Amp advice

brittle · January 2008

I have a Denon AVR3000 (110 watts @ 8 ohms) with preamp outs, should I buy a 2 channel amp to drive my LSi15's or blow the budget on a new reciever? I listen to 50/50 music/HT. I'd love a new receiver but would rather not spend $1,000+ right now. I would be quite happy with a used 2 channel if it does the job. Switching/upconverting is not that big a deal as my t.v. upconverts already.

vonnie123 · January 2008

I'd buy the amp if you are happy with the control functions of your AVR. You can pick up a nice Adcom 5500 2 channel Amp refurbished with warranty for about $850 from onecall. If you like other brands they can be had at around a similar price, some new, some used.

hockeyboy · January 2008

First I would try the Denon to see how it drives my speaks. I am not sure if that Denon is rated at 4 ohms but if so you will get a measurable push on amps with less impedence and it might drive the 15's just fine. You may also be able to bi-amp that amp but again I am not familiar with your Denon.

I personally would never buy a two channel amp since it takes up rack space. I like the flexibility of at least 5 channels (so I can drive passive sub (s) if I want). IMO the value per watt of a 5 or 7 channel is better than a 2 channel amp. Save on the upgradeitus but thats just me.

cfrizz · January 2008

Welcome to Club Polk.

HockeyBoy has given good advice. If you have a HT setup go for a 5-7 channel 200wpc @8ohms amp on Audiogon. It will cost more money but you will be all set for years. Amps to look at are Sunfire, Rotel, Outlaw, B & K, Adcom, Parasound.

You have great speakers, but the Denon can't handle them too well since it is not designed to handle 4ohms loads.

engtaz · January 2008

brittle wrote: »

I have a Denon AVR3000 (110 watts @ 8 ohms) with preamp outs, should I buy a 2 channel amp to drive my LSi15's or blow the budget on a new reciever? I listen to 50/50 music/HT. I'd love a new receiver but would rather not spend $1,000+ right now. I would be quite happy with a used 2 channel if it does the job. Switching/upconverting is not that big a deal as my t.v. upconverts already.

I would add a amp for front L & R and center.

Good luck,
engtaz

mojo_13 · January 2008

I would also see how the denon does then if your not happy start looking around for an amp to drvie them. I have no experience with them but have heard good things about emotiva amps if your on a budget.

sjt · January 2008

Add an amp. It makes a huge difference.

jwhitakr · January 2008

Go for an amp - it'll make your LSi15's sound sweet ... much better than a new receiver.

danger boy · January 2008

I would take that 1K and spend it all on Oreo's

the double stuff ones

jayman_1975 · January 2008

I would take it and spend it on the biggest, fattest speaker cable he can find. When your cables are as heavy as your speaker...you are good to go.:D

brittle · February 2008

I have tried them with the denon and they sound very good, I assume with a quality 2 channel amp they will sound awesome. I've yet to decide on an amp, will post when purchased, thanks for the input.

ben62670 · February 2008

I would hunt for a used Adcom GFA-555. You can get these on Audiogon.com for about $350. They work great. Just set your front speakers to large, and the rest to small. The load taken off your AVR for the left and right will boost the rest sufficiently. If that doesn't do it for you sell the Adcom for what you paid for it. You lose on shipping, but you can take that money, and get a 5-7 channel if you feel the need. One thing that you haven't mentioned is what are the rest of your speakers?
Thanks
Ben

Amp advice

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