was hoping to stay under $500.

    There is this used store right by my place with some sweet old unit's. I just don't know what's good from back then.
    Take a look and let me know if you see something under Integrated amps or receivers.

    Thanks

    http://www.iavscanada.com/shop/
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited November 2013
    here's you a 150 watts that you might be able to talk down a little.
    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-shanling-a2000-integrated-amp-2013-11-24-integrateds-34235-sarasota-fl--2
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited November 2013
    The impedance of the 9's dip into the 3 ohm range in the bass so you will want an amp that can deliver some current into low impedances.The spec sheet for that Cambridge gives only a rating into 8 ohm's so is not likely to be a good match.
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited November 2013
    It says Load between 4 - 8 ohm? See below


    Power output: 65 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

    Frequency response: 4Hz to 80kHz

    Total harmonic distortion: 0.07%

    Signal to noise ratio: 92dB (line)

    Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 8Ω
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited November 2013
    Sansui au-717?

    http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ele/4217228344.html

    http://www.hifiengine.com/library/sansui/au-717.shtml
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    edited November 2013
    I drive my VR3 9's with 30 watts of tube and they are sweet.
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited November 2013
    Mikey081057 wrote: »
    I drive my VR3 9's with 30 watts of tube and they are sweet.

    I don't think the OP is asking about tube watts. If he wants SS, the Cambridge is a lightweight.

    It's CURRENT you seek, not WATTS !!
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited November 2013
    Ginn wrote: »
    I already have a big ht system so I was hoping to stay under $500.

    There is this used store right by my place with some sweet old unit's. I just don't know what's good from back then.
    Take a look and let me know if you see something under Integrated amps or receivers.

    Thanks

    http://www.iavscanada.com/shop/

    Dude has a Parasound 1200 that would work, the Adcom 555 would work too.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited December 2013
    I might be able to get my hands on a used one of these. Thoughts?
    Peachtree nova 125

    http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/nova125-amplifier-with-dac.html
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,204
    edited December 2013
    I powered my 9's with a Nova. Never an issue and I thought they sounded great together. Would still be running them, but I moved on to the 703's. Love my Nova.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited December 2013
    DSkip wrote: »
    Hey look - in your backyard: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ele/4222058844.html

    That's a very nice amp...I'm taking a road trip to Vancouver on Sunday and if you don't take this, I may pick it up ;)
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    I think it would be fun to know how many threads have dealt with this exact topic. Honestly not trying to start crap, just think it's funny that after quite a long time away from the forums, that this question is still being asked.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2013
    The BIG question: How loud do you want to listen?
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited December 2013
    That looks good but I have no knowledge of tube amps.
    Will it give the speakers enough power? Will it be quality or loudness?
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited December 2013
    I can tell you without a doubt the Peachtree nova125 will be able to handle the Lsi9's. When I reviewed the nova125 for ToneAudio, it matched up very well with my Magnepan 1.6's which are notorious for dropping into 2 Ohm territory on a regular basis. In addition, if I sell off my current system to free up cash, the nova 125 would by my integrated amp/DAC choice.

    I also HIGHLY recommend modifying the x-overs, the stock ones in all due honesty are disappointing in comparison to the rest of the components.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited December 2013
    Ginn wrote: »
    That looks good but I have no knowledge of tube amps.
    Will it give the speakers enough power? Will it be quality or loudness?

    I would go for both quality AND the ability to go loud when the mood strikes.

    Hook up your Emo to the LSIs and that will tell how good they can sound with that much power. I would say stick with SS power of at least 200wpc @ 8ohms.

    While everyone around here preaches current, they ignore the fact that more wpc = more current. LSIs require more power/wpc simply because they are 4ohms the more power you give them the better they will sound. It is worth the extra money to ensure that your 9s operate to their full potential. And the amp can be used for any other upgrades you make to speakers.

