What receiver or amp/prepro to go with my LSi's?

[Jeffrey_B]

I've had my LSi9, LSiC, and LSiFX for about 2 years now and have been using my Sony ES30 receiver (about 6 years old). I want to upgrade the reciever and have been reading a lot of forum threads about recievers from NAD, Rotel, etc... and amps/prepros from Parasound, etc...

Just wondering what other LSi users are powering their speakers with. Also, many of these amps offer 125w and 250w (into 8 ohms) models (about double into 4 ohms) and I was wondering if the 125's were powerful enough given the impedence and efficiency of the LSi's. My use is about 90% HT (movies and concerts). I have a pairs of LSi15's in another room for 2 channel listening (I'll need to upgrade that as well some day!). Thanks for any advice you can provide! JEFF

[okiepolkie]

What is your budget? That will help determine what would be best. Also, are you willing to go used? If so, that opens up a few more posibilities as well.

Off the top of my head, a pre/pro & amp would be the better choice, but if you do go with a good Rotel or B&K, then a receiver would work too.

The Parasound equipment is very nice and will mate well with your LSi's.

You might look at the Outlaw equipment as well. Their new 990 has been getting good reviews, but if you don't need all of the features, you might be able to pick up a used 950 from Audiogon or ebay for less than $500. I would check out their amps as well. They seem to be a good bang for the buck.

There are a multitude of possibilities, and I'm sure others will help out as well. Hope this has helped some.

Have fun with your system.

Zach

[gregure]

A B&K receiver would be just fine to drive the LSi's, although separates is always better. I find there isn't much the B&K receiver can't drive well, though. I've always been happy with it. Anything rated to 200 watts and below would be fine on a nice receiver. Speakers rated 250-500 watts will sound better run off a separate amp.
A separate, high current 125 amp would drive the LSi line just fine, however a 200 amp would give you even better detail and bass response.

[Jeffrey_B]

Thanks for the quick responses... I'm not sure what my budget is... I was thinkinh ariund 2K for the new Yamaha 4600..but the NAD T773 is also in that price range and from what I've read, seems to be a good performer - I have a local dealer that carries NAD (and Parasound) so I might have a listen.

Then of course, if I want to go up a notch, I was toying with the Parasound Classic Line - the new 7100 processor and either the 5125 (125w) or 5250 (250w) amp... these would surely about double the cost of the reciever (assuming a decent discount)...Again, my main interest is DVD (movies and music) and not 2 channel or SACD/DVD Audio.

The NAD receiver seems like a good value. This HT stuff is an addiction, and its easy to spend lots of money - so I have to control myself here! Thanks JEFF

[DesertPilot]

Hi there,

I have the same speakers and went with Outlaw's new 990 pre and 755 (5 channel) amp. Total cost was about $2,500. In my opinion, the combination is awesome! The Amp is high current and sends 300 watts per channel in to a 4 ohm load. SACDs are literally breathtaking.

Happy hunting...Marcus

[Jeffrey_B]

Thanks - I plan to check out the Outlaw stuff. NAD also has a prepro (T163) and 7 channel amp @140w/ch (T773): both together are MSRP $3500 so with a discount they should be in a somewhat similar price range - I plan to look into that as well. JEFF

[2+2]

Limited experience here since I dont own LSi 9s ...you can see what I am running below.... I am of the opinion that a good quality receiver can handl LSi7s fine but you need a good amp to handle LSi 15's. Not sure where LSi9s would fit in but since you have surround set up, I would go a separate 5 ch amp route or a high end receiver. For the 15s, look for high watts, current and dampening factor...the woofers are hard to control. I would also spend more time listening to pre amps as in my limited experience, they impact sound more than amps sections. Have fun.

[mantis]

I perfer the Lsi series with B&K. They make killer receivers and seperates.

The avr507 S2 would be a great choice. They go together very well.

Rotel is another choice and a damn good one. They make a receiver rsx1067 which is one fine receiver. This would be my second or even first choice to run Lsi. Personal preference needs to be here. I like the B7K but you may like the Rotel.

NAD is a fine choice if you like there sound quality. I find them to be on the bright side. Could be the speakers I have heard on NAD just didn't go together well or I didn't care for it but the current is there and can run Lsi just fine.

Dan

[Gaara]

Personally I use a B&K Ref 50 with a Earthquake Cinenove Grande, and a Parasound Halo A23 for the back surrounds. Bang for the buck I think that halo units are amazing, I loved the A51, but had some issues with it, and got a great deal on the cinenova.

For a while I used the A23 up front and a yammie receiver for the rest of the speakers, and was quite content for some time with it. I do prefer the cinenova, but not by much compared to the halo units. One of the big things for me is the Halos run hot with the lsis, not a issue with the cinenova.

I also have a buddy at work who uses a HK 435 as preamp, and uses the little Outlaw M200s for the front three speakers, he absolutely loves it.

Jared