Denon AVR and Klipsch RF-83's

[motorcityssnake]

I have a Denon AVR 3805, its (Rated) at 120 WPC, understandably, I dont think it would ever reach that. My curious question is, it is matched to a pair of Klipsch RF-83's, when turned up near full power it distorts. I know everything is rated at THD but, reading the information on the Denon, the THD is 0.05 - 2.0%. I believe the RF-83's could handle way more than the rated 120 WPC, if it really could push that but, does it seem right that the distortion factor should be that much? What would be the cure? Different receiver, adding an amp or amp and processer?

 

[markw]

Just because a speaker claims it can absorb so much power, there is no guarantee it will sound good while doing so. Odds are that when doing so, it's unbearably loud anyway.

 

[Rickster71]

Mark is on to something there; with their 94 dB sensitivity that much be ear splitting.

I think the Denon is running out of gas. Are you trying to fill a large room?
Those speakers have a Sensitivity: 94 dB but they do dip down to 3.6 - Ohms at times.

Here's a quote from a review Clint did:
If you're looking to power a large room to ear-bleeding levels, or you really want to go a step further in dynamics performance then you may need to supplement the AVR-3805's amplification - at least the front three channels.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-avr-3805/receiver-listening-tests-two-channel-multi-channel

 

[motorcityssnake]

It is load but not too much overly. It seems as though it sounds nice and clear then at that upper limit it starts to distort. If the Denon is running out of gas would an amp allow for a lower distortion level at a greater volume? And I do really appreciate the responses.:

 

[markw]

You're gonna need a bigger boat. ...a much bigger boat.

It is load but not too much overly. It seems as though it sounds nice and clear then at that upper limit it starts to distort. If the Denon is running out of gas would an amp allow for a lower distortion level at a greater volume? And I do really appreciate the responses.:

With that receiver and those speakers, to push it into the trouble area, it's gotta be way loud.

For a barely noticible increase in apparant loudness, you'll need at least twice the power. For twice the apparant loudness, you'll need ten times the power.

Click here for more. Also, click on the links there for even more good stuff.

So, how much louder do you really think you want/need it?

Even then, remember what I said about the speakers. They have their limits, too.

If you really, really want stupid loud, there's always pro gear

 

[Nestor]

Mark is on to something there; with their 94 dB sensitivity that much be ear splitting.

I think the Denon is running out of gas. Are you trying to fill a large room?
Those speakers have a Sensitivity: 94 dB but they do dip down to 3.6 - Ohms at times.

Here's a quote from a review Clint did:
If you're looking to power a large room to ear-bleeding levels, or you really want to go a step further in dynamics performance then you may need to supplement the AVR-3805's amplification - at least the front three channels.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-avr-3805/receiver-listening-tests-two-channel-multi-channel

RF83's have a 100dB sensitivity rating.

 

[Rickster71]

RF83's have a 100dB sensitivity rating.

You're right...I misread it from here: http://www.hometheater.com/content/klipsch-reference-rf-83-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I have a Denon AVR 3805, its (Rated) at 120 WPC, understandably, I dont think it would ever reach that. My curious question is, it is matched to a pair of Klipsch RF-83's, when turned up near full power it distorts. I know everything is rated at THD but, reading the information on the Denon, the THD is 0.05 - 2.0%. I believe the RF-83's could handle way more than the rated 120 WPC, if it really could push that but, does it seem right that the distortion factor should be that much? What would be the cure? Different receiver, adding an amp or amp and processer?

I have a few questions...e
What is your definition of "near full power"?
Are all the DSP's/EQ's turned off? If no then what are they?
Do you use a subwoofer? If so, do you run your speakers settings at large or small and what frequency do you crossover at?

Just trying to see the whole picture.

 

[Nestor]

You're right...I misread it from here: http://www.hometheater.com/content/klipsch-reference-rf-83-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

Technically, we're both right.

 

[motorcityssnake]

Hello and thanks for all the response. To answer a few of the questions. The speakers are set on large. I have the receiver set on Pure Direct, apparently by reading the Denon info. that is supposed to provide the best sound. I thought about getting an amp that pushes 250WPC just to help with distortion. Now, I dont always play it at extreme volumes but, there are times I choose to crank up one of those Floyd or Zep songs. I am not asking for stupid loud but clarity for just a little bit more volume when that special listening moment arrives.

 

[motorcityssnake]

Ohhh sorry forgot a few, I am not running a sub at this time, but may possibly get one soon. The frquency is at the default of 80 hz

 

[markw]

Deep bass puts extremely heavy demands on both amps and speakers. By forcing your speakers to put out high levels of deep bass, and thereby forcing the amp to deliver the extra power, you could be hearing the result of the amp being drained of power and/or the speakers begging for mercy during peaks.

If you want high levels of deep bass, you need a sub more than an amp. A very powerful sub.

If you aren't running a sub, the default frequency is moot.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Ditto on what Mark posted.


'What is your definition of "near full power"?' I would like to know what the volume indicator reads on the receiver when the distortion occurs. -15, -5, 0, +10??? That would give us some indication on how hard the receiver is being pushed.