Newer receivers for running the LSi series speakers

djreef · January 2009

Looking to upgrade the old ES receiver for something a little more recent, but I need to know if there are going to b impedance issues with the LSi9's (mains) LsiC (center), and Lsi7's (rear) that I need to watch out for. I have heard that some of the newer receivers are having issues with the lower impedances of the LSi's. I don't want to run the risk of throwing the receiver amps into protection during xplosions, and such. I'll b running a pair of amped subs so the receiver wont b having to do any of then real heavy lifting per se' when it comes to low frequencies. I'm thinking that I can b a little more flexible with the subs, given that I have 2 of them, being able to cross them over a little higher than normal - given this will b a movie/TV only system - little or no music. Just wondering if anyone is currently running LSi's with a newer HT rig and what their recommendations would b. Thanx ahead.

DJ

dkg999 · January 2009

I ran my HT system with a B&K AVR 507s2 with no problems. I only added the external B&K amp for the LSi9's because it was available at a good price from another forum member. The external amp on the LSi9's does make a positive improvement, but it sounded great running everything off the AVR.

djreef · January 2009

I have Carver amps in the rig, now. The problem - I'm moving in with the girlfriend, and she's having a cow about all the wires and ugly black boxes, so..... I'll b dumping all my amps over the next few weeks and upgrading the receiver with the proceeds, using HDMI (thus reducing the wire clutter). The HT system is going to b more to placate her.

The tradeoff, though is that I get my own dedicated 2 channel listening room in another part of the house. Something I've always wanted.

DJ

djreef · January 2009

Thanx Kex - she's wanting a BluRay player, so I'm thinking I'm gonna have to stick with **** crap. Besides, I don't think I'm gonna b able to swing that much for a receiver - was hoping to keep it under a grand.

DJ

mmadden28 · January 2009

Expect the LSI9's to dip below 2 ohms around 50Hz. XO at 80Hz is probably good. I think that if you set it too high you might be able to localize the sub. I think I read that once you get over 100Hz you can start to localize the source. Whereas below that you shouldn't be able to tell where the sub is (unless of course its really up loud and blowing your hair back or pounding into your back) :eek::cool: )

Here's a link to a chart on the LSi9. Look at Chart #4 for the impedance curve-its lowest at ~50Hz.[/QUOTE]

I was having an issue with an amp going into protection when driving my LSi9's at a specific lower frequency (music), and when I crossed it over to a sub at 80Hz, it was fine.

djreef · January 2009

Thanx Madden,

I have that graph from awile back, and was thinking the same. I was thinking along the lines of 100Hz for a xover point. I have 2 subs so that gives me a little more flexibility as far as the localization problem, plus it's going to b for movies, and TV almost exclusively. I'm thinking that localization is going to b an even smaller issue, still. OK, so you've had descent luck with your Onkyo? I was looking to get one of the newr AV units (706 or 806), but heard the horror stories surrounding their abysmal customer service. That kinda concerned me a bit.

DJ

mmadden28 · January 2009

djreef wrote: »

...OK, so you've had descent luck with your Onkyo? I was looking to get one of the newr AV units (706 or 806), but...

DJ

Actually I don't recall that I had the LSi9's hooked up to my Onkyo 805. I kinda skipped right into an external amp (The XPA-5).
Otherwise, aside from a wierd thing when I'm trying to listen to an SACD via HDMI when the TV is off where the audio keeps cutting in and out (resolved by turning HDMI Monitor to off or by turning the TV on when using SACD), I don't think I've really had any other issues-at least not that I recall right now or probably worth mentioning.

Sami · January 2009

Under a grand, how about a combo of HK 254 ($399) and Emotiva UPA-7 ($549). $948 + shipping should be just a little over. HK has always been a good match up with LSi's and with the power amp I don't think you'd run into power issues. Just an idea.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=91729
http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=32

djreef · January 2009

Kex wrote: »

but it would scare the cr@p out of me to use the options that are not really 4 ohm friendly.

Maybe you should just sell the LSi's and get some RTi A's instead?

Yea, which is why I posted this.

I'm starting to think along those lines, as well. The Lsi9's are my biggest concern.

