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Amplifier recommendations for LSA-1 Signature

I used to be a purely HT guy - had definitive technology 7006 speakers and Onkyo mid-level receiver driving a 5.1 setup. One thing I did not like about DefTechs was how the music sounded, I just couldn't stand to listen for more than 15 minutes. Then I read about listener fatigue and the so-called 'musical' speakers, and started looking for a new set of speakers that were more musical than the deftechs. This led me to LSA-1 Signatures. Now, I don't consider myself an audiophile even by a long shot but I can tell you that these speakers are something special. I can listen to jazz, classical and semi-jazz like norah jones or melody gardot for hours at a stretch and never get tired of listening. For some reason the same speakers sound pretty mediocre when listening to rock or even soft rock.
However, I listened to another setup at a friend's house (he was using B&Ws paired with B&K) and the same music was suddenly even better than in my setup. I won't pretend to claim that I understand what people mean when they use terms like imaging or dynamic or transparent, but it sure sounded wonderful!
Now, I cannot afford B&Ws - at least the nice ones. I auditioned the ones they sell at Best Buy Magnolia but just didn't like them much. So I'm thinking I can probably stay with LSA's and use a separate amplifier in conjunction with my Onkyo (110 wpc).
So my first question: Is it even worth adding a new amplifier? I am not necessarily after more power as I listen at low to moderate volumes, but that magical sound that I heard at my friend's house - clean, tight base and even better separation than what I can get with my current setup - but at the same volume.
Secondly, I cannot afford to buy expensive gear at this time. So I'm looking for used equipment around $1200. I generally like the laid back, smooth sound of the LSAs but sometimes I do wish that they had a bit more sizzle and oomph but not too much like the Paradigms (sorry don't mean to start a flame here but that's how I felt when I listened to the Paradigm bookshelf - Studio 20).
Any recommendations?

Current setup:
Onkyo HT-RC180 (110 wpc)
LSA-1 Signature (Front LR)
Definitive Technology (Center; soon to be replaced by LSA center)
Definitive Technology SuperCube 1 (sub)
Definitive Technology (surrounds)

Short term goal:
Add a new amplifier to improve 'musicality' - even if its at the expense of HT sound

Long term goals:
Replace Onkyo with a better PrePro
Replace sub with REL
arafiq

Showing 7 responses by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
Looks like not too many people own LSAs :(
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
Brownsfan, once again your advice and insight is greatly appreciated.

For clarification, I am using the Apple TV to stream music from iTunes via wifi, and other stuff like Netflix or Youtube etc. For DVDs and Blu-Rays, I use a fairly inexpensive Samsung Blu-ray player that I bought for around $150 a couple of years ago.

Upon your advice, I googled the Oppo 105 and I must say that this appears to be a great option. It has a very good DAC and wifi + asyn USB. So I can either stream the music or load it on a zip drive and plug it into the USB. I also have the option to play SA/CDs and Bluray movies. It also seems that I can potentially connect the Apple TV to Oppo via HDMI and get better pic/sound quality. Sounds like a really sweet deal! Thanks for the suggestion.

In one of the forums, it seems like at least one person is using the Oppo for a 2-channel stereo setup as well. I think he is connecting the Oppo directly to the LR channels on his amp. Not sure if I understood it correctly though, but regardless the plethora of options you get with this device are mind blowing. Thank you for taking the time to explain the options.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
Sorry for not being clear on the source component. Currently, that setup is not optimal - apple lossless files in iTunes --> Apple TV --> Onkyo. I understand that this setup is lacking in many ways, but I love the convenience of creating playlists on the fly and listening them on the main system.
Oppo, as suggested by Brownsfan looks promising but not sure if it can do wifi like the AppleTV. Or one possibility is: Apple TV (wifi) --> Oppo --> Onkyo --> integrated amp. What other options are there to support streaming lossless music?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
Brownsfan and Everest, thanks for all the advice.

From the beginning I had an inkling that eventually I'd have to update the pre-pro and amplifier. I thought that adding an external amp will give the best bang for the buck so that's where I should be starting.

However, based on the feedback, it looks that addressing the source and preamp issues should supersede the external amp upgrade path. Oh well, you live and learn :)

I'm sure you've already guessed my next decision point: do I first get the integrated amp or standalone DAC? Or are there any solutions that combine the two in a single unit? Any suggestions are welcome.

brownfan, btw the signatures don't have a ribbon tweeter, that would be the Statements - I wish they did though :)
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
Manoterror, thanks for the suggestion. So from what I understand, you are feeding the HK directly from your Apple TV, letting the HK take care of DAC functionality. Right?

So now, thanks to you, I'm facing another dilemma (just kidding). Is the HK's DAC comparable to Oppo's? Should I first get the integrated and connect the ATV directly to it? If I go down this route, will the music sound equally good if I were feeding it via Oppo 105 (which I am planning to purchase next month)?

What other integrated amps can you (or anyone else) recommend that would be comparable to HK990?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
I remember reading in another forum that ATV has terrible jitter issues. Is either the HK or Oppo capable of addressing this problem when connected to Apple TV? Based on Manoterror's account though it seems that its really a non-issue with his setup. But, generally I agree with him that once you get used to the convenience of ATV (especially when coupled with the iPad/iPhone Remote app that lets you control iTunes on your computer), its hard to kick that habit :)

My gut feeling is I will eventually end up getting both the Oppo and an integrated amp. Unfortunately, my budget for this year only allows me to buy one or the other at this time.

If I go with the Oppo first, I get a very nice universal player giving me a plethora of options - streaming (via ATV), physical media, USB, BluRay, SACDs, excellent DAC, etc.

But going with a nice integrated, like HK990 might give me the results (as was the case with Manoterror) where I won't even have to get an Oppo after all, at least for audio only purposes.

Decisions, decision, decisions ... :(
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,706 posts
 
After thinking this through I feel my situation is more similar to manoterror. I am also streaming music from my ATV to a mid-level AVR. Since almost all my music is CD quality (apple lossless), hopefully jitter won't be an issue if I keep ATV in the picture, at least this year.

I read a few HK990 reviews by both experts and users, and most of them are very positive. Unfortunately, I can't find a place in Dallas where I can listen to it. The prices on the internet vary between 1200 ('used', via Amazon) to 2399. Nothing used available at audiogon or local craigslist either.

Another integrated that is being compared to the 990 is Anthem 225. I have heard good things about Anthem but don't know how it really compares to HK990 SQ-wise.
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