New here, need a little advice

Bigike40

Hi,
I've got a set of LSi15's paired with a Yamaha rx-v3300 rated at 130 wpc. I've also got an older Polk center and rears along with sub. I've been considering upgrading the center to LSic but am concerned a little as I've never been that happy with the 15's. I'm thinking it may be a power issue with the yamaha driving the 4ohm speakers. They've just never put out like I feel they should.
I've had Carver amps/preamps in the past and always liked their power.
My questions are will I be disappointed in the LSic given the fact that it will be hooked to the yamaha? Also, should I consider buying an external amp to power the speakers? I've heard a lot of good things about the Outlaw monos but will they make that big of a difference?
Thanks for all help.

Schwingding

IMO, you should expect more of the same from the LSiC if you are powering it similarly.

Yes, external amps _can_l make a large difference if you choose them wisely. I have been very happy with the Outlaw 2200 monos powering my speakers. At one time I had all 5 channels powered by 2200 monoblocks. More recently I have replaced the fronts with tube amps, but the 2200s will be a big step in the right direction from where you are now.

cfrizz

Welcome BigIke!

Yes as you noted, you are having a power issue. You should definately look into getting 3 Outlaw Mono's for your LSI's. If you know you are going to get LSI's for the rears as well, then bite the bullet now & get a 5 channel Outlaw & be done with it.

I used a Outlaw mono for my center channel & it made a big difference. I now have all my speakers amped.

So get some more power & start enjoying what your speakers can really do!

steveinaz

Agree with Schwingy and Cfrizz. Get some serious power and watch those Lsi's bloom baby.

george daniel

Get an amp with good current and power,,15's are placement finicky,,I have found that if you power them with a good quality amp and tweak the placement,the results will be surprising. Good luck,and enjoy.

Bigike40

Thanks guys.
I'm seriously leaning towards trying the Outlaw mono's. Can any of you recommend anything else, maybe 5 channel, that would be between $1k-2k?

ben62670

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/index.html

Don't forget to check out B Stock. A small scratch can save over $150

Welcome to CP

Serendipity

How about something from Parasound? Their amps sound quite good and would be a good match with the LSis.

cfrizz

Also Rotel, & Sunfire make great amps. Check out Audiogon, you will get more bang for the buck that way.

W WALDECKER

The Lsi15's are good with high power/ current power amplifiers, on a darker note,i had them paired with a Rotel RB1080 and it was a pretty disapointing experience for me personaly i cant recomend the Lsi /Rotel amp combination and if i were you i would try to avoid it :eek: thanks....WCW III

cfrizz

What didn't you like about the combination? Just telling him not to get a Rotel isn't very helpful since lots of others have run the 2 together & love the results.

cmy330go

I think you are having more of a placement issue rather than a power issue. The 3300 is no joke, being it's essentially a slightly toned down RX-Z1.

True, more power can't hurt and will improve things, but I would play with placement first.

Willow

cfrizz wrote: »

I used a Outlaw mono for my center channel & it made a big difference. I now have all my speakers amped.QUOTE]

Hmm I wonder where that mono is now ? funny I'm using one on my centre !

Listen to what people say here, you need the extra power. I didn't think it would be such a difference, Boy was I ever blown away!

Shannon W.

I run a Singnature CINEMA GRAND 7 on my LSi. So far it sounds GREAT!!!!!!

Shannon

cfrizz

Hmmm very good question, I wonder where it went off too?:D

Willow wrote: »

Hmm I wonder where that mono is now ? funny I'm using one on my centre !

Listen to what people say here, you need the extra power. I didn't think it would be such a difference, Boy was I ever blown away!

Bigike40

Thanks for all the advice. I appreciate everyone jumping in and giving me some ideas. Now, I've just got to dust off the checkbook.

Willow

cfrizz wrote: »

Hmmm very good question, I wonder where it went off too?:D

it doesn't by any chance look like the one in my set up ?

AndyGwis

Look for multichannel amps on www.audiogon.com. There seem to be several in your price range that would power those speakers well.

Parasound makes some great valued multichannels, so you might want to start there. Find something that does around 200wpc into 4 ohms with high current (20+ amperes peak to peak). HCA-1205, HCA-1206, A52, etc. I think would all be good choices.

BTW, where are you located?

Good luck! B&K is also a favorite of mine, but I think I might go Parasound if I were you for more value.

Bigike40

Thanks Andy. I'm in Jupiter, Florida. I guess I need to update my profile.