LSi 15's or 9's

Murray1

Newbie doing research and need assistance. Man, things have changed since I last purchased a receiver 30 years ago. Lots of fun doing my homework. I am buying for a 46" HT setup and room size is 12X30. Actual HT area will be 12X12 with remaining open area used for pool table. Originally planned on purchasing 9's and 7's for the rear but now am questioning if 15's are the way to go. Don't understand difference between 25's and 15's. Sounds like it has something to do with the subwoofer. Appears that the 25's have a powered sub but 15's do not. Is that a big deal? If I go with the 15's should I get a separate sub? What kind? Compatible? Also considering Onyko 706. Appears speakers are power hungry and need to know if this receiver is sufficient. Also plan on LSi-C for the center. Planning on purchasing refurbished rather than new. Thanks for all your input.

Merry CHRISTmas to all ...........

polkatese

Welcome to CP, Murray. What kind of budget are you looking at? Btw, do a search on this subject (LSi15 vs. 9) and you will see that there are lots of great advice already on this. If you are still have questions, post away...

Kex

LSi speakers are rated at 4 ohms. There are very few receivers that can drive them, NAD is probably the most noteworthy exception. Spearit Sound is a good source for these. Otherwise, you can buy any receiver with pre-out connections so that you can add an external amplifier to power them instead, and that's a whole new topic to research!

http://nadelectronics.com/products/av-receivers
http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/nadspec.htm

Welcome to Club Polk!

Murray1

Morning all,

Searched previous posts as polkatese suggested but am looking for expert opinions that address my specifics (i.e. room size/configuration, LSi15 sub questions, receiver power, etc.)
One more question. Would I need to add an amp if I go with 706?

Thanks again........

polkatese

Murray1 wrote: »

Newbie doing research and need assistance. Man, things have changed since I last purchased a receiver 30 years ago. Lots of fun doing my homework. I am buying for a 46" HT setup and room size is 12X30. Actual HT area will be 12X12 with remaining open area used for pool table. Originally planned on purchasing 9's and 7's for the rear but now am questioning if 15's are the way to go. Don't understand difference between 25's and 15's. Sounds like it has something to do with the subwoofer. Appears that the 25's have a powered sub but 15's do not. Is that a big deal? If I go with the 15's should I get a separate sub? What kind? Compatible? Also considering Onyko 706. Appears speakers are power hungry and need to know if this receiver is sufficient. Also plan on LSi-C for the center. Planning on purchasing refurbished rather than new. Thanks for all your input.

Merry CHRISTmas to all ...........

Your room size is pretty similar to mine. I have a 20 X 30, opening up to a breakfast nook area and kitchen along the length of the room, with the system planted on the other end. For your size of the room, you might be able to getaway with LSi9 and a sub. But, preference would dictate your needs. Personally I would go with LSi15 since it will gives you a better soundstage and room-filling sound. LSi25 has a built-in powered sub, which may not be ideal for you, since speaker location and placement would be a bit more tricky for you, to find a perfect location in the corner that doesn't produce boomy bass. As far as your Onkyo, it will not handle your LSi15 or 9 adequately, since LSis are 4 ohms speakers, and the Oinks would not be able to drive these speakers with finesse (search "Onkyo"). My recommendation would be a receiver from Rotel, B&K, Carver (if there is such one exist), NAD, Adcom, etc. etc. Or, you can use your Onkyo (if you already own one) and pair it with a power amplifiers from Emotiva, Rotel, B&K, etc. Rule of thumb would dictate a high-current amplifiers that are capable of producing 150 watts + per channel at 4ohms (at least for the front 3 speakers, Left, Right, and Center) for HT and music usage. The more the merrier (IMO). Personally I powered them with 400 watts per channel. Part of the advantage of having plenty of power to drive them, is that you get more at lower volume level, bass slam, clarity, etc. without straining your amp, thus less distortion. As far as subs, there are so many choices there: Polk PSW series, Velodyne, SVS, REL, etc. (there are plenty of discussions threads on the merit of these brands). These are my .02 for what it worths.

Merry Christmas to you too...

Murray1

Thanks polkatese for the info. Have not purchased anything yet so wondering if NAD per Kex is the way to go. Does anyone know if NAD has HD audio (True Dolby,etc)? Does NAD have enough wattage to compare to Oink 706 or Yamaha 663 with an amp? I want clarity so I can hear words and don't plan on cranking up the volume.