Denon AVR X1400H / B&W 704 S2’s, Amplify?

[kamaaina1]

Hello folks,
Currently running the Denon AVR X1400H into a pair of B&W 704 S2’s (rated at 30w – 150w) and an B&W M-1 center channel speaker. What, if any amps would you all recommend to achieve full potential of speakers? I don't have room to go with a bigger AVR. Cabinet space is too small.
Thank you!!

 

[Bucknekked]

What is it you feel the current Denon AVR isn't accomplishing? What is the "problem" you would like to improve?
A vague idea that things could be better, ie achieving a speakers potential, is a tough thing to address.
Amplification as a general rule doesn't improve/change/modify the sound. Amps should be neutral and simply give you the opportunity to play a source "louder" without distortion.

Most of the Denon AVRs all fit the same form factor, ie they are the same width, height and depth. You could increase your raw power per channel without changing the form factor. I moved from a Denon AVR roughly in the same power range as your 1400H up to one that is over 200wpc and its exactly the same size. Doesn't sound a bit different, except it can drive more sound pressure level if I choose. I made the change because I upgraded my speakers. My old ones were an 8 ohm load and my new ones are a 4 ohm load (give or take). I wanted something that was tested and approved for that new load.

 

[kamaaina1]

What is it you feel the current Denon AVR isn't accomplishing? What is the "problem" you would like to improve?
A vague idea that things could be better, ie achieving a speakers potential, is a tough thing to address.
Amplification as a general rule doesn't improve/change/modify the sound. Amps should be neutral and simply give you the opportunity to play a source "louder" without distortion.

Most of the Denon AVRs all fit the same form factor, ie they are the same width, height and depth. You could increase your raw power per channel without changing the form factor. I moved from a Denon AVR roughly in the same power range as your 1400H up to one that is over 200wpc and its exactly the same size. Doesn't sound a bit different, except it can drive more sound pressure level if I choose. I made the change because I upgraded my speakers. My old ones were an 8 ohm load and my new ones are a 4 ohm load (give or take). I wanted something that was tested and approved for that new load.

Thanks for your insight! Guess I should do more listening than fiddling... System sounds ok. I ran Audyssey once, but it seemed to muffle a lot of mids and highs. May just need to run Audyssey again, or reset AVR to factory and do manual settings. Manual tune has instant feedback, as Audyssey, you need to run it, then be "surprised by results...
Thanks again!!

 

[PENG]

Hello folks,
Currently running the Denon AVR X1400H into a pair of B&W 704 S2’s (rated at 30w – 150w) and an B&W M-1 center channel speaker. What, if any amps would you all recommend to achieve full potential of speakers? I don't have room to go with a bigger AVR. Cabinet space is too small.
Thank you!!

I thought this looked familiar, sure enough you did ask basically the same question in your other thread:

https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/deno-avr-x1400h-to-marantz-sr5012-upgrade.111918/#post-1258646

I am afraid you are going to get the same kind of responses. The problem is, the AVR-X1400H doesn't have preouts except for the Zone 2 outputs. I suppose you can use those to run a small external amp, but I am not sure if the zone 2 outputs duplicate those for the main zone including bass management and other settings, I would think most likely not.

The AVR-X3400H is only about 2 cm deeper, and that's the closest you can get. It is a better choice than the SR5012. Either way, the power output difference between AVRs are not that great. If you concern is lack of power for the 704, you really should figure out how much power you need first. You can use an online spl calculator, or tell us your sitting distance, room dimensions, and how loud you listen to. Cinema loud is about 85 dB average 105 dB peak, just to give you a reference point. You need about 6 to 10 dB higher to perceive about twice as loud.

 

[kamaaina1]

Sorry for duplicating question...

 

[Bucknekked]

Thanks for your insight! Guess I should do more listening than fiddling... System sounds ok. I ran Audyssey once, but it seemed to muffle a lot of mids and highs. May just need to run Audyssey again, or reset AVR to factory and do manual settings. Manual tune has instant feedback, as Audyssey, you need to run it, then be "surprised by results...
Thanks again!!

If you are unsure exactly what needs improving, that may be just upgradeities taking hold. How long since you spent some money on your system? If its been more than a month, well, you could have the dreaded upgrade disease.

Running Audessey is a good idea. Being as careful as possible helps. Usually, if Audessey messes up, its in turning the subwoofers down too much. A lot of folks give their subs a small +3db boost after using the program. I occasionally turn mine off and run it in pure mode or pure direct mode. Just to see if I'm missing something or masking something. Most of the time, there isn't much of a difference. Thankfully

 

[lovinthehd]

Part of the dissatisfaction may be the way you run and/or use Audyssey (i.e. with what and how and where you position the mic and using all the available positions, etc). Or you may just not like what Audyssey does for you. If dissatisfaction is more with music, make sure you have Dynamic Volume turned off, but do try using Dynamic EQ (and with Dynamic EQ learn about the various settings for Reference Level Offset, particularly for music). Experiment with Audyssey settings, too.... Reference vs Flat vs Bypass L/R, too.

 

[everettT]

Considering B&Ws have hot midranges, wonder if audyssey tamped it down too much for your liking.

 

[snakeeyes]

What is the budget for the upgrade? And is there another location for the setup away from the wife’s living room?
I ask because I figured out about 15 years ago to set up the theater room in a separate space from the living room. This is the ideal way to go. Then food network and HGTV won’t be in the way of your new theater/ music listening room. LOL
Good luck!