I am investigating upgrading my AVR due to purchasing some new front speakers. It was suggested that I should look at a Harman Kardon AVR - either 254, or 354. I currently use an Onkyo 606. I am looking for a good, reliable AVR with a pre-out so I can run another amp to power the front speakers. When looking at comparisons between teh 254 and the Onkyo 606, it seems that the Onkyo packs a lot more power (90 watts per channel v. 50 watts per channel). Of course, the 254 has pre-outs, but pretend it doesn't for a second. I questioned the person who suggested this AVR, and he said that Harman Kardon rates their power differently, and that the 254 is as powerful, or more powerful, even though it's rated at less watts per channel. I'm curious on thoughts on this comment. Also, I was looking at this receiver:Pioneer VSX819AHK. It seems it's rated at 110 Watts per channel, and has pre-outs. Any comments on how that would fair?
Any other suggestions in the 300-400 range (Used is FINE), with pre-outs?
Pycroft
oblioman
09-13-2009, 04:29 PM
What speakers?
Pycroft
09-13-2009, 04:38 PM
My current setup is:
Onkyo 606
Polk Audio Monitor 50's (Front)
Polk Audio Monitor 30's (Rear)
Polk Audio CS1 Center channel
Def Tech Prosub 800
I will be replacing the Monitor 50's with Polk Audio RTA 11TL's and the CS1 with a Polk Audio CS 350. I haven't decided with the surrounds...I will probably keep them for a while, even though they are not timbre matched.
Pycroft
tcarcio
09-13-2009, 05:02 PM
If your going to run an external amp the wattage that the reciever put's out shouldn't be a big issue. I would concentrate on getting a reciever with good surround processing and one that can handle the new codecs.
JohninTenn
09-13-2009, 10:07 PM
I have heard 37 watts blow everyone away. It was in Acuff & Rose recording studio. it's NOT all watts
Loves2Watch
09-13-2009, 10:28 PM
This may be just a bit above your budget but just look at what it has - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR806S/Onkyo/TX-SR806-THX-Ultra2-130w-x-7ch-HDMI-806-Receiver-SILVER/1.html
This would be a real upgrade...
Pycroft
09-14-2009, 07:32 AM
I'm curious about this issue of watts. I know there are many differences between receivers, but watts is usually the first one that's looked at. Does anyone have experience with the HK model I asked about above (HK AVR 254), because I was told its wattage is low, but blows others away!
L2W - Thanks, but I'm thinking about going away from Onkyo. I have no problem with my 606, but I've heard great things about Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, HK, and thought I'd give those a try. I'd also be interested in hearing if anyone has the same speakers as me (At least the fronts - RTA 11TL's) in a HT and how they power them.
Pycroft
Loves2Watch
09-14-2009, 08:04 AM
I'm curious about this issue of watts. I know there are many differences between receivers, but watts is usually the first one that's looked at. Does anyone have experience with the HK model I asked about above (HK AVR 254), because I was told its wattage is low, but blows others away!
L2W - Thanks, but I'm thinking about going away from Onkyo. I have no problem with my 606, but I've heard great things about Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, HK, and thought I'd give those a try. I'd also be interested in hearing if anyone has the same speakers as me (At least the fronts - RTA 11TL's) in a HT and how they power them.
Pycroft
I believe you would get more power per watt with Denon receivers like the new AVR 1910. It is quite nice and will blow you away. As for H & K, they rate their receivers very conservatively but as of late seem to be lagging behind the other manufacturers in technology and features. Otherwise they are some fine receivers.
Mr645
09-18-2009, 08:14 PM
Watts does not tell you a lot about the power capabilities of a receiver. My guess is that your external amp will be more powerful that any receiver under $1000, regardless of it's rating. You need watts and amp output to really know what you have. Also, not all companies measure the same way.
Bottom line is that most receivers will have enough power to drive most speakers in the same price/quality category.
Another thing to keep in mind is that to increase volume by 3db, you need to double power. So if a company has a receiver rated at 75 wpc, to get just 3 more db in volume, you would need 150 wpc.
Regardless, with a seperate amp, I'm sure your in good hands.
