Is there a limit to what speakers my receiver can drive?

L

Larry1135

Audiophyte
I've purchased an Onkyo TX-NR646 receiver and have been looking at Klipsch RP-280F (also auditioning 260's) for fronts. I'd like to add possibly a RP-440C center and two RP-240S surrounds and a yet to be determined powered subwoofer 10" or 12".

I'm not sure my receiver can power a complete speaker system as such? Or, what my limitations might be with this receiver as far as speakers go?

May I get some help/education please? I do not want to buy more speaker than my receiver can handle.

Also, my receiver has two subwoofer preamps out but, I am not sure if the second one is for zone 2 only?

I am still auditioning speakers but, have to go to 3 different stores to get this done and, they are not to close to one another. I'm going to check out Def Tech's and Polk's as well. I like the bright sound of Klipsch just not sure I want it that bright all of the time.

Thanks in advance for the help and feedback.

Larry
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
You should be fine with either. You'll be able to reach deafening volumes safely.

Remember, one can drive almost any speaker with any amplifier. You just need to keep in mind that if something starts to sound funky, turn it down immediately.

Likewise, by ignoring the above advice, almost any amp can blow almost any speaker.

Both your sub outs are for zone 1.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Yep. Your speakers are relatively easy to power but they have limits, the receiver has limits. The limits should be plenty loud but partly that depends on the distance you are from your speakers and the spl (sound pressure level, expressed in dB) you're trying to attain. Keep in mind an active subwoofer (one with its own amp, i.e. most outside of HTIB) doesn't need any power from your avr, it just gets signal but the subwoofer will take a load off the receiver from trying to produce those low frequencies that are the hardest work the amp does.

As was said, those two subwoofer outputs are basically like an internal y-splitter, just two outlets for your sub channel for zone 1. You can even split those with y-cables even further with no issue if you want multiple subs. Speaking of subs I'd go for the 12" if you can afford it...and look at the internet-direct sold subs (it doesn't need to "match" your speakers unless you like an aesthetic match). Altho the newer Klipsch SW-112 appears to be getting pretty good reports and is priced well if you shop around...
 
KlipschFTW

KlipschFTW

Audioholic Intern
I've purchased an Onkyo TX-NR646 receiver and have been looking at Klipsch RP-280F (also auditioning 260's) for fronts. I'd like to add possibly a RP-440C center and two RP-240S surrounds and a yet to be determined powered subwoofer 10" or 12".

I'm not sure my receiver can power a complete speaker system as such? Or, what my limitations might be with this receiver as far as speakers go?

May I get some help/education please? I do not want to buy more speaker than my receiver can handle.

Also, my receiver has two subwoofer preamps out but, I am not sure if the second one is for zone 2 only?

I am still auditioning speakers but, have to go to 3 different stores to get this done and, they are not to close to one another. I'm going to check out Def Tech's and Polk's as well. I like the bright sound of Klipsch just not sure I want it that bright all of the time.

Thanks in advance for the help and feedback.

Larry
Please let me know on how that center channel sounds I've been itching to get one just don't want to pay that much also I have the R-112sw and it's great!
 
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