Hi Godfober.
Having owned both the 1500 and now the 2500, the differences between the two are not huge as far as power output go. However there is certainly differences in features.
Now I’m saying this based on my personal experience and having what I would consider by no means an Audiophile ear. I’ve what I believe are pretty efficient AAD C600i's (91dB 6ohms 32Hz-20kHz) for my fronts that both receivers have sent into a frenzy and certainly easily shared anything I’ve played with my neighbors .
What I have noticed is that at high SPL's (say -10dB on the volume control) the 2500 seems to just have that little bit more control over the output. Sound appears to be tighter, and delivered with more gusto.
With both receivers I’ve had my front speakers set to small with crossover at 60Hz, and the bottom end then being taken care of by a Velodyne CHT-10R (DLS-3750R for USA power supply)…
Some personal comments comparing the two off the top of my head......
I did prefer the control over the DSP settings on the 1500 over the 2500.
Reason of rthe 2500 upgrade for me is that I needed 3 component inputs - Computer, HDSTB, DVD player. 1500 only handles 2.
Backlit remote is a nice touch on the 2500, also the lighting in the LCD on the remote is better on the 2500 vs. the 1500's remote.
GUI is MUCH nicer on the 2500 for setup, though the 1500's certainly is adequate for doing what it’s designed for - setting the receiver up. Realistically, once you’ve set your receiver and speakers up, how often are you going to go into the GUI/setup area of your receiver?
YPAO is considerably faster on the 2500 over the 1500. The 2500 plays a series of tones once and uses this to calculate all but levels, where the 1500 plays the tones each time for Wiring, Distance, and Equalizing.
I’ve just looked up the specs on the Polk TC60i's.
Polk states 90dB, 50Hz-25kHz at +/- 3dB limit, 8ohms.
I personally believe either receiver is going to have more than enough power to rattle your TC60i's out of the walls and the other speakers that you mention.
Oh, and I’ve had no problems with either receiver. I believe quite a few of the problems that appear in the threads are from earlier model 2500's?? There are few problems listed with the 1500. One thing that is apparent is that the 2500 certainly likes to be well ventilated. Don’t go locking it away in a cabinet without having applied some thought to how it’s going to breathe.
Just a comment on your sub. Not sure of your room size though an 8' driver with a 100watt (260watt peak) amp with a lower limit of 35Hz (@ -3dB) may not rock your world when it comes to getting the most out of your HT setup. I have a feeling your sub may be your very first upgrade.
Obviously there is a price premium between the 1500 and the 2500. For me I was lucky enough to be able to upgrade for a minimal price and really only did so to get the extra component input.
You mention you’ve got a HD Cable box and your Xbox to connect via component – How do you plan on connecting your DVD player?
Perhaps that’s answered your question?
Good luck with it all.
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