New to Polk: LSi9 Questions

Lovegasoline

First post.

I'm ready to buy a first pair of speakers, and am ready to do some auditioning (tyhis is for a 2 speaker music system). I've been reading many sources daily for the past couple months. A pair of LSi9s are being offered to me ....I did some reading and the consensus is that folks are generally pleased with this speaker. I have 2 questions: the first on amp compatibility, and the second regarding different generations (versions?) of the LSi9.

Perhaps someone can give some insight into amp-speaker compatibility (someone who has a solid knowledge of older amps)? My amp is a Yamaha A-700 100W integrated amp (circa 1985). I understand that the wattage/power/output specs that manufactures use these days is very often suspect (highly doctored and exagerated) and many a 100wpc amp will struggle at best to power the LSi9. If my current amp will not be able to drive them well then I'll look elsewhere. I called Polk technical service and spoke with an individual who seems to know his stuff: he was familiar with my amp and claimed it will run the LSi9s without a problem. I'd like to get some second opinions.

As someone knowledgable of the Yamaha amps wrote:
"The Yamahas of the period when your amp was built had changed their sound from the original Yamaha sound first brought into the US in the mid 1970's. The first series of Yamaha products were exceptional and their cost reflected their pedigree. Yamaha has consistently cheapened their products to open their markets.
An original series Yamaha amp would have weighed over twice what your amp weighs. Your amp weighs much more than a contemporary Yamaha. The series your amp came from was still a specialty shop product. Yamaha had not made it to the mass market stores yet, but they would soon."

Will this amp be able to power one pair of LSi9s without running into problems?

Second Question:
The LSi9s I'm looking at are used. I've read here that there are 'old' and 'new' versions of the LSi9: what exactly is the difference? How can one identify one version from the other?
Finally, what would be considered an average fair market price for a used pair of LSi9s in excellent condition?
Thanks a bunch!

TroyD

Any changes in the LSi9 have been minor cosmetic changes, I think the sides were changed a little...

Your Yammie should be just fine. The issue is that many receivers aren't capable of driving a 4ohm speaker. Your amp should be just fine though.

Welcome to the forum!

BDT

organ

I agree with Troy. Your Yammie should be able to power the LSi9. If you feel you need more power, you can always upgrade in the future. I have a pair of LSi9 and love them. My LSi is the version after the first cosmetic change. The newest ones have better quality side panels.

Maurice

Lovegasoline

Thanks for offering your opinions guys.
I'm going to buy the pair tonight. The guy who's selling isn't certain of the version. Are the newer ones generally identifiable by a warmer, oranger cherry wood finish (and a slightly better box design)? The version isn't much of an issue for me, I'm just curious of the equipment and it's evolution.
BTW, if my amp is NOT up to the task, how would I know this before irreversbile damage is done to the equipment...anything I should keep an eye on and monitor?
Also, I will need to select a larger gage speaker wire to run these 4 Ohm speakers vs. the wire I have for my 8 Ohm speakers (assuming my current wire gage is not sufficient) correct? If I use undersized wires will this have the same result of using an underpowered amp, and lead to possible clipping or speaker damage?

Lovegasoline

Oh, one more question.
I've been reading through threads here of folks running 4 Ohm speakers and either getting warning lights on their amps/receivers, or...the amp/receiver goes into 'protection' mode. My integrated amp is vintage 1985, to the best of my knowledge no such protection mode proper exists. Sure, it has a fuse in it...but that's it.
Other than speaker damage, what risks does the amp face?
Thanks a bunch.

steveinaz

If your just running 1 set of 4 ohm speaks, you should be fine. It's when you try to run 2 pairs that you'll run into problems. Your circa 1985 Yammie is far better than the latest "Chinese" Yamaha equipment.

Lovegasoline

Steve, thanks for the reassurance on the amp's suitability. I'm looking forward to getting the speakers home and in my system.
Cheers, Lovegasoline

reeltrouble1

Enjoy your new speakers they are great. If the Yammie is struggling its going to get hot so heat is the thing to look for. However, as the other members before me have said I kind of doubt you will have trouble.

RT1

And let me add my Welcome to Club Polk!!!!!!!!! It pretty much rocks.

audiobliss

What do you mean 'pretty much' rocks?!?!