High volume setting

JBlack

I have a Onkyo TX SR501 receiver (5-1 surround with 65 watts @ 8 ohms) driving twin Polk LSi9s and a Sony twin cone 10" Subwoofer. I find that I have to crank up the Receiver volume setting to about 54 or 55 on the dial to get the volume level where I like to listen. Shouldn't I get this volume level from a much lower dial setting?

Appreciate any thoughts,
Thanks,
JBlack

TheReaper

Unfortunately, the TXSR501 doesn't have that much power, it is only an entry level receiver (but a good one). You might want to start looking around for a MUCH more powerfull system.

One warning, the LSi9s are rated as 4 ohm speakers and the TXSR501 is only recommended down to 6 ohms. So try not to push it too high in volume.

If you only have the 2 LSi9s hooked up, you might want to try this. It is how I have a TXSR501 hooked up to 2 RTi170s for my son:

1) Remove the terminal jumper clips from your speakers.

2) Hook your A speaker main outputs to the high terminals on the speakers.

3) Hook your B speaker main outputs to the low terminals on the speakers.

4) Select both A and B out on the receiver.

5) The tone controls will only work on the tweeters in this configuration. So, turn the base tone control all the way down, and use the treble tone control to tune the tweeter to your tastes.

As the TXSR501 uses the surround channels for the B speakers. The receiver should see a higher impedance from your speakers, which should be within it's limits. Also, you may (or may not) find that it sounds better at lower volumes.

JBlack

Originally posted by TheReaper
Unfortunately, the TXSR501 doesn't have that much power, it is only an entry level receiver (but a good one). You might want to start looking around for a MUCH more powerfull system.

One warning, the LSi9s are rated as 4 ohm speakers and the TXSR501 is only recommended down to 6 ohms. So try not to push it too high in volume.

[JBlack] If I get a more powerful receiver, would I not be endangering the LSI9s? Or, just watch my volume levers?

If you only have the 2 LSi9s hooked up, you might want to try this. It is how I have a TXSR501 hooked up to 2 RTi170s for my son:

[Day] I also have a Sony Subwoofer.

1) Remove the terminal jumper clips from your speakers.

2) Hook your A speaker main outputs to the high terminals on the speakers.

3) Hook your B speaker main outputs to the low terminals on the speakers.

4) Select both A and B out on the receiver.

5) The tone controls will only work on the tweeters in this configuration. So, turn the base tone control all the way down, and use the treble tone control to tune the tweeter to your tastes.

[JBlack] I think I'll go for a more powerful receiver :-)

As the TXSR501 uses the surround channels for the B speakers. The receiver should see a higher impedance from your speakers, which should be within it's limits. Also, you may (or may not) find that it sounds better at lower volumes.

[JBlack] I like to listen to some kinds of mucic at higher levels, yet below any distortion.

I do thank you for taking the time to help me with this. I thought perhaps I may have made some wrong hookups, but I will take your advice and look into more power. Thanks, and God bless

TheReaper

[JBlack] If I get a more powerful receiver, would I not be endangering the LSI9s? Or, just watch my volume levers?

[TheReaper] The LSi9s can handle 200 watts each, which should be plenty loud.

[Day] I also have a Sony Subwoofer.

[TheReaper] If it is a powered subwoofer, it doesn't count as a speaker, because it doesn't put any drain on the receiver. That is why it is only .1 instead of a full 1 (eg 5.1). :rolleyes:

JBlack

Originally posted by TheReaper
[JBlack] If I get a more powerful receiver, would I not be endangering the LSI9s? Or, just watch my volume levers?

[TheReaper] The LSi9s can handle 200 watts each, which should be plenty loud.

[Day] Yeah, guess so :-)

[Day] I also have a Sony Subwoofer.

[TheReaper] If it is a powered subwoofer, it doesn't count as a speaker, because it doesn't put any drain on the receiver. That is why it is only .1 instead of a full 1 (eg 5.1). :rolleyes:

[Day] Are SWs as good as having a right and left channel woofer?