botelerc Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I currently have an 83/64 set up. My av reciever puts out 90 to 100 watts per channel. I mainly use it for HT. Do I really need an amp, if it's even possible, with my reciever, or will my current setup drive my speakers effectively? I have a sony str dh520, not sure it's possible to bridge 2 of the 7 channels either? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I currently have an 83/64 set up. My av reciever puts out 90 to 100 watts per channel. I mainly use it for HT. Do I really need an amp, if it's even possible, with my reciever, or will my current setup drive my speakers effectively? I have a sony str dh520 You said honest.[:|] Yes you do. Even though your RF-83/64 setup are very efficient speakers, you still need to drive (6) 8 inch woofers and (4) 6.5 inch woofers cleanly and I really don't think your 16.8 pound Sony is up to the task. Add in some surrounds and the job gets tougher. I don't think your Sony was really designed to drive such a system to "reference" levels. The Sony's power supply just does not have the gusto to handle the demands that a complex action movie soundtrack will put on it. "Maybe" in a 10W x 12L x 8H room might do "okay" but much larger it will put a strain on your system. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 1, 2013 Moderators Share Posted September 1, 2013 Do you need an amp, no. Would you benefit from an amp, yes. Sony receivers have not been known for being powerful amps. Unfortunately your receiver does not have preouts for an amp so unless you upgrade your receiver, you will not be able to add an amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 1, 2013 Moderators Share Posted September 1, 2013 I had a Yamaha RX-V1800 with 130 watts /ch and it sounded fantastic driving my RF-83 in a 5.1 system. When I added 2 additional speakers to make it a 7.1, although it was "rated" at 130 x 7, it was underwhelming. 3rd party bench test proved that this $1200 when new receiver was 130 x 3, 100 x 5 and only 55 x 7. If that is with a $1200 receiver, I can only imagine the actual power output from your sony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeker Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 They are being honest. You should look into getting a reciever with pre outs if you want to hook up an amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZombieWoof Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 the amp debate is Very polarizing to some people , here is my story & my take moving forward , after spending $2K+ on a flagship AVR when I added 7 channels to that expensive AVR ,the SQ suffered big time when I added 9 channels it was un-listenable at all with my newly added channels my system sounded like a radio shack boom box added 9 channels of Emo amps (UPA-7 & UPA-2 The older style 125 watts per channel minimum wattage out put ) things were Fantastic in the SQ & then that $2K+ AVR failed on me My amps let me move to a middle range AVR that had all the features of that $2K+ flagship AVR also most all PRE/PRO processors are priced right up there with the flagship AVR's . by moving to mid level AVR with full features & Pre-outs , I now can change up the processing much cheaper now when the new Codecs , HDMI specs, UltraHD, improved Audyssey,DTS,Dolby listening modes come down the pike AND Oh Yes they are about to change again as they always do every 3 to 4 years . now that I have the amps , as they will last for decades , all I have is fraction of replacement costs over a flagship AVR when I do adjust for the Newest Tech that hits the market . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wstrickland1 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I have an AVR that might work well for you. I need to clear some space. It's boxed up and ready to go. Here's a link to the thread. http://community.klipsch.com/forums/t/173176.aspx?PageIndex=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappydue Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 That receiver would be a great start. Plus it will Be more power than your current Sony. I run an 805 and it was bench tested at 130x7 all channels driven but when I added an amp everything sounded less Strained at higher volumes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
botelerc Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 Pm sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted September 1, 2013 Moderators Share Posted September 1, 2013 I've owned an Onkyo TX-SR703 and it was fantastic for HT. Onkyo is definitely a good bang for your buck, especially when buying used Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dimanata2007 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 what about more powerful receiver? according to 3rd party research output wattage wise HK, Marantz, Elite and PIoneer, are the most honest manufacturers. rest of the brands lose alot of wattage in 5.1-7.1 configuration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BE36 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 No substitute for a good pre combined with quality amps. . . Many combos will work on a budget for HT, used Onkyo for a pre and used Adcom amps are hard to beat. Used that combo until putting the emphasis on music instead of HT. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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