[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

Will do some testing today closer to the walls and maybe play around with the tone adjustments a bit. Thanks for everyone's help!

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

A receiver with out tone controls ? What model is it ? Rick

 

AVR1700, it has basic tone controls but no EQ or Dolby for stereo mode.

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

You didn't mention what model HK receivers you were talking about. Not sure whether they are new (multi-channel capable) or older (2 channel only)... But as others have mentioned, there are other things to consider, that will make a bigger difference.

In fact, the extra 35 wpc will only give you about 1 dB more output. You'd need to double the 85 wpc to 170 wpc, to gain just 3 dB in output. As the RF-82's are rated 150 wpc continuos and 600 wpc peak. An amp with a higher dynamic (short term) output would give you better headroom protection if you like to listen at louder levels, but that's really it.

Since you mentioned having no Dolby settings and no EQ (no tone controls?) capabilities... do you have a sub output? Or are these just 2 channel receivers?

The 85 wpc would be plenty of power for the RF-82's. So if you are just looking for more bass, it might be related to how you have the speakers positioned in your room. Are they against a wall, in a corner, etc?

 

I'm currently using an AVR1700, 5.1 but only in stereo mode. The speakers are positioned in the corner, they will move closer to the wall soon, but so far I've tested them about 3 feet off the wall. The bass is okay, its not insufficient, actually I'd say the mids being a little washed out is the bigger problem.

 

This new line of "green" H/K receivers -- I wonder if its not as warm as the older/higher end H/K receivers? The bass is ok, but the highs seem to be much more noticeable than the mids. Especially on something like electronica/trance. Whereas more acoustic/jazz/laid back music sounds quite good.

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

I would add a couple of subs for a large room and set the speakers to small to improve system performance.  Speaker set to small will increase the midrange dynamic capability and the subs will give you a more even bass presentation.  Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks! I might try to add one sub, there isn't really room there to hide two, it might be overwhelming visually.

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

Do you have/use Dolby volume at low setting?

 

I'm not sure what that is. The receiver is running in "stereo mode". There is no dolby setting available for regular music on this receiver.

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

can  you try to eq a little .ore bass and mid in before you spend the money on more power?

 

and welcome to the forum. rf-82's are pretty sweet. they were my first klipsch speakers!

 

The amp has no eq, so that's a bit tricky :-/

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

It already can go too loud, so loudness is not my goal really. Just around regular comfortable listening level. Thanks for your insight!

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

Its a fairly large room, 27 foot vaulted ceiling, 21x25 room plus its open to the dining room and kitchen. I'd like to maybe get a little more bass out of it and more mids. I wonder if the 85wpc amp just isn't enough for these speakers?

[RF 82: Going from 85wpc to 120wpc (both H/K) amp, difference?]

How noticeable would the difference between a 85wpc and 120wpc receiver be on RF82s? Same receiver brand (Harman Kardon). Thanks!