Need advice for receivers for Lsi7s

dylin88

Hey guys,

I need some help deciding between receivers to power a pair of Lsi7s.

Used ROTEL RX-975 - $200

Used Marantz SR 4320 - $175

New Harmon Kardon 3490 - $280 or so

Any thoughts or suggestions on a different receiver? Student budget, so I'm trying to stay below $300.

Thanks in advance!

KrazyMofo24

All 3 sound like great choices. I know the H/k will have plenty of power to power the Lsi7's and will sound good.

I feel the H/k has a stronger amp, and will probably suit you best.

cnh

I'm with Krazy...

The H/K good power, warm sound! Nice two channel solution!

cnh

organ

Check out used integrated amps. You should be able to find plenty in your price range.

dylin88

I know the HK3490 is the strongest one, but I've heard that the Rotel/Marantz were basically "higher tier" back when they came out and so may still sound better? any comments on that?

Another option, more expensive, like $400, is a used NAD 7600. Very very used......which I'm a little wary of. what do you guys think?

danz1906

Go for the Rotel.

cnh

Organ is also right. The used market has a lot to offer. I'm not familiar with that NAD but I do prefer older NADs to the stuff they're putting out 'now'.

As a unit ages it will need some repair...just how old are we talking here?

cnh

dylin88

Rotel/Marantz I'm estimating to be 6-7 years old? NAD 7600 is probably at least 15 years old. I believe they stopped making these a while back.

dkg999

I'd look for a new NAD C720BEE, which can be had for $399 or so right now.

dylin88

My issue with the C720BEE is that although I understand it's official power is understated, the Lsi7s need a lot of juice to really get them going and I don't know if the C720 really has enough, or would outperform say, the rotel.

KrazyMofo24

I haven't heard Rotel, or Marantz personally so can not comment on the sound.

I just feel the Lsi7's are a bit hard to drive not so much as the 9's. I know H/k are very modest with their ratings so I know for sure will give you the power that you need. Which I feel has a bearing on the overall sound also.

If its strictly two-channel I feel you have more options depending on your location if you keep an eye out on Craigslist.

It's tough one.

DollarDave

dkg999 wrote: »

I'd look for a new NAD C720BEE, which can be had for $399 or so right now.

I own the H/K 3480 (basically the same as a 3490) and 2 older NAD receivers. The modest NADs blow even the underrated H/Ks away. In fact, I used the older NAD 7130 as an amp for the newer HK 3480 for a while and it performed very well. Much greater power reserve than the HK and a nice, warm tone.

For $399, the NAD is a very good investment. But, you can pick up the HK from their e-bay store for considerably less than that, probably around $175 - $200 and can't go wrong there.

dylin88

Wow I didn't notice the ebay store for HK. What is the 3485-Z? It says 120W so is it the same thing as the 3490?

Zitro

dylin88 wrote: »

My issue with the C720BEE is that although I understand it's official power is understated, the Lsi7s need a lot of juice to really get them going and I don't know if the C720 really has enough, or would outperform say, the rotel.

Trust me, not the case. I'm running my LSi7's on a 50 wpc NAD integrated, and it has plenty of juice to make them sing. The NAD's dynamic headroom really handles the LSi's well (160 wpc into 4 ohms).

EDIT: Oops, didn't realize how old the thread was lol.