Cerwin vega

[Philster65]

I have recently acquired a set of cerwin vega al-750 Tower speakers related 4ohms. I currently own a pioneer vsx 323 receiver. What Amp would give me the best sound from these speakers?

 

[lovinthehd]

The Pioneer avr will likely be fine at low/medium volume levels, and the speakers have a relatively high sensitivity rating, but as you increase the load on the amp it may struggle somewhat or perhaps go into protective shutdown. You don't have the option of adding an external amp to your avr, tho, as it doesn't have pre-outs. There is definitely gear out there that are more powerful and more capable of lower impedance loads, but what's your budget?

 

[Eppie]

I have recently acquired a set of cerwin vega al-750 Tower speakers related 4ohms. I currently own a pioneer vsx 323 receiver. What Amp would give me the best sound from these speakers?

I looked up the manual for the VSX 3232 here. I do not see any pre-amp outputs so you can not use an external amp with that receiver. The speaker rating states 6 ohms to 16 ohms so that receiver will likely not be able to handle very high volumes with those 4 ohm speakers and may go into protection mode. You will need to re-think your system components.

 

[-Jim-]

Hi Philster65,

Cerwin Vega speakers are certainly a brand from the past., and your Pioneer VSX-323 is up there at 13 years old. Have you tried them hooked up together? I know the speakers have a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms, and the receiver is rated at 6=>16 Ohms (capable of 100 Watts per Channel for the fronts) but it should be able to drive them to a reasonable sound level without distortion.

The Cerwin Vegas I remember are reasonably efficient, and did have a "West Coast Sound" which made them particularly appreciated by those who liked Rock and Metal music.

 

[Philster65]

My main listening is rock music and some metal, but I think I need to upgrade my Amp

 

[Philster65]

The Pioneer avr will likely be fine at low/medium volume levels, and the speakers have a relatively high sensitivity rating, but as you increase the load on the amp it may struggle somewhat or perhaps go into protective shutdown. You don't have the option of adding an external amp to your avr, tho, as it doesn't have pre-outs. There is definitely gear out there that are more powerful and more capable of lower impedance loads, but what's your budget?

I can afford $1000 to $1500. I do like Harmon Kardon but to be honest I just want the most for my money preferring the $1000 range

 

[lovinthehd]

Are you looking for another avr or ? Harman Kardon avrs aren't really a very good consideration these days.

 

[Philster65]

You lot seem to be very well educated in the specifications of equipment and to be honest any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I will spend more if it really makes sense as I tend to jeep things for a long time.

 

[-Jim-]

What does it sound like now? Are you looking to migrate this to a Home Theater set-up or stay strictly stereo?

 

[lovinthehd]

What other gear is involved? Why spend so much to accommodate Cerwin Vega speakers particularly? AVRs are somewhat limited when it comes to amp sections, some of the flagship models are where you'll find the better amp sections but a stand alone power amp of higher capabilities can be added to avrs with pre-outs.

 

[Philster65]

It sounds ok, but when I get some time alone I will push it further. I want to keep the speakers but buy new component, prefer AVR but could compromise

 

[lovinthehd]

It sounds ok, but when I get some time alone I will push it further. I want to keep the speakers but buy new component, prefer AVR but could compromise

What are the details of the whole system, tho? Have you considered adding a subwoofer?

 

[-Jim-]

Lovinthehd,

I just wrote "I'll throw you a curve here and suggest you look to add a Sub" just as you posted

 

[lovinthehd]

Lovinthehd,

I just wrote "I'll throw you a curve here and suggest you look to add a Sub" just as you posted

GMTA

 

[-Jim-]

Adding a Sub(s), while setting the Cerwin Vegas to "small" will pull the lower end of the signal (where most of the amplification power is needed) away from the Pioneer allowing it to drive the speakers easier. The Subwoofer will add to the overall sound tremendously and is especially helpful with Rock & Metal music.

Food for thought.

 

[Philster65]

GMTA

I have a Paradigm Sub. But I do want something that helps these speakers perform correctly

 

[-Jim-]

Philster,

Please give us all the details upfront as without all the pieces to the puzzle we can't see the picture. Why do you think the speakers are not performing correctly? And if so, why are you blaming the Pioneer?

 

[lovinthehd]

Full system details and use is always a good start....

 

[Philster65]

Jim. I'm not sure how to do that

 

[-Jim-]

List the make and model number of all connected devices. Advise speaker wire details - size and length of runs from receiver.

How loud do you listen to the system? Do you hear any distortion approaching this level? Speaker locations in the room relative to your primary listening spot can also be helpful. Are they in corners, near a wall, etc. (Diagrams or photos can help here.) Source material - CDs, Vinyl, Streaming, Blu-rays, TV, etc.