Need a good receiver for LSi7

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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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?
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2009
    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.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2009
    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
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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?
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2009
    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.
    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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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2009
    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
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2009
    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:
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,068
    edited July 2009
    Ya gets what ya pay for....the end.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2009
    Kex, No disrespect intended.......

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

    Jimmy
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2009
    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.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    ... 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?
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2009
    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.
    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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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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!
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2009
    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.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2009
    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.
    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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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited July 2009
    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.
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  • kasuza
    kasuza Posts: 29
    edited July 2009
    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.
    Samsung UN46C8000
    Integra DTR-70.2 9.2 channels receiver
    Martin Logan Source Special Edition Front (Dark Cherry)
    Polk LsiC Center speaker (Ebony) (no Cherry):frown:
    Polk Lsi9 Surround (Dark Cherry)
    Polk Lsi7 Back Surround (Dark Cherry)
    Polk Micro PSW3000 Subwoofer
    Sony Playstation 3
    Thermaltake DH 103 case HTPC
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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!!
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2009
    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.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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?
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited July 2009
    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?
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    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.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited July 2009
    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)
    Truck setup
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    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    Do you know any specific good model/brand for a pre pro/processor?
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited July 2009
    Apphd, what prepro brand/model do you recommend? Is Emo UMC-1 pretty good?
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2009
    Jolax, only you will be able to tell if it is good with your system. The recommendations that we have given you are all good from reputable companies that make good gear. It is up to you to do more research to see if they have all the reqmts that you need it to have. Once you find one with a price you are willing to pay get it.

    Once again good recommendations for a PreampProcessor & amplifier are

    Emotiva (Internet direct), Outlaw Audio (Internet direct), Parasound, Rotel, Sunfire, Nad, Adcom, Sunfire, B & K. Pioneer also puts out a prepro that people rave about. Do a search for it on here.

    The first 2 will probably have the lowest prices for brand new. The others you can get used for less on Audiogon.
    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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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited July 2009
    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.
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Apphd, what prepro brand/model do you recommend? Is Emo UMC-1 pretty good?

    This is where you have to make decisions. With your HDVD player and Panny I would definitely be looking for something with HDMI (although not necessary if your HDVD player has multi ch analog out or you do not care about the latest HD audio formats and 1080P vid.).

    Outlaw (997) and Emo (UMC1) are not released yet but should be soon.
    When????? So no one can say if these are true options or headaches. If you are not in a hurry and want to wait for these to start shipping...fill any pre-orders....and reviews get out I am willing to bet they both will offer some sale paired up with one of their amps.

    As far as I know Rotel (RSP1570) I think is shipping which is HDMI 1.3 plus they have the RSP1098 that is a little older but only HDMI 1.1 which may or not matter to you.
    Sunfire's TGP-401 is HDMI 1.3, Adcom's GTP-870 ready to go as well.
    There are probably others as well. HDMI was slow to make it into the pre-pro world, that and pricing is why you see so many of us using AVRs as pre pros.
    Like has been said this is where you need to do some research to see what they offer and at what price.
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