Rotel Receivers and the LSI series speakers

Rapala

I am new to forum. I just recently picked up some LSI-9s that I am currently running through a B&K AVR 202 that I bought back in 1999. I am not 100% pleased with the sound I am getting. It seems that the receiver has to work hard to push the LSIs in comparison to Klipsch Legends I am replacing. In a nutshell the LSIs sound a bit flat and muffled.

After perusing the forum via the search function, I noticed that the LSIs are power hungry and perform better with an amp or receiver designed to handle 4-ohm loads. As a result, I have begun shopping for a new amp/receiver.

I have come across some pretty good deals on Rotel receivers. According to my sales guy, the receivers are ideal to push the LSIs. However, I have read the manual and it emphatically states that the minimum load is 8-ohms. I am leaning towrds passing on the Rotel, despite the price break, since it does it sound like it will address the shortcoming of my B&K.

I would appreciate any input.

engtaz

The RMB-1095 is a 5 ch amp that works at 4 ohm load.
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rmb1095.htm

What other company's do you like.

Shizelbs

Rotel amps make for a good pairing with LSi speakers.

phuz

I've run LSi9s and LSi15s with my RSX-1056 with no problems. I don't crank my system though, and I prefer to keep them running on my RB-990 amp.

You'll be ok with a Rotel receiver, but why not just add an amp and use the B&K as a pre? You can get a killer matching B&K amp on the used market, of if you really want you can get the same with a Rotel amp.

Don't forget the LSi line can take a while to break in. It takes time for them to open up, and once they do they just get sweeter with time.

dorokusai

I haven't heard a Klipsch that sounded like an LSi, or vice versa, so no suprise here that you hearing something different between the two manufacturers.

B&K AVR's have been 4ohm stable since at least 2004 if not earlier. The AVR-202 or 202+ is from around 1998 and later. You could send it in for a checkup and upgrade but that's up to you. I don't think you need to buy additional amplification but again, your call.

Good luck.

cfrizz

Welcome Rapala.

As you have read, most people here are much more pleased with their LSI's when they are giving them lots of power.

Since your B&K has preouts, just start shopping for a used separate amplifier in the 200wpc catagory.

Rotel, Parasound, Sunfire, or this: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1188653471

Then sit back, let your speakers break in & enjoy!!!

heiney9

The Rotel would most likely be a lateral move, unless you find your B & K is having some repairable issue. The Rotel won't give you much more than the B & K as receivers go. To really get the best from the LSi series you need high current amplification, but the nicer AVR's (of which you seem to have) should suffice for most normal listening sessions.

H9

W WALDECKER

heiney9 wrote: »

The Rotel would most likely be a lateral move, unless you find your B & K is having some repairable issue. The Rotel won't give you much more than the B & K as receivers go. To really get the best from the LSi series you need high current amplification, but the nicer AVR's (of which you seem to have) should suffice for most normal listening sessions.

H9

i Had a pair of LSi 15s paired with a Rotel RB1080 power amp and it sounded compressed. i dont like Rotel amplification period. Rotel makes some decent CD players though.

heiney9

Ok let's read the thread here guys, myslef and one other person actually answered his question. He is talking about a Rotel Receiver not a seperate amplifier.

Most of you are giving him advice based on seperate amplification, that's not what he is asking about. He is not looking at buying a sperate Rotel amp. Hence my advice that buying another receiver would be a lateral move at best.

H9

phuz

heiney9 wrote: »

Ok let's read the thread here guys, myslef and one other person actually answered his question. He is talking about a Rotel Receiver not a seperate amplifier.

Most of you are giving him advice based on seperate amplification, that's not what he is asking about. He is not looking at buying a sperate Rotel amp. Hence my advice that it would be a lateral move at best.

H9

True. It would be a lateral move and that is a good receiver, I think that's why some of us suggested other possible solutions. He did also say "amp/receiver", and I mentioned an amp because it's really what the LSi line needs. They're rated at 4ohms nominal but can and will dip to 2ohms when pushed.

Mostly I'm curious how long he's had the LSis and how many hours are on 'em.

mantis

Klipsch and Lsi are totally different kind of speakers. This is why you think they sound flat and muffled. Klipsch are 8ohm load and 90 something DB. They need no power to scream. The Lsi's on the other hand do.
Your B&K receiver is plenty to run them. Rotel is different not better then B&K. Actually I think B&k and Rotel is a pick em. B&K does however make better preamps. As phuz asked, I'm also thinking your speakers are new and need time to break in. B&K and Lsi go together very well and they are very acurate. You will notice a clarity you didn't have with your klipsch. Klipsch are in your face speakers. They are rock concert in your home.

Dan

cfrizz

He does'nt need a new receiver either (unless he wants more & newer features. He just needs more juice, which is what he will get with a separate amp.

Bill Ayotte

cfrizz wrote: »

Welcome Rapala.

As you have read, most people here are much more pleased with their LSI's when they are giving them lots of power.

Since your B&K has preouts, just start shopping for a used separate amplifier in the 200wpc catagory.

Rotel, Parasound, Sunfire, or this: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1188653471

Then sit back, let your speakers break in & enjoy!!!

I second this amp suggestion! It would even match and be all pretty for the wife!:D

I am pretty sure it would still cost less than a Rotel receiver at the end of the day too....

Rapala

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I think I going to keep the B&K as my pre-amp and pick up a Rotel 1080 or 1070 2 channel poeer amp for the left and right channels.

To answer a few questions:

The Polks are about a week old. I do expect that they will open up a bit over time. I am a former Polk owner (RT8s). I picked up the LSis because my Klipsch were simply much to big for our new living space (relocating from Dallas to San Francisco).

Glad to be back in the Polk family!

Bill Ayotte

Rapala wrote: »

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I think I going to keep the B&K as my pre-amp and pick up a Rotel 1080 or 1070 2 channel power amp for the left and right channels.

Those are both very capable amps, but that B&K Cathy suggested above is a steal....All he wants for it is $600 for it, and a used Rotel 1080 will run you anywhere from $800-950....Take the $200 you save and try out a new set of speaker cables.....:D

phuz

Rapala wrote: »

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I think I going to keep the B&K as my pre-amp and pick up a Rotel 1080 or 1070 2 channel poeer amp for the left and right channels.

To answer a few questions:

The Polks are about a week old. I do expect that they will open up a bit over time. I am a former Polk owner (RT8s). I picked up the LSis because my Klipsch were simply much to big for our new living space (relocating from Dallas to San Francisco).

Glad to be back in the Polk family!

Welcome back... AND... yes give those speakers some time! They will open up a lot as you continue to listen to them. Also spend some time with placement. You'll be surprised how a little toe in or an extra few inches away from or towards the wall can make a difference.

Enjoy!

Rapala

Well I picked up a closeout deal on the Adcom 7605. I will be using the B&K as my preamp for now. Initial impressions are quite positive!

MSALLA

I like adcom amps. They made a big improvment with my 9's.

Rapala

The price on the 7605 I got seemed like a great deal so I couldn't say no. I got the last one the dealer had in the box for just south of $700.

Dennis Gardner

LSis are flat and muffled compared to your Klipsch. If you really like the Klipsch sound, I think the LSi line is about the worst replacement speaker I can think of especially with B&K driving them.

The LSi is a great speaker line, but will never open up enough to sound like horn drivers. Simply 2 different animals.