Need help selecting a receiver for my B&W 683s

[nitin_mehra20]

Hi All,

I am planning to buy the B&W 683s. However, I am unsure about which receiver to pick for the same

I auditioned the system on a top-end rotel receiver. But they seemed a bit costly to me.

I am looking for a receiver within 1K-1.2K range.

Any suggestions?

 

[Davemcc]

The B&W 683 may be a bit tough to drive. It is a 3 ohm minimum speaker. You might not get really good results trying to drive them with an "average" receiver. This link http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR905S/Onkyo/TX-NR905-THX-Ultra2-140w-x-7ch-HDMI-Receiver-SILVER-/1.html leads to a smoking hot deal on a receiver that has a serious amp section that will power these speakers with no trouble (among some other highly desirable features). This was last year's flagship model and retailed for over $2K. You give up nothing significant by choosing this model over this year's latest and greatest but you save a ton of money. Note also that it's a factory refurbished product, but don't let that turn you off. Many people here have had great experiences with factory refurbs.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

How about Marantz SR7002

Hi dave! Thanks for the link I also found a great Marantz deal there too

The Marantz SR7002

How does this compare vis-a-vis the onkyo you have mentioned?

 

[Clownfish]

Wow

I'm impressed! What a dang gone good deal. That's what I'd expect to pay for a used one, off E-bay.

I'm guessing you've ordered from that internet site before? And had good customer service?

 

[Davemcc]

Hi dave! Thanks for the link I also found a great Marantz deal there too

The Marantz SR7002

How does this compare vis-a-vis the onkyo you have mentioned?

I would say that the Onkyo 905 outclasses the Marantz in virtually every respect. I'm not sure that I would be comfortable driving the B&W 683's with the Marantz. The one big reason that I suggested the 905 is that the amp section is rated into low impedance loads and has a torroidal transformer to deliver that power. It's a moot point anyway since the last 905 has sold out now.

With these speakers, I would alternately suggest that you look for an inexpensive receiver that has preouts and power the 683's with a separate two channel amp from Rotel, Emotiva, Outlaw or some other such brand.

 

[Davemcc]

I'm guessing you've ordered from that internet site before? And had good customer service?

I don't usually recommend bargains. There are so many great internet deals that simply aren't available to Canadians, I just stopped looking at them. This deal came up the other day though, and seemed like the perfect fit for the requirements here. I have seen this site well reviewed around here, enough so that I'm comfortable suggesting it.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I would say that the Onkyo 905 outclasses the Marantz in virtually every respect. I'm not sure that I would be comfortable driving the B&W 683's with the Marantz. The one big reason that I suggested the 905 is that the amp section is rated into low impedance loads and has a torroidal transformer to deliver that power. It's a moot point anyway since the last 905 has sold out now.

With these speakers, I would alternately suggest that you look for an inexpensive receiver that has preouts and power the 683's with a separate two channel amp from Rotel, Emotiva, Outlaw or some other such brand.

ANy suggestions for such a setup? I mean I checked the Rotel website and they have a lot of AMPs over there

What receiver would you suggest now that the onkyo is gone??

I am sorry if I sound stupid, but this is my first foray into the hi-fi sound setup.

 

[CraigV]

It kind of depends on what else will be hooked up to the receiver, and future prospects for the system – will it be strictly for 2 channel music, or will it evolve into a multi-channel music system, or home theater? If so, I would look at Arcam or B&K for receivers. Otherwise, separates are the way to go. If you don’t mind used, check out what’s on ebay or craigslist. With Ebay, just be sure to check out the sellers feedback. I picked up a used B&K amp and Rotel pre/pro, and they sound very good through my Kef IQ7’s. Rotel, B&K & Arcam all make highly regarded receivers which will (IMO) mate better with you speakers than a Marantz or Onkyo.

Brand wise, I would say B&K, Bryston, Arcam, Anthem & Rotel will give you the most satisfaction for the $.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Arcam-AVR-250-A-V-receiver-black-warranty-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ180328471807QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item180328471807&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[CraigV]

Here's another

http://cgi.ebay.com/B-K-ARV-507-Apmlifier-In-Great-Condition_W0QQitemZ130284120439QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item130284120439&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Hey Craig,

Thanks for the links.

I am looking to initially start with the tower speakers and a receiver.

I would eventually want to add center as well as rear channels as well.

I am looking at Rotel website but unable to decide what kind of amp i need to drive these

Also I would like to stay within 1K range for the Amp + receiver combo

Any suggestions?

 

[mperfct]

I'm impressed! What a dang gone good deal. That's what I'd expect to pay for a used one, off E-bay.

I'm guessing you've ordered from that internet site before? And had good customer service?

I ordered my Marantz 8001 from accessories4less.com and they were terrific to work with. Two thumbs up and I have no problem recommending them. They are factory authorized for both Marantz and Onkyo, so warranties apply.

 

[CraigV]

Hey Craig,

Thanks for the links.

