White noise/hiss Martin Logan Preface, Onkyo SR707

[nhjrmonarchs7]

Hey all,

I have finally hooked up my Martin Logan Prefaces and Encore TFs to my Onkyo SR707 receiver. I have 2 of the prefaces for fronts, an encore for center, and 2 encores for the rear. My issue is when I play music I get a lot of hiss through the prefaces when I turn it up. I am only playing the music on stereo so the prefaces and my sub are the only things outputting audio. Is there way I can cut down the amount of hiss coming through? Is this because I am using the Onkyo to power them and not a seperate amp? I have tested this on numberous audio tracks. Let me know if you need additional information.


Thanks!

-Ryan

 

[Adam]

Ryan, what source are you using and how is it connected to the Onkyo?

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

I am using my ps3 connected with hdmi to the receiver. Playing various flac albums.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hey all,

I have finally hooked up my Martin Logan Prefaces and Encore TFs to my Onkyo SR707 receiver. I have 2 of the prefaces for fronts, an encore for center, and 2 encores for the rear. My issue is when I play music I get a lot of hiss through the prefaces when I turn it up. I am only playing the music on stereo so the prefaces and my sub are the only things outputting audio. Is there way I can cut down the amount of hiss coming through? Is this because I am using the Onkyo to power them and not a seperate amp? I have tested this on numberous audio tracks. Let me know if you need additional information.


Thanks!

-Ryan

You have very wide band speakers, with an articulate high end. Planar speakers are beam, especially in the top end.

In my view they need an amp a lot better, than a Far Easter receiver to drive them I suspect.

Disconnect the input you are using and turn up the volume with no input. If you hear hiss to a troubling intrusive degree, then you need an amp with a much better signal to noise ratio. That will require purchasing a decent pre/pro and a power amp like the Quad 909. The Quad 909 is an ideal partner for electrostatics loudspeakers because they tolerate with high capacitance well.

I personally would not drive speakers like those with a receiver, and likely wold not even use the receiver as a pre/pro using pre outs. I would anticipate issues you describe with equipment at those price points.

 

[bandphan]

IMO the external would be the way to go and not a avr for the power since all 5 are 4 ohm nominal.

hmmmm....remember this thread

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

Damnit!!! More money! Thanks guys.

-Ryan

 

[Seth=L]

The PS3 plays Flac files?

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

I am streaming from my PC, yes it does. I am going to pull out some CD's and see if that makes a difference. I watched numerous blu-ray movies this weekend and did not hear a hiss at all.

 

[Seth=L]

I am streaming from my PC, yes it does. I am going to pull out some CD's and see if that makes a difference. I watched numerous blu-ray movies this weekend and did not hear a hiss at all.

Interesting, maybe it's the streaming that is causing it.

How difficult is it to set up a computer to network interface with 1 or 2 PS3s?

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

Seth,

It is actually quite easy to set up. What are you running for an OS on your PC. I am using W7 but have also set it up with XP.

I have a question about amplifiers. If I were to purchase a Emotiva XPA5 how exactly would I connect this to my Onkyo SR707? I have never set up a stereo using anything more than a receiver to power speakers.

http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm


Thanks!

 

[TLS Guy]

I am streaming from my PC, yes it does. I am going to pull out some CD's and see if that makes a difference. I watched numerous blu-ray movies this weekend and did not hear a hiss at all.

Then the problem is the PS3.

 

[bandphan]

Interesting, maybe it's the streaming that is causing it.

How difficult is it to set up a computer to network interface with 1 or 2 PS3s?

I use TVersity to stream to my displays, works well with PS3, XBox, Blackberry, PSP, or any browser with flash 7.0 or later.... Sorry To get off topic

 

[bandphan]

Then the problem is the PS3.

I still think he will need a 4 ohm stable amp with his speakers.

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

Onkyo does state that this receiver can handle 4OHM. I will do some more testing.

 

[bandphan]

Onkyo does state that this receiver can handle 4OHM. I will do some more testing.

From Martin Logan with regards to their speakers..

However, it is important that the amplifier be stable operating
into varying impedance loads: a stable amplifier
will be able to deliver twice its rated wattage into 4
Ohms and should again double into 2 Ohms.

This is a blanket statement for ALL of their speakers.

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

How does the Onkyo stand up to that?

 

[bigred7078]

Onkyo does state that this receiver can handle 4OHM. I will do some more testing.

Most Onkyos have this. It doesnt mean they are 4ohm stable, it just has a 4ohm setting which is essentially a power limiter to prevent the unit from overheating due to the extra power output that lower impedences require.

To hook the Onkyo up to the XPA-5 you just use standard interconnect cables from the receivers "pre-outs" section. The pre-outs then connect into the XPA-5's inputs on the back. Then just run speaker wire out of the XPA-5's speaker wire terminals and your ready to rock

 

[skers_54]

How does the Onkyo stand up to that?

As TLS said, electrostatic speakers are highly capacitive loads while conventional dynamic speakers are more inductive. Many amps (especially those in receivers) don't handle high capacitance well. So, you're trying to drive speakers with an amp that wasn't really designed to drive that type of load. The result is distortion (aka hiss). I doubt the Onkyo doubles its power into a 4 ohm load, which means it doesn't meet ML's criteria. Your speakers probably dip down into the 2 ohm region, which pretty much all receivers will have difficulty with. You really need an external amp.

 

[nhjrmonarchs7]

Thank you for the explanation. Do any of you have any suggestions for amps other than the Emotiva XPA5 or would that be best? I am assuming connecting all 5 speakers to an external amp would be the best solution?


-Ryan

 

[bandphan]

As TLS said, electrostatic speakers are highly capacitive loads while conventional dynamic speakers are more inductive. Many amps (especially those in receivers) don't handle high capacitance well. So, you're trying to drive speakers with an amp that wasn't really designed to drive that type of load. The result is distortion (aka hiss). I doubt the Onkyo doubles its power into a 4 ohm load, which means it doesn't meet ML's criteria. Your speakers probably dip down into the 2 ohm region, which pretty much all receivers will have difficulty with. You really need an external amp.

He doesnt have ELS panels, he has hybrid woofer/planers.

OP, as for 5ch amps you can also look at outlaw audio as well as on audiogon for used. Pro amps from Yamaha, Crown, and Behringer could be considered also, but you would need to get 3 units. After that your looking into spending some dollars.

If it were me, Id just get the Emo and be done.