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Need to match a receiver to Spendor S5e

I happened upon a deal on some Spendor S5es that was too good to pass up. Now I'm running them with a Harmon Kardon AVR125 and they need some more power to really open up. Any suggestions on a A/V receiver that matches well with the Spendors?

Usage is 60/40 music to HT, although I do run my TV-viewing audio through the receiver. Budget is about $1300 for new, but would prefer somewhat lower than $1k to go used. Receivers I've looked at are NAD T763, Rotel RSX-1056, and Denon 3806/2807. All seem to have their pros and cons, all of which I can live with - but would like to know if any of these, or other suggestions, would be a good match for the Spendor sound.

Music listening is primarily jazz and rock - with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, and U2 about as hard as it gets.
murz
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the nad is a nice match
texsun
21 posts
 
You'll need more power than any of those provide. If you must use a receiver, try an Arcam AVR300 with the 6/7th channels bi-amped.

I briefly powered a pair of S5e with a RSX-1055 and the sound was anemic at best. Even with more power I didn't find them the most dynamic sounding of speakers, so perhaps they may never open up for you.
ghunter's avatar
ghunter
164 posts
 
I have the Denon 3805 hooked up to a very similar load - the Totem Rainmaker - and there are dynamics to spare, far from anemic. There is plenty of power in that amp to make them disappear.
murz OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's responses.

In general, what does one look for in matching a receiver to speakers? While I know the Spendors have a "warm" sound, should I look to pair them with a "warm" receiver? Or should I go with something a little cleaner/brighter? I've seen the NAD characterized as being on the warm side, while the Denon and Rotel are more in the neutral area.

Of course, everybody's taste is different - but I wondered if there were any "general" guidelines to go by...
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