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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
128x128arafiq
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
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 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?
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
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Arafiq, I read the stereophile review on the HK990 suggested above. I have no familiarity with this piece, but it got a very nice review and was used with some pretty nice equipment. My guess is this is a pretty good recommendation.
I also have no familiarity with your Onyoko. My guess is the apple tv is the weakest link. If it were me, I think I would still go with the OPPO upgrade first, but its really just a guess. I have about a 50% chance of being right.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 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 ... :(
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