All HK with all Lsi

Hvrnaut

Hey everyone, New to the forum after having my Lsi's for about two years. Lots of good info here, but thought I might get some help with my exact situation. I am running a HK 525 AVR to drive my 5.1 system consisting of Lsi9 mains, LsiC and Lsi FX surr. (just upgraded from Lsi 7's, which are, for now doing nothing:( )
I know I am not getting the most out of my speakers.
I have recently come across an HK Sig. 2.1 amp (5x100 @8ohms) and an HK PA2000 amp. What I am thinking is to get the most out of all (aren't we all!)
Can I use the Sig. 2.1 for the mains and center and use the PA2000 (bridged to 2x100) for the rears? If so, how do I wire it?
Currently, my mains and center are all bi-wired. The surr. are not (wire ran already, don't really want to do it again!)
Could the AVR amps help me here, or do I just bypass the AVR power altogether and just use its pre-outs?
The way I see it is the mains will use four of the five Sig. 2.1 channels while the center just gets one. Or can the avr still help here?
I know I am a somewhat perplexed here , but I am a fast learner. LOL.
Thanks to all in advance.
One last thing, I wish I were in a position to buy this different amp or upgrade to this different receiver, etc., but I am not. Just happy to have what I have.:)

aaharvel

the signature 2.1 is outstanding. that's about the best description i can give.

as for the pa2000, i have no idea. never heard it.

Hvrnaut

Andrew,
Thanks for the info on the sig 2.1. I have always respected hk's power ratings. The 85w (front) and 70 all channels from the HK 525 have done a remarkable job for the two years I have had it. Just wanting to get a bit more.

aaharvel

well 150 watts into 4ohms with +/-100 of current should be more than ample.

good luck.

btw if you get the 2.1, open it up so and take a picture of it's guts, and post it on Doro's "show me your guts" thread.

I'd do it, but mine's already in a shelf, take the better part of a day to get it out and hook everything back up.

Sami

I would first try the 2.1 by itself, either running all channels or bi-amp the fronts and use your HK with the surrounds. By using external amp for your front 3 it frees up current from the receiver and it should do good job with the surrounds in this setup.

Hvrnaut

That sounds good for the fronts. How would I hook up the mains and center in that case? I would let the avr run the surrounds with the extra power and may be able to get rid of, or find another use for the PA2000.

Sami

Get two Y-cables and hook them up to your receivers L/R preouts, and from there to four channels on the 2.1. Lets say left channel to channels 1 and 2 on the 2.1, right to channels 3 and 4. Left LSi9, run the wire from upper posts to channel 1, lower posts to channel 2. The same for right LSi9, upper to ch3 and lower to ch4. Centre to ch5. You already have the wires since you said you have bi-wired.

I don't know how much you gain by bi-amping channels on the same amplifier versus running only 3 channels but I don't see how it could hurt either. I would think it is better than bi-wiring anyways. Proper calibration of course is in order after you change the setup.

aaharvel

wouldn't you be short changing the center though in terms of power in relation to the stereo pair? If it were me, i'd want equal power to all three front speakers. Remember the ol' Prologic days when receivers did that? Imo it sounded terrible.

personally, i'd use the SIg 2.1 for all 5channels, and your h/k receiver for the lsi7's in the rear surround setup of 7.1. Bi-amping is what... a +3 db increase only?

Hvrnaut

You make a good point about the unequal power, and while that occurred to me, I suppose I was thinking of gains in 2 channel music only listening. I will say, though, that the system is used for 75% movies, as it is my family room. The 7's will have to sit out until I could get a bigger room! Point made about the power, and given the equipment I have, maybe I should keep the 5 channels all the same. Thoughts, anyone?

Hvrnaut

Sami,
Yes, the wires are there for this recommendation. As mentioned, I do worry about the center channel lagging behind the "boosted" 9's. Is this justifiable?
I know I didn't want to say this, but I guess that is why they make three channel amps!

Sami

aaharvel wrote:

wouldn't you be short changing the center though in terms of power in relation to the stereo pair?

In reality that HK will have enough power to drive all 5 without a problem. And with only 3 speakers connected (bi-amped or not) there is more power to drive them, I don't think you would run into a situation where the centre would be underpowered. Just like with the receiver, it only has to drive 2 surround speakers and I don't think 525 would have any problem driving 4ohm surrounds.

Of course trying out different combinations to see which one you like is the recommended option.

Hvrnaut, I could use a pair of LSi7's. I need another LSi centre channel and so does my friend so we would be splitting them up. Cherry or ebony?

Sami

Hvrnaut wrote:

You make a good point about the unequal power, and while that occurred to me, I suppose I was thinking of gains in 2 channel music only listening.

2 channel was one of my reasons as well, and I felt quilty of leaving such a good amplification in HK 7200 go unused. Unequal power, I don't see that as a problem unless you are running the system in levels that the 2.1 can't handle. That would happen with it hooked up to 5 channels more easily BTW. Remember that you are dividing the 9's need for power into two parts, high fr's and low fr's, so the channels driving the highs are getting the easier load and even the low fr channel is getting an easier load since it doesn't need to drive the highs.

Since all the channels are sharing the same power supply bi-amping might be a moot point but I think driving only 3 channels would make a little difference.

Hvrnaut

That sounds good to me. Thanks for the advice on how to wire the fronts and center. That in all likelyhood is how I will do it. I guess I am leaning to the conclusion that I do not need the PA2000 (2x100 - biamped) to run my surrounds. I can live with that. Just as long as my 525 can handle the Lsi FX's. Since I just stepped up to them from the 7's (ebony, by the way) I was worried about driving them to their potential. I will let you know about the 7's, and we might have a deal. (all dependent on the WAF, at this time! lol!)

aaharvel

Hvrnaut wrote:

You make a good point about the unequal power, and while that occurred to me, I suppose I was thinking of gains in 2 channel music only listening. I will say, though, that the system is used for 75% movies, as it is my family room. The 7's will have to sit out until I could get a bigger room! Point made about the power, and given the equipment I have, maybe I should keep the 5 channels all the same. Thoughts, anyone?

speaking from personal experience, i wouldn't bother with 7.1 unless your couch/chair is AT LEAST 3feet away from the rear wall.

That being said, i say sell the lsi7's, use that money to get the Signature 2.1 amp, and just stick with 5.1.

Hvrnaut

aaharvel,
Thank for you ideas. I will post photos here once I crack open the 2.1. Sounds like you have been very satisfied with yours.

aaharvel

Hvrnaut wrote:

aaharvel,
Thank for you ideas. I will post photos here once I crack open the 2.1. Sounds like you have been very satisfied with yours.

Oh i'm pleased. It runs right over the adcoms I used to have. Not to mention it looks 100x better. Do post the pics on Doro's thread and/or Pm me with the pic once you pop the top so to speak. I can't wait to see the guts of it. From a slight glance through the hood, I counted 10 fairly large caps total - 2 per channel :eek: The torrid transformer is huge and is located at the very front of the amp. To say the things is front-heavy would be an understatement.

welcome to Club Polk.

Hvrnaut

Sami,
If your interested in the Lsi 7's, let me know. (Anyone for that matter). I don't have enough posts to sell here yet, but my ebay feedback is solid. Make a fair offer, and maybe we can work it out.