bmw-k
03-08-2004, 11:07 PM
I have spent the last hour or so weeding through all the existing threads on A/V Reveivers and have managed to come away with more questions that answers.
Background:
I currently have an older Yamaha RV703 (80/80/80/15/15 wpc) 5.1 A/V receiver. I have had this receiver for going on 8 years now, and with the upgrading of my speakers I am now looking to upgrade the Receiver. Obviously the old 15/15wpc suround power just isn't quite up to snuff...
Listening Room: 23' long, 13' wide. 8' sloping to 20' cathedral ceilings. TV/Mains/AV at the 8' end.
Current Speakers: PSB Stratus Silver i's Mains (4 ohm speakers), PSB C5i center, PSB Subsonic 7, PSB Image 10s surrounds. 5.1 channel system. (In theory, I could add the PSB Stratus Mini's as rear surounds and move the Image 10s into presence speakers as an upgrade but...the space just isn't there.)
I have little need to go beyond 5.1 in my current home, especially since the wall space for 2 more speakers just doesn't exist...
Question #1: Many of the new receivers today are 7.1 systems. I am only geared for 5.1 surround. Can a 7.1 system be made to perform in 5.1 mode?
Question #2: I very much enjoy listening to 2-channel stereo. Can someone explain Denon's (or any other manufacturer's...) concept of "Direct Stero" which apparantly bypasses the extra channel amps in favor of straight 2-channel stereo? I have read that this will improve 2-channel stereo sound. Is this true? And, if so, what other manufacturers out there do something similar?
Question #3: Discrete power & high current. Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but Discrete Amps means multiple amplifiers loaded into the same case. Is there any benefit to finding an a/v receiver that offers a "high current" capability (ala Harmon Kardon)?
Question #4: Ohm ratings. Given that my mains are 4ohm rated, does it make sense to pursue a/v amping along the 4 ohm line? Furthermore, (yep, noob Q here) what are the disadvantages of running 4ohm speakers with an 8ohm a/v receiver? Am I sacrificing sound quality? At this time, amp heat is not an issue and the amp has never come anywhere near "too hot to touch".
Question #4: Recomendations. I have long enjoyed my Yamaha a/v amp. It works great for Stereo and I am quite partial to it. Fact is, the Yam will be "retired" to my office while the new amp will do heavy HT/Stereo work.
So, can you name some $1,000 or less A/V amps which offer high quality stereo sound as well as quality HT. Figure 100wpc, strong emphasis on quality stereo sound first, HT second. All amps will be demo'ed before purchase. In terms of sound quality, the PSB's are increadibly smooth sounding, neutral speakers that aren't particularly bright (Wharfedales by comparison are very bright sounding to the PSB's) - so an a/v amp that edges towards the "bright end" of the spectrum is not a problem.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Background:
I currently have an older Yamaha RV703 (80/80/80/15/15 wpc) 5.1 A/V receiver. I have had this receiver for going on 8 years now, and with the upgrading of my speakers I am now looking to upgrade the Receiver. Obviously the old 15/15wpc suround power just isn't quite up to snuff...
Listening Room: 23' long, 13' wide. 8' sloping to 20' cathedral ceilings. TV/Mains/AV at the 8' end.
Current Speakers: PSB Stratus Silver i's Mains (4 ohm speakers), PSB C5i center, PSB Subsonic 7, PSB Image 10s surrounds. 5.1 channel system. (In theory, I could add the PSB Stratus Mini's as rear surounds and move the Image 10s into presence speakers as an upgrade but...the space just isn't there.)
I have little need to go beyond 5.1 in my current home, especially since the wall space for 2 more speakers just doesn't exist...
Question #1: Many of the new receivers today are 7.1 systems. I am only geared for 5.1 surround. Can a 7.1 system be made to perform in 5.1 mode?
Question #2: I very much enjoy listening to 2-channel stereo. Can someone explain Denon's (or any other manufacturer's...) concept of "Direct Stero" which apparantly bypasses the extra channel amps in favor of straight 2-channel stereo? I have read that this will improve 2-channel stereo sound. Is this true? And, if so, what other manufacturers out there do something similar?
Question #3: Discrete power & high current. Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but Discrete Amps means multiple amplifiers loaded into the same case. Is there any benefit to finding an a/v receiver that offers a "high current" capability (ala Harmon Kardon)?
Question #4: Ohm ratings. Given that my mains are 4ohm rated, does it make sense to pursue a/v amping along the 4 ohm line? Furthermore, (yep, noob Q here) what are the disadvantages of running 4ohm speakers with an 8ohm a/v receiver? Am I sacrificing sound quality? At this time, amp heat is not an issue and the amp has never come anywhere near "too hot to touch".
Question #4: Recomendations. I have long enjoyed my Yamaha a/v amp. It works great for Stereo and I am quite partial to it. Fact is, the Yam will be "retired" to my office while the new amp will do heavy HT/Stereo work.
So, can you name some $1,000 or less A/V amps which offer high quality stereo sound as well as quality HT. Figure 100wpc, strong emphasis on quality stereo sound first, HT second. All amps will be demo'ed before purchase. In terms of sound quality, the PSB's are increadibly smooth sounding, neutral speakers that aren't particularly bright (Wharfedales by comparison are very bright sounding to the PSB's) - so an a/v amp that edges towards the "bright end" of the spectrum is not a problem.
Any help greatly appreciated.