Power requirements for my new speakers (EMP EF50)

[vtsteevo]

This week I purchased the EMP EF50T5.1 surround speakers. For now I got 5.1, but I will most likely purchase 2 additional surrounds next year.


Now I am choosing between 2 receivers: the Onky TX-SR606 or the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K.

I am really leaning towards the Onkyo despite the heat issue. Mainly because of Audyssey 2eq vs MCACC. My only issue and question is if the 90 watts per chanel on the Onkyo will be enough for thee speakers, or will I need full 110 that the Pioneer offers, especially when I step up to 7.1?


Note, that I do not listen to movies at window shattering levels

Thanks.


I can't post links yet, but the specs are as follows:

EF50T - Tower Speaker
Sensitivity : 87dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 8 Ohms

EF50 - Bookshelf Speaker
Sensitivity : 84dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 6 Ohms

EF50C - Center Speaker
Sensitivity : 85dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 8 Ohms

 

[Adam]

Are you able to purchase the Onkyo from a dealer that will let you return it without a restocking fee (or a fee that you're willing to live with)? If so, my recommendation would be to give it a try and decide for yourself if it can power your speakers to your liking. That unit has gotten some good reviews.

I have a Pioneer 1015, which is rated at 120W/channel with two channels driven. For normal listening, it powers my NHTs (which have about the same sensitivity as your speakers) just fine. However, if I want to crank it up to levels beyond what I normally go to, the Pioneer is a bit lacking. When I added a separate amp, it sounded much better - but only when I had the system cranked. The point is that you might be perfectly happy with the Onkyo, or you might not be, depending on what you consider to be normal listening (window shattering aside ).

For what it's worth, I was very happy with the MCACC on my 1015, and that algorithm is now three years newer in the 1018.

 

[jamie2112]

More power is a good thing, but I don't think you will need that much for your system.If you buy the more powerful amp you might not upgrade as soon as you thought so its a toss up. I would go for more power myself but that's just me....

 

[vtsteevo]

I picked up the Onkyo from Circuit City. Speakers get here Wednesday!

 

[bandphan]

I picked up the Onkyo from Circuit City. Speakers get here Wednesday!

Congrats.....just wish pre-outs were a prerequisite

 

[PENG]

This week I purchased the EMP EF50T5.1 surround speakers. For now I got 5.1, but I will most likely purchase 2 additional surrounds next year.


Now I am choosing between 2 receivers: the Onky TX-SR606 or the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K.

I am really leaning towards the Onkyo despite the heat issue. Mainly because of Audyssey 2eq vs MCACC. My only issue and question is if the 90 watts per chanel on the Onkyo will be enough for thee speakers, or will I need full 110 that the Pioneer offers, especially when I step up to 7.1?


Note, that I do not listen to movies at window shattering levels

Thanks.


I can't post links yet, but the specs are as follows:

EF50T - Tower Speaker
Sensitivity : 87dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 8 Ohms

EF50 - Bookshelf Speaker
Sensitivity : 84dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 6 Ohms

EF50C - Center Speaker
Sensitivity : 85dV (2.83V@1m)
Impedance: 8 Ohms

I know this may be too late as you have already picked up the Onkyo. I would have recommended the Pioneer only because it has preouts and that gives you the option to add an external amp. Other than that I always thought the Onkyo TX-SR606 has the best specs in that price group. Without preouts you are somewhat limited in your choice of speakers, depending on your listening habits. The EF50s, at 84 to 87 dB, do have below average sensitivities but that is not a serious issue because looking at their specs (including their frequency response curves), they are designed to work with a sub only.

 

[DHC-3T]

Let us know know you like your set-up. I have the same speakers but no receiver yet.....( I am gonna pull the trigger on a 1800 in the next day or two I have been looking for a sale or something on it )
Ran into a delay with our room we are gonna set-up everything in. So its gonna be at least a week or two still until I can hear them

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

The onkyo should work great with your new 8 ohm speakers as would any comparable receiver. Don't get hung up on the pre-outs, you wont need them for the EMPs, especially if you crossover the mains. Also keep in mind that the difference between 90 and 110 watts is negligable. You need double the power to get a noticable (3dB) increase in SPL. You need 10 times the power to double the SPL.

For the EMPs, the Yamaha RX-V663, Onkyo 606 or comparable Denon or Pioneer should work great. I wouldn't spend the extra money for the Yamaha 1800 for use with that speaker system.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The only reasons I would pick the 1800 is for the 3 zones and for cosmetics. I hate how Yamaha has left the front RCAs exposed vs. behind a panel.

 

[DHC-3T]

I like the look of the 1800 as well....but still a little undecided.
But if I get the 663 then I can get speakers for a different room...I can get a good deal on some pro cinema 800's about 300 bucks. Although they are white and have a few cosmetic flaws...hmmm decisions....

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I can walk out the door (TTL) for a grand on the 1800 at my local dealer. I went to get one 3 weeks ago but came home with new speakers instead. I dont really need a new AVR but then again, I didnt need new speakers either.

I like the look of the 1800 as well....but still a little undecided.
But if I get the 663 then I can get speakers for a different room...I can get a good deal on some pro cinema 800's about 300 bucks. Although they are white and have a few cosmetic flaws...hmmm decisions....

 

[DHC-3T]

Well I ended up going with a Denon 2808 ...I got a good price here locally with wire and a install included....So hopefully this Saturday I can finally get to try everything out....