Speaker Impedance question

haimoc

I talked to a few guys who experience with high-end floor speakers. Accordingly, I had an impression that many high-end speakers have 4-ohm impedance. Is this statement true? Could someone please clarify? Thanks.

steveinaz

No, not at all. Just the nature of the particular design. You'll find far more 8 ohm (nominal) impedance speakers than you will 4 ohm, its not an indicator of quality, either way. The big thing is to know that you'll need a good quality amp to drive a 4 ohm load to higher levels, as the 4 ohm load creates greater current draw on the amplifier.

haimoc

Thanks, Steve.

I have another question. I went to CC and tested drive RTi8, 10, and 12 (8-ohm) with a couple songs from Santana CD. All of them sounded great to my ears, and Rti12's tweeters and bass seemed to be a little stronger that fit my taste.

On the other hand, I read a few reviews about Lsi25 (4-ohm with built-in power sub) which seem so perfect to me, but I did not have a chance to test drive them yet because CC did not have them.

To your opinion, in term of music sound clarity, are Lsi25s a lot better compared to Rti12?

I want to buy a good pair so that I don't waste money to replace them (I hope).

organ

Never heard the 12's before but I'd take the LSi25 over them for a serious music system.

Maurice

Frank Z

Ditto

PolkWannabie

I have the RTi12's in a second setup and for a standalone choice where you are not going to have an excellent sub they are very good for music or HT. Better than the LSi25's ? That's a matter of opinion.

If you are considering the LSi25's that have the powered sub then I would also give serious consideration to the LSi15's with a standalone sub. A good one i.e. HSU, SVS etc.

steveinaz

Which one is better would be up to you. You're getting a quality piece either way.

haimoc

Thanks all for your opinion and advice. I will test drive the LSi pairs, later this weekend, before making my decision.

In case that I decide to go with LSi speakers (4-ohm), my current A/V receiver (mistake) does not drive the 4-ohm speakers. Can I just simply get an amplifier (4-ohm supported) to use with my existing A/V receiver to drive the LSi speakers?

Shell

Originally posted by haimoc
In case that I decide to go with LSi speakers (4-ohm), my current A/V receiver (mistake) does not drive the 4-ohm speakers. Can I just simply get an amplifier (4-ohm supported) to use with my existing A/V receiver to drive the LSi speakers?

That depends if your receiver has pre-outs or not. By the way I would also go with the LSI 15's over the 25's. The extra money you are paying for the powered subs of the 25's could go towards a single higher quality stand alone sub. Plus placement of your sub is not limited when you have a stand alone where it is when attached to a tower. Just some thoughts.

haimoc

Shell,

I agree. I tend to lean toward to the Lsi-15 with a separate power sub, too.

Yes, my receiver has a pre-outs.

nemos2

I have the LSi15's with a stand alone sub and it is a great combo.

I also run an AVR with preouts to an outboard amp. Great setup and it allows you to step into seperates a little eaiser down the road.

If you are starting to look at amps as well, check out the outlaws....ie www.outlawaudio.com They sell single, 5, and 7 channel amps. Great stuff, and very well priced.

You will need to feed the 15's some good clean power, they are hungry, and will take anything you can throw at them.