Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Has anyone tried B&K amp before?

thank you all for your opinion and suggestion. I'm actually quite satisfied with 3805.I'm just wondering whether an external power amp will improve the clarity and sound in 3805. If the improvement is not like day and night, then i won't bother. A local dealer (tweeter) carries B&K and it's temped to try out at home.

I didn't mean to offend you. Sorry if I did.
I had a few drinks when I posted this . I should have taken more time on this post to actually get my point understood. Later today I'll try to post an intelligent comment. Also, keep in mind opinions are just that, opinions.

audiofan and NeverHappy,

It's true those tests at Sound&Vision are accurate, however, I would point out that a further dilution of measurement standards has taken place in deference to the builders of 7-channel A/V receivers.

The maximum power output of the Denon (and other A/V multichannel receivers) is measured by S&V at only one frequency in the midrange--1 kHz--, a much less demanding test. And while this still is important, it tells you nothing about how much power the Denon is delivering at lower and higher frequencies and at what levels of distortion.

In the era of 2-channel stereo, an oft-quoted measurement checked the amplifier power output from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and measured the distortion across the audible bandwidth. The 1-kHz measurement used to be reserved for car stereo gear. It is much less rigorous.

Separate multi-channel power amplifiers usually will quote the power output across the audible bandwidth (it's sometimes called "power bandwidth) with all channels or five channels driven, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In that respect, they are always superior to the on-board amps in A/V receivers. Whether or not you would hear a difference in most domestic living rooms is debatable, but I suspect in big system in large rooms, those differences would emerge in favor of much less distortion and greater output power from the separate power amplifiers.

Regards,

thanks, Alan.
avr-3805 is rated at 120wpc. based on your opinion, what wattage would you suggest in term of power for an amp? I mean, should i get 125 wpc (all channels driven) power amp or the wattage must be larger than the one in avr-3805 (for example, 200wpc) THe reason i'm asking is because, the power amp with 125wpc falls into my budget. Note that i don't have very large room (12x14) and I almost never go very loud anyway. I just want more clarity in sound.

audiofan:

I concur with JohnK. I believe you'd have to step up to a power amp in the 200-watt-per-channel range and be in a really huge room--6,000 to 8,000 cu ft--to detect any difference in performance.

With your current setup and room size as well as listening tastes, I'd be surprised if you heard any difference at all. I don't think it's a worthwhile upgrade.

Regards,

I like to disagree with Alan....because....well.....cause it's fun and he doesn't seem to like Onkyo very much! but I can't on this one! Just kidding Alan.

About a year ago I went upgrade goofy and bought a Rotel RB-1090 which is a 380 watt a side monster of an amp. 700 watts a side into 4 ohms! I got it home unpacked it, hooked it up and after a few weeks it went back. It was cool to say I was pushing 700 watts a side but the overall difference it made in sound was to me not worth the investment.

thanks, all.

I read in audioholic that i can bi-amp 3805 by using unused channel. I think i'll give it a try.