I am looking to initially start with the tower speakers and a receiver.

I would eventually want to add center as well as rear channels as well.

I am looking at Rotel website but unable to decide what kind of amp i need to drive these

Also I would like to stay within 1K range for the Amp + receiver combo

Any suggestions?

If in the future you plan on doing a full blown home theater, the B&K would do very well. You could opt for a Panasonic BD-55 Blu-ray player, which would decode all the surround sound codec’s and output them via analog, which would plug into the analog inputs on the rear of the receiver. You could also go with separates, like a Rotel RSP-10xx (1066, 1068…etc) and 5 or 7 channel amp which would also allow for inputting decoded analog signals.

Here are some more ideas – found them just poking around on Ebay for a bit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rotel-RSX-1067-7-1-Surround-sound-Receiver-with-remote_W0QQitemZ180328737242QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item180328737242&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rotel-RSP-1068-7-1-Surround-Processor-Silver_W0QQitemZ190287536499QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item190287536499&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/B-K-AV6000-AV-6000-Six-Channel-Power-Amplifier-EXC-cond_W0QQitemZ130288293037QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item130288293037&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/B-K-REFERENCE-30-A-V-SYSTEM-CONTROLLER_W0QQitemZ250374794280QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item250374794280&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50




I picked up a used Rotel RSP-1066 & B&K Sonata Video 5 which mated with a new pair of Kef IQ7’s gives me by far the best sound I have ever had in my HT setup. You could go with a receiver or separates and do well for your speakers.

But please don’t just take my word for it – does anyone else concur?

 

[Davemcc]

But please don’t just take my word for it – does anyone else concur?

That's not a bad idea at all. Trying to hit the budget with a suitable amp is the hard part. Buying used is the best bet to even coming close but only if these models can be found for sale at the appropriate time.

A used Rotel RMB-1075 should do the job and cost around $5-600. The rest of the budget can put towards a used processor or a new receiver with preouts, like the Yamaha RX-V663.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

That's not a bad idea at all. Trying to hit the budget with a suitable amp is the hard part. Buying used is the best bet to even coming close but only if these models can be found for sale at the appropriate time.

A used Rotel RMB-1075 should do the job and cost around $5-600. The rest of the budget can put towards a used processor or a new receiver with preouts, like the Yamaha RX-V663.

I am planning to take the same route. Am on the look out for a used Rotel amp.

I checked ebay but right now the above mentioned model in not being sold. Any suggestions on where else to look?

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I am planning to take the same route. Am on the look out for a used Rotel amp.

I checked ebay but right now the above mentioned model in not being sold. Any suggestions on where else to look?

Ok so I am thinking of pairing my B&W 683's an XPA-5 amp.

Any recommendation for what receiver I should be buying for this??

Please do help cause I am utterly lost on this last part.

I do need HDMI input to connect my xbox 360 + HD cable box + DVD Player

 

[greggp2]

I think that the XPA-5 Amp with your speakers is a great choice. If you can wait another week or two, I believe the UMC-1 from Emotiva will be released. I now a lot of people want to wait and see how it performs, but one of the engineers at Emotiva told me it was almost ready for release and was testing well in bench tests. These separates will likely give you the most bang for your buck.

If you don't want to wait, or are a little gun shy on buying a new release, go with the best Yamaha you can buy. Their DSP's are very good and proven and the musicality of their receivers is one of the best..

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I think that the XPA-5 Amp with your speakers is a great choice. If you can wait another week or two, I believe the UMC-1 from Emotiva will be released. I now a lot of people want to wait and see how it performs, but one of the engineers at Emotiva told me it was almost ready for release and was testing well in bench tests. These separates will likely give you the most bang for your buck.

If you don't want to wait, or are a little gun shy on buying a new release, go with the best Yamaha you can buy. Their DSP's are very good and proven and the musicality of their receivers is one of the best..

Thanks for the advice

I understand that UMC-1 would be launching shortly but you are correct in noting they would need to work out some kinks before it will be ready for prime time.

In the meanwhile, could you suggest a Yammy receiver which will be the best bang for the buck?

With 700 gone for the amp, what pre-processor should I buy given I have 800 bucks left

 

[greggp2]

What are you looking for in a receiver/pre-pro? Hdmi video? HD Audio?

Also, what kind of rear speakers and what center channel are you running?

 

[greggp2]

your pre/pro choice

What are you looking for in a receiver/pre-pro? Hdmi video? HD Audio?

Also, what kind of rear speakers and what center channel are you running?

 

[Davemcc]

The XPA-5 is a nice choice. I didn't suggest it because I was under the impression that the total budget was $1K. As for a pre/pro, the Yamaha RX-V663 is about as low as I would suggest you go. Feel free to move up the Yamaha model line until you reach your comfort point between price and additional features. As you move up the line, you will get more HDMI inputs, more video processing, etc. Select the model that has the specific features you want. Just be sure that the one you choose has multi-channel pre-outs so you can connect to the XPA-5.