How much power for LSi system?

bdz1

Hi, I'm about to spring for a 5-channel LSi system: the LSi15 towers, LSiC center, and LSiFX surrounds. I want to power them with a dedicated 5-channel Rotel amp. I plan on listening to them at "normal" levels for TV and even music most of the time - my wife and I are pretty mellow. But we will probably crank up the sound once a week or so.

I am trying to decide between the Rotel 1075, which is 5x200 at 4 ohms and costs $1000; and the Rotel 1095, which is 5x330 at 4 ohms and costs $2000. My questions is, do I need the 1095, or will the 1075 be enough? Secondly, even if the 1075 is enough, will the 1095 simply give it a better quality sound at a given level of volume? In other words, if the extra power of the 1095 benefits quality just as much as volume potential, then it may make the 1095 worth getting.

Thanks for any comments.

Brian

josh_parsons626

Hey man definately go for the 1095. Even if you're not gonna use the extra wattage it'll be easier on the amp in general. Plus when you're watching TV or listening to music the sound will be clearer than on a lesser of an amp.

John K.

Brian, the difference between 200 watts and 330 watts is only about 2.2dB in maximum output level on peaks. For example, if a certain peak could be played at 110dB using 200 watts, it could be played at 112.2dB using 330 watts. The excellent Polk LSi15s which you're planning to get are about average in sensitivity and use about 1 watt at a comfortably loud average listening level. Brief peaks use much more, depending on how wide the dynamic range of the program material being played is, but are very unlikely to exceed the capacity of the 1075, yet fall within that narrow 2.2dB advantage that the 1095 would have. So, the 1075 would be the more sensible cost-effective buy, and you'd certainly be able to spend the extra $1,000 to your better advantage.

No, there's no way that having 330 watts maximum available can benefit sound quality at levels when even 200 watts aren't going to be used. Unused maximum power capacity is simply that: unused.

amulford

It will always be better to go with higher power capabilities. This allows your system greater head room, more dynamic range. And as Josh said, it will be easier on the amp.

It depends on your budget at this point. If you have the extra available, IMO it will be worth it.

Will the 1075 work? Oh yes, quite well. The 1095 will just be better.

wingnut4772

I used to have an entire set up of LSIs driven by a 200w per channel (300w at
4 ohms) amp and I was never really satisfied with their sound until I upgraded to a bigger amp (300w 8ohm/ 600 4ohm). So go with the bigger amp - all channels driven, of course.

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk.

Yes it is better to go with the 1095, having that much power not only gives you more headroom, but it also allows the speakers greater clarity in bass, instruments & vocals.

You are going to have a great system when it's all set up! Congrats!

2+2

I can tell you that 1075 is not sufficient for LSi15s. A more powerful amp is not necessarily about volume....

sickicw

the 1095 has two transformers that will give you much more dynamic range, even when you are listening at moderate volumes. If you have the money, go with the 1095.

george daniel

1095

McLoki

wingnut4772 wrote:

I used to have an entire set up of LSIs driven by a 200w per channel (300w at
4 ohms) amp and I was never really satisfied with their sound until I upgraded to a bigger amp (300w 8ohm/ 600 4ohm). So go with the bigger amp - all channels driven, of course.

Like many here, Wingnut has just never really be satisfied period. (hence the constant upgrading for the next sonic "fix".)

That being said - hang around long enough and you will eventually want to upgrade to a monster amp. Might as well start there and not have to pay the money to upgrade later.

Michael

polkatese

Michael is spot on. Not until I get to 400 watts/ch @ 4 ohms (LSis's impedance), before I can say I am done tinkering with power amps. Another big driver for me, I like my LSis to start singing at lower volume. The need for brute current is even more obvious with LSi9, if one compared with the rest of LSi line.

GATOR3000

1095 all the way. More power the better. With the two transformers you will get clean pure sound for sure. The 1075 will do nicely, but why wonder later? Imagine, glass of wine your wife and the system cranked up only once a week it is well worth the extra $$. Who knows, you might even get lucky!…………hehehehe….Amp like this is a long-term investment you won't be sorry!! Get the 1095.

Gator

okiepolkie

After reading Frank Z's post in another thread, I'm inclined to give you this response:

Will your dealer let you demo both of them in your home at the same time?

I ask this for two reasons:
1-We can make suggestionsall day. Remeber that some are not qualified to make the suggestions(and that includes me some of the time), so you may be getting a skewed outlook. The consensus is "usually" right, but there is always room for error.
2)-demos are the best way to find out if something will really work for YOU.

To help you with a decision further, what size room are going to be using everything in? How loud do you listen to your music/movies?

Every piece of information will help you, and us, determine your best solution.

cfrizz

I think that 200wpc @8ohms should be the minimum amount to start, with all decent speakers.

While I do have a 405wpc 5 channel amp, I wasn't going for more power when I got it since I had a 200wpc amp already. I wanted the 5 channels!

Now that I have had it for a while, I can honestly say that I can't really tell the difference between the 2 different amps. There may be a touch more clarity to the music but not enough to make me go WOW as I did when I first upgraded to 200wpc.