Separate Amp vs Better Receiver (1 Viewer)

[autoengineer_70]

OK. What better use of money. Denon AVRx-3700 + Monolith 5x (about $1300+ $1400) OR just a better receiver like a AVRX-6700. This is for a guy that would not go bigger than 7.2 and running sub/satellite speakers. I guess this gets to the heart of how much does a separate amp benefit a system with fairly small and efficient speakers AND how much sound improvement does the better recevier buy you with its lower THD? My satellites are 5 1/4 woofers and 1" dome tweeters. 8 ohm.

 

[John Dirk]

OK. What better use of money. Denon AVRx-3700 + Monolith 5x (about $1300+ $1400) OR just a better receiver like a AVRX-6700. This is for a guy that would not go bigger than 7.2 and running sub/satellite speakers. I guess this gets to the heart of how much does a separate amp benefit a system with fairly small and efficient speakers AND how much sound improvement does the better recevier buy you with its lower THD? My satellites are 5 1/4 woofers and 1" dome tweeters. 8 ohm.

There are a couple of other factors you might also want to consider.

• Room size - If your room is dedicated and on the larger side [200 cubic ft] I would strongly suggest separates
• Long-term cost - Amps are amps and can easily last a lifetime. Receivers pack a whole lot into a single chassis and also evolve over time as new standards/features emerge. You're much more likely to replace that expensive receiver due to either obsolescence or failure at some point.

A lot more information on this general topic can be found here if you're interested.

 

[JohnRice]

...and what models are the speakers?

With this type of approach, I generally advocate a three channel amp to drive the front speakers, and leave the receiver to drive the rest, rather than a five channel amp. I think, for most people, the 3700/3 channel amp option is better use of $ than a 6700.

BTW, small speakers are typically not as efficient as large ones. They can be, but generally they aren't.

 

[Pupp]

200 cubit feet is less than 6 feet on a side.

 

[autoengineer_70]

...and what models are the speakers?

With this type of approach, I generally advocate a three channel amp to drive the front speakers, and leave the receiver to drive the rest, rather than a five channel amp. I think, for most people, the 3700/3 channel amp option is better use of $ than a 6700.

BTW, small speakers are typically not as efficient as large ones. They can be, but generally they aren't.

Speakers are a 5.1 setup. Phase Technology Teatro Series 6.5 center and 4.5 L/R and rears. Sub is a HSU vt2mk5. I currently own a Denon avr-x3000 and looking to upgrade probably when the new models come out. My X3000 can’t even handle the latest 4k security protocols. The area is a family room that’s connected to a kitchen so the total area is pretty big. About 16x40 feet. Or a little over 5000 cubic feet.

I was poking around looking for info on my speakers and came across this, not my video but demos the 4.5’s.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

With manufacturers cramming more and more amplifier channels into an AVR chassis, amplifier specs (and performance) are really suffering. Seems to me that a good amplifier for at least the front channels would never be a bad choice.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt