Hi everyone! Total audiophile noob here, so be gentle! You
guys are sharks in the wave pool drinking margaratas while I’m knee-deep on the
zero depth entry side with my lemonade sippy cup!
Background: As
short as I can, an explanation. For about 10 years I have had Denon 1907 AVR
with a set of 5.1 Kenwood speakers. Not audiophile equipment to be sure, but
better than a sound bar and what most people have. Still, I felt it was time to
upgrade. I basically wanted entry-level audiophile level stuff and settled on a
Klipsch RP-450C center channel and a Klipsch RP-112SW subwoofer. I knew the
Klipsch speakers would be upgrades over my Kenwoods but I was not prepared for
the level of difference. It blew me away to the point that I dove directly into
the deep end without even checking the water. First, I wanted to complete the
Klipsch setup. So I ordered two Klipsch RP-8000f towers and the matching
surrounds. Those have not even ARRIVED yet and my audiophile friend (a big jerk
who gets me to spend money) convinced me that my Denon 1907 cannot satisfy my
Klipsch towers that are coming and that if I really wanted to hear them hum I
needed to buy an external amplifier. SO....I talked with him and researched it
and bought a mint condition Adcom GFA 555 amplifier. I liked the idea of it
because, from what I can tell, if I don’t like it I can sell it for the same
amount I paid. That hasn’t even arrived yet either and I realize my old Denon
1907 doesn’t even have pre outs for the amplifier. SO now I need a new
receiver. Honestly, I think I did anyway. It was far from top of the line Denon
even when it was new.
Problem/Question: Short Short version; I need a receiver that serves
well for HT and is an upgrade in sound to the old Denon 1907, but that also has
in mind I want to use the Adcom GFA 555 external to power the towers. I want
both worlds. My primary use is HT, by far. That said, this is a new world I’m
wading into and I’m definitely interested in discussion of the advantages/disadvantages
of my various options. Here are the 3 receivers I’m considering at the moment
and my brief thoughts on each. Hopefully enough to spark the conversation I’m
hoping for and I DEFINTELY understand it’s all just talk until I hear it for
myself. I want to maybe take a step up in HT, but not pay for more than I
really need especially considering my use of the external amp.
Marantz NR1609-7.2 (50W): my concern is only 50W. I’m using the Adcom
for the towers but is this underpowered for the rest of the speakers? Does the
sound quality of the Marantz surpass the old Denon 1907 to the point where the
loss of power doesn’t matter? I’m aware not all power is equal and sometimes
splashing (100x7) on something doesn’t mean it isn’t crap. How little amperage
is too little?
Marantz SR6013-9.2 (110W): my only real concern is if this is just too
much Marantz to justify for my setup. Do the Klipsch speakers I purchased need
these, given that I’m powering the externals with the Adcom?
Pioneer Elite SC-LX701-9.2 (135W): my jerk audiophile friend likes this ones., Naturally
the highest costing of the bunch.
And Finally…..what about the potential
negatives/benefits of a separate preamp/processor? Now that’s really wading
into unfamiliar territory for me but I’m willing to listen.
I really appreciate any of you willing to take the time to
chat with a newbie. I love this stuff….I’m just kinda new to it at this level.
