Is upgrade necessary?

[EricAH916]

Hi I recently started upgrading my HT setup from a cheap pioneer 12" 3way and klipsh center channel to a 5 piece axiom surround sound. M22's, VP150 and QS4s. Currently I`m using an Onkyo SR502, 5.1 AV reciever rated at 60w/channel. What kind of a difference would I be seeing if I upgrade to one producing 100-115 watts per channel?

I was looking around at maybe the Yamaha RXV659.
Channel wise I guess best would be to get atleast 6.1. I hear that the rear center is another good upgrade. Other than that, I'd also need a subwoofer preout.

 

[MDS]

The 502 is rated at 80 wpc. Simply going for a new receiver rated at 100 wpc will buy you next to nothing. The difference in max output between 80 wpc and 100 wpc is less than one decibel.

 

[EricAH916]

Sorry it's a 302. But either way I`m guessing it isn't a huge upgrade. The fronts are rated at 10-200 while the center is 10-400, would they benefit, mostly the center to upgrading the reciever or even using an amplifier to help power it.

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

Eric,
Your entry level Onkyo is probably capable of 30-40 watts when driving the full HT.
I think that the RX-V659 would be a reasonable power, performance, and feature upgrade. It also has pre-outs to add an external amp. I have a comparable HTR-5860 and would recommend it.

I have seen a few good deals on older models like the RX-V1600 for <$500 which include a better amp and HDMI switching.

You didn't mention a sub, so that would be an important audio upgrade for the HT.

 

[EricAH916]

The subwoofer is pretty much already picked out, just waiting for the paypal invoice from svsound. I'm going with a nsb12plus.

 

[dvc dude]

Considered Separates

I don't know your budget, but the Emotiva Ultra has 125x6 WPC and ships for $899 with an HDMI switch. It was reviewed on this site earlier this month. If the budget allows they have another set that has 150x7 WPC for $1199.

Good Luck