Can I use LSi15 (4 ohms) + Pioneer AVR (6-16 ohms)?

dm1179

I would like to change the front bookshelf speakers into floorstanders, Polk Audio LSi15, 4 ohms.

However, Page 19 of the A/V Receiver manual states to “use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6-16 ohms.”

The current configuration is:

A/V Receiver: Pioneer VSX-74TXVi Elite
Front: Polk Audio RTiA3, 8 ohms
Center: Polk Audio CSiA6, 8 ohms
Rear: Polk Audio RTiA3, 8 ohms
Sub: Polk Audio DSW-600

Can I use the 4-ohm speakers together with my current 8-ohm speakers using my Pioneer A/V Receiver? Will it damage the speaker or A/V Receiver?

kawizx9r

Don't do it, get yourself an external amp.

It'll work but it's not recommended. It especially won't work if you crank those suckers up, don't expect your receiver and speakers to like you afterward.

dm1179

Which one will be damaged first -- the LSi15 or the receiver?

kawizx9r

dm1179 wrote: »

Which one will be damaged first -- the LSi15 or the receiver?

If you put it that way, you're implying that one of them is expendable. In that case, toss it my way

Honestly though, damage can and will occur to both your speakers and AVR. Whichever one will see it first is hard to tell, maybe someone will correct me on this one.

-Freddy

nguyendot

Can you do it? Yes. Should you do it? No.

You can and will damage the receiver (first) as it decides to impode from the high current these speakers require, and once the receiver goes, it will probably take your speakers with them.

Do it right! Get an amp.

mmadden28

I would imagine that if you push it, that the amp would run out of steam and the signal will clip or distort and blow your tweeters first. But that's not a WILL happen, that's a MIGHT happen-that all depends on how hard or loud you drive them. I've read many reports on this forum where people have driven thier LSI's fine for years on a reg AVR not intended for 4 ohm speakers. Not everybody pushes thier system. If my wife had control, the whole HT would only need a 15watt amp. I, however, need a tad bit more.

Now will you be getting out the full potential the speakers have to offer? No. Not with an underpowered or less than capable amp.

wutadumsn23

I have to agree with everybody on this one, lol. Can it be done, Yes. Can it be done safely with no worries of ever pushing something past it's limits, maybe. Is it worth the risk, IMO no. You would be better off buying an external amp and letting it take the load of the LSi's off your AVR's hands. Those LSi's love power and deserve every watt you can send their way, to be enjoyed at their full potential. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

nguyendot

That's a nice receiver you have there, don't let it catch fire by overdriving it.

thuffman03

Don't do it. Buy a 4 ohm stable amp to run those speakers on.

Vette C6.r

I have a similar set-up and I fried ( literally ) my crossovers in my LSI's. An external amp is indeed the way to go.

DeusExa

Sell the AVR, and split the money btw a cheaper receiver, and 2-ch amp. If the Pio's still worth anything near its msrp, that is...