Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Receiver vs Separates

If the combination of loudness and time got too long for a particular receiver(or separate amplifier)and it started to overheat, the protective circuits would simply shut it down and the amplifier wouldn't suffer any permanent damage. The overheating possibility has no effect on the speakers; there the requirement is clean power, and the amount needed has no necessary connection with impedance. Sensitivity of the speaker is a determining factor, and the M80s, for example, are slightly above average in sensitivity and require less power than many speakers with an 8 ohm nominal rating(such as my M22s).

Sure, enough maximum power capacity for a particular use is needed, but in the vast majority of cases typical receivers with power ratings in the 100-200 watt(only 3dB difference)area are more than enough. Unused headroom is simply that: unused.

Last week I was listening to the M80's using an Audio Trak professional (150 watt into 4 ohms x 6 channels) poweramplifier. Using the Realistic SPL meter, I was getting 102 dB average and peaks as high as 105dB with no clipping what so ever. In a room that is 4000 cubic feet. I was approaching concert volume levels. It was as clear as a bell. Now I don't normally listen at those levels as I value my hearing, but is was nice to know I can get there if I want to.

My point is, I don't think you can accruatly detemine how much power you require without an SPL meter. It is as important as a tape measure is to a carpenter.

Before you can decide weather to go separates or not, you need to determine how much power you require, or will require in the future. If you want to get to near concert volume levels (105dB or greater) in a 4000 cubic plus room, I don't think a AVR is going to get you there. However, if 90db is all you need, then a 100 watt AVR should be fine. Generally speaking.

Has anybody seen any bench tests for the 805?

Sure, Tom; the 805 review by Brian Florian includes a significant amount of lab test data. S&V tested the 875 rather than the 805, but except for the Reon video processor in the 875 there's very little difference(the power ratings used are 130 and 140), so you might take a look at the 875 lab results .

Thank you, JohnK.

Hey thanks guys for all the input and discussion. Very helpful.

Im now pretty much set to buy the 805. Wife says I need to sell my Legacy Speakers first

(unscrupulous plug: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330196033445&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123)

Again, thanks. I'll keep you 'posted' with the developments.

Why would they do a 'A' rated noise level spec. in the lab result tests? I am guessing to eliminate the sub output, but if so why not just run the test sans sub and C weighted, to give us a much better picture of what this receiver will do?

Jason, when amplifiers are tested, the standard procedure is to specify the noise measured with an A weighting, rather than giving the raw number. This has nothing to do with subs or the C weighting and low frequencies.

Up-date

Just purchased a refurb'd 805 from Onkyo for 619, free shipping. Had to jump on that! Should be home in 5 days. I'll let you know how it all works out.

Thanks again for the solid feedback.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukah/Happy Festivus

Brady

Just read a recent post from Alan recommending AGAINST Onkyo. Anyone know why (Alan?)?