LSi 15's and what Amp

Mr.Bigglesworth

Hi,

I am looking at getting the LSi 15's in the next few months but am having a tough time deciding on an amplifier for them. They will be going into a 7.1 HT setup to be used for movies (obviously) and some music. The amps that I have been considering so far are the Onkyo 806 and 876 as well as the yamaha HTR-6290 also called the RX-V1900. I am considering the 6290 primarily because I can get it for a really good price but I really like the look of the Onkyo's and there features, especially the THX Ultra 2 certification and specifically the Loudness Plus feature. My price limit for the amp is $2k canadian. The main decision I need to make is whether I should buy the 876 for example or the 806/6290 and a decent two channel power amp for the fronts. My price on the 6290 is around $800, but sound quality and features are more important to me then saving a few hundred dollars. Thanks in advance.

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk. Get which ever Onkyo or Yamaha receiver has all the bells and whistles that you want it to have. Then ALSO get a 2 channel amp of at LEAST 200wpc.

The LSI's love power & very few receivers can handle the 4ohm load of the LSI's. Including the ones you are interested in.

Mr.Bigglesworth

Ok, thanks for the reply. In your reply you mentioned getting atleast a 200wpc power amplifier, which manufacturer would you suggest for a good quality power amp that will cost under a grand and preferably under $500?

cfrizz

Well you can check out Emotiva, Rotel, Parasound, Nad, B & K.

You can also look into getting a used one on Audiogon.

Mr.Bigglesworth

Ok, thanks once again, but exactly what amplifier wattage should I be teaming these speakers up with in order to get the full potential out of them? I am relatively new to this sort of thing and I don't know if connecting these speakers to say 300W amps would damage them. One amp that I may be able to get used for a really good price is a Bryston power amp, I don't know what model, but how do the Brystons compare to the amps you listed?

george daniel

LSI 15's like alot of HIGH CURRENT most likely something in the 200 watt range for sand amps.

LessisNevermore

Mr.Bigglesworth wrote: »

Ok, thanks once again, but exactly what amplifier wattage should I be teaming these speakers up with in order to get the full potential out of them? I am relatively new to this sort of thing and I don't know if connecting these speakers to say 300W amps would damage them. One amp that I may be able to get used for a really good price is a Bryston power amp, I don't know what model, but how do the Brystons compare to the amps you listed?

You'll do more damage under powering them than with having 300+. The LSi's dip below 4ohms and can really put a strain on lesser amps. I haven't owned a Bryston, but they have a great reputation, and the best warranty in the biz. (20 yrs.) If you can find one under $500- run, don't walk.:D

Mr.Bigglesworth

Thanks once again for the replies, but is say connecting these speakers to 500wpc amp going to damage them? As I said I am new to this and don't know whether I should be looking for an amp that has either, more, less or matched wattage to what is recommended for these speakers. What I really want to know is: if I buy an amp rated for more power then whatever speakers I choose is that harmful in anyway or a positive? As for the LSi 15's I have no problem buying a 250wpc amp and higher if it is beneficial.

george daniel

nope,, as long as you don't overdrive and clip the amp,,I'm sure that your ears will give out long before the components do. Just try to buy as much as you can afford for a good high quality current/power-amplifier--big A$$ Parasounds,, Belles,,Musical Fidelity,,etc. Good luck.

tcrossma

LSI's like a good, high current amp. I'm currently running a 150wpc @ 8ohm Pass Labs amp that is a ton better than the 200wpc @ 8ohm B&K that I once owned. So wattage isn't everything. But you do not want to underpower the LSI's, so give them lots of current. You really cannot overpower them, so feel free to get a 600wpc amp if that's what floats your boat -- your ears will probably shatter before the speakers do.

As to the Bryston, they have a fantastic warranty, no doubt about it. I have considered them on my last 2 amp purchases but I was always a little leery due to their Pro Audio heritage. I hear their SST line is fantastic, but they are pricey.

cfrizz

Your speakers will be just fine with a 200 & up wpc amp @ 8ohms and sound alot better for it.

If you look at my signature, I'm running a 405wpc Sunfire amp to my 19 year old RTA's & other speakers. All of them sound terrific & my ears give out long before the speakers do. Your ears will too.

The speakers only take what they need. The key is to make sure they have ALL the power they can handle to run to their full potential. This is what is ensured by having that much power.

So unless you plan on turning the volume all the way up thereby blowing your ears & potentially damaging your speakers, you have nothing to worry about.

Mr.Bigglesworth wrote: »

Thanks once again for the replies, but is say connecting these speakers to 500wpc amp going to damage them? As I said I am new to this and don't know whether I should be looking for an amp that has either, more, less or matched wattage to what is recommended for these speakers. What I really want to know is: if I buy an amp rated for more power then whatever speakers I choose is that harmful in anyway or a positive? As for the LSi 15's I have no problem buying a 250wpc amp and higher if it is beneficial.

mwaarna

The more power the better.

I recently went from an Outlaw Audio 750(which is for sale) which does 250@4ohms to Cinenova Grande which does 600@4ohms...

Like people above have said.. you wont damage your speakers with too much power, you will just give them the ability to draw power when needed.

You could even Bi-Amp the LSI15's..

When I upgraded to the Cinenova, what i noticed at first was the bass that comes out of the 15's when they are properly powered.. and the Clarity at reference volumes...

But the more you spend on audio equipment.. the more diminishing your returns are... Just be-aware, that this upgrading can become a disease... ;-)

bondslex

Sunfire TG5200 or 7200
Sunfire TG5400 or 7400

They can be had for cheap now!

Mr.Bigglesworth

Yeah I would have to agree that once you upgrade, you just want to keep on upgrading and buying new components. Once you reach a certain level of performance though the performance gains for your money are going to be very minimal at best. I know all about that as I also tend to spend a grand on computer upgrades every two-three months just to get the newest stuff that doesn't really have much in the way of performance upgrades. Thanks for the info that helped to clear up a few issues.