HK 3480 do LSis justice?

Mazeroth

Thinking of running a set of LSi7s or LSi9s off a stereo receiver for a 2-channel setup for my fiancee (talk about a lucky woman). I want it to be pretty simple so I don't want to have to use separate amplification. I can get a brand new HK 3480 stereo receiver for $224 from Harman Accomodations. Here are the specs:

Continuous Average Power (FTC) Per Channel
120 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
150 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms

Think this will be adequate for a pair of LSis? I have some LSi7s now that I was going to throw in my theater rears and was thinking of getting LSi9s for her setup.

Any and all replies welcome. Thanks!

Early B.

Based on those specs alone, the HK should work fine for the 7's. You may want a little more power for the 9's, but I'm sure others will chime in on that one.

Seems like a decent price for the HK. Lots of HK fans on this forum. If you buy it, please let us know how it sounds.

Mazeroth

Thanks Early.

As a side question, seeing you have RTi10s, how do you feel they compare to your LSi7s? Reason I ask is my future brother in-law has a pair about 6 months old he's wanting to sell and I've never heard a pair of them (lives 3 hours away). Are they close to the LSis as far as flat response is concerned (I love the Vifa ring tweeter)? How do they fair in 2-channel listening, mainly with rock music, if you've ever used them in that fashion? I will be using separate amplification if I get them and should be able to feed them 250w RMS.

Thanks!

Early B.

Maz --

For HT, the 10's will beat out the 7's due to the extra bass, even with a good sub. I personally like lots of bass coming from everywhere, while others prefer the bass to come from a sub only. IMO, for HT, the 7's sounded lifeless compared to the 10's, even with 205 wpc @ 8 ohms thrown at them and an SVS.

You may get differing opinions on this issue as well, but for 2-channel music, you definitely want to go with Lsi7's and a subwoofer. Super sweet detailed sound, dude. I don't listen to rock music, but I would imagine the 10's would sound great with rock, rap, or any other type of very dynamic music. For jazz, easy listening, opera, etc., you'll certainly want the 7's. Just depends on your taste in music and what you're expecting out of your speakers. If I could only choose between the 10's and the 7's, I'd get the 7's and recommend them for you as well since you indicated that you really like the Vifa ring radiator tweeter.

Mazeroth

I'll see what kind of deal he offers me on the 10s

I LOVE the Lsi speakers. Have 7s, C, and the 15s and man, they're the best speaker I've personally listened to. I bought them before listening to them and am glad I did.

Thanks again for your input!

Early B.

Yeah, those 7's don't get the props they deserve, IMO. I was in Tweeter a couple of weeks ago and preferred the 7's over the Sonus Faber Concertinos that cost $1200. Very detailed, but a bit too bright for my taste.