Onkyo 5010 vs Onkyo 929 with external amp

[starkyb]

I'm in the market for a new receiver and I have it narrowed down to the Onkyo 5010 or the new model 929. Both are 9.2 receivers with Audessy MultiEQ T32. The 929 has built in WIFI and bluetooth and the 5010 does not. the main difference I can see is the 5010 has more power but retails for more than twice as much. What I am wondering is can I get the 929 and a separate amp for the front speakers for alot less that would match the power of the 5010. If so are there any suggestions on a separate amp that would be adequate for that application?

 

[starkyb]

Anybody out there?

 

[PENG]

Anybody out there?

Seems to me the 5010 has a better pre-pro section, certainly lower distortions, higher end DAC etc. I understand you narrow that down to those two models but I have to say the Denon 4311 or the 4520 are also competitive.

 

[starkyb]

i've owned 2 Onkyos and am currently using an integra 50.1 and have been happy with all three so I am probably biased to them. My bonus room is @25'x20 with a 10 foot ceiling which is why I am considering the 5010, but my TV is only 9 feet from where I sit. In your opinion would the 5010 be overkill?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

An 86dB/2.83v/m speaker + 2.7 m (9ft) listening distance + 94dB volume per speaker (97dB both speakers) will require 46 watts of power.

My total peak volume is 94dB (measured from 12ft) from 2 speakers (2.0 PD mode), so each speaker would be 91dB Peak. My wife and kids consider this "deafening volume" and say I will go deaf.

So if your speakers are 86dB/2.83v/m and you listen to the same volume as I do, then your speakers will require 23 Watts of power.

In 2.1 mode, my total Peak Volume goes up to 108dB, but here my subs account for most of the volume ABOVE 87dB, which means the amp only has to drive my speakers to 87dB.

So you probably don't need as much power as you think.

A Denon X4000 would suffice IMO. Add an amp if you need later, but I still doubt you will need it.