New setup

tonychip

I am trying to tweek my system to maximize its performance. The LSi-25s crossovers and volume are proving difficult to set up. Any input from someone using these speakers would be appreciated. I am using a separate sub running off the LFE output on the receiver.

lomic

Are you running the 25's off your Denon 3805? If so, there starts your problem - even though their internal sub is powered, that's still a lot of speaker to be driving off an AVR.

tonychip

I have run 4 Ohm Polk speakers for years off of recievers with no catastrophies. Would the amp clip out after long use? I admit I am a bit behind the curve on multi channel audio.
what would you suggest?

Also How do you configure your LSiC with your rcv SMALL or LARGE

Whadyasay

I'd set the 25's Xover somewhere between 60 and 80, and set the 3805's Xover to 80 after setting the center to small, leaving the fronts set to large. Set the 25's sub volume to taste. I'd still look into getting at least a separate 2-channel amp for the 25's. This will free up some of the 3805's power up for the other speakers.

tonychip

What would adding an amp involve. I see you have external switching for SACD/DVDA which I enjoy. I also just bought this system and a 61" HDTV. My wife is cool but if I drop $3k on an amp right now she might nut me in my sleep.

Any Amp Suggestions that would give good sound and allow me to retain my testicles.

Whadyasay

You don't need to spend anywhere near $3K to get some good power for your 25's. You can find a nice used Rotel or B&K 2-channel amp for much less on ebay or audiogon.com. Or even two of the Outlaw monoblock amps for less than $700 combined. All you'd have to do was run quality interconnects from the preamp out on the 3805 into the amp's inputs, then balance the overall levels on your 3805, and you'd be all set.

If you're looking to get a new 5- or 7-channel amp, it's hard to beat the Outlaws for value.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/

Basically, Denon's internal receiver amps aren't very well suited to driving 4-ohm nominally rated speakers at anything over mellow listening. On extended higher volume listening, you run the risk of overheating the amp, and the receiver will go into automatic protection shutdown. A better amp will experience less strain, which will translate into clearer, cleaner sound (especially as you turn up), and a stronger bass response. If you're happy with your setup, then great. But just be careful when you start turning things up for those action movies.

okiepolkie

You don't have to spend $3000 on an amp, although a nice Sunfire amp could be had at that budget.

An amp could be had for less than $1000 if you want one new, maybe as low as $500 if you don't mind used.

You might even look into one of these Carver amps found right here on the forum.
They have plenty of power for the LSi25's.

You have a nice setup. It should serve you well for quite some time.

BTW, welcome to the Polk forum.

Edit: I was typing the same time as Whadyasay, but a couple Outlaw monoblocks would give you enough power for the 25's, then you could add a monoblock at a time until all channels could be driven by separate amps.

lomic

You won't need anywhere near $3k worth of amplifier - you could use it, and it would probably sound great - but you don't need it. If you are alright with just driving the 25's on seperate power for now, you're looking about $300-400 on the used market and $600-700 new. If you can drop $1-1.3k you can get the whole setup going running high current wattage.

Just simple suggestions for 2ch amps would be a used Parasound 1500A, they pop up on Audiogon all the time for $400-500 - or a pair of Outlaw Audio M200 Monoblocks... this is actually a pretty neat way to go, they're $300ea. new, and then you can keep adding them on as you can afford to do so, since I suspect once you get real power for your 25's you'll want to upgrade your LSiC soon after. Heck 3 months down the line your wife won't even realize that little stack of boxes has grown to 5 high

edit: we were all writing at the same time and all thought of Outlaw Monoblocks, how's that for a solid recommendation?

tonychip

Thanks for the input I like the Mono Block Idea. So I would just need interconnects and amps for the fronts.
My 25's do not seem to have as much dynamics as I thought they would so a power upgrade is needed. In retrospect I should have just went separates in the first place. The proceesors in the 3805 seduced me a bit I guess.

Whadyasay

TC,

Upgraded power should make a considerable difference on the 25's. Don't feel like you shot yourself in the foot. The 3805 is a great receiver...I actually switched from an NAD T163 separate prre/pro to a Denon 2805 because I liked the digital performance on DVD's and setup features better on the Denon, and I've gotten so used to Denon's interface, it was like coming home. What's also good about buying from Outlaw is that they have excellent customer service, so if you're not happy with the product, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days (I believe).

In terms of hookup, on the back of the 3805 you will see some rca jacks labeled 'pre-out'. Connect the ones for Front L/R to the inputs of the amplifier(s), then simply run a speaker cable from the amp(s) to the speakers...all with hhte power off first, of course. If you are going to try the monoblocks, I'd suggest getting two quality single interconnects from a place like this:

http://www.bluejeanscables.com

I'd suggest the same if you are going with a 2-ch amp. What I would also consider is getting an rca y-adapter or splitter to run out of the 3805's pre-outs, so you can connect one rca interconnect to the separate amp, and one to the 25's subwoofer input...so a total of four interconnects. Then calibrate to taste....try diffeerent levels on the 25's sub level, starting with crossover settings in the 60-70Hz range. Again, set the speakers to large for the front L/R on the 2805, and keep the center set to small with a crossover of 80...and set the LFE to just 'LFE' and not 'LFE + Main'. This way, your front L/R speakers are getting a full range signal, and the 25's powered sub will fill out the bottom part from around 70Hz down, but hopefully keep things tight and punchy as it is not dealing with true LFE signals, which are handled by the separate powered sub.

If you really wanted to go nuts, you could integrate an Outlaw ICBM adjustable crossover and filter out the sub-60Hz signals fro the main separate power amps, and let the remaining bass go to the built-in subs....but that's a bit overboard.

tonychip

I am looking at a Parasound multi channel amp the Halo A52. Any input the mono blocks are a good idea, but I know as soon as I powered up the fronts I would want the rest powered up also.
I am not gifted in the patience department. So I am considering a 5 channel amp any thoughts on this choice. The Outlaws specs look good but, I think for a few more bucks the Para will out perform it. What do you audio scholars think.

Whadyasay

That would be a very nice investment in an amp. That way...later down the road if you want to try a separate pre-pro to replace your 3805, you'll already be stylin' in the amp department. If you can swing the Halo, go for it. Do't want to put you into a gear upgrade frenzy here...there's noting wrong with keeping the 3805 as a pre/pro. It's got good processors and a pretty good analog section, and if you want to go with 7.1 surround (two more surround rear speakers), you can simply use the amps on the receiver (which is what I do), that way you will be putting very little strain on the 3805's amp.

tonychip

Well, I made the plunge and bought the Parasound. What an unbeleivable difference. Thanks to all for your input my system now absolutely kicks ****.