Lsi9/LsiC amp recommendations

quicksilvergts

Good Evening everybody!!!
I will be upgrading to the Lsi line very soon
(thanks to a Fantastic and generous club
Polk member)

I am interested in your thoughts about a
couple things.

I will be driving Lsi9/LsiC/Fxi3 Via Pioneer
SC1222 for awhile. I had a few amps in mind (Parasound, since my 1200 was a beast) that would suit the needs for the 3 speakers.

Parasound 1000, 1203, maybe
1205/6. And possibly another beast
1200/1500,2003.
I see a few people use the 1205 and have sold a 1205 to an Lsi owner.

Would the difference be worth it to get the
1200 II/1500, 2003 (60amp current) as
opposed to the 45amp Current to the 1000,
1203/5/6?

I would like to power all 3 with amp and
the 1222 handle the Fxi3. Not just sure yet
about the LsiFx. First thing will be a amp
upgrade. Then if available the LsiFx.

These will be purchased towards end of the year or right after. Just getting ideas.

Other brands and models are welcome. Especially since I more versed in the synergy of Parasound and Rti line

Was going to ask about stands but a few
people have guided to the right places and models(thanks!)

Cheers!!!

tonyb

I like McCormack amps but see no reason why a Parasound wouldn't also work. Wondering though how you plan on driving 3 speakers with a 2 channel amp ?

I'd forgo the LSIFX'S, harder to drive. A used 1200 from Parasound can be had around 400 bucks, so yeah, I'd say the difference is worth it. However with the LSI's, I think McCormack may be a better fit.

Mikey081057

Parasound A31 (3 channel) or A51 (5 channel) There are some nice Sunfire 5 channel amps around too.

No Affiliation

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunfire-Cinema-Grand-5-Channel-Power-Amplifier-/221857430981?hash=item33a7bbbdc5

cfrizz

I would jump on the Sunfire, it will run all your speakers with ease. Surrounds benefit from more power as well so you could get the LSI-FX without worry later on.

But keep in mind it is 19" wide, so make sure you have the space for it.

EndersShadow

So my main concern with that Sunfire is the age of the caps, and the UNavailibility of service schematics. If it goes belly up your gonna have to ship it somewhere to be fixed. With older Parasounds I think you can get a copy of the service schematics so a repair can be done locally by any shop... But if you go with a newer Parasound (from say, DSKIP) you'd not have that problem.... Otherwise I'm a HUGE Proponent for Sunfire amps. Specifically the 450/5 (Cinema Grand Signature), but this one would do decent as well....

quicksilvergts

Thanks everybody.
Tonyb -I have never heard of McCormack amps, I will definitely start researching them.

I wasn't going to drive 3 speakers with a 2 CH amp. If I picked up a 1203,2003 I could. Or even a 5 CH amp. Otherwise, I would just get a 1000/1200/1500 and have the 1222 drive the center.
Ultimately I would love a 2205 then all of my speakers would be fed very well and power for LsiFX. I will always keep a eye out for the LsiFx. But amp will come first.

Mikey- Unfortunately those models will be out of my budget. However, the older models are within my budget lol. I have looked at the Cinema grands for awhile. I would love to get one, I need to speak to my local A/V tech to see if he is able to repair if needed. I think he should, he's been doing longer than I been around lol(34yrs).

Cfrizz- Duly noted on the surrounds. Thanks for heads up on the width. When I had the 1205 it was cutting VERY close at I think 17 1/2" wide.

EndersShadow- My thoughts exactly on the Sunfire amp, I would love to get a newer model Parasound from Dskip. But like I said would be out of my budget.

All in all, I would love to keep my Parasound 1200II. But personally I think it will be well worth and justifiable to part with it and get into a nice Lsi9/LsiC setup. Ultimately, I have always wanted to have a set.

Now I will soon know what all 3 Polk lines sound like. Started from
Polk Tsi100/CS10»»monitor70 II/CS2»»Rti10/Csi5»» Lsi9/LsiC and with Polk Fxi3 from the monitor setup and the Rti10's driven by an more then enough adequate amplifier.

By the way I surprised how much smaller the LsiC is compared to the Csi5.

Thank again all!!
As usual always much appreciated. All my choices have come from researching here at Club Polk for all my audio setups. And have yet to be dissapointed. I doubt I ever will. Thanks!!!


Cheers!!

EndersShadow

Not sure about budget since its never been mentioned but here's a decent parasound 5 channel amp for under a grand...

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-parasound-hca-2205a-5-channel-high-current-thx-power-amplifier-2015-08-22-amplifiers-80020-broomfield-co

Lietuvis91

quicksilvergts wrote: »

Would the difference be worth it to get the
1200 II/1500, 2003 (60amp current) as
opposed to the 45amp Current to the 1000,
1203/5/6?

Yes, without a doubt. LSis will eat and love all the power you throw at them. Get the bigger amp.