    So stalk Audiogon until you find what you need.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited December 2013
    Um...no Cathy, more watts doesn't necessarily mean more current.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited December 2013
    Please show me examples Tony in SS gear. Thanks.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Devlon
    Devlon Posts: 355
    edited December 2013
    After getting an opportunity to talk with Andrew Robinson of Home Theater Magazine who uses Crown XLS1500's to power his Tekton Pendragons I decided to order one. Now I have 3. They make my Lsi's sound the best they have ever sounded. 8.9 lbs and 525w per side at 4 ohms. The best and most versatile amps I have ever owned. I got my first one used on Ebay for about 250.00. Here is a link to guitar center's site that gives some specs:

    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Crown-XLS1500-DriveCore-Series-Power-Amp-105914915-i1516455.gc
    Living Room: HK AVR 354 as pre/pro, 2 x Polk Audio Micropro 4000, Adcom GFA-7500, 2 x Mirage OMD-15
    2 x Mirage OMD-5, 1 x Mirage OMD-C1, APC H15, Sony S790, Philips 52" LCD, Beogram 3000, FAT (Firestone Audio Tobby DAC), Harmony One

    Den: Sherwood R-972,as pre/pro, 2 x Velodyne SPL-1000R, 3 x Crown Drivecore XLS1500, 2 x Polk Audio Lsi9
    1 x Polk Audio Lsic, 2 x Polk Audio Lsifx, Sony S790, APC H15, Dspeaker Dual Core 2.0, W4S DAC 2, Keces DA-151
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  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited December 2013
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Please show me examples Tony in SS gear. Thanks.

    For example if amp 1 and amp 2 are rated 200wpc and 150wpc @ 8ohms and 250wpc and 300 wpc @ 4ohms, respectively, amp 2 has more current because it's doubling its wpc when the resistance is being dropped by half. So it's a little deceiving.
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    I guess the blanket 200wpc claim is still alive and well too. ugh.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited December 2013
    cmy330go wrote: »
    I guess the blanket 200wpc claim is still alive and well too. ugh.

    Hehe........
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited December 2013
    The Peachtree ended up just being the original one with only 80w. Plus I don't think it can go down to 4ohm.
    The search continues……….
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2013
    cmy330go wrote: »
    I guess the blanket 200wpc claim is still alive and well too. ugh.
    I guess there's a sceptic in every crowd.
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  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited December 2013
    cmy330go wrote: »
    I guess the blanket 200wpc claim is still alive and well too. ugh.

    If it was 20 years ago it would've been 100 watts... I'm sure in maybe a couple years, it might be upped... 500 watts maybe?
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    FTGV wrote: »
    I guess there's a sceptic in every crowd.

    Must be some pretty tasty Kool-Aid.
    aboroth00 wrote: »
    If it was 20 years ago it would've been 100 watts... I'm sure in maybe a couple years, it might be upped... 500 watts maybe?

    LOL. Could very well be, and I'm sure there will be a whole new batch of people that won't understand why it's not necessary.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2013
    Well, saying an amp has "too much power" is akin to saying your car can go "too fast." I'm not seeing a downside. However, if you listen at moderate levels, and your amp is spec'd for 4 ohms loads; and you have a satisfying level of "headroom" for your listening habits, more power does NOT mean better power in many cases. I think anyone with a Pass Labs 30w amp can attest to this.

    It's like any hobby, look for the amp that meets your specific needs (speaker efficiency vs desired listening levels)--but be realistic in your expectations.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Ginn
    Ginn Posts: 46
    edited December 2013
    So I went down to the local A/V shop and grabbed the Cambridge Azur 651a just to see what would happen.
    It has 125wpc at 4ohm and seamed like a decent Int amp. I compared it with my current emotiva putting out 300w at 4ohm.
    I know a lot of people talk about wpc and how much you really need, along with int amps vs preamp and amp combo.
    So here's what I thought….. and I had a good buddy with me who had the same opinion.
    The emotiva mixed with my ht onkyo amp was full detailed, great soundstage, plenty of volume and punch, and we found it could go louder if we wanted.
    The Cambridge sounded flat, no detail, soundstage was ok but nothing special, and if you tried to push the volume, which was over 3/4 on the knob, it sounded muffled.
    I know there is a difference between watts and quality watts. My opinion is if you are going to spend 1000+ on an int amp I'm sure you can get something decent, but if you have a budget you will have to go with a preamp / amp to drive these speakers.
    I would love to grab a peachtree nova125, but for half the price I can get a XDA-2 preamp with built in DAC and a XPA-200 which will push 240w x 2 at 4ohm.
    I think that's the way to go. That's just my 2cents.
    HT - Sony 52" Bravia - Onkyo TX-NR3008 - Emotiva XPA-5
    LSi15 - LSiC - LSifx - PSW505 - Mac Mini

    Warehouse Boxed up RTIa9 - CSIa6 - FXI6

    Office
    LSI15 - Peachtree Preamp / 220 - iMac

    LSi9's sitting around my dad's house
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