Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: leb on December 15, 2011, 08:55:52 PM
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Hi everyone,
Just looking for some advice on a future audio purchase. I've been looking at the Polk Lsi9s for a while now, and I think I'm gonna go for it. I will need a new receiver for them, since they require 4 ohms. While I am buying the speakers primarily for listening to music, I'd like to have them hooked up to my TV as well. Ideally, I'd like to connect my TV with an optical digital cable so that any source going into my TV can be fed to the receiver through this one audio connection. The thing is, I haven't been able to find any stereo receivers that are 4 ohms and have an optical input. Any ideas on what to buy or a good workaround? Also, a phono input on the receiver would be great as I'd like to avoid using a preamp, but I guess I could continue using my preamp if I had to.
I suppose I'll also be needing an amplifier for the Lsi9s. Any suggestions there?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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If money's tight go NAD. They will handle the 4 ohms no problem. Longevity? ...
If you can spend some bucks (and I assume you can considering the speakers), get a separate pre/processor and amp. 99.9% of amps on the market will handle a 4 ohm load.
I'm sure Tommy has something for you at his shop regardless...
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Ah, great. I guess there was some confusion on my part thinking that if I had a separate receiver and amplifier then both would still need to be 4 ohms. Not the case? (I tried to find some answers on the web but got frustrated and figured you guys would know what to tell me right away.) ;)
I planned on going to see Tom for the amp, but any suggestions?
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If you have pre-outs on your receiver, them most amps will work fine. What are your requirements (outside of 4 ohms) and what is your budget?
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I think I'm going to go with the Onkyo TX-8050, which has pre-out as well as some other feature I like. Polk's website says the recommended power for the Lsi9s is 20-200 watts per channel.
Mostly using this for listening to music (vinyl, CD, and music through computer or iPod) but will also have it hooked up to my TV and whatever components I'm putting through that.
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Oh, right, budget. I guess I'd be willing to spend up to $250-350 on the amp if that makes any sense. Of course, if they cost less without a serious sacrifice in quality, that would be great! Amps are something I've never really explored in previous audio setups so I'm not sure exactly what I want/need from them or what I should be willing to spend. I've pretty much just looked through Tom's stock on the website so far.
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Honesty, most receivers will do 4 ohms no problem. Heat and distortion will be constant enemies though. If you are going to spend a good deal of money on a pair of speakers, it is really worth your time to look into getting at least a separate amplifier to power them. Your ears will thank you immediately. Your wallet will thank you down the road.
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Yeah, I figure with the money I will be spending on the speakers it would be worth spending a bit more to get a separate amp and having them sound even better. From what I've been reading the Lsi9s are pretty power hungry (at least for bookshelves). Any recommendations from Tom's current website stock?
Thanks for all the advice so far!
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He has a newly refurbished Carver 500t that is one sweet amp! I have one and it is super . It will make those Polks sing! ;)
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If you're local i'd suggest stopping at the shop. There are other things available that aren't on the website. Or call Tom and ask his opinion.
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Yeah, stopping by the shop when I am home for the holidays was my plan the whole time. Thanks again guys.
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There isn't an AVR made that will do justice to the LSi 9's. Since you state you're more interested in 2 channel music than HT, I suggest you get a dedicated pre/pro instead of a an AVR as the pre amp sections in AVR's are not known for their musical sound quality.
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I agree with F1, 100%. Those speakers are serious business.
Perhaps purchase the Polks, then take them to the shop. Tom will most likely allow you to audition your lovely new speakers on a variety of amp / preamp combinations. There's absolutely nothing better than try before you buy. You go home knowing you made the right choice based on your ears, not on 2,538 Amazon.com reviews. ;D
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There isn't an AVR made that will do justice to the LSi 9's. Since you state you're more interested in 2 channel music than HT, I suggest you get a dedicated pre/pro instead of a an AVR as the pre amp sections in AVR's are not known for their musical sound quality.
Well, I respectfully disagree with F1nut. There are some higher end and older AVRs that sounded very good in 2 channel listening mode. Denon AVR-3600 and AVR-5800 to name two that I've owned. In the Pure Direct mode all the video circuitry is turned off and even the display lighting is turned off. I saw an Denon 5800 in mint condition for sale on AudioKarma.org for $350 the other day. A killer deal.
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Well, I have an Onkyo TX-8050 that I'm planning on using with the speakers. So it's looking like the separate dedicated amp route at this point.
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That receiver may actually do a great job with the Polks. It's designed to drive a 4 ohm load. Make sure you go to page 12 of the manual and set it up for a 4 ohm load accordingly.
I honestly think that you'll be satisfied with the speakers and your Onkyo in 2-channel stereo.
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Respectfully, I'll stand by my previous comment. 8)
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If you don't care about vinyl, or need a lot of inputs, I suggest giving thought to plugging a CD player or DAC straight into a power amp (as long as they have a volume control). Having no preamp in the signal chain is cleaner than having even a very good one. Some DACs have an analog input, permitting a phono pre amp for use with a turntable.
Of course this may start a debate about inserting digital into the analog audio signal path.
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I will be listening to vinyl and will also need a lot of inputs, including the Onkyo's optical digital for hooking up to my TV. Once I received the Onkyo and played around with the settings I noticed the 4 ohm option. I'll still be looking into the amp, however, as I feel the speakers will probably sound a lot better with one and the extra investment would be worth it. Thanks for the input.
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Respectfully, I'll stand by my previous comment. 8)
I doubt anyone is surprised by that.....especially me.
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I will be listening to vinyl and will also need a lot of inputs, including the Onkyo's optical digital for hooking up to my TV. Once I received the Onkyo and played around with the settings I noticed the 4 ohm option. I'll still be looking into the amp, however, as I feel the speakers will probably sound a lot better with one and the extra investment would be worth it. Thanks for the input.
Yeah, that 4 ohm setting.....all it does is limit the current so that you don't cook the amp. You are actually better off leaving it at the 8 ohm setting and playing them at a moderate level.
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I doubt anyone is surprised by that.....especially me.
As I'm sure no one is surprised by your weak retort.
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I doubt anyone is surprised by that.....especially me.
As I'm sure no one is surprised by your weak retort.
How about this for a snappy retort?
I looked you up on the Polk forum. I see you are as big a dick there as you are here.
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here we go...
Anyway... Get an amp if you can afford it... seriously. If not, for the speakers' sake, relax on the volume until you can.
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And, as stated by "dick" F1, keep it in the 8ohm setting.
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C'mon boys, take it easy.
you both started your opinion; nuff said unless you have something technical to respond with.
Personal attacks are uncalled for.
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My point to F1nut is that there is no need to treat new audio enthusiasts poorly.
We all at one time didn't know watts from ohms.......albeit maybe a long time ago.
Our responses to those wanting to learn more and being brave enough to ask should be understanding, friendly and supportive.
As I was told by someone once, "You are nearly always right, but it is getting to the point that no one cares.".
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Well if leb learned anything it is that everyone has their own opinion.
Advice will only take you so far and your ears must do the rest.
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My point to F1nut is that there is no need to treat new audio enthusiasts poorly.
Yeah let's see, I gave the OP good solid advice. For that I get accused of treating a new guy poorly and of being a big dick!?!
Do you enjoy looking like a fool?
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On a different note Happy New Year Jesse!!! ;D
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Thanks Wayne and my wishes to you for a very Happy New Year!
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Hey guys, take it easy! Haha.
I stopped by the shop and got this amp http://vintagehifipgh.com/forum/index.php?topic=944.0 (http://vintagehifipgh.com/forum/index.php?topic=944.0) (Fosgate Audionics 4125)
The system sounds great!