Can't decide Rotel or Pioneer

[Fosmosis]

Have the choice between a Rotel RX-400 or a pioneer sx-737 to drive my Klipsch kg1's. Anyone have experience with either?

 

[lovinthehd]

There's a lot more choice out there than old receivers like those. Those two are just basically old relatively low powered receivers, not particularly interesting. The Pioneer seems to have the better amp section but somewhat insignificant at the same time.

 

[lovinthehd]

Maybe more info on your room, playback levels, type of material you play, etc. might help. Also consider Klipsch somewhat tends to inflate their sensitivity spec compared to usual standards....

 

[Fosmosis]

Maybe more info on your room, playback levels, type of material you play, etc. might help. Also consider Klipsch somewhat tends to inflate their sensitivity spec compared to usual standards....

My listening room is about 20x10. I generally play a wide variety of music. These two receivers were offered and it would be fun to have a good vintage system to play around with. If not these what would you pair with the klipsch. Granted a good amount of listening time is through vinyl, so a phono is a must.

 

[cpp]

My opinion, attempt to demo receivers in your system and your room and let the sound tell you which one. One persons recommendation might not actually work in your system and room. Demo other units as well if you can.

 

[lovinthehd]

My listening room is about 20x10. I generally play a wide variety of music. These two receivers were offered and it would be fun to have a good vintage system to play around with. If not these what would you pair with the klipsch. Granted a good amount of listening time is through vinyl, so a phono is a must.

What levels do you listen at? How far away from the speakers do you sit? That, along with what speakers needs are in terms of sensitivity and impedance, would determine the most appropriate amp. The speakers are rated 90dB sensitivity and nominal 8 ohm impedance by Klipsch but couldn't find any supporting measurements to confirm details. Neither of these receivers has a particularly robust amp section but if listening levels are modest then either of these receivers would work, and the Pioneer has a bit stronger spec on its amp section, about a 2dB advantage. They both have phono stages (for mm cartridges). The Rotel is a bit younger, but they're both fairly old, the Pioneer from the mid 70s and the Rotel from 1980. Are these offered for free? Or have a cost?

 

[Fosmosis]

They are both inexpensive but mot free, and I can only get one. If you were to pair a receiver with the Klipsch what wouod would you choose. I don't mind skipping on these and shelling out up to $300 for a good amp

 

[lovinthehd]

Pick the one you like the looks of better, toss a coin, or go for the slightly more powerful one. Do they both work well? Have they been refurbished? Old receivers I wouldn't bother with personally and if I did I'd want more powerful amp sections...and $300 sounds like too much if that's the cost of these.

 

[M Code]

My preference would be for the Rotel...
Early Pioneer stereo receivers had weaker amplifiers and power supplies, often having issues driving 4 Ohm loudspeakers..

Just my $0.02...