Newbie needs amp advice!

iluvmusic

Let me start out by saying I know very little about Pre-amps and amps, but after reading a lot of input from this forum, I’m seriously considering returning the HK DPR1001 to CC, and purchasing an amp instead, and using my Pioneer VSX-811s as the pre-amp (it has pre-outs so I can do that, right?). I need to get something to power those LSI7’s that I decided not to get rid of. I’m planning on trying the Rti8’s as fronts and the Lsi7’s as surrounds, with no center, and an HK 12 inch sub (or may move my Velodyne CHT 10 to work with this system). Used would be ok, but if I could find a real good deal on a new one, would definitely consider that also. The HK cost me about $675 with taxes and warranty, so would like to spend a similar amount on an amp. I could spend between $500 to $1000, but would like to find a real good deal – like perhaps a new $1000 amp for $750 (maybe I’m dreaming).

So, being a newbie to amps, I have several questions - since my Pioneer would be used as a preamp (I think), will the treble and bass settings and surround settings, and things like that still be available when going through the amp. In other words, your amp doesn’t control the treble or bass, does it? Should I look at getting a multichannel amp, or should I just look at getting a two channel amp, since I listen to more music than HT, and just run the two main channels through the amp, with the other two channels (surrounds) and sub just coming out of the Pioneer? Do you think the Pioneer will sound good going through an amp?

I’ve been looking at Parasound amps on their website, and other places on the web. What do you guys think of those or do you have any suggestions. I tend to like something that sounds fairly “bright” (real crisp treble), and with ample bass, though I’m not a bass hog.

And, do you guys know of any online place or other wise, that sells them with a 30 day return policy like CC, so I can return it if it doesn’t suit my tastes?

Thanks.

Sami

Originally posted by iluvmusic
I’m planning on trying the Rti8’s as fronts and the Lsi7’s as surrounds

I would do it the other way, LSi's as fronts. That way you would get better 2 channel performance out of the system. Make sure you calibrate the system with an SPL meter, otherwise I'm willing to bet that those LSi's will have less sound coming from them than the RTi's. Also get a centre channel, otherwise dialog will be hard to hear on movies.

Originally posted by iluvmusic
In other words, your amp doesn’t control the treble or bass, does it?

Correct. An amplifier does exactly what the name implies to, amplifies sound.

TroyD

If I were to do it, I would use an amp to power my mains. Using an amp to power the rear speakers, IMO, is sorta a waste of time.

If you still have the two sets of towers, I'd use them for mains and rears and use the LSi7's as a 2ch rig. Course, that's just me.

Anyhow, far as the amp goes. Personally, I'd look at used before I bought new. Lots of brands out there......shoot for 750, used, you can bag a LOT of amp and even a preamp. I'd recommend something along the lines of NAD, Carver, Rotel, Adcom..heck, the list is practically endless.

I think you are on the right track though......

BDT

gmorris

Check out Audioadvisor.com. They sell Parasound (new), and have the 30 day trial you are looking for.

Check out ebay right now. There is a ton of good Parasound stuff going right now.

Sami

If you do have extra speakers, definately use one (or two) as centre channel. Used separates would be a good route to go but if you want to stay with integrates, returning the 1001 and ordering 7200 (under $800 shipped) might be a good idea. 7*100W has been driving my LSi7's quite good. Didn't notice much difference, if at all, biamped with PA2000. I am not sure how much people think these 7's need really, I think a powerful integrated would do the job. I might have to get a higher end amp to do some more listening, maybe I can hear more difference there.

Get a good sub to go along with your speakers. Maybe a better route could be getting a cheap amp to go with your Pioneer (PA2000, Carver 505) and adding a good bang-for-the-buck sub (f.e. HSU, SVS).

Carver AV505 for $400 and SVS 20-39PCi for $650. Just a thought...

tonyv1

Get the Parasound B stock HCA-1500A for <$40 more power and uses MOSFET output transistors.

tonyv1

Oops.
I meant it is $40 more.

tonyv1

Oops.
More than the HCA-1000A.

Sami

Originally posted by tonyv1
Get the Parasound B stock HCA-1500A for <$40 more power and uses MOSFET output transistors.

That would put him out of the SVS sub but still enough for a $350 HSU STF-2. (I re-read the original post again and it mentions subwoofer, my apologies)

How about a used 1000? (no affiliation with the Ebay user)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=5705430200&rd=1

p.s. I am no expert on this stuff but I have been doing the same research lately for my own system

gmorris

That is fricking crazy!!! An HCA-1500 for $687???? What a deal!!!!!!:eek: :eek:

HBombToo

Don't forget to look at Outlaw. Very nice amps for HT and rated at 4 Ohm's no problem.

HBomb

cfrizz

I know, I got one from there thanks to the heads up in this forum!

Originally posted by gmorris
That is fricking crazy!!! An HCA-1500 for $687???? What a deal!!!!!!:eek: :eek:

iluvmusic

Now, that I've pretty much decided on getting an amp - I just have to decide which one to get.

My next question is about the center channel. Some above have said to get a center channel, but I don't have room on top or above & behind my TV for a center channel. Plus, I've heard that center channel speakers aren't too good, unless you get an expensive one like the LSIC, or perhaps a CSI5 (which is way too big). So I was wondering if you guys think that it's a good idea to get a pair of speakers, and wire them both to the center channel terminal on my receiver/amp? And if so, what pair of speakers do you think would match up well with the tweeters on the Rti8's, or the LSi7's (depending on which set I would use as mains). I can get R50's , LSi7s, Rti6's, all for around $300 or so on ebay. Would they be good for center channel speakers? Thanks for all of your help.

Sami

I would use LSi7's as your mains and get another pair of LSi7's for your centre. They are 4ohm but that shouldn't be a problem with a separate amp. I am going all around with them. I had 3 RTi70's before for centre and fronts.

iluvmusic

Does it increase the load on the amp/receiver to wire two 4 ohm LSI 7's to the center channel terminal on the rear of the amp/receiver?

My best two options for a pair of center channels of course are to get another pair of LSI7s for the center and pair them with LSI7 mains. The other best option is probably to get a pair of Rti6's as centers and pair them with the Rti8's as mains.

The problem with getting another pair of bookshelf speakers is that you then have to spend about $75 more for stands. That's why I wish maybe the R50's or R30's would match well with a pair of the speakers I already have (Rti8s, LSi7s, Rt800is).

Oh, by the way, would it be all right to wire the center channel pair by putting the bare wire from one speaker in the “top slot” on the terminal of the center channel terminal, and the other speaker with a banana plug into the terminal? (And of course do it that way for both the + and - terminals of the center channel).

Sami

Originally posted by iluvmusic

The problem with getting another pair of bookshelf speakers is that you then have to spend about $75 more for stands.

If you plan on playing music with this system, the reward of using LSi's is far worth it, IMHO.

Connect the centre in series as described here: http://www.bcae1.com/spkrmlti.htm