OK I decided Poiner Elite VSX-82TXS, BUT

[ruk]

The one big question I still have is running Klipsh RF3-II fronts, Moniter center and Klipsh Ref suronds. Would This reciever make a noticable sonic improvment over my Sony STR-DA4ES?
The question that I allways ask is "if you broke into my home switched my reciever would i notice next time I watched a favorite movie"? ! Personaly I would spend money like a drunken salior but my wife will kill me so I would like it to be worth it!

Tks ALL!

 

[PENG]

In a level matched (using a meter) blind listening session, proabably not. You would hear more difference if you add an external amp and listen at reference level or higher. Obviously this is just an educated guess, there are too many variables.

 

[ruk]

with adding an external amp.. Would I amp my fronts only or fronts and center? and would the Klipsh's handle that or is it just the increased headroom that would be noticable?

Futhermore what amp would u reccomend?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I've read those Sony receivers actually have good sound. You may notice a bit more sibilance out of the box on the Pioneer, but you can tweak both units to sound identical if you're good. Klipsh speakers are usually extremely efficient, and known to run off a 9 volt battery. What's the reason you're looking at a new receiver? A separate amp would definitely make more of a difference than a Poineer receiver. If you need the power for music, a two channel would suffice. For HT, a three channel would be better. I still think your Klipsch speakers should be more than efficient enough for either your Sony or any higher end AVR.

 

[bandit]

I think you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two recievers provided everything was balanced up the same. However, I am guessing - and it is a guess - that your audio and surround processing with the new Pioneer will be much more powerful and flexible. I think its the processing that has gained the most in recent recievers. Watts are still watts providing everything is operating properly.

Bandit

 

[ruk]

Well, Long story short it is fall time here in wisconsin so my outdoor fun is over! I have began tweaking my HT sys...after all the info found on this site I have made enough of a diff to trick my self into believing that I have bought a new av reciever. That being said I cannot stop at that, I hope a few of you can understand but I honestly cuncxlude that my HT sys is done lol! I have spent manny a dollor and time in my car pre house> I guess my Ultimate question is what would take my HT to the next level? I have all my speakers level matched with a RS DB meter (huge diff buy one and do if not yet) Buit like afor mentioned I need to still upgrade! What would take my HT to the "next (sonic) level? I guess a new AV recieve is not the answer still I am around the 2K price range I honestly like how my speakers sound.. I just want to make it better!


Here are the specs on my sides
frequency response 37Hz-20kHz ±3dB
power handling 150 watts maximum continuous (600 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-105-K 1" (2.54cm) Titanium dome compression driver
high frequency horn 6" square 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1083-SB 8" (20.32cm) Cerametallic® cone / cast polymer frame
Crossed over AT 60 htz

CENTER:
Response 45Hz – 30KHz
21Hz - 120KHz 60Hz - 30KHz
Cross over frequency 2.9KHz - 2.2KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 91dB - 89dB
Nominal Impedance Ohms 6 - 6
Power Handling RMS (W) 120 500 Watts (R.M.S)
1000 Watts (Peak) 100
Drive Unit Compliment
2 x 6” C-CAM® Bass Mid-range. 1 x 25mm Gold Dome C-CAM® tweeter. 1 x 12” C-CAM® Sub-woofer driver featuring triple suspension and 3" long voice coil 1 x 6” C-CAM® bass/midrange driver, 2 x 25mm Gold dome C-CAM® tweet
Crossed at 80 htz


New speakers for front? Dedicated amp for front 3 channles?

Again TY for continued input

 

[PENG]

with adding an external amp.. Would I amp my fronts only or fronts and center? and would the Klipsh's handle that or is it just the increased headroom that would be noticable?

Futhermore what amp would u reccomend?

I would say try to amp your front 2, or 3 first. Your 4ES or the Elite 82TXS should be able to handle your surround speakers easily. Yes, you will get much better headroom with an added amp. The Outlaw monoblocks, NAD C272, or an Adcom amp will do the trick.

The reasons why I thought the upgrade to the 82TXS wouldn't do much for you are:

1) The Pioneer has the latest features but I thought your main goal is to get better sound quality, not features and DSPs. Based on published specifications, e.g. THD, the 4ES actually looks better. The Pioneer uses MOSFET instead of the Sony's BJT so you may find the Pioneer has a "warmer" sound. Some people believe that is the case but I don't.

2) The Pioneer has more power on paper, but not by much. However, the 4ES is at least 10 lbs heavier. The Pioneer probably uses more Aluminum but still, 10 lbs is a huge difference.

3) I used to have a 4ES, it sounded really good even at very loud level when I paired it with an old Adcom GFA-555. I really doubt the 82TXS on its own can do better.

If you really like the 82TXS but insist on hearing a difference even in a blind listening test (as you said, like if someone break into your house and switch them on you), go for it but add at least an affordable two channel, or two monoblock amps.

 

[mtrycrafts]

... You would hear more difference if you add an external amp and listen at reference level or higher. Obviously this is just an educated guess, there are too many variables.

