proper power for LSi15 set up question

TRINADS

I have a pair of LSi15's, the LsiC center, and 2 pairs of the Fxi3's for surrounds, along with the PSW10 sub to complete my 7.1 set up. This is all powered by my Pioneer Elite VSX-82TSX reciever. I want an inexpensive external amp to run my LSi15's and the LsiC center. I have been looking at the Audiosource amp300, and have read that it is a good entry level amp for the price. Any thoughts? Also, the Pio Elite outputs in 8ohms @ 130wpc, but has the option of 6ohms, should I change the settings to outpus in 6ohms? Will this sound better and give me more power to the fronts and center channels? I am up for any suggestions about the settings and/or the external amp, I just had my eye on the Audiosource due to price, as that is a big issue for me right now until I can upgrade to a more expensive unit in the future.

-The Lsi15 is rated for 20-200watts, and the LsiC is rated for 20-200watts, If the external amp outputs more than that when bridged, is this a concern? Is it too much power for the speakers? How much power can I safely run without running the risk of damaging the speakers? Sorry for all of the questions, thanks for your time!!!:(

tcrossma

The LSI's are 4ohm speakers, and they benefit greatly from power. The more the better, and you do not need to be at all concerned about giving them too much power. I just added a 200w @ 8ohm (380w @ 4ohm) amp to my LSI 15's and they sound fantastic.

As to the setting on the receiver, I believe that setting it to 6ohm may actually decrease the power that goes out to the speakers. That switch is a safety measure for the receiver so that it does not damage itself by powering low-ohm speakers.

Pepi28

How much can you afford? Do a search on here about powering the LSi's. They are power hungry speakers.

hockeyboy

If you list specifically your price range you will probably get a few suggestions with links.

McLoki

TRINADS wrote: »

The Lsi15 is rated for 20-200watts, and the LsiC is rated for 20-200watts, If the external amp outputs more than that when bridged, is this a concern? Is it too much power for the speakers? How much power can I safely run without running the risk of damaging the speakers? Sorry for all of the questions, thanks for your time!!!:(

Don't worry about over powering your speakers. (It is much easier to blow speakers with not enough power than to much - if you try hard enough, you can succeed either way though)

I would not purchase an amp planning to bridge it though. (if you already have the amp and want to try it fine, but if you really need to bridge it, just get a more powerful amp to start with)

Bridging not only doubles power, but distortion as well. Just get a more powerful (or better) amp to start with and look at bridging as an option available but not one you have to use.

My amp is well over the 200wpc recommendations for the LSic (and I think 250wpc for 15's and 150wpc for 7's) and I have never had a problem with them. I think many of the bass issues you hear about with the 15's could be resolved with placement and a better amplifier.

There are many brands available that you can use (especially if you are looking at only 2 or 3 channels). When purchasing amps, I would take a serious look at purchasing used as they seem to have a very long life and you can save a significant amount by not purchasing them new.

Michael

reberly

Just yesterday I finally hooked my LSi15's to a parasound HCA1500A and I am really happy with the results. I feel like there are high and lows I never heard before at the same listening level. You should be able to pick one up used of course for $500. With 315WPC that should keep you happy for awhile.