Marantz 7015 sufficient for Lsim?

Coralinus

Hi All, I have Lsim 705s, 704c, 703's, and a SVS SB-12 nsd sub in a 5.1 set up. I play mostly music and often in multi mode with all speakers playing and the sub crossed at 80. I usually play at modest volumes but want to use higher volumes. With the recent price drop, I'm considering a Marantz SR7015 to drive them https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/marantz-sr7015-9-2-channel-8k-av-receiver-with-3d-audio-heos-and-voice-control. Some suggest that Lsim can be hard to drive, come alive with more power and I'm concerned about the safety of the speakers. Will the Marantz drive this system sufficiently?

pitdogg2

You need a 5 channel dedicated amp. Running all channels as you described that receiver will run out of gas quickly. It is rated 125 x 2 and quickly drops off with more channels

Emlyn

Multi channel stereo mode is probably the most demanding mode for an amp section on a receiver since all channels are fully active above 80 Hz with the subwoofer. Home theater is much less demanding.

The system would definitely benefit with a separate amp. Another option is to try a two or three channel separate amp for the front main speakers and center and let the receiver handle the power for the 703s. I did that for a few years with an SR7011 without issue.

Coralinus

Well then perhaps considering the budget, what if I went with the Marantz sr5015 ($799 on Amazon) and an external amp instead of the 7015? Any challenges with doing that? Both have pre-outs. Is there any gain in sound quality going to the up model? I care more about sound quality for music than I do about video or surround features. Seems the primary differences are mostly room correction, video/surround features and a bigger amp in the 7015 vs the 5015. Are there other options I should consider for round about $1400 to drive these lsim's?

Emlyn

That would work, but I'd go with a 5 channel amp like the Outlaw 5000x in addition. May want to move fast on the SR5015 because at that price they're being closed out as a discontinued model. Nothing at all wrong with them but it is a 2020 model that's been replaced with a cosmetic redesign.

https://outlawaudio.com/shop/products/50-model-5000x-5-channel-amplifier.html

mantis

You don't need an external amp with that AVR. It has plenty of power to drive your system to reference levels.

BUT you have to consider your room size and seating distance away. If your within 15 feet of your speakers, all of them, your fine. If you are 15 feet or further and I will have to agree with the guys that an external amp is a good idea. So lets really think about amps. Do you need a full 5 channel amp? Again depends on room size. You could get a 2 channel amp and power the front 2 off of that and allow the Marantz to power the center and surrounds. It's only 5 channels your using and freeing up 2 channels will allow the other 3 to basically be full power .

An understanding on how systems like a home theater works is not all channels are running full bandwidth or partial bandwidth in your case, 80hz small setting which by itself frees up head room.
Marantz internal amps are very good and with all channels driven which rarely ever happens during any movie at full reference volume full bandwidth will yield about 70% of it's rated power.

I set up a lot of Home theater Rooms and 125 watts of Marantz power with most speakers in medium to large rooms works great. Most people never ever listen at reference levels as most people think it's way to loud. I don't know what you mean by modest levels but I'm sure that's under reference listening in your room.

Instead of buying external amps with the money your saving on the 7015 , I would consider another SVS subwoofer like a SB-2000 Pro to match the SB-12 you have now. Running 2 subs when properly placed and calibrated to your room with give you more even bass across your seating locations. If you only have 1 seat then 1 sub will do fine.

I suggest getting the Marantz and trying it out before adding amps, You can always add them later.
Hell I have a killer Rotel amp I'm not using I could strike you a very good deal on IF you decide the Marantz isn't enough.

Coralinus

So I took the plunge on the Marantz 7015 (on sale, soon to be discontinued prices). I have to say, it's a beautiful sounding reciever, loaded with features and options. The Audassy calibration provides a 3D effect in music I've heard people talk about on forums but never experienced myself. Its quite enjoyable. Theres also a cleanness to the sound thats a step above my old reciever. On my old reciever, I used to use Chromecast built in to stream music via the Tidal app. The Marantz doesn't have chromecast built in, which is an annoyance almost enough to prompt a return. Instead, the Marantz uses Heos which forces you to run the Tidal content though the Heos app which doesnt have quite the same functionality that the Tidal app has. Plus I dislike that I have to have a separate additional account for Heos. I'd rather use the Tidal app itself to control music than controlling Tidal content through the Heos. I will solve this problem by adding a chromecast ultra streaming device.
On the power front, the Marantz has plenty of power to run the Lsim speakers in 5 channel multi mode. It didn't even blink when I lowered the crossover frequency down. My old reciever used to audibly change when I did that. Overall, I'm pleased with the Marantz x lsim setup.