Hello all: I've been researching seperates and receivers for M80's for the last several months. What has gained my attention is the B&K AVR 507. This a surround receiver is rated at 185 X7 @ 4ohms; THD 0.09. It has the following abilities: Surround Sound Dolby Digital® • DTS® • DTS ES® • THX EX® • Dolby Pro Logic II & THX Certification Ultra.

This receiver is however from a past generation and is without any HDMI inputs and the latest decoding processes. In reading what one can do to take advantage of the newer processes I believe that by buying a blu ray dvd that has its own processing of the newer technologies I wouldn't be missing much. Also if this player had analogue outputs from the dvd I could easily plug them into the receiver & the sound would be almost as good as with HDMI. In any case I realize that I could buy a Denon or the like just as easily with all I need. But from what I've read this higher end stuff really makes a difference. The newer B&K 705 & 707 costs well into the $3000's. Apparently the 507 cost was similar when it first appeared some 7 years ago. I can pick up a used 507 for about $800. I'd like opinions as to whether or not what I've stated is true, or if you have suggestions for similar performance that would show the M80's at its finest (I don't own the M80's yet). I listen a moderate levels (around 80db) in a 2000 cu ft room and mostly to classical music with a desire to expand to HT. For now I wish to listen without a sub. I hope this is enough info for some responses. Thanks folks....Lee

Lee, it appears that you've been doing some reading in the realm of audio fantasy. Your "show the M80s at its finest" phrase implies that there would be some difficulty in achieving this and that a "high end"(i.e, high priced)receiver would be needed to do the trick. On the contrary, one of the wonders of the current audio scene is the availability of plentiful clean power at modest cost. Properly controlled blind listening tests indicate that amplifiers with flat frequency response from 20Hz-20KHz and with inaudibly low noise and distortion at their designed power output level(again, readily available at moderate cost)allow any speaker to perform at their "finest" within those power levels(certainly at the levels you mention for great classical music). Nothing more is possible from amplification.

For a unit with more up-to-date features, including Audyssey room equalization with Dynamic EQ and Volume, consider the similarly priced Denon and Onkyo models available as factory refurbs or the new models(e.g., Denon 4307, Onkyo 3007)if you're willing to spend a bit more than the $800 figure you mentioned.

Hi Captain,

At least with the B&K you'll be getting a very robust amplifier section with lots of power, more than most AV receivers supply, and it will easily drive the 4-ohm M80s. B&K is among the brands of AV receivers (also including Denon, NAD, H/K, Outlaw Audio) that have never had a problem driving 4-ohm loads.

JohnK's comments notwithstanding, I always applaud buying lots of power output. Some orchestral peaks with a few classical CDs I own are 30 dB louder than the pianissimo sections, and you certainly want a reservoir of watts to handle those cleanly.

B&K gear, like McIntosh stuff, has always been expensive--you should check to make sure they are still in business, for parts availability.

Regards,
Alan

I agree with Alan. I have listened to B&K AVRs on very large and supposedly hard to drive speakers (Wilson Watt Puppy and the BIG Martin Logans) and came away very impressed as they have tons of power and run fine at 4 ohms. While JohnK is surely right about not needing more power than a "cheap" AVR can make, many of us find the real world experience of adding a better power section pays dividends that can't be explained by the math until you turn it up past the 90db range and factor in the kinds of 30db peaks Alan mentions. I would take the B&K amp section over the Denon every time - and I am a big Denon fan and owner. Moving up to a separate amp (i.e.., more robust, more powerful) improved the sound in my system over my Denon AVR 3300. I expect the B&K would do the same.

Also, I am living with a similar geriatric system setup to what you are describing - no HDMI, no Audy, no TrueHD, etc. I planned to buy the Denon 4310 after the projector purchase was done. But after extended listening and watching (over 700 hrs since May 1) the only feature I wish I had was voice delay.

My (all) projector(s) has a bit of a lag that I would love to fix. My point is, I would not buy the refurb or cheap Denon in order to get those features if you can get a B&K amp section. As long as the B&K can be used as a separate amp later (need pre-ins) I would go that route and upgrade the decoder section later. That technology gets cheaper every day, and as you said, and outboard decoder cure much of your concern.

I'd like to offer a compromise: Get a current Denon so you have the bells and whistles, and if you find you need more power, add a couple of monoblocks or a good two channel amp to help relieve the Denon power supply...

Whatintha? That sounds like really good advice! What have you done with Mark!! I demand you release him!

Yes, the HDMI switching (and integrated bass management) makes operating the system much easier. Sure, you CAN find other methods, but you just have to press many more buttons. All the damn time. You can usually find excellent stereo power amps for sale used, and there is very little risk since there are no moving parts.

So, yeah, I agree with Mark. Again.

I have his head pinned under a mortiser while I, instead, give advice!

We need pictures!

Don't dull the bit!!