Is There Greener Grass For Me?


I have owned an Onkyo TXSV515PRO for about 15 years. I have upgraded most other components in a modest AV system, but not the Onkyo. We use the AV system for audio only as it relates to TV programming and DVD play – there is no CDP involved – all music being played in a separate, dedicated 2-channel room.

Currently, the system consists of:
TV - Mitsubishi WS-65413 – 65” projection
Front Speakers – PSB Stratus Goldi’s
Rear Speakers – PSB Alpha Mini
Center Channel (own but not currently used) – PSB 9C
DVD - Zenith DVB318

Now. I am not trying to assemble a SOTA system in any way, shape, or form. However, I do not care much for the separation provided by the Onkyo, especially front to rear balance (regardless of how the speakers are positioned). Too, if something like a great performance on Soundstage or an audio DVD is used, the sound is a bit thin when cranking the volume. I’ve had these speakers in two-channel systems and they are not exactly what I’d call thin. As such, I am wondering if I could improve things much by using a different power/processor – or maybe given the level of all else I should just leave things alone.. I’d STRONGLY prefer a one-piece unit, as opposed to separates, due in part to space limitations. Don’t need a tuner which is provided in the Onkyo receiver. Appreciate suggestions in the $2K new, $1K used range. Obliged to all for their consideration – whether or not you choose to respond.
4yanx
Interesting review, if not incredibly L o n g . Thanks. I'll consider it, but don't think I will ultimately go with a 7.1 unit.
The Goldi's are just superb, hard to beat.
But you need to feed them power as Elevick said.
There's no way around a strong multichannel power amp with discreet power supplies for each channel.
The amp needs not only to produce a speaker excursion, it needs to suck the driver back into position in time for the next excursion. Failure to do so results in thin sounding bass and muddied midrange.
I use a Sherbourn 5/1500A (as good as it gets in my opinion.) You can get a real clean one used for $1200.
yanx,

Nearly all current HT receivers support 7.1 channels of output. You simply set the unused channels to off. Some receivers will even let you reassign them to use to bi-amp you main L&R speaker.

BTW, there is a B&K AVR-307 that showed up on AgoN tonight. No relationship with the seller, but it looked like a decent deal. If it has DPL-II, it may be a winner....

Enjoy,

TIC