Newbie help powering Lsi15

[kidsis]

Hi,

I recently bought on Audiogon a Polk Lsi 5 channel setup including Lsi15, Lsi center, and Lsi7 for the rear surround. I also have a Denon 3803. Do I need an amp to run the Lsi15 since they are 4 ohms? I would like to stay under $500 and certainly do not mind buying used at Audiogon or similar. Can you all give me recommendations? I use it for 75% video and 25% music. Thanks!

 

[JohnA]

Nope

Hi,

I recently bought on Audiogon a Polk Lsi 5 channel setup including Lsi15, Lsi center, and Lsi7 for the rear surround. I also have a Denon 3803. Do I need an amp to run the Lsi15 since they are 4 ohms? I would like to stay under $500 and certainly do not mind buying used at Audiogon or similar. Can you all give me recommendations? I use it for 75% video and 25% music. Thanks!

The 3803 is listed to go to only 6 ohms...placing a 4 ohm load on it would cause issues, and it might just activate the thermal protection and shut off. I would use an amp and I like AudioSource. You can find them at Parts Express here:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=302-604

or

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=302-614

I hope that helps some.

 

[aarond]

Since you already have the recvr and spkrs set it up and see how it sounds. You may or may not need an extra amp. I wouldn't go higher than zero on the volume for fear of clipping. If zero on the volume is more than loud enough for you and the protection circuit doesn't kick in then you don't "need" an extra amp. If you have the money to spend then buy an extra amp. Unless you have a large room, you probably won't "need" it , but more power is always better

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hi,

I recently bought on Audiogon a Polk Lsi 5 channel setup including Lsi15, Lsi center, and Lsi7 for the rear surround. I also have a Denon 3803. Do I need an amp to run the Lsi15 since they are 4 ohms? I would like to stay under $500 and certainly do not mind buying used at Audiogon or similar. Can you all give me recommendations? I use it for 75% video and 25% music. Thanks!

As Aarond stated, you have the speakers and the receiver. Hook it up and play it as you normally would. If it doesn't shut down, you are fine. If it does, you need an amp if it has pre outs on it.

 

[nm2285]

Even if the receiver doesn't shut down, the Polk's may need a bit more power to sound their best. Try it and decide!

 

[kidsis]

Thank you for the comments. The Speakers are enroute so I cannot plug them in. In my impatient way, I would like to run them as soon as they hit the door without blowing anything up. I'll try running them at 0 volume. I have a fairly big room. If I need more power, any other suggestions on an amp that sounds good with Polks?

 

[20to20K]

I think you will need the amp...

We are in the same boat...pretty close anyway. I have the Denon 3803 running with 2 Polk LSi 15 and an LSi C up front but two 8 ohm FXi 3's in the rear. After setting everything up last week the 3803 shuts down after about 20 minutes of five channel source (music or movie). It will run fine all day with the 15's in 2 channel mode but as soon as I add the other 3 speakers the 3803 can't handle it.

I was disappointed in Tweeter for not knowing this setup would cause me problems. They said I could use the upgrade policy to get a more powerful reciever (gee...ain't they nice?) but I've already done what others on this
thread have already suggested. I've got a vintage Denon 2400 amp (200 wpc)
on the way for $350. I will use this on the 15's and hopefully this will solve my problem.

I would still experiement when you get your Polks. Maybe the fact that all
the speakers are 4 ohms and your not mixing impedences may make a difference. I doubt it though. I think you will need to do the same eventually.

Good Luck!

20to20k

 

[Leprkon]

i guess the more important issue is: can you export to an amp from your Denon receiver ? if you can, you might want to pick up a pair of the Outlaw modules

http://www.outlawaudio.com//products/200.html for about $ 575 in a package buy

it's a lot of power and aready sized for a normal rack.

 

[20to20K]

Yes...

...the 3803 has pre-outs for all 7 channels. The Denon amp is already on the way. I went with something used off of Ebay since I my cash flow didn't allow
anything new right now. If I'm not satisifed with the 2400 I may look at another alternative next year some time. I have heard good things about Outlaw before so I may look them up...

Thanks for the advice...