Hello everyone,

I'm just entering the world of HT, and have a few basic questions that could have gone into either this or the 950 forum. I was hoping someone here could give me some advice.

Currently I have a simple stereo setup with a Yamaha RX595 driving two Polk RT10's. Since the Yamaha receiver has 5.1 Dolby Digital support, I wanted to upgrade my speaker system. I started eyeing the Polk Audio LSi system which opened up a whole can of worms.

The LSi15's are 4 ohm speakers with an efficiency of 88 dB. The Yamaha can drive 5 channels at 85W at 8 ohms, and at 145W at 4 ohms. After doing a little research, I've found a lot of people have had problems with mass produced integraded amps running these speakers, even if they can supposedly handle 4 ohm speakers.

This is where Outlaw comes in. I want to get the 950/7100 to drive these speakers, but can't afford to purchase both at the same time as the LSi15's. Is there any way for me to just purcahse the 7100 right now an connect it to my Yamaha? From looking quickly at the connections, it doesn't look like my receiver has any sort of amp outputs. I can connect an external decoder, which I understand to mean I can connect a unit like the 950 up to it, but that doesn't solve my current dilemma.

If I can't connect the 7100 to my Yamaha receiver, do you think the Yamaha will be able to power the speakers for the time being (until I can afford to purchase both the 9500 and the 7100)? Would it make more sense to buy the 950/7100 combo first and then upgrade my speakers? I just feel that I'll have so much more equipment than my speakers will dictate if I go that route.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I found a manual for your Yamaha at their web site, and you are correct -- the RX-V595 does not have pre-amp outputs, making it impossible to add an amp like the 7100. The external decoder input is intended for use with a DVD-Audio or SACD player. Also, it looks as if the 595 may be able to handle 4ohm main speakers, but the center and surrounds need to be 6ohm or higher. Seeing as the entire LSi line is rated at 4ohms, I'm wary of suggesting driving them with the Yamaha.

You might get the LSi15's, put the RT10's at surround, and use the Yamaha with those four speakers until you could get the 950/7100, then get the LSi center and surrounds. Or you could get the 950/7100 first and add speakers later -- the RT10's would probably be very happy with the 7100's power.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Thanks for the input, Gonk. I guess I have to decide which I want first, surround sound, or ample power...Perhaps I'll wait until after my taxes are taken care of, and see if I can get everything at once, although that's doubtful.

Once again, thanks for the info.