Adding receiver or amp?


Have always been a 2-ch guy, will not change any time soon.

Now that I have a projector, I want to "integrate" HT with my 2-ch w/o spending too much. I can't use my current pre/power for watching movie due to tube cost and heat, so I am thinking of getting a receiver to drive LCR + sub, no surround.

Picked up a Pioneer Elite 92TXH over the weekend at a good price, but don't think it has enough power for my Sonus Faber Amati Homage which is rated at 4 ohm (and drops to <3 ohm sometimes). Also worry about long term reliability even though my room is not big and will not push the receiver very hard most of the time. Are there any receivers under $1k (used or street price) that can adequately drive speakers like Amati? I like the receiver idea because I can use the up convert feature to feed my 1080P projector. I also like the center channel + LFE to create more "wow" when watching movie.

But if there are no receiver out there that can do a decent job, I will have to stay with 2-ch + sub using my Benchmark DAC as a pre amp. I have more choices in power amps that can drive Amati, but I am afraid I won't hear dialog as clearly w/o dedicated center channel.

Need your input fast in case I need to return the Pioneer receiver, it's a beautiful piece and I will love to keep it if it works for me.
semi

Showing 1 response by semi

I have considered using my pre and power for HT, my "other" pre does have a HT bypass. but with 12 tubes in pre and 28 tubes in the power amps, they generate too much heat not to mention the cost of tube for movie watching. I know when I watch movie, my ears are shut off and quality is not nearly as important.

After more research and talking to my trusted dealer, I think the only receiver that will drive my Amati Homage comfortably is NAD785 and the megabuck receivers from Japan. My other choice is Emotiva which seems to be reasonably priced. I did hook up the Pioneer last night and hooked it up my Amati Homage and JL 113, the sound was more than acceptable as is. But once I add the center channel and surround (a friend talked me into getting surround speakers), Pioneer might run out of steam?