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MaxL · 04-20-2007, 01:17 AM

questions are what this is here for. while the receiver/ amp questions are really more for the receiver/ amp page. i'll explain a little...

your choices are an AVR (audio video receiver) or a pre/pro (preamp processor) [i]and[i] multi channel amp(s). the avr has multiple audio and video inputs, digital processors and decoders, digital to analog converters and multiple channels of amplification, oh yeah, and an am/fm tuner. a pre/pro has all the same stuff minus the tuner and amplification. that's why you need the external amps. you can get one amp that does 5-7 channels or a combo of stereo (2 channel) amps and/ or monoblock (single channel) amps. your pre/pro has line level outs (generally RCA type, but there are other connectors too) that you connect to your amp(s). many avr's also have these line level or "pre-outs" that allow you to use exteranl power amps instead of the built in amplification. generally it is best to do one or the other avr or pre/pro and amp.

the reason is that it is usually best to pair similar level of equipment. the idea of running expensive power amps with a signal from an avr isn't necessarily ridiculous, but may be a bit of a waste or mismatch. it's probably most common during an extended period of uprading to separates.

speaking of which, as a starting point i'd recommend a ratio of 1:1:1 for your avr:speakers(5):sub. that means if i had a budget of $1500 i'd probably be looking for an avr around $500. a pre/pro amp combo really starts over $1000, meaning i'd probably be spending at least $1500 on speakers and a sub to go with it, quite possible more. the reason is that speakers are the most significant dictator of sound quality. amplification and signal processing absolutely make a difference, but to spend a lot on this and not on speakers is like watching a $3000 dvd player on a little mid 80's crt tv. you can do it, but what's the point?

the speakers you listed should all be fine. what separates them more than anything is personal taste. you absolutely do want a powered sub. bass takes a lot more power to reproduce than mids and treble. there are good passive subs out there, but they're mostly DIY jobs with big external power supplies.

if you haven't already, read through these posts and the ones on the receivers/amp page. also check out aperion university and psb's audio topics.

come back with more questions...

04-20-2007, 01:17 AM	#4 of 21
MaxL *Max Levine* Member Join Date: May 2006 Local Time: 03:58 AM Local Date: 12-02-2008 Posts: 424	Re: Which front speakers to get??? questions are what this is here for. while the receiver/ amp questions are really more for the receiver/ amp page. i'll explain a little... your choices are an AVR (audio video receiver) or a pre/pro (preamp processor) [i]and[i] multi channel amp(s). the avr has multiple audio and video inputs, digital processors and decoders, digital to analog converters and multiple channels of amplification, oh yeah, and an am/fm tuner. a pre/pro has all the same stuff minus the tuner and amplification. that's why you need the external amps. you can get one amp that does 5-7 channels or a combo of stereo (2 channel) amps and/ or monoblock (single channel) amps. your pre/pro has line level outs (generally RCA type, but there are other connectors too) that you connect to your amp(s). many avr's also have these line level or "pre-outs" that allow you to use exteranl power amps instead of the built in amplification. generally it is best to do one or the other avr or pre/pro and amp. the reason is that it is usually best to pair similar level of equipment. the idea of running expensive power amps with a signal from an avr isn't necessarily ridiculous, but may be a bit of a waste or mismatch. it's probably most common during an extended period of uprading to separates. speaking of which, as a starting point i'd recommend a ratio of 1:1:1 for your avr:speakers(5):sub. that means if i had a budget of $1500 i'd probably be looking for an avr around $500. a pre/pro amp combo really starts over $1000, meaning i'd probably be spending at least $1500 on speakers and a sub to go with it, quite possible more. the reason is that speakers are the most significant dictator of sound quality. amplification and signal processing absolutely make a difference, but to spend a lot on this and not on speakers is like watching a $3000 dvd player on a little mid 80's crt tv. you can do it, but what's the point? the speakers you listed should all be fine. what separates them more than anything is personal taste. you absolutely do want a powered sub. bass takes a lot more power to reproduce than mids and treble. there are good passive subs out there, but they're mostly DIY jobs with big external power supplies. if you haven't already, read through these posts and the ones on the receivers/amp page. also check out aperion university and psb's audio topics. come back with more questions... HT: Marantz SR8000, PSB Alpha B fronts, Alpha C center, CSW New Ensemble surrounds, Martin Logan Dynamo Sub, Philips DVD, Sony CRT TV Stereos include vintage Sony receivers/amps into vintage AR and KEF speakers.