Noob with question about speakers/reciever
Hey guys, new here to the club polk. made a membership pretty much specifically to get this question in here.
I recently picked up a set of lsi7s for a great price, as well as a lsic. I haven't recieved them yet (in shipping), but i'm concerned about using my receiver to run these.
i have also found a sweet deal on a new set of lsi15s, but i would have to get them within the next 3 weeks, nothing wrong there. it'd be sweet to run the LSIC and LSI15s as fronts, and the lsi7s as rears.
The problem is, my receiver is not what you would call "high end". I have a Harman Kardon avr254 from last year. Should i be concerned about running these speakers with this reciever? i have heard that HK receivers can handle 4 ohm speakers better than many others, but i'm concerned that i will blow the speakers if i underpower them with this receiver. HK rates this amp at 50w per channel at 8 ohms(all 7), but i've heard that they rate their amplifiers more "true" than other manufacturers, and that many 100plus watt recievers only actually will put out 50 watts or less on a 7 speaker system.
i realize that i should be using a separate amp to run these things, but my budget restricts me from picking up an amp for another month or longer.
I may be able to sell my hk254 for some cash towards another receiver, but is there any receiver that will be able to safely run these beasts?
my habits are probably 80% movies, 20% music. Thanks
I recently picked up a set of lsi7s for a great price, as well as a lsic. I haven't recieved them yet (in shipping), but i'm concerned about using my receiver to run these.
i have also found a sweet deal on a new set of lsi15s, but i would have to get them within the next 3 weeks, nothing wrong there. it'd be sweet to run the LSIC and LSI15s as fronts, and the lsi7s as rears.
The problem is, my receiver is not what you would call "high end". I have a Harman Kardon avr254 from last year. Should i be concerned about running these speakers with this reciever? i have heard that HK receivers can handle 4 ohm speakers better than many others, but i'm concerned that i will blow the speakers if i underpower them with this receiver. HK rates this amp at 50w per channel at 8 ohms(all 7), but i've heard that they rate their amplifiers more "true" than other manufacturers, and that many 100plus watt recievers only actually will put out 50 watts or less on a 7 speaker system.
i realize that i should be using a separate amp to run these things, but my budget restricts me from picking up an amp for another month or longer.
I may be able to sell my hk254 for some cash towards another receiver, but is there any receiver that will be able to safely run these beasts?
my habits are probably 80% movies, 20% music. Thanks
Post edited by wt66 on
Comments
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Don't go crazy with the volume, and keep the AVR well ventilated, and you should be okay until you get a better amp. I also had 2 LSI15s, LSiC, and LSi7s in the rear when I was starting out in HT. Later I upgraded the 7s to 15s. All the while I was running them with various AVRs. Of course, once I went to a Sunfire TGA-5400 external amp the system really came alive. However, I had many an enjoyable hour watching movies with the AVRs.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Don't go crazy with the volume, and keep the AVR well ventilated, and you should be okay until you get a better amp. I also had 2 LSI15s, LSiC, and LSi7s in the rear when I was starting out in HT. Later I upgraded the 7s to 15s. All the while I was running them with various AVRs. Of course, once I went to a Sunfire TGA-5400 external amp the system really came alive. However, I had many an enjoyable hour watching movies with the AVRs.
ok, good to know. I've been quite concerned about this for a while.
Another question,
I've found that i can get a good deal on the Behringer A500, is it any good? It will run 2x230 at 4 ohms, maybe i could get one to run the LSI15s, and then get another later for the center? OR maybe one per lsi15? -
ok, good to know. I've been quite concerned about this for a while.
Another question,
I've found that i can get a good deal on the Behringer A500, is it any good? It will run 2x230 at 4 ohms, maybe i could get one to run the LSI15s, and then get another later for the center? OR maybe one per lsi15?
I am not a fan of the Behringer amps. Just an opinion.-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's -
wt66,
What would your budget be for an amp?Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t -
thuffman03 wrote: »wt66,
What would your budget be for an amp?
i'm trying not to spend a pile, but the problem with that is that i'm from canada, and everything is WAY more than US prices and availability is nil. A 3 channel or twin 2 channels would be nice though. I'm thinking around 700-800 max would be more than enough for me.
I'd love to get an emotiva 3 channel, but they are too much when shipping/duty and the difference in the dollar are factored in. Here's a quote from an admin for shipping to a can. address
Here is an example of a shipment for a XPA-3 to Ontario
Ontario
Cost of Product 599
Duties 8% 47.92
Brokerage Fees 33
Subtotal 679.92
GST 5% 34.00
PST 8% 54.39
Freight 92
Subtotal 180.39
Total 860.31
plus the difference in the dollar at around 10%, so that'd make it well over $900..
Got any suggestions on something? i'm all ears. any help is appreciated
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Welcome to Club Polk!
Harman/kardon are one of my personally preferred, true power, nice sounding, big box store products, but they do not rate their surround receivers for 4 ohms (the stereo receiver are another story). The LSi7 only ever dip to 6 ohms in reality, so they're not that difficult to drive ... I'm not sure about the LSi15 (the LSi9 are difficult to drive, and dip as low as 2 ohms). In any case, I would be extremely conservative with the volume control, and get an external amplifier with this receiver as soon as possible. Certainly, never ever go beyond the 0dB setting once calibrated with EzSet/EQ (-10dB is probably safer, but use your ears to figure it out). If you have a SPL meter, then get the usual listening level down to about the 75dB(A) range, and you should be safe enough.
The Emotiva does not seem like an optimum option in Canada (cost, shipping, duties etc.). In any case, although it would be completely safe for your speakers, there are some who would not recommend ... especially for music. YMMV. Your best option might be a used amplifier from AudiogoN (or a used Emotiva from the Emotiva forum "Emporium"). I've seen some decent gear sell recently in Canada at decent prices. If this were my system, I would get the three front mains off the h/k 254 ASAP, and really get any 4 ohm speakers separate amplification as soon as budget permits it. You can expect to pay as low as $200 for decent used stereo amplifiers, so two or three of those would probably keep you happy for a long time (if you don't get hung up on 200w/ch for 8 ohms power specifications).
thanks for all the advice. I have just done some searching around, and I found a used acurus 200x3. Would this be ideal to run my front 3 speakers? It seems to be a good price and in good shape too. -
Welcome WT66. Yes the Acurus will be fine. You will love your LSI's. keep us posted when you get them.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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Welcome to CP
Nice setup you're piecing together
The dollar is about $0.95+/- and an Emotiva xpa-5 would run you about $1,000 (maybe a lil' more) Canadian shipped to your door I hear many good thing's about the Emotiva stuff 
Especially for it's price 
Plus you get a 5yr warranty....
I have heard good thing's about Acurus gear as well, if you have the time/patience check out http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/ they usually have some good deal's goin' on
+1 to the comment about ventilation! I think it is very necessary when using an AVR to push 7ch, my Yamaha can get pretty toasty after a few flix if i don't turn the fan on I use a "tower" style fan placed behind my stand/rack to keep thing's cool.... Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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thanks for all the advice. I have just done some searching around, and I found a used acurus 200x3. Would this be ideal to run my front 3 speakers? It seems to be a good price and in good shape too.
The Acurus 3ch is a great choice,good power and can handle 4ohms.Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
new question,
so i'll be pushing the LSIC and 2 LSI15s with the 200x3, but will my HK AVR254 be able to push the 2 LSI7s i have for rears? i have heard that they are more like 6 ohm speakers, not 4, but what do you guys think? will 2 LSI7s fry my receiver?:eek: -
They might not fry it, but they sure will get the HK good & HOT!
Nor will you be hearing everything they are capable of giving. If you can spring for a 5 channel 200wpc amp you would be much better off.
For me it's not just the stress that the LSIs put on a receiver, but it is also about the sound quality which is much more important. I want my speakers to sound the best, and a receiver will not accomplish this task. Especially for the LSI's, and that includes the 7s.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
They might not fry it, but they sure will get the HK good & HOT!
Nor will you be hearing everything they are capable of giving. If you can spring for a 5 channel 200wpc amp you would be much better off.
For me it's not just the stress that the LSIs put on a receiver, but it is also about the sound quality which is much more important. I want my speakers to sound the best, and a receiver will not accomplish this task. Especially for the LSI's, and that includes the 7s.
well, that's ok if the HK gets nice and hot. The LSI7s will only be used for rear speakers anyway... mainly for home theatre, so i'm sure i'll hear most of what i'm supposed to:o
Once i get them, i'll let you guys know if i have any issues. -
Heat + electronic's DON'T mix
I just added an external amp yesterday and i must say thing's are getting better Plus my yammie doesn't heat up the room anymore! lol Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »Heat + electronic's DON'T mix
I just added an external amp yesterday and i must say thing's are getting better Plus my yammie doesn't heat up the room anymore! lol
were you running LSI speakers off of your reciever? -
were you running LSI speakers off of your reciever?
