what amp

[pdwagner]

My AVR is only rated to 6 ohms. Should I add a 7 channel amp to drive my speakers?

Does anyone have opinions on any of the following?

Aragon 200.7
Arcam FMJ P7
Lexicon CX7

[dorokusai]

Are you having problems with your current setup?

[Frank Z]

I'd say yes you need to add a seperate amp or jump into seperates completely. My -37tx wasn't able to power my Lsi's well at all and it ran very hot also.

[pdwagner]

I am not experiencing problems with my current set up. Just concerned that I may blow my AVR since it is not rated at 4 ohms.

I also don't know if adding an amp would improve the sound quality further.

I don't understand the significance of matching this particular rating.

[Frank Z]

"Polk" Paul DiComo to the rescue!!
This article should help explain things for you.

Using our water pipe analogy, increasing the pipe diameter (lowering the impedance) increases the water flow (current) but causes the water pump (amplifier) to work harder to maintain the desired amount of water pressure (voltage).

[pdwagner]

Thanks that article is a big help.

[Tour2ma]

Could you benefit from a higher current amp? Probably.

Do you need one? If you are not driving your PE into protection mode, no.

Plus there are other options to an outboard multichannel amp to consider, e.g., a sub will lighten the load, ditto for an outboard 2 ch amp.

It's be a shame to have laid all the coin out for your AVR only to reduce to a Pre-Pro role...

[nemos2]

I have to agree with tour here....

Do you need an outboard amp? maybe not, but It was my expirence that adding an amp really opened up my LSi15's..... I would say that the biggest improvement that I had was in the bass.

Maybe look at an outlaw monoblock for your 15's?

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by nemos2
I have to agree with tour here....

Obviously a very wise individual here... ;)

[pdwagner]

Thanks for the feedback.

I agree it would be a shame to have wasted the money on the AVR. I could move it to a different house and get separates.....Needless to say I am now thoroughly confused.

What is the difference between bi-amp and bi-wire? I bi-amped my Lsi15 fronts but noticed I can only select bi-amp if not set up for THX. Also if I select bi-amp I cannot use the rear surround speakers. Is this normal?

Thanks again

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by pdwagner
I could move it to a different house and get separates.....

One of the more extreme steps I've seen considered...

Needless to say I am now thoroughly confused.

Our job is done.... high fives and let's move on, troops...

Bi-wire = two parallel speaker wire runs per channel. Both runs start at the same pair of posts on the amp, but terminate at the two different post pairs on the same speaker (jumpers removed).

Bi-amp = Pre-amp output is split and sent to two different amp channel. One amp channel output is wired to one pair of speaker posts: the other to the other pair of posts on the same speaker. Again, jumpers removed.

For more bi-wiring info and pretty drawings, gohere...

For bi-wire and bi-amp info go here.

Hope this helps...

(Didn't really think we were going to leave you, did you? ;) )

[pdwagner]

Thanks again for all the help. Basd on the article I now know I have bi-wired my LSi15s.

Based on the responses it sounds as though I should add an amp for the 15s.

[Tour2ma]

On behalf of all, you're welcome...

Your 15's would likely benefit from a little more horsepower, but no hurry. Enjoy what you have.

Did you notice any change when you bi-wired?

[pdwagner]

I do notice more bass but I was also making other adjustments to my LSiW and cannot determine if one or both are improved. I tend to think both. I have not had a great deal of time to evaluate since I have been traveling. Hopefully this weekend I can give them a workout.

[pdwagner]

Well after listening to my system this weekend I have to conclude that bi-wiring the LSi15's definately made for more distinct highs and lows. The bass is more pronounced and the LSiW is also working well. I now agree with the reviews I've read, the sub does work effortlessly.

I am anxious to see how it performs with an amp, however, I will take Tour's advice and enjoy what I have for now.

Thanks again for your patience and for educating me.

[Tour2ma]

No problem. Glad to hear the bi-wiring is doing it for you.

Yup, take your time as you're likely in this hobby/ obsession for the long haul.

And thanks for the thanks.