New guy here, just a couple q's

slush
slush Posts: 124
edited October 2006 in Speakers
I know some of these questions have been covered, I have done some searching but I would like a freash opinion.

We recently had a Sound Advice go out of buisiness which afforded me the opportunity to pick up a pair of LSi25's for $1000. I couldn't pass that deal up. Although, purchasing these speakers has left me needing to buy an amp. I currently have a Yamaha RX-V757 and it powers the speakers and doesn't really fuss about it, but I do wonder what I am leaving on the table as sq goes.

Other than the Lsi25's I am using a PSW650 and bits of my old 6700HTIB to fill out my 7.1 HT.

Question 1. Should I sell the Yamaha and buy a pre amp and something like an outlaw 7125 (or keep the yamaha and use it as the pre)

Question 2. Would I be better suited replacing the center channel from my 6700 first and then focusing on the amp?

ps..I watch more movies than listen to music. And for right now, I would rather go more budget oriented.

Thanks guys.
Post edited by slush on

Comments

  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited October 2006
    The first thing you shoud do is buy the LsiC center channel (or use a pair of Lsi9's). The center channel is the most important speaker in your HT system. Then do the following in this order:

    -- replace the sub
    -- get separate amplification for the front soundstage
    -- upgrade the remaining speakers to Lsi series
    -- invest in good speaker cables and interconnects
    -- replace the Yammie with a pre
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    The first thing you shoud do is buy the LsiC center channel (or use a pair of Lsi9's). The center channel is the most important speaker in your HT system. Then do the following in this order:

    -- replace the sub
    -- get separate amplification for the front soundstage
    -- upgrade the remaining speakers to Lsi series
    -- invest in good speaker cables and interconnects
    -- replace the Yammie with a pre

    Thanks for your reply. I meant to type that I have a PSW650 sub.
  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited October 2006
    I would get the amp first. Then the LSiC. Then the pre. And make sure you've got a good dvd/cd player.
  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited October 2006
    Welcome Slush. As a relative new member myself I hope that you find this board to be as helpful as I have.

    I have to agree with Fireshoes on this one. Priority number one should be to get an amp that can handle the draw of the Lsi25's.

    Good luck,
    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited October 2006
    The PSW650 isn't that bad. I feel the amp is much more important given what he's driving the LSi's with at the moment. I know, I drove the 15's with that receiver for a month or so. It was terrible. :)
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited October 2006
    Even if he gets the amp first, his sytem is not going to sound well for movies because of a weak center channel. With a decent amp, the fronts will overpower and outperform the rest of the system even more than it already is.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited October 2006
    By the way, Slush, you opened up a huge can of worms by purchasing those 25's. Now you gotta upgrade every other component in your system and it's gonna cost ya a whole wad of cash.

    Welcome to our world.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited October 2006
    I agree the center needs replaced. The center and amp are "must do's" and the r preamp and good dvd player are "should do's."
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    By the way, Slush, you opened up a huge can of worms by purchasing those 25's. Now you gotta upgrade every other component in your system and it's gonna cost ya a whole wad of cash.

    Welcome to our world.

    I am starting to come to that realization. :mad:
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Thanks for the replies so far guys. I can feel my wallet getting lighter as yall type.
  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited October 2006
    Awesome price on those 25's by the way.

    I think that the amp is the greatest priority so that he can atleast enjoy some music and have peace of mind that everything will be safe.

    Mike

    edit: sorry missed his PS
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited October 2006
    slush - don't neglect the used market. You'll save TONS of cash using eBay or audiogon when looking for an amp or center channel.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited October 2006
    I agree, Slush, you may be wise to unload those Lsi25s before this gets too messy. . . how close are you to Dallas, TX?!?!?

    On the real, get an amp for the Lsi25s, then get the center channel. . . I think with an amp, you could run stereo or a 4.1 channel setup without the center and be happy, at least until you can find a killer deal on a used LSiC :)

    Don't be afraid to go used. Get a good 200 to 300 @4 ohms amp and you should be set.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,059
    edited October 2006
    why not just run in phantom for now. once the amp is bought save $$$ and buy your centre .
  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited October 2006
    Yeah, it really depends on your room. I've been running my HT without a center since I got my new TV (no room for it) and I haven't even noticed a difference - most of my seating is directly in front of the TV and diaglog seems to come from the center anyway.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2006
    The amp should be the first priority Slush & don't get less than 200wpc! You can keep your receiver if it has preouts. You will need that extra power as you fully convert to a LSI system!

