I have a Yamaha HTR-5920 receiver with 110Wx5 and I'm using the stock speakers, coded NS-AP1500 with 30Hz-20kHz and Input Power(Max/Nominal): 100w / 30W frequency Range and a 100W stock subwoofer. Here's a close example of my setup: yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200511&CTID=5000800
It just doesn't seem as loud as it should be and I want more out of it. I've thought about just buying a whole new setup, but I don't know how good the receiver and if I should replace it or not. I'm thinking the speakers are the culprit here, so should I just swap the stock speakers for better ones or would it be better to buy a whole new setup? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Here are the things you can try:
1. Make sure the all 5 speakers are set to "SMALL".
2. Verify that you have not accidentally pushed "MUTE".
3. Check that the speaker output level (See manual P.32) is set to 0 dB and not in the - (minus) range.
4. Verify that all of the speakers especially the L/R/C are connected correctly in terms of phasing. Each speaker's terminals must be connected such that the red terminal on the speaker is connected to the red terminal on the corresponding channel at the receiver end and vice versa for the black terminals.
5. Play with the high cut setting at the subwoofer if there is one. Try setting it to a minimum of 120 Hz and go higher (up to maximum) to see if you can optimize the sound.
6. Turn up the volume at the subwoofer if there is a volume knob.
7. You may also try resetting all parameters of the 5920 to initial factory settings. See P.37.
8. Replace the speakers with non acoustic suspension type that can produce at least 89 dB/W at 1 meter.
If no combinations of the above steps get you louder sound then you may have to accept it as is, or buy a new system altogether.
For clarity, following (if applicable to your system) are things that you cannot do much about:
1. The fact that the 5920 is rated for 80WPC into 6 ohms at 1 KHz so it may only give you 65WPC at 30 Hz to 20,000Hz. I am guessing that with all 3 front channels going you will be lucky to get 3X50W.
2. Small acoustic suspension speakers generally have low sensitivities, e.g. 86 to 87 dB/W at 1 meter.
3. Not 100% sure but it looks like the 5920 does not allow you to adjust the crossover frequency. In that case upgrading to more expensive speakers won't help you in bass unless you set the front speakers to "LARGE" but then your receiver will not have enough power to do them justice.