Does a Denon 3801 have enough power

[jjm1100]

I currently have a Denon 3801 with PSB 8c and 5T image series. I am considering upgrading to Martin Logan preface and encore center channel.
Will the Denon work with these speakers? Thanks for any help.

 

[adwilk]

It will work, but those Logans aren't scared of power. You might consider an external amp if you like it loud. Those speakers can have some pretty serious impedance dips.

 

[JerryLove]

The preface lists at 200WPC, the Denon produces 105WPC. I would say that you may not get ideal sound. If possible: add an amp.

 

[jjm1100]

Do you think these speakers are worth getting. I mean as far as sound quality over the PSB s

 

[adwilk]

The preface lists at 200WPC, the Denon produces 105WPC. I would say that you may not get ideal sound. If possible: add an amp.

While I certainly am not disagreeing with you, a lot depends on how loud he wants to listen and what he's listening to. At 92db sensitivity, they are "fairly" efficient. That number means more to me than power handling. At normal listening levels to material with no major dynamics, its possible he may never throw more than 20 or so watts at them. It all just depends. I, personally, would prefer the headroom of an external, more powerful amp; although it may not be necessary.

 

[adwilk]

Do you think these speakers are worth getting. I mean as far as sound quality over the PSB s

Have you listened to them? The only thing I don't like about that type of speaker is the off axis response. If you're sitting right in the sweetspot, there might not be better sound in the world, but if you're not right there, they diminish quickly. I move around as much as I sit still so these speakers would never work for me. It just depends what you like and how you're gonna use them.

 

[jjm1100]

I did listen to then they sounded alot clearer then mine.. also any suggestions for a pre amp. One that wont break the bank or would it be better to upgrade to a high watt reciever

 

[adwilk]

I did listen to then they sounded alot clearer then mine.. also any suggestions for a pre amp. One that wont break the bank or would it be better to upgrade to a high watt reciever

You've already got an excellent preamp... just use the preouts on the receiver you have and connect an external amp. Look at emotiva, or maybe even some proamps to keep the price down. You could continue to use the Denon to power your surrounds and add some amplification to the front stage.

Thiswould be a great option, IMO.

EDIT: I suppose if you wanted to spend another couple hundred bucks, you could upgrade to the XPA5 if you really wanted. Probably not necessary.

 

[JerryLove]

Very true. He *may* not get the best sound out of the unamped Denon.. or he may. It will depend on much, including as your rightly point out, the volumes he listens to.

Certainly: He won't go wrong by the sound grabbing an XPA as an external amp.

 

[jjm1100]

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[allEars]

I believe an external amp is the way to go. Much as been said about how much of a difference in sound quality an external amp makes but no doubt an external amp will help drive those speaker; speakers like power.