    Welcome to CP!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Thanks a ton guys. I really appreciate all the help!

    I will take a look at the used market also :)
  • Pepi28
    Pepi28 Posts: 248
    edited October 2006
    AMP first, AMP first, AMP first.
    58" Samsung Plasma (on wall)(calibrated)
    LSi15's front (modded xo's)
    LSic center
    LSiFX's sides
    LSi7's rears
    Sunfire Sig. 600 amp for 15's
    Sunfire Sig. Cinema for C,S&R
    Sony ES 3000 pre/pro
    SVS 2039 PC Plus sub 12.3 (16hz tune)
    PS3
    Wii
    Signal and Audioquest ic's
    12 awg monster speaker-cable (bi-wired)
    Belkin PF60 power conditioner
    Monster power conditioner for sub
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    I am confused....what should I add/replace first?


    :p
  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited October 2006
    slush wrote:
    I am confused....what should I add/replace first?


    :p

    Replace the lsi15's first and save yourself. Oh and throw away your computer so you can't go on forums such as this. :)

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2006
    slush wrote:
    I am confused....what should I add/replace first?


    :p

    Get an amp for the LSi25's and run a phantom center (at least compare that to running the one you have).

    Get a decent sub.

    Get a LSiC (and a mono amp if you did not get a multichannel one to run your LSi25's)

    Get a decent Pre-amp. (whatever brand floats your boat...)

    Get new rear speakers - (not as important to match, but they do make a difference. - for mostly movies, many like the LSiFx, I prefer the LSi7's - to each their own...) (oh, yea - more amps.....)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Is my old 6700HTIB worth selling (PSW650+bookies and center)? That would free up some coin for a new sub and surrounds.
  • surfntomm
    surfntomm Posts: 185
    edited October 2006
    if you are on that tight of a budget why not look into the real of pro amps to feed your lsi 25's some juice. i have a samson servo 550 and it has 275 watts/ch at 4 ohms although the thd could be lower i really dont hear it at all. id highly recommend getting an lsic off ebay as well. if you mainly listen to movies you could buy monoblocks amps and get more later on once your wallet can take another hit. id say get 2 mono blocks and if you can afford it get the lsic with another monoblock and bite the bullet now cus it will happen sooner or later, no doubt about that.
  • MSALLA
    MSALLA Posts: 1,602
    edited October 2006
    I've been upgrading my system on a very small budjet with used and e-bay dealers. You can get an amp on the bay for well under $1000.00 used. Thats for multi-channel 200watts per, like an Adcom or other fairly good brand. Audiosorce is selling new Lsic's for 402.00 shipped w/ warrenty. I think they mirror the factory warrenty not actual polk warrenty. Also check the Flea Market (after you get your posts in) for some deals from trusted people on the fourm. I hate being on a budjet but it feels good when your system starts coming together and you relize that you did it for less money then the average person.
    Michael


    Samsung 50" HD DLP
    Yamaha RX-V2500
    (2) Outlaw 200
    Adcom GFA 555
    Sony BDP300
    Denon 2900 DVD
    Lsi9's mains
    Lsi7's rear
    Lsic center
    12.1 SVS driver in 4.53 cuft. tube
    Harmony 880
  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited October 2006
    First amp on the list would do wonders for 25's and your future centre channel. Don't worry about the 100WPC rating, this should be very good match for those speaks and it doesn't hurt your wallet that much.

    http://home.houston.rr.com/soundsgoodtome/invsep.htm

    Phantom centre isn't a bad option, much better than running your current one. You can get away without a sub for now but if you're after a good movie experience you will need one eventually. But if you have a budget then don't worry about one now, or look for DIY route if you can work with wood.
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006
    Sorry guys I made a mistake in my original post.

    The HTIB I am using to fill out my system is the 7600 line, not the 6700.

    (not that it makes much of a difference)
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2006
    Personally I would hold onto it until you don't need any parts of it anymore, then sell it.

    I.E. - you can still use the sub (while waiting to purchase one). The 7600 series is actually a pretty good little speaker. (compared to an LSi its not that great, but compared to most HTIB speakers - its really pretty good)

    If you need to use the rears for awhile (as that may be the last thing you upgrade) I would not be embarrased to do so. (I used my RM6600 rear speakers with my LSi fronts for quite awhile before I could afford to change out the rear speakers)

    I would say most of the value that is going to go out of those speakers already has - so you are not losing anything by holding onto them a little longer (if you can still use them).

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • slush
    slush Posts: 124
    edited October 2006