Help with AMP / Receiver to optimize and super power 2.1 Setup (SVS Ultra)

[whitlockitup]

TL;DR: I am getting SVS Ultra towers and the SVS PB16 Ultra and I am looking for the best way to optimize and make these sound amazing for a good value. Not trying to break the bank as this setup is already about $4,000 without adding the receiver / amp. Maybe an extra $1000 budget?

Continued to detailed description:

SVS Ultra Towers
Specs -

• Rated bandwidth: 28 Hz-32 kHz (+/-3 dB).
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms.
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300-3kHz).
• Recommended amplifier power: 20-300 watts.

Sub - SVS PB16 ultra
Specs -

• 15-280 Hz +/- 3 dB (standard mode – all ports open)
• 13-280 Hz +/- 3 dB (extended mode – 2 ports open)
• 14-360 Hz +/- 3 dB (sealed mode – all ports sealed)

My Room:

16'8" x 16'5" (open to stairwell)
90% movies / TV use case.

I am going to be running a 2.1 speaker setup for at least 6mo-1yr before eventually expanding to 5.2 or beyond so I want to get the most out of my towers and sub. I feel they are the most important piece to a home theater so wanted to start off going big there. I also don't mind not getting a future proof receiver as I'm okay selling and replacing it when I'm ready for an upgrade. I am by no means an audiophile but i wish i was so I turn to all you experts - feel free to get super nerdy because I would love to learn the tricks on how to optimize this as much as possible!

My first thought was to get a 7.2 receiver and bi-amp the ultra towers (something quality like a Denon x3300). After thinking about it and reading more, I figured maybe it would be better to connect an external amp to a cheaper receiver (need suggestions on if there is cheaper options w/ access to XT32 - apparently a must have from the guys at SVS - or if XT32 is really necessary?) to get more value for my watts per channel ratio. Please let me know if this is a dumb thought..

I need an AVR because I connect a decent amount of things to it. TV, blu ray, Apple TV, XBOX one, DVR. Maybe the Denon x3300 bi-amped is plenty for the speakers and sub I am wanting?

If I want an external amp, the receiver has to have a preout for L/R correct? For example, I looked at a Denon X1300W just to see cheaper options and it has preout L/R but as zone 2...not sure if that matters? Sorry if these are super dumb questions!

Lastly, should I look into any optimizations for the sub like adding an amplifier for that as well?

Hoping for feedback and suggestions!

Thanks!

 

[Leemix]

Sounds like you are off to a good start
The subwoofer has its own amplifier built in so its good under its own power. And its good to let it do a lot of the bass and not try and squeeze too much from the speakers.
If you want to bi amp it can give the benefit of a bit more headroom but the powersupply is shared between all channels. Give it a go and see if you like it.
The receiver is very important in the setup so might be good not to cheap out too much on it, a denon x3300 is nice, my father has one thats a few years old now. Also you can add an external amp later if you feel the need, you might not, but you would have the option which many of the lower price receivers dont.


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[KEW]

No such thing as a future proof AVR!
The Denon 3300 will have absolutely no problem driving those two speakers to ear bleeding levels. They are not a hard load to drive and the Denon is a capable AVR.
I would get the Denon (it is a great deal at $600) and stick tight for now.
Don't bother bi-amping, if you do it wrong, you can cook the AVR and if you do it right it won't make things sound significantly better. The power section of the AVR is designed to put the power where you need it, so, if you have a 7 channel amp powering 2 channels, you are not stressing it at all (assuming normal speakers - and yours are easier than normal to drive).

The place you will need to put attention is getting the best integration of your sub with the speakers. Often we recommend 2 subs to assist in evening the bass through the room, but one can certainly be dialed in for the listening position. Start with the subwoofer crawl, then don't hesitate to contact SVS. They have great customer service.
Marshall Gunthrie did a nice video on the subwoofer crawl:

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/easy-subwoofer-placement

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get the X3300 or X3400 for $600 (Electronics Expo has offered some customers the X3400 for $600 because they were out of stock on the X3300).

I don’t think you need external amps either, but you could add amps in the future if you want.

Passive bi-amp is a total waste of time.

The AVR model numbers lower than the X3000 series do not have preamp outputs so you won’t be able to use external amps.

 

[M Code]

Regarding subwoofers..
If U are going to use (2) keep in mind the following:

• Use the same brand/model
• Be prepared to try different locations
• When placed in a corner the subwoofer will have higher output
• Keep the box about 4-6" out from the wall

Use trial & error for placement/levels as the low frequency performance sets the stage for the entire system, if not strong and tight the entire system sonic performance will be lacking..

Just my $0.02...

 

[whitlockitup]

Thanks for all the tips guys! Glad to know I was kind of going down the right path!

I was excited to tinker and play with stuff to get the most out of the speakers but if I don't need the extras I guess that makes my life easier. lol