Changing From Old School, Which Receiver Should I Buy ???

D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
While oversees 20 plus years ago I purchased and brought home Yamaha's M-65 Amp/Pre-Amp series with Infinity SM-150's (extremely efficient), ADC SS-325X EQ and a TEAC Deck. It played loud and proud in the military dorm environment. 5 Years ago I sold the M-65 pieces and upgraded to a RX-V2600 Receiver for HDMI and HT purposes. I hoped I wouldn't loose the ability to play my music load as in the past, but my 2600 did not push like the M-65. Had I not sold my M-65 pieces to buy the 2600, I would have kept the amp and added as an external amp :mad:

I recently upgraded to some Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL's and life was grand until yesterday when my 2600 took a dump while listening to Baba O Rilly by the Who.

I am going to spend some cash on a new receiver, but want to be able to add an external amp (I now have access to a MX-800). This will be used for Audio, along with my HT set up which includes a Samsung 65 Plasma screen, ML ElectroMotion ESL's, ML Motion 8 CC Speaker, ML Subwoofer, and two ML Motion 4's for rear surround.

When playing my Clapton, Hendrix, or Pink Floyd loud, it is in 2 channel mode only with the two fronts. I dont use an Ipod or anything else and want to keep it stupid simple.

I have looked at the RX-A3000, and the new RX-A3010 but dont know I will need the extra features and I dont think it has the Pre-Out capability for an external amp. I would consider a RX-Z7 if I could find a NEW one reasonably priced.

In a nut shell, I prefer Yamaha pieces and after the history of my RX-V2600 clicking off in the past and now crapping out under load, I do want to be able to add an external amp, but I also need to meet my HT needs. Any help is much appreciated !!!
 
avnetguy

avnetguy

Audioholic Chief
I have looked at the RX-A3000, and the new RX-A3010 but dont know I will need the extra features and I dont think it has the Pre-Out capability for an external amp. I would consider a RX-Z7 if I could find a NEW one reasonably priced.
If you don't require the feature set of the A30x0 you can also look at the A1000/A2000 units which both have full preouts for external amps. The extra money you'll save on those can be put towards more external amps if you want them.

Steve
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
You could also go as low as Yamaha A700 or Marantz 5xxxx series series and add Emotiva xpa-2 or comparable amp
unless you need the features of higher series receivers...
 
D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
Thanks guys for the input. Upon puchasing a receiver, and hooking up the external amp it is my understanding my two front main speakers get hooked up to the external amp and the pre outs get hooked up to the receiver which basically gets turned into a Pre-Amp. When in 7.1 mode during TV and Movies, all seven speakers are powered up, and in 2 Channel mode the front are powered soley by the amp ?
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Thanks guys for the input. Upon puchasing a receiver, and hooking up the external amp it is my understanding my two front main speakers get hooked up to the external amp and the pre outs get hooked up to the receiver which basically gets turned into a Pre-Amp. When in 7.1 mode during TV and Movies, all seven speakers are powered up, and in 2 Channel mode the front are powered soley by the amp ?
It is common to mix and match get mid level receiver - get xpa-3 and let receiver power the surrounds since power levels typically is much lower for these

Or you could get good 5 channel amp and let avr power the two channels
 
GranteedEV

GranteedEV

Audioholic Ninja
Hi. I recommend getting a Denon 4311 as your processor (and to power surrounds if you choose). :D

Why a Denon over a Yamaha? I'm sure both are fantastic choices, but the Audyssey SubEQ and MultiEQ XT32 are a big advantage of the Denon. If you're running all separates amps (even for surrounds) you can also turn off the amp circuitry on the Denon which will mean cooler operation and longer life time.

Does it really, really matter what you choose? Of course not. Whatever you pick though, make sure it has robust preamplifier outs (3V or more, preferably 8V or more). The Marantz AV7005 would be my choice if it weren't for its lack of SubEQ (which is a big difference maker).

