Receiver recommendations for LSI15

cr412044

Longtime lurker on the discussion panel here - I have owned a pair of LSi15's for more than 15 years now and I'm looking for recommendations for a stereo receiver or AV (integrated or not, less than $1,800, Phono input, and possibly Bluetooth).

I've had my eye on the Cambridge Azur 851A mainly because of the look and i like the idea of adding the Media player (Azur 851N) later to my setup. But I'm worried that I enjoy the looks more than I will eventually enjoy the sound.

I'm curious what you might recommend. Prefer new but used is also a consideration.

Any feedback is appreciated!

F1nut

The Cambridge appears to be capable enough, but I've got no idea how it and your speakers will sound together. Perhaps you can find a source that has a 30 day return policy in case you don't like it.

I should add, you do not want a receiver or AVR to drive them. An integrated or separates is the way to go.

PSOVLSK

Based on my experience with the LSi15 and with the one Cambridge integrated I’ve owned, I think they would be a nice combo. Agree with Jesse to try and buy from a place with a good return policy just in case. Or... see if you can find one used then you can just flip it if needed.

Nice that you’ve come out of the shadows. Hang around and let us know what you end up with and how you like it.

Emlyn

The Cambridge 851A is a solid choice, but it's been around for a few years. May want to look for a used one instead of buying new and save some money if set on that. The reason I say it's been around for a few years is that it was not designed with an internal DAC, a phono input, or bluetooth. Those are relatively recent additions to integrated amps.

Rotel has a model out now that does all those things plus has dual subwoofer outputs, a USB input, other digital inputs, and a headphone amp. The RA-1572 is a bit above budget, but may be worth the money. It's a relative deal compared to the competitors, which is typical of a Rotel product. I found Rotel's class AB amps to be a good match for the LSi15s. They need a high current amp, which the RA-1572 has, but not necessarily one with a huge output rating.

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RORA1572&variation=SIL

skrol

The LSi series tends to be a bit harder to drive than the LSiM series. You need something that can drive current. Parasound amps do a great job meeting the needs of this series.

guyincognito

Hegel H160 used. Solid amplifier and built in DAC and streaming options. Or maybe a Parasound Halo Hint 6. Good amp and basic DAC but no built in streaming on the parasound.

cr412044

Great advice, I’ll keep you guys updated on what lands in my rack. You guys rock!

rooftop59

I owned the 851a and really liked it, but those 15s are pretty difficult to drive. I would want more current. One of these used would be awesome, but no streaming: https://www.adorama.com/mfim6sibk.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAsaOBBhA4EiwAo0_AnPatYFaCOcbZ1whl2jE5NQqQNhC4-yWvnaEE0c25SP8VpuHXlqDvYhoCFvUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=nmpi-google-dsa-new

mantis

I had a 640A and it was excellent. I loved that thing. It sound fantastic no matter what speakers where connected to it.
I think you'll be fine Driving the LSI15's with it all day.