Need some advice...

Joker1975

Hello all,

I am brand new to the forum I find this forum to be very informative.

I recently upgraded my front speakers with the LSi15's so now my configuration is:
LSi15's up front
CS400i Center
RT25i rears
PSW450 Sub.

I just came across the steal of a lifetime on a Sony 3400ES receiver ($500 brand new) and now after a little reading around I notice that the LSi15's are 4 ohm speakers and the rest of my speakers are nominal 8 - minimum 4 ohm.

I read that the 3400ES has a 4/8 ohm switching mode.

My question is this...

Which setting should I run my receiver on 4/8? I guess that if it is on 8 then the LSi15 will be sucking the life out of the receiver and it may run hot.

2nd question is - if I run on 4 ohm, is there a risk of hurting the other speakers? Or will they run loud which I can control the levels - not a big deal.

I understand that I could get a separate Amp but I do not think I am that high end yet - nor do I have the cash.

Will this system run decently or perhaps do I look to return the LSi15's and grab a decent 8ohm speaker like the RTiA9's?

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks alot.

JD

Jim Shearer

Welcome to CP!

If you only listen at low levels, the the Sony AVR will probably manage. But you really won't be able to make the Lsi-15's sing. Can you live w/ it for a while & pick up a used amp in a few months?

Cheers, Jim

Joker1975

Well - We listen to 60/40 movies to music so I think it shouldn't be that much of an issue but form time to time we have a coupe bevies and we turn it up a notch or three...

That said I could get an amp at some point but then do I need to upgrade my center and surround speakers as well?

I am mainly wondering if I should have my receiver on 4 or 8 ohms and if it will cause damage to the 8 ohm speaks running on 4 ohms?

jeeper_nick

Hey, Joker - I'm in the same boat - I plan on running all Lc-series in-walls which are 4ohm rated mated to a Onkyo TX-SR876 which outputs at 6/8 ohm. The solution to my problem can be solved for about $4-600 in the form of multi-channel amps from either Outlaw or Emotiva. Personally, I'm leaning towards this monster: http://emotiva.com/upa7.shtm

Best of luck with your set-up!

Joker1975 wrote: »

I understand that I could get a separate Amp but I do not think I am that high end yet - nor do I have the cash.

JD

Jim Shearer

Joker,

Set the AVR to 4 ohms. That drops the rail voltage to keep the output transistors in their safe operating area (SOA.) It will decrease your available output the surround speakers, but that's the price you pay for keeping it safe.

Cheers, Jim

Joker1975

Now I am starting to think it may just be easier to have the same impedance across my whole system.

What are the better speaker for home theater?

The LSi15's or the RTiA9's?

apphd

Joker1975 wrote: »

Now I am starting to think it may just be easier to have the same impedance across my whole system.

What are the better speaker for home theater?

The LSi15's or the RTiA9's?

While this doesn't exactly answer your question hope it helps. I would say the LSi15 would be classified as more of a dual purpose with the emphasis on music. Where as the RTaA9's would be more of a HT speaker with OK to very good musical capabilities for most people. Your best bet IMO would be to find a place you can listen to both speakers being driven by something close to the Sony. In any case try to make sure the speakers are driven by the same source during the audition. Then decide what YOU like best for SQ. Then if is the LSi you'll have to decide if an amp fits into your budget sometime in the near future. Because if you go with the LSi with your occasional listening taste of "form time to time we have a coupe bevies and we turn it up a notch or three..." you will more than likely need the amp.

As far as the 8 ohm speakers in the mix, you will not hurt them with the switch in the 4 ohm position as far as I know. Like Jim S said you will only drop what is available to the surrounds a little. Someone please correct this if it is wrong.