Need a good receiver for LSi7

apphd

jolax73 wrote: »

Cfrizz,

What is a prepro by the way?? Sorry I am new to home audio...so some of the terms are not familiar yet.

jolax you will see this term often. It is a preamp/processor, basically the controller/heart of your system. Basically an AVR incorporates the prepro and amp into one chassis. Separates as the name implies puts the amp in one chassis and the prepro into another.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches.

Sherardp

SC-05 with an external power amp.

cfrizz

Apphd nailed it Jolax. A prepro is the brains & the amp is the muscle. All decoding of information from all sources (dvd player, cd, etc.) is done through a prepro.

jolax73 wrote: »

Cfrizz,

What is a prepro by the way?? Sorry I am new to home audio...so some of the terms are not familiar yet.

jolax73

Folks, after reading all the thread, I have decided to get either of these 3:
Emotiva XPA-5
Rotel RMB-1075
Sunfire Grand Cinema

these amps appear to between $600-800 range...

Among the three, which one do you polk mania most recommend to go for my LSi7?

shack

What preamp/processor are you going with and how much are you willing to spend for that separate item? Are you going with a reciever that has pre-outs to hook up to the amp or a dedicated preamp/processor? Do you know what features you want/need in a preamp/processor?

All the amps will work...but that is only part of the equation...and I'm not sure you have a plan for the entire package. I think you need do do a lot more research into how to set up a home theater, whats involved in a receiver vs separates, what you need, what you want, etc...before you start buying gear.

jimmydep

If your in the NYC area your more than welcome to stop by and listen to the Emotiva and the Sunfire amps.
But with the LSI's, my vote goes to the Emotiva.

Jimmy

jolax73

jimmydep wrote: »

If your in the NYC area your more than welcome to stop by and listen to the Emotiva and the Sunfire amps.
But with the LSI's, my vote goes to the Emotiva.

Jimmy

I am kinda hooked to the Emotiva case design than SUnfire or Rotel or NAD. Hopefully, I made the right choice to get Emotiva although it is not so popular brand among audiophile manias. BTW, how does it sound with the Lsi? I hope it is not on the bright side which makes listening a fatigue after a long period.

Did u buy brand new or the refurbished?

cfrizz

Are you going to get a receiver or a prepro to go with the Emo amp. You NEED one or the other as well as the amp.

jimmydep

jolax73 wrote: »

I am kinda hooked to the Emotiva case design than SUnfire or Rotel or NAD. Hopefully, I made the right choice to get Emotiva although it is not so popular brand among audiophile manias. BTW, how does it sound with the Lsi? I hope it is not on the bright side which makes listening a fatigue after a long period.

Did u buy brand new or the refurbished?

I bought my XPA-5 new, it was $799 + $25 for shipping. I rarely see them for sale used.

It came well packed, and double boxed. It took about 3 days to get. This amp is well made, it's built like a tank and has some of the best speaker jacks I've seen. I hope you work out because this baby is heavy at 80+ pounds.

If your receiver has a 12volt trigger you'll need to get a stereo or mono
3.5mm mini jack cable to turn on the amp automatically.

I think the Emotiva ia a perfect match for the laid back nature of the LSI's.

Congratulations on your purchase, I think you made a wise choice and are ready for any future speaker upgrade.......

Don't worry so much about what the non Emotiva owners think (they're just jealous they paid 3 times the price for their amps)

Jimmy

shack

jimmydep wrote:

Don't worry so much about what the non Emotiva owners think (they're just jealous they paid 3 times the price for their amps)

Jimmy

And EMO fanboys wonder why they get so much crap....:rolleyes:

tonyb

Ya gets what ya pay for....the end.

Kex

shack wrote: »

What preamp/processor are you going with and how much are you willing to spend for that separate item? Are you going with a reciever that has pre-outs to hook up to the amp or a dedicated preamp/processor? Do you know what features you want/need in a preamp/processor?

All the amps will work...but that is only part of the equation...and I'm not sure you have a plan for the entire package. I think you need do do a lot more research into how to set up a home theater, whats involved in a receiver vs separates, what you need, what you want, etc...before you start buying gear.

This is excellent advice IMO. Yes, the XPA-5 will work fine with the LSi 7 (some will also suggest perhaps more so if Home Theater is a priority rather than music) but it's time for you to decide where exactly you are going with this project! The amplifier on its own can do nothing, and you won't be able to even use it (under most circumstances).

Some things to consider are:

- Music vs. Home Theater priorities.
- Do you want the new HD audio formats or not?
- What source components (players) will you be using?
- Do you have Blu Ray or an upscaling DVD video player?
- What other speakers you will be adding.
- Speaker connections needed.
- IC cables needed to hook up the amplifier.
- Which receiver, or processor you have in mind.
- Have you planned for a decent subwoofer? Very important for Home Theater!
- Universal remotes, such as Logitech Harmony, are a fabulous user-friendly feature according to most that have them.

