Need very specific help. Receiver and amp for LSi15 and Lsi-c

Nostalgic

Price: if I can get by with just a receiver I'd spend up to $300. If I need to buy an Avr and separate amp then $600 max for all.

1. Receiver. Please recommend a specific one. Can I get by with just this? Either way, do I need one rated to 4 ohms or is that only if I don't use a separate amp? Make sure it has preouts for amp. Really would like one with Bluetooth capability.

2. Amp, if needed. I have zero clue about these so need to know specifically what you recommend. I read comments saying you can spend a few hundred and be just fine. What do I get? I just want to drive these speakers without killing my receiver. Please recommend an amp i can buy.

Thanks all!

tonyb

No receiver in that price range will be capable of driving the LSI's. I don't even know if you can get one with preouts in that price range, even at 600. You'll need preouts to add an amplifier. If your budget is that limited, you should re think your path and maybe move down to the rtia7's or lower.

Nostalgic

Thanks for the response. I'm going to keep the LSi15's, if I have to bump up my price a bit i will.

So let me put it this way, what is one if the more inexpensive (relatively) receivers that has preouts?

tonyb

Since your budget is that tight, I'd suggest buying used. Something like this....

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/processors-pioneer-elite-sc-63-amazing-surround-receiver-2016-11-06-home-theater-34787-winter-garden-fl--2

Then you need an amplifier, which also used can be found from the likes of Parasound, B&k, Sunfire, McCormack, and a host of others for around 400-600 bucks. Look on your local Craigslist too, U.S. AudioMart, Audiogon, or right here in our own flea market.

Then you need 2 rca cables to hook up the amplifier to the receiver. Something of decent quality like Signal Cable analog 2's which are not expensive.

If you want new all the way around, your talking a couple grand.

Nostalgic

I'm OK with used if need be and someone can point out a good deal.

For the amp, I'm looking at Parasound 1200 or Adcom GFA 555 used.

Finally, I want to add in that I'd really like the receiver to have Bluetooth.

Nostalgic

Would the pioneer you linked have a preout for the center channel as well? Or do I use one of the surround preouts?

Nostalgic

What about a Marantz sr5005 for $250? It's 100 W per channel only but does that matter if using separate amp?

tonyb

Nostalgic wrote: »

Would the pioneer you linked have a preout for the center channel as well? Or do I use one of the surround preouts?

Yes it does, one only needs to look at the back of any receiver your interested in and the preouts will be labeled....if it has them.

The power of the receiver won't matter much because you'll be using an amplifier. The receiver can then by itself power the center and surrounds. Parasound is a good choice and I might consider that one above the Adcom.

skrol

Sounds like you are on a budget. The Parasound HCA-1000A drives the LSi15's quite well and sounds great.

cfrizz

The Parasound HCA-1500A would be even better.

Legender

Bluetooth? You could buy an external device for $30 that will feed music into your receiver. This should open the door for more receivers in your price point that might be a bit older. Don't forget to use an external amp the receiver must support preouts to feed into the amp. I usually look for pictures for any receiver I'm looking at to insure it has preouts.

Nostalgic

You guys are very helpful! Much appreciated.