LSi 25 or LSi 15 and separate or new amp

wetcoast

Hi there.

I was wondering if you might be able to help me make a decision on the direction I should be heading with my theatre.

I've got a Denon AVR-886 from a few years back that has served me well thus far but the front two channels have lost their ability to produce low range frequencies. I have a Klipsch quintet system and a Klipsch KSW-12. I'll move the quintet into the surround and surround back positions once I get the new towers. I watch movies for the majority of my usage but I do entertain often enough to want to impress with some substatial music volume.

I'm going to buy either the LSi 25 or LSi 15 and a LSiC.

My question is whether I'm better off getting a post amp with a big power rating and use the pre-outs from my Denon until I'm ready to get into a more serious pre/processor or just dump the Denon and get a new AVR to power the new fronts.

I realize that the two options are vastly different in cost and complexity but my biggest question would have to be is a separate system worth the added cost and if I go with a separate system do I need the LSi 25's?

Thanks a lot in advance for your opinions!

Chris

PSOVLSK

I'd keep the Denon and use the pre-outs. Not sure what your price range is, but there is a B&K in the flea market right now that looks to be a great deal. Give a price range for better recommendation on an amp.

Good luck.

Bernal

wetcoast wrote: »

Hi there.

I was wondering if you might be able to help me make a decision on the direction I should be heading with my theatre.

I've got a Denon AVR-886 from a few years back that has served me well thus far but the front two channels have lost their ability to produce low range frequencies. I have a Klipsch quintet system and a Klipsch KSW-12. I'll move the quintet into the surround and surround back positions once I get the new towers. I watch movies for the majority of my usage but I do entertain often enough to want to impress with some substatial music volume.

I'm going to buy either the LSi 25 or LSi 15 and a LSiC.

My question is whether I'm better off getting a post amp with a big power rating and use the pre-outs from my Denon until I'm ready to get into a more serious pre/processor or just dump the Denon and get a new AVR to power the new fronts.

I realize that the two options are vastly different in cost and complexity but my biggest question would have to be is a separate system worth the added cost and if I go with a separate system do I need the LSi 25's?

Thanks a lot in advance for your opinions!

Chris

Hi,
LSi series for optimal performance, it is essential amplifier.
LSi series are 4 ohms
Denon has NOT been tested in 4 ohms.
My personal experience. LSi If you invest in a good amplifier of 400 watts at 4 ohms.
If you do not have the best dimer to go: RT Series.

---

01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
03) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
04) OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio / DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
05) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
06) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
07) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
09) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
10) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
11) VELODYNE 12" OPTIMUN SERIES (High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)[/QUOTE]

Pepi28

No disrespect but what?^

thuffman03

Keep the Denon as a pre and get a big amp.

NewHTguy

The Lsi 15s are the toughest to drive, although you should invest in an amp either way. Given that you have a sub, the 25s might not be worth the extra cost.

On the other hand, if you like to tweak, the Lsi 25's may be better since each of the powered woofers has its own crossover and own volume control. I don't have experience with the Lsi15s, but enjoy my 25's very much.

By the way, I assume you have listened to at least one of the two models. They are likely to sound MUCH different than your Klipsch speakers.

wetcoast

Thanks for the input guys!

I went ahead and ordered the LSi25's and a LSiC on Sat. I should have them here in a few weeks.

I'm looking to spend about $800-1000 for an amp. Should I try and stretch my dollars for a 7 channel amp or look for a higher quality/power 3 channel for now?

apphd

wetcoast wrote: »

Thanks for the input guys!

I went ahead and ordered the LSi25's and a LSiC on Sat. I should have them here in a few weeks.

I'm looking to spend about $800-1000 for an amp. Should I try and stretch my dollars for a 7 channel amp or look for a higher quality/power 3 channel for now?

That's a respectable budget. Are you against buying used? If so and you plan on sticking with the Klipsch surrounds for a while I would go with a nice 3 ch. If used is no problem shop around and you can probably find a nice 7 ch amp for that. Typically I suggest not rushing it and doing some good research to get what's right for you. But with the LSi on the way I think you should get proper power to them. The sooner the better.

jimmydep

I was powering my LSi-15's with a 90wpc receiver and I was going to return them because they sounded so flat, then I added an Emotiva XPA-5 with 350wpc @ 4ohms and they were completely different speakers.
So a good, powerful amplifier is a necessity with the LSi's.

Your Klipsch speakers are bright, forward and easy to drive compared to the laid back nature of the LSi's, so even more of a reason to make sure you power them properly.

Nice speaker choice, I hope you enjoy them

Jimmy

thuffman03

You can never have too much power IMO. Speakers just sound better at all volumes when you have a good amp to drive them.

wetcoast

apphd wrote: »

That's a respectable budget. Are you against buying used? If so and you plan on sticking with the Klipsch surrounds for a while I would go with a nice 3 ch. If used is no problem shop around and you can probably find a nice 7 ch amp for that. Typically I suggest not rushing it and doing some good research to get what's right for you. But with the LSi on the way I think you should get proper power to them. The sooner the better.

I'm definitely not against used but all of the big names sound the same to me because they have similar specs.

Rotel, NAD, Carver, Outlaw, Parasound, Sherborne, MacIntosh etc. It's all greek to me.

I'm going to keep the Klipsch mini's until I gather some more wife points to dump some more money on speakers.