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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 4 responses by manoterror

manoterror
216 posts
 
I had a similar situation. I was using a Marantz Reciever to push my main speakers, and it started to have some issues. I replaced it with a 2 channel integrated, and the sound improvement was astonishing. Now I use the 2 channel to power the main speakers, and run into the HT bypass when using the Reciever for bluray. Very happy.

I use an Apple TV to stream music via toslink to the integrated, and it is wonderful. I use the Harman Kardon HK990, which can be found for $1,500. If that is too high, I would take a look at the site below, as they modify HK integrateds. I would think the modified HK 3490 might fit your needs well.

http://www.stereodaves.com/modifications.php

Hope this helps,
Mot
manoterror
216 posts
 
Correct. I go toslink to the HK DAC. I was using the Cambridge Soundworks DACMagic prior, along with a Grant Fidelity tube buffer, with King Cobra cables, and this is superior IMO. The room correction software in the HK made a huge difference as well. My speakers have dual 8" woofers, and prodigious bass. The HK990 cleaned out the bass bloom and I couldn't be happier. The subwoofer integration is flawless. Instruments sound more real than I've ever heard from my system.

This allows me to use the apple platform to stream through the Apple TV. I would never give up that functionality. A good friend has the Oppo BlueRay, and he now uses it only for movies. He has also gone with Mac through toslink into his Emotiva DAC.

If you can swing the higher price (i got it for $1500 new), I think the HK990 would solve all your issues. Wonderful amp, fantastic DAC, room correction software, and subwoofer management. Those LSA speakers are wonderful BTW.

Do some research, there are extremely detailed professional reviews out there. I can't guarantee that it is the perfect solution for your system, however, I will tell you that it has put a complete halt to my desire for upgrades. I actually have a Marantz PM-11S3 sitting unopened. That's how good this amp is.

I hope this helps man. Sorry if it confuses things. :-)
Mot
manoterror
216 posts
 
If you are streaming CD quality music, the Apple TV should have no jitter over toslink. There is a really thorough analysis of the Airport Express on computeraudiophile.com that concludes this, and I'm assuming it would be the same for the ATV. Note: that is an assumption. :-)

If you go higher quality files than CD, or are using the built in DAC, then jitter is terrible. I was using an Airport Express to transport the digital music to the HK prior to the ATV, and haven't heard any difference personally.

Check out the review on CA and see if that helps. In my setup the weak link was the Marantz SR7001 I was using. I was streaming into the receiver DAC, and using the DacMagic for the Mac Mini only. Replacing it with a far superior amp and its DAC made all the difference. If you use the DAC in the Oppo, I'm sure it will be wonderful. If you are going to stream digital to a built in DAC, I'm not sure that jitter will be a big issue. But I'm not an expert.

Let the fun begin! :-D
Mot
manoterror
216 posts
 
Here is the link to that analysis.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/466-measurements-first-and-second-generation-apple-airport-express/

Mot
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