More volume!

[petertwelves12]

I have a Kenwood KRF V5090-D reciever and am not happy with the volume limit that is reached. I usually am very close to full volume when playing dance/bass audio. Is there a way of increasing volume? Does the audio format produce different sound frequencies? Can you recommend a good one? I usallly use Pro Logic Music because it plays on all my speakers rather than just the front left and right and it sounds slightly higher than others.



Also. Isnt dB suppose to increase with volume, then why does my reciever increase with decreasing dB (negative values)?

 

[hopjohn]

The db you see on your receiver is a negative measurement to the 0 or reference position. So as you move closer to zero you are indeed increasing the number value. Think about it like this, -3 is a greater value than -4.

As for your volume problem, it is hard to diagnose without knowing more details, but make sure the polarity of your speakers is right for starters, black terminal to -, red terminal to + on all speaker and receiver terminal connections. Also the receiver will sound loudest with 8ohm speakers whose sensitivity are in + 90db range. Also if you are using smallish speakers (woofer 3" or smaller) you cant expect them to get very loud either.

 

[petertwelves12]

The sub is large (30cm x30cm) but its the speakers that I am conerned about.
Here are some specs for the speakers:
Kenwood KS-2200HT
-They are al smallish - 17cm H X 6cm D X 8cm W
-All full range speaker systems with Base Reflex

Front Speakers:
Loudspeaker..70mm Cone type
Nominal Impedence..8Q
Peak Input Power...120W
Sensitivity....84db
Freq Response...130Hz - 20,000 Hz

Centre Speaker:
Full range speaker system
Loudspeaker..70mm Cone type
Nominal Impedence..8Q
Peak Input Power...120W
Sensitivity....84db/W at Im
Freq Response...130Hz - 20,000 Hz

Surround Speakers:
Full range speaker system
Loudspeaker..70mm Cone type
Nominal Impedence..8Q
Peak Input Power...120W
Sensitivity....82db
Freq Response...140Hz - 20,000 Hz

 

[krzywica]

Yea like hopjohn said if you have small speakers with no headroom then they will not get very loud. Also they are not very efficient (84db). Try your reciever decoder on straight, direct, or pure direct. I'm not sure what it's called for kenwood but it should send audio straight to the left and right mains and sub only, with no decoding, so you will have a pure unaltered signal.

 

[petertwelves12]

You mean STEREO

 

[krzywica]

Well it's not really stereo, because my reciever (yamaha htr 5750) has stereo as well as direct. And I know Denon's mode is called Pure Direct. I'll try and look up your online manual to see if it is so equipped.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well, of course you want more volume...

You have small speakers and a weak receiver. Nothing wrong with what you own, but the specs on in are pretty flat out low for achieving solid volume output. As well, you will run into major issues as you turn the volume up, the sound is going to start getting really poor.

Look at the specs on your receiver:
http://www.kenwoodaudio.com/Australia/prodDetails.asp?Cat=Home Entertainment&SubCat=Components&Model=KRF-V5090D-S

Compare it to something like this:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209686388_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent

you will see that when you spend a bit more, you can a marked improvement in not only power, but sound quality.

But, the bigger issue is your speakers. I had a Kenwood home theater in a box (HTIB) and for a first system is was fine. But, about a year later I got some Definitive Technology BP-30 speakers and a new receiver. Well, the speakers showed up first and I hooked them up...

WOW!

Just by switching out my speakers my volume easily doubled in level. It was completely amazing to me the marked improvement in quality that occurred.

Compare what you have to something like this:
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m80ti_main.html

Home audio, except for a few 'high-end' brand names, is one of those areas where the more you spend the more you get. A $2,000 setup will sound good and play loud. But, a $10,000.00 system will sound better and play louder and most of all, average Joe will be able to distinguish clearly between the two setups (all else being equal).

It would help if you listed the actual brand names of your speakers as you have for your receiver. Keeping in mind that some manufacturer's data is less than accurate, and while you say your sub is 'big', this doesn't always relate into quality or solid sound.

 

[petertwelves12]

Thanks for replies. The Kenwood receiver included speakers and subwoofer in a package so same name.

I guess it is a really cheap first speaker system so features and quality isnt as good as some high end ones. Well I will have to wait then till I have enough cash for a better system.

I do have a Akai HI-FI. Would those two speakers (30cm H X 15 D X 15 W) provide more volume if I swapped them with the two Kenwood Front speakers.

 

[annunaki]

If you add in two other speakers, make sure the impedance (ohms) match up with the receiver. I would guess that your receiver is set up for 8 ohm speakers. Anything less, and it may have you shopping for a new one.

I would suggest finding a new speaker system. Speakers make or break a system. If you splurge on any portion of your budget, do with the speakers and subwoofer. I would look for something with a sensitivity rating of at least 90db 1w/1m anechoic (with pink noise if applicable). A more sensitive speaker will make the most of your receiver's power. Once you get a decent speaker/subwoofer system, then you can upgrade your receiver to something more powerful. 4 decent bookshelf speakers, a center, and a good sub should do it.

 

[L-Jay]

If you add in two other speakers, make sure the impedance (ohms) match up with the receiver. I would guess that your receiver is set up for 8 ohm speakers. Anything less, and it may have you shopping for a new one.

I would suggest finding a new speaker system. Speakers make or break a system. If you splurge on any portion of your budget, do with the speakers and subwoofer. I would look for something with a sensitivity rating of at least 90db 1w/1m anechoic (with pink noise if applicable). A more sensitive speaker will make the most of your receiver's power. Once you get a decent speaker/subwoofer system, then you can upgrade your receiver to something more powerful. 4 decent bookshelf speakers, a center, and a good sub should do it.

I agree. I upgraded from Sony to Energy speakers, both were powered with a Denon 2805, and the difference was night and day. I also replaced my sub. HUGE difference in sound quality.