Monolith 7x RCA Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power????

[Mark M]

I have an Onkyo TX-RZ900 AVR.
It's spec sheet says: Rated RCA Output Level and Impedance: 1.0 V/470 Ohms (Pre Out) 1.0 V/470 Ohms

I would like to add a Monoprice Monolith 7X Amplifier.
The Monolith spec sheet says: Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power 1.6 volts

Does this mean that I would be wasting my time and money by adding the Monolith to my Onkyo?

 

[everettT]

Without measuring the preouts hard to say, but I'm certain yours will but out more than advertised, just a matter of clipping. I'd assume your safe as models I. The past models have measured 3+vrms without high distortion or clipping.

 

[Mark M]

Without measuring the preouts hard to say, but I'm certain yours will but out more than advertised, just a matter of clipping. I'd assume your safe as models I. The past models have measured 3+vrms without high distortion or clipping.

I'm not very clear on what you wrote. Are you saying my Onkyo probably puts out more than 1.0v?
Is there a way I could test this with my multi-meter?

 

[everettT]

I'm not very clear on what you wrote. Are you saying my Onkyo probably puts out more than 1.0v?
Is there a way I could test this with my multi-meter?

Yes it puts out more than 1vrms. You can use a multimeter and a 1khz test tone to test it.

 

[TLS Guy]

Yes it puts out more than 1vrms. You can use a multimeter and a 1khz test tone to test it.

Yes, but you need to look at it with a scope, otherwise you won't know if its clipped. However 1 volt and 1.6 volt is not even a 3 db difference, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[Mark M]

So let’s say the onkyo only puts out 1.0v.
Therefore I won’t get 200 wpc.
My onkyo has a toroidal transformer and puts out 176w Two channels driven, 130w 5 channels driven, and 117w 7 channel driven.
I’m worried that I will have less wattage with the monolith given the low rca voltage of the onkyo.

 

[everettT]

Yes, but you need to look at it with a scope, otherwise you won't know if its clipped. However 1 volt and 1.6 volt is not even a 3 db difference, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Completely agree. Just was reassurance that it could output more. I noted clipping to him for reference. I still cant understand why manufacturers wont put out full specs accurately. I get the fudging over watts, but the others would typically go unnoticed by consumers...

 

[M Code]

The Onkyo pre-out 1V rms spec is nominal... Its output can be as high as 5V...
Keep in mind the pre-out spec is largely dependent upon what the source's output level spec is..

Just my $0.02...

 

[Mark M]

The Onkyo pre-out 1V rms spec is nominal... Its output can be as high as 5V...
Keep in mind the pre-out spec is largely dependent upon what the source's output level spec is..

Just my $0.02...

Ok so, I looked up some other onkyo receivers to find out more info. I found the lower rated TX-NR1010 and it’s specs say:
Rated RCA Output Level and Impedance
1.0 V/470 Ω (Pre Out)
Maximum RCA Output Level and Impedance
5.5 V/470 Ω (Pre Out)

My RZ900 only lists the rated RCA 1.0v spec which is the same. But I’m willing to bet the maximum rca output 5.5 v (which the rz900 doesn’t list) is also the same.

 

[lovinthehd]

Ok so, I looked up some other onkyo receivers to find out more info. I found the lower rated TX-NR1010 and it’s specs say:
Rated RCA Output Level and Impedance
1.0 V/470 Ω (Pre Out)
Maximum RCA Output Level and Impedance
5.5 V/470 Ω (Pre Out)

My RZ900 only lists the rated RCA 1.0v spec which is the same. But I’m willing to bet the maximum rca output 5.5 v (which the rz900 doesn’t list) is also the same.

Onkyo is generally known for having sufficient output on their pre-outs; I have an older unit and its manual also indicates a maximum (4.6V in my case). I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Mark M]

Thank you everyone for the help!