EndersShadow

They like power and current, both of which the Parasound models have.... But more wattage is better...

Polkie2009

You'd probably regret selling the 1200ii .

EndersShadow

Polkie2009 wrote: »

You'd probably regret selling the 1200ii .

LOL.... that pointed at him or me?

Polkie2009

At Quick,lol!

quicksilvergts

Thanks!!
I saw that 2205 on there and eBay ($1000).
But this purchase will be towards the end of the year (November/December).

A 60 amp it is or equivalent(different brand)

OMFG. Trust me polkie, I am regretting it lol. It was/is my first amp. But I look at it this way, I will get a Lsi9/LsiC and have a AVR that is suffice to drive them until another amp is purchased. That way I can get into the Lsi sooner rather than latter.

Cheers!!!

quicksilvergts

Oh yeah, budget would be $500 maybe $550 MAX.
LOL

tonyb

A 3 channel amp in that price range is going to be hard to come by, though not unheard of. I would stick with a 2 channel, your receiver will have most it's juice available for the center and surrounds, easier loads for it.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

A 3 channel amp in that price range is going to be hard to come by, though not unheard of. I would stick with a 2 channel, your receiver will have most it's juice available for the center and surrounds, easier loads for it.

I'd agree. Either go for a 2 channel, or a 5 channel amp. A 3 channel isnt going to cost much less than a 5 channel.

Additionally you could always look for those older Marantz MA500 monoblock amps and buy individual ones if you can find them for the right price........

Another option would be Outlaw Audio monoblock amps like the M2200 or the M200 (adds balanced otherwise think its the same as the 2200.

Both the Marantz and Outlaw models can be had for decently low prices, and since you are buying them one by one, you'd only need 2 to start with for your L/R, then your center, then your surrounds which could be bought in pairs, or simply as you find them.

None of these are not the powerhouses that the Parasound amps are current wise... but are a set up from AVR power for sure, and fairly budget friendly as well.

Polkie2009

I ran a center speaker (CS400) off of my Yamaha 663 avr for years til I picked up a Outlaw Audio M2200 mono amp from a fellow polkster here. I also tried a Parasound HCA-1000 as a center amp and I think the M2200 sounded a bit better for HT. I have power amps running all channels from avr's preouts Honestly, for the time being, I think your avr would be fine powering the center speaker.

quicksilvergts

Thank you everybody, great input!!
After not getting what I wanted for my 1200II to make the Lsi upgrade . I am keeping it to drive the lsi9. That way I can experience Polk's flagship bookshelves (excluding Lsim lol) with flagship high current lol.
Since I am keeping it I now have minor setbacks getting funds. But is attainable. Just a little longer.
And from what I read and what experiences I am told. I will NOT be dissapointed.

Polkie- Dooley noted, I was thinking about the 1000 too for just the center. I will just wait and see down the road. I am sure I'll be happy for awhile with the 1200II for the 9's and pioneer 1222 for the other 3.

EnderShadow- I have looked at the outlaws. Will definitely keep a keen I for them and Parasound.

I feel like the 1200II is my first car and too sentimental LMAO.

Will post update on the evolution of my audio setup lol. From when first setup my audio setup (started with Tsi100's lol) to the Lsi

Cheers!!!

comfortablycurt

I'm using a Parasound HCA-1200II to drive my LSi9s, and it's a wonderful match. I'm running it with a Marantz UD5005 and Parasound Halo P5. It's a very warm sounding combination and the bass production is amazing. I've had numerous people look around and ask me where I had my sub placed. They were surprised when I told them I didn't have one.

Mikey081057

I saw an A31 on AA's clearance newsletter today

dpowell

If you are set on Parasound see if you can stretch a bit and pick up a Parasound Halo, the SQ is much improved over the 1200ii. I've heard both side by side.

If you're not set on parasound, like others have said, take a look at sunfire. I've done side-by-side comparison of a sunfire signature 400x5 and a parasound halo a51 and they are nearly identical with a slight edge in bass performance on the Sunfire. The Sunfire runs cool and saves quite a bit on electricity cost compared to the parasound. I sold my Halo A51 and bought the Sunfire.

comfortablycurt

Moving up to a Halo series amp would be a bit more than stretching the budget...lol

I paid about $265 for my 1200ii. A Halo A21 would most likely be upward of $2000, even used. The A21 is a wonderful amp though. I'll be pretty content with my rig for quite a while (as a broke college student, I have to be lol), but my next future upgrade will likely be to a Halo A21. I may do some cable upgrades between now and then though, because it'll fit much more easily into my budget.

quicksilvergts

I would love the a halo piece. But since I decided to keep my 1200II to drive them. My Max stretch will be like $800 . It will be awhile for another amp and when I am ready sunfire, halo, McCormack, Rotel or maybe another older HCA 3-5Channels Parasound.
THANKS ALL!!!

Cheers!