Question Regarding Pre-outs

I've always heard there is not such thing as a stupid question...so here goes.

I've been running a pair of SDA 2b's forever and was looking for something a little different. I had been running the SDA's off of a Pioneer 94txh for years. I was looking for something with a little more punch and ended up buying a SC-05 from Mantis a few weeks ago. Around the same time I purchased a pair of LSi 7's off of Ebay and I am falling in love with them. I have been running the LSi's off of the SC-05 since I got them and they sound awesome. I have heard many times about the ability of a receiver to run a 4 ohm speaker, so I decided to hook up my Adcom GFA-5400 today to the pre-outs on the SC-05.

I thought I would hear an audible difference when I added the GFA-5400 and I can't say that I do. Don't get me wrong, they still sound great - but I thought it would be pretty noticeable (especially at lower volume). I want to make sure that there is nothing else I have to do - I guess I'm not sure the GFA is actually powering the front two channels. I ran an interconnects from the left/right inputs on the adcom to the front L/R pre-outs on the SC-05. Is there anything else I have to do? I pulled the GFA from amp duty in the garage where it was running a pair of SDA 2a's through an Adcom GTP-450 and it was working flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure it's working fine. The manual for the SC-05 leaves a lot to be desired, so I thought I would ask here.

Thanks for your help

as long as there is no speaker wire going from the LSI to the pioneer the sound you hear is from the adcom. Preouts from the SC to the adcom input. Speaker wire from the adcom to the LSI. Thats about it.

I dont really think much of a difference will be noticed at lower volumes. Its not till you start cranking that the extra power and clarity will show.

Also too the SC-05 is not just an average AVR. It should have no issues powering those speakers. If it was a midrange AVR then I would say you may not be reaping all the benefits of the LSI.

What is obvious to some is very subtle to others. The SC series is also touted as a very strong-performing AVR and shouldn't be discounted. Given that you're using an AVR as a pre, there's a lot of variables at play. I'm sure all settings on the AVR would help those familiar with the unit help you.

Why not try the LSi7s with the Adcom GTP-450 preamp and the Adcom GFA-5400 power amp? Only then will you know if you're losing anything by using the Pioneer AVR as a pre.

Thanks guys...I guess I should have known this, but I had the speaker wire going from the Pio to the LSi. I don't know what I was thinking...but thanks for the clarification. I figured I just had to run the interconnects and that was it. Now that I've made the proper connection it is a pretty profound difference, especially as the volume got louder.

Thanks for the help - and thanks for not making me feel like a moron. I guess it's all a journey - thanks to you two guys I am a little further along tonight.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Agreed specd...and thanks again for the help.

Just to clarify, you go from the left and right front preouts on the receiver to the left and right inputs on the amplifier, then connect speakers to the amplifier. Easy peasy.

Ditto. What tonyb said.