Lsi15 hook up questions
stevetx
Posts: 13
Hello, I am new to this forum but had some questions about my Lsi15's.I recently purchased a set of Lsi15 and love them. I got them so cheap that I bought two more sets. So I have three sets at $500 a piece. I know total overkill. I am running them off of a Pioneer vsx-72txv set at 6ohms. They sound great and the reciever is not geting hot but I know this must be taxing the reciever and not letting the speakers go to their full potential. My question is 1.) Is this alright to do,run 6 Lsi15,s for home theater and 2.) what type of amplifier would you recommend for these? I have been looking at a Rotel rmb1077 or a Emotiva LPA-1.
Pioneer vsx-72txv
2 Velodyne DPS 10
6 Lsi 15
Lsic
Pioneer vsx-72txv
2 Velodyne DPS 10
6 Lsi 15
Lsic
Post edited by stevetx on
Comments
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Please provide your budget & room layout.
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The room is 18' x 15'. My fronts are abou 13.5' from listening area. Surrounds are at 5' and rears are right in line with the listening area. I know the rears are not the best set up. I may need to go with lsifx on rear wall. My budget is not really over 1k The Rotel 1077 comes in at that but would rather go cheaper if there is something that would work.
Thanks -
How's about selling one set of your LSi 15's to me?
That would solve your problem!"Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger -
Never know, it may come to that. They sound great to me. Im moving up from Rti 150,Rti8 and csi3. Jut think they could sound better with right amp and not toast my pioneer elite. Any thoughts?
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Since you’re running LSi15’s, well at least 4 of them, you should get a 5-7 channel amp. Some will get 2 or 3 channel amps to drive the front 3, and use the AVR to drive the rest. This works well if you have 8ohm speakers. It will not be optimal in this case.
If it were me, I would go with 3 lsifx for the rear surrounds and use the other pair of LSi15’s for a future dedicated 2-channel setup if you have the space or just sell them. I'm sure someone on here would buy them from you once you have been here for a while. Just so you know, being new and selling something immediately is not a good combination.
I’m not saying you can’t use the 15’s for surrounds, I just think the 7’s the 9’s or FX’s would be better suited especially if you already have a dedicated sub which it looks like you have 2. As for the amp, I see nothing wrong with a Rotel and I would look on AudiogoN and purchase used. That way, you can usually get a better quality or more powerful amp for less money. -
That all sounds like good advice and I was thinking that the lsifx would be better for the rear surrounds. I will check out Audiogon. I know the rotel is a good amp but what do you think about the Lpa-1 by Emotiva? As far as selling off one pair, Im sure I could do that pretty easily down here localy in TX.
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Use the search feature on the Emotiva. I have not personally used or owned the Emotiva so I have no business talking about it. However, there are a few members that have been talking about them recently.
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Steve, welcome to Club Polk. The first point is that you should immediately return the 72TXV to the 8 ohm setting. Switches or menu settings for less than 8 ohms should never be used. This is a safety related precaution demanded by UL requirements to help prevent overheating; it does this by reducing the maximum voltage that can be supplied by the power supply section. Because of Ohm's Law, when the maximum voltage is reduced so is the maximum current and power capability, and although the chance of overheating is reduced, this is done at the expense of losing the maximum performance that would otherwise be possible. Lab tests show that maximum power is roughly cut in half.
The next point is that although the LSi15s on which you got a terrific buy "sound great", you're still worried. There's nothing to indicate that what you say that you "know" has any factual basis. The LSi15s are about average in sensitivity and use 1 watt for a rather loud 88dB level. The 72TXV has a quite powerful amplifier and has delivered over 200 watts into 4 ohms when tested by Hometheater Magazine . From your description, you're fine even with the reduced maximum power capability, and it's highly unlikely that you're in need of still more amplification.
Relax and enjoy the great sound that you're getting from your excellent 72TXV and LSi15s . -
Thanks John K. Thats some good info. I read the article and it makes sense. I was just worried that I would be shortening the life on my 72txv. It looks like it is a decent piece of equipment and can handle it. This is the first time I have had this quality of equipment and run 4 ohm speakers. I do enjoy the sound and would like to run them properly and extend the life. Thanks
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Get an amp.........period.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
There's nothing to indicate that what you say that you "know" has any factual basis. The LSi15s are about average in sensitivity and use 1 watt for a rather loud 88dB level. The 72TXV has a quite powerful amplifier and has delivered over 200 watts into 4 ohms
Just curious John K, without getting into a pissing contest, kindly answer the questions below. Do you own LSi15s? And have you heard them driven by an AVR and then driven with separate amplification? -
I own LSi15's and have a Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi (which is rated more WPC than the 72). There is absolutely no comparison running them off the AVR, then compared to running them on seperate amplification.
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Stevetx I encourage you to do as much research as you need. Everyone has an opinion and will quote various articles but the only thing that matters is how it sounds to your ears. Trying it for yourself is the best practice and getting a demo of what you want to buy is always best as well.
Sometimes, I will have to purchase something blind in the event a demo is not within driving distance. When this happens, I rely on experience from those who actually have the same equipment in question. Look no further than Mikes post!I own LSi15's and have a Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi (which is rated more WPC than the 72). There is absolutely no comparison running them off the AVR, then compared to running them on seperate amplification. -
I think getting an amplifier will be the route to go with my setup. It should make the 15's perform better and can only help my AVR. John K suggested that it should remain at 8Ohm setting not 6 Ohm. Would anyone disagree? I also have been doing some research on the Emotiva LPA-1 and It seems that people have fairly good things to say about it. Unfortunatly I cannot demo this unit but it seems like it might be a good first amp and in the right price range. I would like to hear from someone who is running LSI15'S off of this amp. Everyones comments are appreciated.