This may cost a whole lot more than you think if you don't start managing your budget from the outset.

Oh, and BTW, jimmydep, without wanting to get into a juvenile **** for tat flame exchange ...

jimmydep wrote: »

... Don't worry so much about what the non Emotiva owners think (they're just jealous they paid 3 times the price for their amps) ...

... aren't you forgetting that the OP could have bought the highly capable NAD for less than the Emotiva amp alone, never mind the receiver or pre/pro that he still needs to get to send it a signal? I'm an ex-Emotiva owner BTW.

jimmydep

Kex, No disrespect intended.......

Well I'm off to vacation in the Outer Banks....see you in a week

Jimmy

shack

Kex wrote:

... aren't you forgetting that the OP could have bought the highly capable NAD for less than the Emotiva amp alone, never mind the receiver or pre/pro that he still needs to get to send it a signal?

EXACTLY my thought.

jolax73

... aren't you forgetting that the OP could have bought the highly capable NAD for less than the Emotiva amp alone, never mind the receiver or pre/pro that he still needs to get to send it a signal? I'm an ex-Emotiva owner BTW.[/QUOTE]


Kex, looking at your comment, that you mentioned that you owned an Emotiva before, how does this compare in terms of sound quality between using the NAD T755 (receiver and amp) vs XPA-5 with a receiver. Does it make a big difference in term of the sound quality? Also for a not too expensive, what kind of speaker cable and interconnect do you recommend?

Kex

jolax73 wrote: »

Kex, looking at your comment, that you mentioned that you owned an Emotiva before, how does this compare in terms of sound quality between using the NAD T755 (receiver and amp) vs XPA-5 with a receiver. Does it make a big difference in term of the sound quality? Also for a not too expensive, what kind of speaker cable and interconnect do you recommend?

Your first question is not easy to answer precisely, since everyone's priorities are different, so not everyone will necessarily have the same opinion as me between these two options, but yes, the T754 in my system made a very significant difference in quality compared to the Emotiva LMC-1 & LPA-1 pre/pro amplifier combination. To help you understand my priorities, I was especially interested in controlled bass output for music listening, and the T754 achieved this beyond my expectations, whereas the LMC-1 & LPA-1 were not even close to my expectations. The T755 has several improvements when compared to the T754, including HDMI, Audyssey auto-calibration with NAD specific response curves, Burr-Brown D/A & A/D converters ... etc.

Some will argue that the 200w/ch output of the XPA-5 will make it perform better than the 125w/ch of the LPA-1 I was using, but this simple assumption certainly does not explain why the 70w/ch of the T754 were able to contribute such a significant improvement. Adding more watts may not yield the results you might expect ... others, however, will tell you that more is always better. If your priority is for Home Theater and movies, then I would say that this difference that I noticed in improved, clean bass output from the T754 will be less important, but I still prefer it. As for using the XPA-5 with a receiver such as the T755, this should theoretically yield all the improvements of added power, when compared to the T755 on it's own, but it's not certain IMO that you'd actually notice the difference (again, others will beg to differ). The processing abilities of the T755, and the other features I consider most useful, would also work equally well with the addition of the XPA-5. The best way to determine what you yourself actually prefer would be to try it and see, and sell or return the amplifier if you don't think it's worth it.

For speaker cables and interconnects, the very cheapest option is monoprice.com, which is Monster quality without Monster pricing, although the exterior finish of the Monster products does "look more expensive" whatever that means. Otherwise, there are some other good options below.

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp
http://bluejeanscable.com/
http://signalcable.com/classicspeaker.html

Do not forget the subwoofer either. Entry level models, that are almost useless for music listening IMO, start at about $150-250. Choices start to get more serious around $500-750. After that, it's really up to you and those priorities I keep mentioning. If you don't decide on these at some point, you could well end up with option paralysis from a plethora of differing, and seemingly contradictory suggestions!

jolax73

Kex, thanks for the detail explanation. I am prolly leaning to get a separate amp here since I will be using it in the long run and planning to add surround and center speaker. However, I do need some clarification here. As for the pre-out receiver, does it make a big difference in the sound output if say for instance I use a Yamaha or Denon vs the NAD T-755?

Logically, the receiver would just act as a controller and not processing any sound from the amplifier, right? And if that is the case, the amplifier within the receiver is not being used at all, right? or am I misunderstood here?

