Hi all. I recently purchased an Axiom set-up thanks to the advise on this board and others (M22s, VP150, QS4s, EP175). I am very happy with the sound, but now I may be getting an itch to upgrade my receiver, a Kenwood OR-507. What is the advise here? The Kenwood is listed at 100 watts per channel x 5, but I have no idea if that is accurate. I have pushed the volume up pretty high with no noticeable distortion & my listening level is lower than that test. Is there an advantage to a better receiver like cleaner sound or better imaging (finally learned what that means)? I don't want to spend the money unless there is a good reason. Also, some advise on what to upgrade to, if anything.
Thanks!
Barry, assuming that your present receiver isn't being overdriven into gross distortion(it apparently isn't, from your description)you won't get cleaner sound or better imaging or anything else from a new receiver relating to basic sound quality. So, save your money and buy more CDs and DVDs unless there are some features on the new receivers that are irresistably attractive to you(e.g. automatic equalization, etc.).
Upgraditis is a severe, chronic disease. If you're happy with the way your system sounds, leave it as it is. Only if your needs change (ex. multi-room capability, component video switching, a much bigger rec room) should you start worrying about upgrades to your electronics.
To get a higher level of features isn't a huge investment these days (Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo make relatively cheap 6.1 models with component switching, for example), BUT for measurably better sound you're looking at companies like Rotel or Arcam...which will tack an extra grand onto the price of a receiver easily.
OK, but the one thing that worries me is this quote from Alan Lofft on purchasing a receiver: "the greatest source of damage to speakers is using too small amplifiers to drive speakers at high volumes, especially when you might "crank it up" at a party. The amp runs out of watts, distorts, and the distorted signal burns out tweeters or woofers in seconds".
How do I know if I am safe with the Kenwood VR-507?
Weebo,
I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about with the Kenwood in terms of not enough power. Even if Kenwood overstates their power, the VR-507 is a legitimate receiver that should easily power Axiom speakers. If you turn up the volume and it seems to be playing fine with no clipping, then the VR-507 should be fine.
Having said that, with respect to performance, I had been using a Kenwood VR-509 (essentially same as 507) receiver, and there was a pretty big jump in sound quality and performance when I switched to a H/K AVR520. I moved the Kenwood into my bedroom where it is powering Axiom M3's, and it is totally adequate for that purpose. But, the H/K's sound is just much more appealing to me than the Kenwood.
>>>>and there was a pretty big jump in sound quality and performance when I switched to a H/K AVR520
Darn, and I was just beginning to think I could avoid catching upgraditis :-)
Sorry Weebo. I wish I could tell you that there was no difference, but there is a reason that some receivers really are viewed in a different light than other receivers. The Kenwood really is a fine receiver--it gets the job done. But, if you were to step up to a brand like Harman Kardon, Denon, or various others, you very well may hear a tangible difference.
I purchased my Kenwood receiver in one of those HTIB systems--and I viewed it as basically a starting point in quality music and HT. I quickly replaced the stock Kenwood speakers with Axioms, and noticed a big jump in quality obviously. Then, I replaced the receiver with the H/K, and again saw a jump in quality. I love the H/K sound.
Hey gem, looks like I may be following a similar path. My Kenwood is all that remains of my HTB-504!
You'll know if your amp is distorting, because your system will sound bad. You'll be irritated well before the amps actually start clipping, unless you were in a situation where a child or a drunk friend decided to crank the volume in one quick twist.