Need a new reciever or pre\pro, ideas please

[gixxerific]

I know we see these threads all the time so sorry but this is kind of an emergency. I blew up my Denon and need something else. For now I am using my OLD Onkyo tx 905 (15+ yrs old).

I am looking for HDMI and a good amount of power, preferably 100 watts or more. I am running Focal Chorus 836 V's (rms 180) they are 8 ohm. I need\want a 4 ohm stable recv'r though. Video switching is a plus though they probably all have that now. I would like all the flexibitlity that can be had for my proce range.

As far as price range my wife wants to keep it cheap ($300 -$400) however I'm an Audioholic so you all know what I want, it's exactly what you would want. I am also considereing a pre\pro but that would mean I would have to buy an amp as well so the price goes up with that option. The other alternatives are get a high power rec'vr and later get good amps or go low pwer recv'r and later get good amps.

Any recomendations would be aprreciated, I will do plenty of research.

Thanks Dono

 

[Alex2507]

As far as price range my wife wants to keep it cheap ($300 -$400) however I'm an Audioholic so you all know what I want, it's exactly what you would want.

A divorce?

 

[Highbar]

I don't know if there are any receivers that are 4Ohm stable in that price range. The only thing I could even find real quick with a 6Ohm rating was the Onkyo 507, it has a 4Ohm rating but at one channel driven. I think you are going to have to get a decent amp and a mid level receiver with pre outs to power those speakers. Sometimes it cost more than you want man.

 

[DD66000]

As you want 4 ohm capable, you might want to get a good power amp first, providing that your old AVR has preouts.
Then you would have the choice of either buying a pre/pro or a AVR, used as a pre later.

 

[gixxerific]

As you want 4 ohm capable, you might want to get a good power amp first, providing that your old AVR has preouts.
Then you would have the choice of either buying a pre/pro or a AVR, used as a pre later.

The Onkyo I have powering them now is 15+ yrs old, no preouts.

Just went up to check to make sure there were no preouts and my heart skipped a beat. I had the stereo on when I came downstairs went up and no sound at all but everything was set properly. Mother****ing station went blank for a while that's all. Had me a little worried for a sec.

But if I had had preouts I would most likely get a good amp first. About the wifes thought's on what it will cost I already know it will be double or more than that. She just doesn't know this yet. Been thinking of ways to make some money, maybe sell some old car audio stuff I have laying around, there is a ton of it. Or selling crack. Who wants rocks?
Dono

 

[DD66000]

So being you need to get a AVR or pre/pro first, if you go the AVR way you could also get a good stereo amp to drive the main L/R which would take the bulk of the load off the AVR. That would save you money compared to buying a MC amp.
And then later, if you choose to do so, buy a 3 or 5 channel amp to drive the other channels.

 

[Highbar]

I agree with DD. Since you know it's going to be cost more than the wife thinks already I would start looking at mid-level receivers with pre-outs and a good two channel amp. That way your receiver will be able to power everything but the main left and rights and the amp will handle them. That's probably your best bet. Emotiva may be a decent place to start looking for amps.

 

[Jeff R.]

Keep you eyes open for an Onkyo 805. You should be able to pick one up for around $500 if you are on the ball. Sell some of the old car audio stuff on Craigslist. I bought one in December and use it to power my MB Quart Towers which are 4 ohm rated. I have had no issues so far. I does a very good job. It will run a little on the warm side but I have not had any issues. Most Harmon Kardon receivers will handle a 4 ohm load well. I used a HK before I bought my 805. Good Luck.

 

[Leonel R.]

If I were in your shoes, I would look at an Onkyo 885, as they pop up for around 6-700 bucks, and like others have mentioned, a solid stereo amp.