BTW, for the subwoofer, I was considering Polk DSW Pro 500. What do you think of this sub? I see a lot of good comments on this sub.

thanks!

cfrizz

You have it right Jolax. Once you hook up a separate amp to the receiver, the amp in the receiver is taken out of the picture. The Polk DSW Pro 500 will ROCK!

My brother got one for his birthday & the sub had his wood & glass cabinets behind him rattling! LOL.

Each receiver has its own individual sound, and unless you are able to compare them back to back it really is hard to say.

Pick one that has all the bells & whistles that you want it to have & make sure it has preouts for when you get the amp.

jolax73

Cfrizz, I have set my mind to go with the XPA-5 and then get a receiver with preout. Any specific model you would recommend on a yamaha or denon receiver to with my emotiva?

Thanks!

shack

jolax73 wrote:

Cfrizz, I have set my mind to go with the XPA-5 and then get a receiver with preout.

What a waste. If you are going to buy a 5 channel amp to begin with...why would you buy a receiver? If you have already made up your mind to START with an amp...then you should go ahead and find a HT preamp/processor. Why waste money purchasing a piece of gear where well over 50% of the cost is for stuff you have no use for? I can think of a reason...possibly...but you haven't given any indication that you know where you are going with your set up well enough to make me think you understand why.

Is this the only place you are getting your recomendations from? If so, you need to slow down and spend a lot more time researching a understanding what makes a good HT setup, how much you want to spend and how you are going to develop it. Your initial post started out asking for recommendations for a receiver UNDER $500...now you are spending over $800 for an amp, still needing a controler, haven't figured out your center channel, and rear speakers and while you are narrowing it down on a sub.

IN MY OPINION...based on your first two "decisions" the LSi7 and XPA-5...to do this right, you should consider that the EMO UMC1 is a good match for what you are doing...another $700+. The center channel should tonally match your fronts, so the only right choice is the LSiC, another $550+. Some say surrounds aren't as important to tone match to the front soundstage (I disagree) but since you already have decided on 200wpc to drive them with, why waste the power? Might as well go with the LSiFX for another $1,000. The sub you have narrowed it down to is fine for around $600...but it may not be up to the rest of your gear. Many will point you to SVS subs as an option but thats another topic and could cost you more...maybe. You need cables and so forth and you could spend anywhere from $50-500 depending on your needs. So now...not counting your LSi7s...to get to a well matched HT SOUND system you are looking at spending $3,700 to $4,000 for a 5.1 setup. What about going 7.1?

Then there is the source and monitor...regular DVD...Blu-Ray...LCD (what size), projection, etc, etc, etc...

To repeat...all I am recommending is to slow down...get a better understanding of where you are going with your intended system before you just start buying gear based on internet recommendations. Have a plan, have a budget and a good idea of how to get there.

Good luck.

Kex

Once again, Shack is bang on target IMO. Jolax, with all due respect, you seem to be all over the map with this, and no end in sight. It's like you've just decided to buy a new V8 engine for a new car, just because it was there (and, to your surprise, only slightly more expensive than the whole car you had previously intended to buy), but you don't yet know if you want to put it in a truck that can haul your boat around, a sports coup

cfrizz

Jolax I agree completely with Shack. You are planning this very well, just slow down a little & really settle these things in your mind & continue to build your bank account so you only have to do this once. The gear will still be there when you are ready to take the plunge. Nor is there any harm in getting them a couple of pieces at a time until complete.

I think that you should go straight for a prepro/amp combo & skip the receiver. Another option you can consider is getting the combo from Outlaw Audio. The 990 doesn't have all the latest & greatest, but if you can do without them you will have a great foundation for a system. Or you can wait till they release their new prepro.

https://www.outlawaudio.com/mofcart/bstock.html

Keep an eye on www.Audiogon.com Outlaws come up there quite regularly, & people might be looking to dump their 990's for the new model that will hopefully be coming out this year.

As for the whole music vs HT, I don't believe in needing 2 separate systems. Buy good equipment that will do both well. I know my system does them both very well.

The LSI's can handle both just fine, & you are planning on getting the necessary power to drive them to their full potential which is the most important point.

apphd

Jolax, got to go along with shack, kex and cfrizz. The best thing to do right now is READ! There are endless ways and equipment to build a system you will be very happy with for some time. This means that there are just as many ways to build one you are not happy with.

Like shack asks are you planning on building up a complete system from ground up (sound/source/display)?

The first thing I would suggest is go and audition a number of systems in various price ranges, and configurations. Then get an idea what you want to accomplish for your happiness in the end, not what anyone else (except maybe the S.O.) would be happy with.