Now if you feel brand loyalty towards Yamaha, then don't feel too concerned with something like the Aventage receivers. They're a good choice with robust amp sections.

The next issue is a separates amplifier for the Martin Logan fronts. It gets tricky here. On one hand, some people note that their very low impedance as you go up in frequency, can really strain amplifiers. On the other hand, I feel those frequencies are so high up that there won't be much current as music content tends to be all harmonics at those frequencies.

The easiest choice, would be one of these Crown DRIVE CORE amplifiers:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674286-REG/Crown_Audio_XLS2500_XLS_2500_DriveCore_Stereo.html

Which are unconditionally stable under any loudspeaker load and built to last a lifetime.

If you're still intent on Yamaha, then I would pick up one of these:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMP3500S
Which a former member replaced his McIntosh amps with.

Another great choice, would be used Parasound gear. Very current-capable.

My choice, though, would be the new Hypex Ncore amps :D
 
avnetguy

avnetguy

Audioholic Chief
Thanks guys for the input. Upon puchasing a receiver, and hooking up the external amp it is my understanding my two front main speakers get hooked up to the external amp and the pre outs get hooked up to the receiver which basically gets turned into a Pre-Amp. When in 7.1 mode during TV and Movies, all seven speakers are powered up, and in 2 Channel mode the front are powered soley by the amp ?
That's exactly it, your front L/R is driven by the amp for loud two channel music. One thing to consider on amp selection is some have 12v trigger inputs which can be turned on by the receiver, providing it has 12v trigger outputs like the RX-A line up. There are options to control this externally so you don't need to eliminate certain amps that don't have trigger inputs.

Steve
 
D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
Well I am pretty much decided on buying the RX-A3000, and will need to get an external amp. I have access to a nice MX-800, but I also like the amp suggestions above. Without asking a dozen questions, what are the different types of amp's I should be looking for ?
 
GranteedEV

GranteedEV

Audioholic Ninja
Well I am pretty much decided on buying the RX-A3000, and will need to get an external amp. I have access to a nice MX-800, but I also like the amp suggestions above. Without asking a dozen questions, what are the different types of amp's I should be looking for ?
Like I said, while it's debatable how meaningful it is, the fact is Martin Logans are known to dip to 1 ohm so i'd be looking at 2 ohm stable amps
 
cpp

cpp

Audioholic Ninja
What is your budget ?

People here can spend your money as fast as you earn it.
 
D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
Well I am going out this morning to look at, listen and compare the RX-A3000 and the RX-A2010. I am also going to look at the Dennon pieces as well as the Marantz SR7005. I will try to negotiate with a local retailer before resorti ng to buying on-line if I have too. I will then look at buying a amp. As suggested here, I am not opposed to nicely taken care of used unit's. I do appreciate everyones input, and will keep you posted !!!
 
D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
I have been on Audiogon's site and looked at a Sunfire amp; only because I remember seeing their stuff locally when Ultimate Electronics was in business. Thats a nice price on that Adcom Amp
 
P

PENG

Audioholic Slumlord
url=http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=xpa2&action=display&thread=7572]The Emotiva Lounge - XPA-2 vs Adcom GFA-555 mk II[/url]
Subjective, Placebo, Personal taste.....sum it up. He said the difference was not subtle, well unless something is defective and not set up properly, any difference should be subtle. OTOH, it is a Emo owners thread so it is understandable.
 
D

Damn Yankee

Enthusiast
So I went to two high end audio shops prior to going to see the Magnolia folks at Best Buy. The first shop pushed The Denon 3312 pretty hard, but didnt have any in stock or hooked up to listen too. The 2nd shop had all Integra pieces and pushed the DTR 70.3 hard at $2400; again not in stock. When I arrived at BB, they only had the Yamaha RX-A1010 in stock, but not hooked up for Demo. Worse yet, the RX-A2010 which I have pretty much made my mind up on, is B/O'd and could be in possibly after Wednesday. None in the Tulsa area either. In a nut shell, I didn't get crap accomplished today:mad:
 

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