Ok, with possibly trusty Radio Shack Sound Level meter in hand. Let's find out which is more powerful.
Gear tested:
Pioneer VSX-32 receiver
Parasound HCA-855a amp
1 pair Vandersteen 2Ce speakers
1 M&K THX-750 center
2 M&K THX-750LR as rear speakers
1 M&K V-75II powered sub
Pioneer VSX-32 Elite receiver rated at 110x7 according to the spec sheet. In this case, it was connected to 5 speakers, the front two being bi-amped, so all 7 channels in use. Listening to a few music videos on BluRay, I started bringing up the volume until signs of strain or distortion started to come through.
As the volume climbed I moved the meterl to the 120db setting on the dial and as the Pioneer display crossed over into the positive numbers, sounds level stopped climbing, bouncing slightly below the +/-0 mark on the analog meter, indicating 120db SPL. Sound was slightly strained at a +1.5db on the Pioneer display, but no audible distortion. As I pushed slightly higher, sound level did not increase but sound quality decreased. So we were holding in the 116 to 120 db range, no problems.
Ok, let's move the speakers to the Parasound HCA-855a. So now were using 5 channels to drive the front three speakers, the Vandersteens still bi amped. Rear 2 speakers still driving by the Pioneer.
This time I move quickly to the 0db mark on the Pioneer, which is now acting mainly as a Processor. The Radio Shack meter is bouncing between 117 and 121 db. As I move the volume higher, my ears confirm that SPL is climbing, and sound is clean and clear. At +8.5 on the Pioneer, the meter is moving between 122 and 125 db, and things are beginning to sounds a little compressed, strained. But still no sign of distortion, or anything being over driven. My ears were telling me that if we push any higher, ear plugs would be needed, so that's as far as I went.
One note that the meter does not show. With the external amp, sound quality is fuller, bass is tighter, vocals, especially male vocals are more lifelike.
So based on the SPL readings, the Parasound HCS_855a may be nearly 4 times more powerful then the amps inside the Pioneer VSX-32 considering a 5db greater volume and perhaps a little more.
I used the "I Feel Love" track from the Blue Man Group, Complex Rock Tour Live for testing.
Jon
Gear tested:
Pioneer VSX-32 receiver
Parasound HCA-855a amp
1 pair Vandersteen 2Ce speakers
1 M&K THX-750 center
2 M&K THX-750LR as rear speakers
1 M&K V-75II powered sub
Pioneer VSX-32 Elite receiver rated at 110x7 according to the spec sheet. In this case, it was connected to 5 speakers, the front two being bi-amped, so all 7 channels in use. Listening to a few music videos on BluRay, I started bringing up the volume until signs of strain or distortion started to come through.
As the volume climbed I moved the meterl to the 120db setting on the dial and as the Pioneer display crossed over into the positive numbers, sounds level stopped climbing, bouncing slightly below the +/-0 mark on the analog meter, indicating 120db SPL. Sound was slightly strained at a +1.5db on the Pioneer display, but no audible distortion. As I pushed slightly higher, sound level did not increase but sound quality decreased. So we were holding in the 116 to 120 db range, no problems.
Ok, let's move the speakers to the Parasound HCA-855a. So now were using 5 channels to drive the front three speakers, the Vandersteens still bi amped. Rear 2 speakers still driving by the Pioneer.
This time I move quickly to the 0db mark on the Pioneer, which is now acting mainly as a Processor. The Radio Shack meter is bouncing between 117 and 121 db. As I move the volume higher, my ears confirm that SPL is climbing, and sound is clean and clear. At +8.5 on the Pioneer, the meter is moving between 122 and 125 db, and things are beginning to sounds a little compressed, strained. But still no sign of distortion, or anything being over driven. My ears were telling me that if we push any higher, ear plugs would be needed, so that's as far as I went.
One note that the meter does not show. With the external amp, sound quality is fuller, bass is tighter, vocals, especially male vocals are more lifelike.
So based on the SPL readings, the Parasound HCS_855a may be nearly 4 times more powerful then the amps inside the Pioneer VSX-32 considering a 5db greater volume and perhaps a little more.
I used the "I Feel Love" track from the Blue Man Group, Complex Rock Tour Live for testing.
Jon
