looking for new amplifier/receiver?

[bandyband]

SO...I am relatively new to the audio speaker ways and a few months ago I purchased two JBL towers on sale brand new from JBL. I bought a 80 dollar sherwood stereo receiver to start off. A problem I have is that if I push the volume to around 42/60 on the stereo the stereo shuts off. The volume is quite loud, but do I simply not have enough power from this lower end stereo? I have rewired the speakers with new stereo wire and there are no wires touching.

Any recommendations on a next level up amplifier? I don't really need a stereo either.

Thanks!!!

[JohnMichael]

Which JBL's did you buy? I would say without knowing model number and specs you are reaching thermal overload and the receiver is shutting down and protecting itself. I do not think an inexpensive receiver will drive tower multiway speakers, at high volume in medium size rooms.

Once we know the model of speakers, room size and budget we can make suggestions for you. Do you listen to a lot of radio and is a receiver even needed? The more you tell us the more we can help.

[blackraven]

Also, what is your budget? There are some nice inexpensive high current receivers like the Harmon Kardon 3490 and 3390 that should have no problem driving the JBL's. These models are being phased out so they may be hard to find. The cheap sherwood has a POS power supply.

If you can find an Onkyo Tx-8555 reciever, it also is a high current design for a budget receiver.

Give the mrantz SR 4023 receiver a look.

I looked at the floor stander speakers on the JBL web site and the towers all have a speaker sensitivity or 91db. They should play at ear bleeding levels with just a few watts of power.

[JohnMichael]

Some of the JBL towers are rated at 88db and would require more power. Large woofers also take some current to drive. There is more than watts to determine if an amp is right for your speakers. The impedance of a speaker if low can give the amp problems if it is not designed for any load other than 8 ohms.

[blackraven]

Some of the JBL towers are rated at 88db and would require more power. Large woofers also take some current to drive. There is more than watts to determine if an amp is right for your speakers. The impedance of a speaker if low can give the amp problems if it is not designed for any load other than 8 ohms.

Ok, most of the Tower speakers on the JBL site are 91-92dB.

Still, I believe the sherwood receivers claim to be 100wpc. Which should be enough to drive an 88db rated speaker to loud levels without shutting down. But all watts are not created equal.

[JohnMichael]

Ok, most of the Tower speakers on the JBL site are 91-92dB.

Still, I believe the sherwood receivers claim to be 100wpc. Which should be enough to drive an 88db rated speaker to loud levels without shutting down. But all watts are not created equal.

Of course as the OP states each time he pushes the volume it shuts off. Sounds like he is stressing the amp. A receiver may output 100 watts into an 8 ohm resistor it may not drive the load the loudspeaker represents.

[JohnMichael]

For your budget I would forget a receiver and look for an integrated amp. If you have a mixing board when you DJ and it can be used as a preamp then a power amp is all you need. When you are looking for whatever suits you best make sure the amp not only gives an 8 ohm but also a 4 ohm rating. For example a good amp can deliver 100 watts into 8 ohms but should be rated to deliver more into 4 ohms. Ideally an amp that produced 100 watts into 8 ohms should produce 200 watts into 4 ohms.

Some speakers are also easier to drive based on design. Multiple drivers with multiple crossover points may create a tougher load for the amp. Sound reinforcement speakers are a little more simply designed. You may have seen an enclosure with a 12 inch woofer and horn midrange/tweeter. Those would probably work with your current receiver for your DJ needs. Of course the JBL's would probably sound better in your dorm room.