Can Onkyo TX - SR805 drive LSI 15's, FX, C and sub

[lloyd2583]

I will be upgrading speaker package early next week. My reciever is an Onkyo TX-SR805. Not sure it can drive LSI 15's upfront, FX's in rear and LSI C with sub. If this will not be enough, what are some economical ways to add power to drive system.
I am replacing PO 40's and reciver did fine but not sure it is up for LSI task?

Thanks,

Lloyd

[cnh]

THE 805 is a great receiver, I own one myself and it does claim that it can drive 4 ohm loads but it just doesn't have the same kind of power at 4 ohm that it has at 8. So the short answer is get a nice Power amp....3 or more channels and 200 watts or more at 8, 300 or more at 4 ohms and you'll be very very happy with the LSIs and the Onkyo....LSis need a LOT OF CLEAN power!

And, WELCOME TO CLUB POLK!!

cnh

[cfrizz]

Welcome Lloyd! What CNH said. Look at getting a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc. Check out www.audiogon for these models.

Rotel, Parasound, Sunfire, Outlaw, Nad, B & K, Emotiva, Adcom.

Emotiva & Outlaw are good bang for the buck to get brand new. But if you can get them used that would be great as well.

[lloyd2583]

Thank you for the information and admit I am novice. 2 follow-up questions.

1. Would I use my receiver as a pre-amp and plug speakers directly into AMP?

2. Would you recommend any specific power AMP models? I am new to this and do not want to under or over purchase.

Sorry for addtional questions and the information is much appreciated.

With all of your help.......... I will get there fast!

[cnh]

That's Ok, that's what we're here for....

+1 yes you'd plug the speakers directly to the power amp and RCA cables from the Amp to the Onkyo's Pre-outs.

On the second question, most of the amps mentioned above would work for you, you need to peruse audiogon to see what's available in your price range. That's why its hard to specify a particular model...there are a lot of possibilities....just try to get at least 200 watts/channel to 8 ohms minimum and you should be fine....

hope this helps a bit...

cnh

[lloyd2583]

Thanks again, so would the Outlaw 7500 amplifier be a good choice?

[apphd]

To expound a little on what cnh said about the 200w/ch into 8 ohms. This figure is used often for the LSi speakers which are 4 ohm speakers. The reason being is that all of the amps mentioned and most any amp from a reputable manufacture will be 4 ohm stable. Ideally an amp that is rated 200w/ch into 8 ohms would deliver 400w/ch into 4 ohms. But this is hard to do, you might see more 200w/ch into 8 ohms - 350w/ch into 4 ohms. Or 250w/ch @8 ohms - 410w/ch @4 ohm. But what cnh and cfrizz are saying is if it is rated at least 200w/ch @8 ohms the 4 ohm output will be enough to get the best out of the LSi. But these are just specs and are not the full picture of the quality but a useful tool to get an idea of the capabilities the amp would poses.

[lloyd2583]

Thanks.......... this is very helpful. I am now trying to determine if an AMP like Outlaw 7500 would be appropriate selection. I realize everyone has their own likes and taste when it comes to components ........ just trying to see if I am zero'ing in on AMP specs that fit the job.

[cnh]

Outlaw would be a fine amp for you....but I'd listen to it if you can..each amp has its own signature...

Here is a review that might be of some help....

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/amplifiers/908out/

cnh

[xcapri79]

I will be upgrading speaker package early next week. My reciever is an Onkyo TX-SR805. Not sure it can drive LSI 15's upfront, FX's in rear and LSI C with sub. If this will not be enough, what are some economical ways to add power to drive system.
I am replacing PO 40's and reciver did fine but not sure it is up for LSI task?

Thanks,

Lloyd

Welcome to Club Polk Lloyd. When I first heard about Emotiva, I was skeptical about them.
Some on this forum were negative about them while others were quite happy with theirs.
I later found there was more to that story.
Anyways reading other forums I heard more positive reviews, so I decided to give one a try and have since bought three more.
I found that the Emotiva XPA-3 or XPA-5 will power the LSi15's very nicely and would highly recommend them to you.

[Jetmaker737]

Lloyd,

My experience with my 805 driving my LSi-15's is that it drove them OK at low volumes but SQ really suffered at higher (reasonable, not blistering) sound levels. I got an Emotiva RPA-2 and that really opened the speakers up. As others have said, for your set up a good multi-channel amp is highly recommended.

Jet

[lloyd2583]

I purchased the XPA-5 for budget reasons but actually very satisfied. Thanks for the help. Would I be crazy thinking that I am only one
constantly tinkering with speaker settings based on type of music and HT?

I find myself constantly tweaking. Is that normal?

[cnh]

Tweaking..that's pretty a the disease everyone on this site has....so the real question is...Are Polkies normal? I'm not sure on that one! But we're still here in any case!

cnh

[Jetmaker737]

Glad to see everything worked out for you. Yes, tweaking is a common disease which will eventually lead to the devastating affliction know as upgrade-itis.