No sir, i was running RTiA 9's & 7's, CSiA 6 and FXiA 6
I don't think the RTiA series is rated at 4ohm but having the complete set really worked the yammie....
I was reading through the AVR manual yesterday and they state that it would be good to 4ohm but i don't think i would put it through that Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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The yamaha claims that it can run 4ohm speakers. What it means is that it has a little switch thay you move to 4ohm, which then severely cuts back on what little power it was giving in 8ohms.
It's all done so that you don't burn up the receiver trying to runs speakers that it doesn't have the power to run!Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
The yamaha claims that it can run 4ohm speakers. What it means is that it has a little switch thay you move to 4ohm, which then severely cuts back on what little power it was giving in 8ohms.
It's all done so that you don't burn up the receiver trying to runs speakers that it doesn't have the power to run!
In the manual they actually claim it can work down to 2ohm's but i wouldn't want to try lol Like i mentioned earlier my receiver used to get quite warm after a few hour's of movie's/music, even with a fan providing "adequate" ventilation This was with RTiA's which are all rated @ 8ohm IIRC
There is no physical switch persay but rather a combination of pressing the power switch and one other switch (i don't recall which one ATM) and powering on/off to set/select the different setting's on this particular AVR Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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were you running LSI speakers off of your reciever?
I have tried running a full LSI home theater system (lsi-15, lsic, lsifx)
from a 90wpc Yamaha receiver, is sounded just ok at LOW volume, kick it up to mid volume and it falls FLAT, add 300wpc@4ohms and you just got yourself a new set of great sounding speakers. If you want to hear the full potential of the LSI-15's or any of the LSI series, you must power them properly and using an external amp is the best way to achieve this.
Running your front and center on a separate amp and powering your rears from the receiver is allright in my book, I've done it and although the rears sound better on a separate amp, if your budget is limited then using the receiver for the rears is ok.
Jimmy -
from a 90wpc Yamaha receiver, it sounded just ok at LOW volume, kick it up to mid volume and it falls FLAT
I noticed the same with my RTiA's, higher volume = lower SQRunning your front and center on a separate amp and powering your rears from the receiver is allright in my book, I've done it and although the rears sound better on a separate amp, if your budget is limited then using the receiver for the rears is ok.
Jimmy
I agree, i noticed since installing the separate AMP to power the F/C/S and running only the SB off the AVR that everything has improved! The SB's sound much "cleaner" now that they are the only thing's drawing power from the AVR Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »I noticed the same with my RTiA's, higher volume = lower SQ
I agree, i noticed since installing the separate AMP to power the F/C/S and running only the SB off the AVR that everything has improved! The SB's sound much "cleaner" now that they are the only thing's drawing power from the AVR
Yes, this is what i was hoping to hear. I figure the HK will do ok since it will ONLY be powering 2 LSI7s (which are more like 6 ohm speakers than 4 ohm speakers from what i've read). I'm sure they will sound better with a 2 channel pumping juice into them, but budget has kicked in and it will have to wait. Plus i don't think i have any more room in my entertainment center for ANOTHER box:( -
SO wt66, what have you decided to use for an amp? The Acurus, or something else? Too bad you live in Canada (nothing against Canadians) it just sucks trying to get equiptment at a reasonable price.
I think using the HK to power your LSI-7 rears will be fine..........for now.
BTW, Welcome to the Club.
Jimmy -
SO wt66, what have you decided to use for an amp? The Acurus, or something else? Too bad you live in Canada (nothing against Canadians) it just sucks trying to get equiptment at a reasonable price.
I think using the HK to power your LSI-7 rears will be fine..........for now.
BTW, Welcome to the Club.
Jimmy
Thanks!
yes, i have pretty much everything coming. My LSI7s should be here tomorrow, i am picking up the LSI15s on saturday, and the Acurus 200x3 should be here mid next week, so i'm set. I am going to try and run the 7s off of the receiver for the time being, and i'll take it from there. I'm hoping to get an SVS PB13 Ultra by Xmas as well:cool: but we'll see how i do -
Sounds Great, I know you'll enjoy this setup.
Now the next question you'll have is, "what should my speaker settings be".......here's a link to a thread on receiver speaker settings, with a set-up similar to yours.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89541
Jimmy -
Hey guys, new here to the club polk. made a membership pretty much specifically to get this question in here.
I recently picked up a set of lsi7s for a great price, as well as a lsic. I haven't recieved them yet (in shipping), but i'm concerned about using my receiver to run these.
Get rid of all your stuff! Get out now while ya can!
Pablo