So far you have said you have a pair of LSi7 and would like to do music and HT. Great start everyone here is just trying to help you finish it out complimenting those instead of drawing away from them and the good start you have but not knowing for sure what you are looking to do, and not sure if you know makes it difficult.

kasuza

My local Bestbuy sells Denon avr-2808 (open box) for $399, Pioneer Elite VSX-03THX in box for $499, Denon avr-3808 (open box) for $799 (not a good deals), and Harmon AVR-254 $300. I scored myself Pioneer Elite VSX-92THX for $349 which is a sweet deal. I am waiting for them sell Pioneer SC-05 open box for $500.

jolax73

shack wrote: »

What a waste. If you are going to buy a 5 channel amp to begin with...why would you buy a receiver? If you have already made up your mind to START with an amp...then you should go ahead and find a HT preamp/processor. Why waste money purchasing a piece of gear where well over 50% of the cost is for stuff you have no use for? I can think of a reason...possibly...but you haven't given any indication that you know where you are going with your set up well enough to make me think you understand why.


IN MY OPINION...based on your first two "decisions" the LSi7 and XPA-5...to do this right, you should consider that the EMO UMC1 is a good match for what you are doing...another $700+. The center channel should tonally match your fronts, so the only right choice is the LSiC, another $550+. Some say surrounds aren't as important to tone match to the front soundstage (I disagree) but since you already have decided on 200wpc to drive them with, why waste the power? Might as well go with the LSiFX for another $1,000. The sub you have narrowed it down to is fine for around $600...but it may not be up to the rest of your gear. Many will point you to SVS subs as an option but thats another topic and could cost you more...maybe. You need cables and so forth and you could spend anywhere from $50-500 depending on your needs. So now...not counting your LSi7s...to get to a well matched HT SOUND system you are looking at spending $3,700 to $4,000 for a 5.1 setup. What about going 7.1?

Hi Shack,

I was thinking that a pre pro is feature of a receiver that is why I keep saying that I would get an amp and a receiver coz earlier of the guy mentioned that i would still need a receiver with a pre pro for my xpa5 to work. That is why I was asking the forum what kind of prepor/processor should I get to go along with my xpa5. As for my setup, I am bulding from ground up. I have got my 54" Panny plasma, and as for the center channel, I am considering Lsic but no preference yet for the surround. DvD player all purchased already. Cable, I am still reading the forum to see what brand goes the best with my Lsi7.

I do appreciate all your inputs, explanation and guidance here. I certainly learn a lot from you guys and will continue reading this forum to get the best setup possible based on consumer's comment rather than professional review as I trust consumer's review more.

Thanks again!!

shack

jolax73 wrote:

and as for the center channel, I am considering Lsic but no preference yet for the surround.

In my opinion the LSiC is the only correct center to use. I think is is very important for there to be a seamless tonal front soundstage. Since you already have the LSi7s...the LSiC is the only center that will give you that.

jolax73

By the way, where would I be able to audition those amps mentioned in this forum? I live in Corona, California. Shack, can you give me an example of a pre-amp that I can use with my XPA-5?

apphd

jolax, Emotiva is internet direct sales only, so no place to hear one unless you find someone near you that you can meet up to have a listen. CP members often open their home up to others to audition gear, maybe someone near you will see this and give you an invite. The only other option is order one (when you are ready) and you can return it if it's not your cup of tea. But you need to pay return shipping on a 80-90 lb. package.

So you have the LSi7, a 54" Panny (love my 42") and your DVD source. So as has been said you really should go with the LSi center.
IS your DVD player HD (BR or HDVD)? Does it have multi ch analog outs? HDMI out? Does it decode HD audio? These are all important questions to determine what you will need in the line of a pre-pro/AVR to interface your DVD player to an amp. Many use AVR for this because it is an option (if full preout equipped) that gives all the latest and greatest features at a reasonable cost. But as shack said, you are also paying for an amp section in the AVR which, if using an external amp, will not be used.

This is where a budget, understanding the trade offs and benefits of an AVR as a prepro verses a true dedicated prepro are important.
Do you have a plan and budget for building this slowly as funds are there, or everything at once to finish out the HT? Does this include a good sub?

jolax73

Apphd, yes, I have considered DSW Pro 500 for my sub. I am currently have HDVD player that converts to 1080p and it has a HDMI output. As for a pre pro AVR, is there one that does not has a built in amplifier? Just wondering if there is one out there but has all the latest and greatest feature such as being able to take HDMI.

kawizx9r

jolax73 wrote: »

Apphd, yes, I have considered DSW Pro 500 for my sub. I am currently have HDVD player that converts to 1080p and it has a HDMI output. As for a pre pro AVR, is there one that does not has a built in amplifier? Just wondering if there is one out there but has all the latest and greatest feature such as being able to take HDMI.

As for a pre/pro/avr that doesn't have an amplifier, yes there are. Those are generally called preamps/processors. AVR's are audio/video receivers (built in amps)