Not sure if you saw this link yet but it has interesting info in it:
http://home.att.net/~Wirebnder/articles/article_14.htm


This was illustrated in two ways during ABX testing. If the test was administered at a relatively high volume (anything over 90-100SPL at the listening position) the testee would become unable to discriminate between significantly different signal sources almost immediately. At moderately loud, live sound volumes (95-110SPL) we were unable to administer tests with more than five test samples with a total test time of less than a couple of minutes before the test subject became unable to pick out even gross differences.

I found that listening test volumes that averaged around 80-85SPL allowed for at least ten samples and the most predictable critical results.

 

[mtrycrafts]

The one big question I still have is running Klipsh RF3-II fronts, Moniter center and Klipsh Ref suronds. Would This reciever make a noticable sonic improvment over my Sony STR-DA4ES?
The question that I allways ask is "if you broke into my home switched my reciever would i notice next time I watched a favorite movie"? ! Personaly I would spend money like a drunken salior but my wife will kill me so I would like it to be worth it!

Tks ALL!

I think Buckey hinted correctly when he asked about your present Sony. What is it that you need that is not satisfied by the Sony?
Klipsh is very sensitive and don't see a need for an external amp with them, unless you are pressurizing a stadium

 

[B5I8]

Just change everything over to Monitor Audio . If you want a sound difference, you're really not going to hear one unless you change your speakers. The only other difference you can get is the ability to play them louder.

 

[ruk]

It is not the Klipsh or the Soney that I have an issue with per say .. I am not sure what to do to get a noticable sonic differance out of my HT.. Being the newb I am i aaumes that a new reciever would do the trick, but as we have seemed to find out that is not that case and I thank you for that input! n I guess the question still remains what is the next step to get my movie watching experiance more enjoyable? I love the dynamic seperation of a real theature experance as in you can tell whan someone is sneaking up on you from the side etc. I have that now but I guess I would like my firends to come ovber watch a movie and crap there pants and myself do the same If I amped the front and center channel would that give me more of that feeling? I still have to level match all the speakers.. In the car audio world that I come from if you have a speaker at 100 RMS and give it 1000 RMS holy crap there is a differanxce in headroom and sound stage (speaking from amovie point of view) Power on demand for the extream highs and lows of movie etc! I am just not sure what is the next step and I am sure that we all can tell I am VERY novice with HT

 

[ruk]

IS moniter, axiem, Canton ETc goning to give me that dynamic seperiation that I am looking for? Again when I say 2k for a speaker bujet that is small IMO

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Why don't you upgrade your subwoofer to something stupid big - like an SVS Plus/2 subwoofer to shake the drywall screws out of your walls. If you want immediate, huge impact, there's nothing like a new subwoofer. For movies, I think you may be going overboard on the new receiver venture. Most crossover their speakers at 80Hz with home theater, which means you really don't need all that much power to drive your speakers - especially seeing how efficient they are.

You can also try adding room treatments to your walls, or cantering your speakers out or in to create more separation.

 

[ruk]

I have the fronts crossed over at 60 and sub's at 70 at t he advice of this site subs at 80 htz I could locate them fast where as at 70htz alot harder to notice them just heal and feal the bass.. I huge sub would be neat aside from 2 things i allready have 2 subs more than enough IMO and the room it is in would be such a rattle trap with a UBER sub that I would be in a whole new world of pain!

SO long story short geting a power amp for my fron t three channels would not give me much aside from volume? I do not need that over all and well matching my 4 other speakers to it defeats the purpose of the colume anyway.. Unless the head room is substantional with the power amp.. I guess I might have to pay a bill with my money and just enjoy what i have <cringes at the thought>

 

[bandit]

Ruk -

Reading through all of this something occured to me. There is really nothing wrong with your HT at all !!!! I think you know that - but it always fun and exciting to get a new piece in your system. And ya- whatever you do you will probably at least believe that it was a sonic improvement. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with changing for the sake of changing as long as it isn't every year and your budget allows. In my opinion. if want to actually change the sound of your system - the speakers are where to look. But in the mean time - do enjoy what you have.

Bandit

ps. re-arranging your listening room can have quite an affect on the systems sound as well. I can't tell you how many times I've played that card looking for "beter sound" (ask my signifigant other)

 

[Darth Mike]

Why not buy some sort of room EQ or some nice room treatments or testing equipment? You say your levels are set with an RS spl meter how did you compensate for it's non linearity?....If your levels are perfectly matched how about your actual frequency response? DO you know where your nulls and peaks are? Have you done anything about them? If an UBER sub (your words) would make your room a rattle trap, then I bet you haven't treated it much! I'm sure your $2k budget would afford some nice calibration equipment or room treatments. If you like your equipment and are at the point you want to still improve....It's time to tweak! Tweaking (properly) can bring new life to even mediocre systems, plus it will satisfy urges to turn knobs and try to get a new sound without buying a new setup. If all else fails read my sig and invest in a bill or savings...