Sami · January 2009

djreef wrote: »

I'm starting to think along those lines, as well. The Lsi9's are my biggest concern.

The downgrade would still cost you money, I think. I would just spend it on a good receiver + amp combo. Plenty of options really, the HK + Emotiva combo was just an example that featured new items.

djreef · January 2009

Sami wrote: »

Under a grand, how about a combo of HK 254 ($399) and Emotiva UPA-7 ($549). $948 + shipping should be just a little over. HK has always been a good match up with LSi's and with the power amp I don't think you'd run into power issues. Just an idea.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=91729
http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=32

Unfortunately, we're running into the cables problem again with an external amp. Everything has to b clean and minimal to suit her - ie "no messy wires" to quote her. She's being a PIA about this. Maybe I'm upgrading the wrong system

.

DJ

Pepi28 · January 2009

"Maybe I'm upgrading the wrong system ."

^What I was thinking.^

Sami · January 2009

LOL, don't get any ideas...

Messy wires, hmmm, you'd only be adding an extra power cord plus 3 sets of RCA's (if you're running 5.1). Get some short runs, 3ft or less, and put a zip tie on them so they won't hang out there. If she is ok with 2 pieces of equipment you're fine. And remember, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission...say you didn't know, you thought it was a wireless system.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021803&p_id=2869&seq=1&format=2

mmadden28 · January 2009

Have you thought about a different kind of cabinet? Something that would conceal the wires and the AVR/Amp altogether?

dkg999 · January 2009

Maybe you should consider a SurroundBar for the HT and put the money into the 2 ch system?

djreef · January 2009

dkg999 wrote: »

Maybe you should consider a SurroundBar for the HT and put the money into the 2 ch system?

Yea, I'm very recently entertaining that option, as well. I really want to simplify this whole operation. It seems to be not so simple to simplify. It's looking like I'm going to b keeping one of the Carvers, either way I go, just to manage the LSi9's. I was just hoping I could get around all that with a one box option. Oh, well.

DJ

Sami · January 2009

djreef wrote: »

I have Carver amps in the rig, now. The problem - I'm moving in with the girlfriend, and she's having a cow about all the wires and ugly black boxes, so..... I'll b dumping

I guess I missed than from the beginning. Why don't you tell her tough, that's how it's going to be. Either way you go, yours or hers, it's going to set the tone for the rest of the relationship...set your foot down now so you won't be the whipping boy later.

djreef · January 2009

RIIIIIGHT! I'm doing this, too to see if I can do it - so I have selfish reasons also. I'd like to minimize this, so I can dump the remaining proceeds into my 'music only' room. I truly would like to sell everything I don't absolutely need. There is an alternate agenda taking shape here.

DJ

Sami · January 2009

Seriously speaking, a full HT setup needs its own dedicated room IMHO. For living room setups, I prefer quality 2.1 setting over full surround. Keep the 9's and settle for a decent integrated if you don't have room for a nice AV rack that hides the wires.

I'm not saying a good, clean living room HT surround can't be done. It can, just needs to be cleanly and most living rooms don't provide the right space for this.

djreef · January 2009

Sami wrote: »

Seriously speaking, a full HT setup needs its own dedicated room IMHO. For living room setups, I prefer quality 2.1 setting over full surround. Keep the 9's and settle for a decent integrated if you don't have room for a nice AV rack that hides the wires.

I'm not saying a good, clean living room HT surround can't be done. It can, just needs to be cleanly and most living rooms don't provide the right space for this.

I absolutely agree 100%. Gawd, and if you only saw the livingroom that I have to work with. Picture windows down one side - tile, with thick carpeted stepdown flooring. And to top it off she wants to put the TV in the frickin corner by the fireplace. So, needless to say, this system is basically for her. I've rather absolved myself from having to do any real heavy lifting on this project, and have more or less resolved to do simply what I can with the least amount of $ and effort. It saddens me a bit, to see my 5000 watt overkill monster HT rig get broken down, but the payoff to me helps to take some of the sting out of it. So, she gets what she wants - I gets what I wants (my dedicated music room). See how that works.

DJ

Newer receivers for running the LSi series speakers

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