New receiver or new power amp?

[PENG]

Scott, I think even if you set your mains to small and crossover to 80 Hz, your B&W speakers can still benefit from an outboard amp at moderately loud volume. I just don't think the 1014's amps are all that great. As others suggested before, start with a 200WX2 amp at the minimum, or the 150WX2 NAD C272 (http://207.228.230.231/info/C272_data.pdf). The surrounds use much less power, and the centre channel should draw that much from the 1014 if crossover at 80 Hz. No doubt, your B&W's are quite capable in producing bass below 80 Hz but they could not out perform your subwoofer.

If that is still not good enough, consider replacing the 1014. As Zumbo mentioned before, the preamp has something to do with SQ as well.

 

[PENG]

Good to see you stick around cfrizz, and thank you for the kind words. You will find that once in a while this place could seem like a war zone (blood dripping as one puts it) but those who shoots freely can also take a lot of abuse in return.

Anyway, our OP finally returns and it looks like he may be able to gain some improvement by setting his speakers to small and XO at 80 Hz. For 2 channel music listening, I still think he can do better by adding a power amp.

 

[zumbo]

If that is still not good enough, consider replacing the 1014. As Zumbo mentioned before, the preamp has something to do with SQ as well.

That is why I find it hard for Wire to knock Yamaha.(I own one) Next to Denon, I find them to have the best SQ of any receiver. I have come to like Denon speaker and x-over set-up options a little better than Yamaha. If I were to buy a new receiver today, I would have to study pretty hard between the two. I would want to be able to set x-over for DVD-A and SACD. My Yamaha only has the option of 100Hz(dvd-a player), or nothing(MC-input).

After I purchased my Yamaha, I learned that the x-over settings in the set-up didn't effect MC-input. You had to get a top-end model from Yamaha for this feature. Denon offered this option in a few mid-fi units. Don't know about today.(Three years later)

I wouldn't look at any brand receiver, cd player, or dvd player. Denon or Yamaha period.

 

[wire]

That is why I find it hard for Wire to knock Yamaha.(I own one) Next to Denon, I find them to have the best SQ of any receiver. I have come to like Denon speaker and x-over set-up options a little better than Yamaha. If I were to buy a new receiver today, I would have to study pretty hard between the two. I would want to be able to set x-over for DVD-A and SACD. My Yamaha only has the option of 100Hz, or nothing(MC-input).

After I purchased my Yamaha, I learned that the x-over settings in the set-up didn't effect MC-input. You had to get a top-end model from Yamaha for this feature. Denon offered this option in a few mid-fi units. Don't know about today.(Three years later)

I wouldn't look at any brand receiver, cd player, or dvd player. Denon or Yamaha period.

Zumbo , i have never liked the sound , even on the new stuff ( for music ) . HT its ok .
Years ago we compared a Yammy receiver (110w x2 rms) and a Denon (40w x2 rms ) intergrated with JBL speakers , listining in 2 channel . The Denon blew the Yammy away and the sound was way better in the Denon . There amp section just dont do the job .
What can i say , ill drop the "I Hate Yammy" now .

 

[Nuglets]

WOW... allot can happen in 6 days, I did not mean to start such a battle! Ok so in my opinion I think that separate amp will give much better top end and control and a fuller sound then the amplifier section of an avg receiver... however my question is in regards to my specific equipment. I don't have the $$ to spend on all the REALLY expensive gear. Someone suggested changing the speakers, well I just spent over $4000 including taxes on all my (B&W, HSU) speakers so that's simply not an option. My receiver says it puts out 110 per channel x 7. So I assume my towers are receiving 220 per tower as they are bi-amped... but they do not impress me, when it is up very loud it seems "weak" and my sub can easily out do the rest. But if I buy a separate power amp such as the Behringer that someone suggested... will this make a noticeable difference as opposed to going out and depending another $1200 on a whole new receiver

Like said before, bi-amping with the receiver alone will give you a minimal increase in power. In my opinion if you are looking for an "impressive" sound at high volumes a powerful amplifier will do you wonders. It won't change the sound quality but it will allow the quality to remain constant as you go up with the volume knob.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Well , i wouldnt say alot , ive heard alot of amps and still dont like Yammy .

Well, now I understand, you don't like it

 

[no. 5]

Very very good!

thanks.

That is why I find it hard for Wire to knock Yamaha.(I own one) Next to Denon, I find them to have the best SQ of any receiver. I have come to like Denon speaker and x-over set-up options a little better than Yamaha. If I were to buy a new receiver today, I would have to study pretty hard between the two. I would want to be able to set x-over for DVD-A and SACD. My Yamaha only has the option of 100Hz, or nothing(MC-input).

that sounds like somthing I would say D ), but yah, it makes me mad that my 5660 has a fixed 90Hz crossover.

 

[zumbo]

that sounds like somthing I would say D ), but yah, it makes me mad that my 5660 has a fixed 90Hz crossover.

My receiver has many crossover options(RX-V1400), but none effect the M/C input. My DVD-A player only offers 100Hz point. I didn't clearly post what I meant. AGAIN!

 

[no. 5]

I didn't clearly post what I meant. AGAIN!

it happens.

My DVD-A player only offers 100Hz point.

it makes one wonder what manufactures are thinking when thay implement such things (as I know yours is not the only one like that).

 

[zumbo]

it makes one wonder what manufactures are thinking when thay implement such things (as I know yours is not the only one like that).

Well, the idea is to use five fullrange speakers for DVD-A or SACD(no crossover needed). With my taste in speakers, I would have to sell the house! Not to mention what kind of amp I would need to drive five fullrange speakers. So, we are left with the common H/T system attempting to playback DVD-A and SACD. I use the DTS track on my DVD-A discs.

 

[no. 5]

Well, the idea is to use five fullrange speakers for DVD-A or SACD(no crossover needed).

right, but it would be nice if manufactures gave options to people who don't (or can't) have a full range setup, but still have somthing better than a sub/sat setup.
I guss what I'm saing is; I don't like high crossovers.

 

[zumbo]

right, but it would be nice if manufactures gave options to people who don't (or can't) have a full range setup, but still have somthing better than a sub/sat setup.
I guss what I'm saing is; I don't like high crossovers.

This is my reason for someone to study receivers very carefully. One must be certain it will do the job. If I had known a Denon offered m/c input crossover options in their receivers for about the same money as my Yamaha, I would have Denon equipment today. Live and learn. And, as I said, they may both offer mid-fi models that do this today.