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Steve, where in TX are you located? Just curious. Great score on the Lsi15s! I picked up a pair for myself and was thinking of getting a second pair as well.
Get an amp. You can get a decent 5 channel amp for $600 - $1000. If I were you, I might even consider selling a set of the Lsi15s and putting the proceeds towards an LsiC for a more conventional setup.
Good luck! Plenty of good amps on Audiogon.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 -
AndyGwis I am in Austin. I already have a LSIc. I just got such a good deal on the 15's that I ended up with 3 sets. I may end up replacing the rears with a Lsifx though. Do you have any Amp recomendations? Something you are using on yours or that you have heard matched up with the 15's.
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Haven't even taken my Lsi15s out the box. Don't even have room for them unless I totally redo my HT or sell my Thiels and make the Lsi15s my 2-channel speakers.
Basically, they were such a good deal that I grabbed them before I could talk myself out of them.
I am very preferential to B&K amps. I like their sound, build quality, durability, etc. Prices are very fair as well. Rotel, Outlaw, Adcom are all good options as well. Emotiva is used by several here with good results if you want to keep it cheap or prefer brand new. Sunfire has some followers but they are pricey. Hundreds of other good amps / brands out there as well.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 -
steve if your looking to unload those rti150's soon i would love to snag some up:)
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AdamRagland, I will be selling them but am new to this forum and would not like to try to sell something on here so soon. Im guessing it would not come across to well a newbie here trying to sell something. These are heavy speakers as well.
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absolutely, well you seem like a decent person. most people here understand eveyone was new at some point. your obviously not just here to sell something. when it comes time you feel like you want to try and sell them and you have enough posts for the flea market just put me in line!
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Yes sir. I will do that.
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Steve have you made any decision on an amp yet? I might be in the market for some lsi15s that someone else is selling. I would like to hear them paired up with my gear before buying. Maybe we can solve both of our problems at once, since I live in Austin too?Emotiva LMC pre/pro
Emotiva LPA amp
Fronts LSI15
Center LSIC
Rears LSI7s
Dual MFW-15s
Oppo 980H
Signal Analog II ICs
Signal Ultra speaker cables -
mhartman29. That sounds like a great idea. It would help us both out. I will send you an e-mail. The polk site will not let me send without 10 posts and this should make 10.
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Just curious John K, without getting into a pissing contest, kindly answer the questions below. Do you own LSi15s? And have you heard them driven by an AVR and then driven with separate amplification?
m00nie, John K doesn't respond to logic. He just states everything in general homogeneous terms and probably has never bothered to experiment with half the things he expounds upon. If it's printed on paper then John K will regurgitate it as the absolute fact.
The fact is and AVR like the Pioneer is certainly adequate but a proper multichannel power amplifier will yield better results and in many cases significantly better results. This I can say from practical experience over the past 20 years or so.
As always YMMV as there are many other determining factors as to the level of difference the change discussed will make.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
About to head over to Steve's with my emotiva gear to hook them up to his LSI15s. Will let you know how it goes!Emotiva LMC pre/pro
Emotiva LPA amp
Fronts LSI15
Center LSIC
Rears LSI7s
Dual MFW-15s
Oppo 980H
Signal Analog II ICs
Signal Ultra speaker cables -
stevetx sent you a email about a trade if interested let me know at crd2002@hotmail.comHome Theater sony 52 inch lcd,Cinenova grande 7 channel, polk RTI8,CSI5,FXI5,onkyo 805
2 Channel rig Sunfire grand cinema 5ch,sunfire TGA III,Rotel 1072,polk RTI12,Monster hts 5100 -
I went over to Steve's house yesterday and we managed to hook our gear up. A couple of brief observations:
1. His Pioneer Elite really did seem to be doing a good job powering the LSIs. They didn't seem to be wanting for power.
2. Using the LPA to power the speakers did bring out the high end and definitely added some punch to the bass. The difference was noticable, but not overwhelming.
3. One thing that really stood out to my ears was the difference in the speaker wire. I hadn't originally intended to test this out, but when we moved from my pre & amp to his pre with my amp, I noticed the sound was somewhat muddy. I asked Steve if we could quickly hook up my speaker cables and everything became clearer. Again, not a HUGE difference, but it was definitely noticable. It was almost as if a blanket was on the speakers with his wire (fairly generic cable) and it was lifted off with mine.
This wasn't a purely scientific comparision, since the speakers weren't positioned properly for each test, nor did we do any recalibration, etc. But, I think we both got some good information out of it. I'm looking to buy some LSI 15s now!Emotiva LMC pre/pro
Emotiva LPA amp
Fronts LSI15
Center LSIC
Rears LSI7s
Dual MFW-15s
Oppo 980H
Signal Analog II ICs
Signal Ultra speaker cables -
Nice work! I get down to Austin for work once in a while. Let me know if you want/need to unload some of your Lsi15s and I can transport them back to Dallas.
Nice snag! glad to hear your PE is handling them for the time being.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 -
I get dibbs on those lsi15s. At least I hope so.Emotiva LMC pre/pro
Emotiva LPA amp
Fronts LSI15
Center LSIC
Rears LSI7s
Dual MFW-15s
Oppo 980H
Signal Analog II ICs
Signal Ultra speaker cables -
Thanks for the update mhartman. When I hooked up my LSI15 to my Yamaha, I thought they were fine. The difference after hooking the speakers to the AdCom was not "overwhelming" indeed but there was more clarity.Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR805
Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
Front: LSI15
Center: LSIC
Sourround: FxiA4
Rear: Fxi3
Sub: Bic H100
TV: Sony 52' XBR4
"The more time you spend researching here, the less money you will have"