Difference between AMP and Preamp.

ublguy

Hello, first post here. I searched for 30 minutes looking for a previous post without any luck.

Just bought a pair of Lsi9's and looks like my receiver might not be able to drive them to there full potential. So what do I buy (Amp or Preamp).

Do you know of any websites that go over the basics? I thought I knew a lot about home audio until I started reading some of the posts here. WOW

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks!

Nick

Sami

You need an amp (power amplifier). Pre-amp(lifier) does the sound processing prior to sending the signal to amplifier. Your receiver now does both jobs, it's an amp + preamp + tuner in one package.

ublguy

So basically I can choose either an amp or a preamp and it will do the job.

Seems like a preamp is more common, even though I have seen many people with a receiver,amp, and preamp. WOW

Sami

Originally posted by ublguy
So basically I can choose either an amp or a preamp and it will do the job.

No, you will need an amplifier. That is what provides power to the speaker. A pre-amp, or a pre-processor, are used to manipulate/direct the signal from your source (turntable, CD, tape).

You already have both a pre-pro and amp with your receiver along with a tuner (radio). When people say the receiver doesn't drive your LSi's to full potential they are referring to the amplifier being too weak to drive your speakers. You will need (actually not need but want) to replace the amplification in the chain (source -> pre-pro -> amp -> speakers). You will need an external power amplifier which you will hook into the receivers pre-outs for the main channel. Now the path is like this for your mains:

source -> pre-amp (your receiver) -> ext. amp (thru the pre-out) -> main speakers

Your surrounds will still use the amps in your receiver.

ublguy

Sami, thanks for your help with the directions you have been a big help.

Well I'm off to do some research on amplifiers. Thanks!

Dennis Gardner

Welcome to the forum!

Your 3802 can be used as a great preamp, a number of members use their Denons as a preamp. Find a good 150-200 watt 2 channel amp to drive the 4 ohm load that your 9's present.

The Denon will drive your speakers fine at low volume levels, but the low load presented by your 9's pull twice the power out of your receiver to achieve the same volume as an 8 ohm load. This can cause your receiver to overheat or go into protection mode when driven hard.

Good luck on your search for an external amp. Buy more than you need to avoid an upgrade later. Brands that alot around here like are Parasound, Outlaw, Bryston, Sherbourn, Krell, Adcom, B&K, Rotel just to mention a few. Denon's older POA models are really nice if you want it to match your receiver in looks.

Cheers,

Dennis

ublguy

Thanks for the tips Dennis. Now I won't look a complete idiot when I walk into the store this time :-)

Thanks!

reeltrouble1

Let me just add this to the good advice you have already received. The Polk Lsi line of speakers are rated by Polk as having 4 ohms of nominal resistance. What this means to you is given a solid state system that they need a good amount of wattage driven by good clean high current to get the bang you want from them. You will need an amplifier that is rated to deliver its power to the 4 ohm load of the speaker. The current peak 2 peak rating is important, so when you go to the store ask about it, it is subjective but I would say around at least 35-40 amperes peak 2 peak with more being better in this case will do the job.

I did not see where you posted about having a Denon, but if that is your receiver, it will do the job as the pre-amp as posted previously. Additionally, many here who own the LSI-9 have posted the speakers need some good break-in time before they really start to open up and reach their full musical potential.

Let me add my welcome to the forum.

RT1-out

ublguy

Thanks for the info, I pick up the speakers tonight, yeah.

I heard about having to break speakers in like a new baseball glove, but I don't think I will put my speakers under my mattress at night :-)

Thanks Again everyone!

Tour2ma

LOL... and do not put Gloveoleum on them...

By the way we have a limited stock of smilies to choose from... ... see?

Welcome to the Club...

ublguy

Well, after reading a lot of posts on this site, I'm leaning towards purchasing 2 Outlaw 200's to drive my Lsi9's. I called Outlaw and they didn't have any B-Stock at the moment, so it looks like I have to purchase directly from Outlaw.

Thanks once again for going over some of the finer points! You guys/gals rock!

Sami

Someone on the forums was selling his M200's. Do a search if you're willing to buy used.