Question for the experts

[Canefern]

I guess I should start my post by saying that I'm a total rookie to home theater systems.

I recently was given a 2 B&W XT4 speaker towers and a PV1 subwoofer. I have done allot of research on those speakers and I wanted to make sure the receiver I get can get the most out of the speakers or vice versa. I know how much they are worth, but really have nothing to compare them too. It's safe to say I don't know what I have, good or bad.

I guess my question is what would you get as far as receivers for yourselves considering the circumstances? I don't mind spending on quality, but I need to start somewhere.

I'm sure there is more info I can be divulging, but my lack of knowledge in this area is evident. Would appreciate any info you guys would like to share.

 

[markw]

Well, for starters you might specify a budget.

Then, you might also let us know if you want to keep it a 2 channel system of are looking for a multi-channel receiver to eventually go 5 (or more) channels?

Also, your location (state, country, metropolitan area, whatever) might help as well.

 

[Canefern]

Would like to be around $1500 give or take. To be honest, not sure what channels are... But I only have the 2 speakers and subwoofer I will be connecting.

I'm located in South Florida - Hallandale Beach.

 

[ahblaza]

Would like to be around $1500 give or take. To be honest, not sure what channels are... But I only have the 2 speakers and subwoofer I will be connecting.

I'm located in South Florida - Hallandale Beach.

Is that all you plan on connecting is two speakers and a sub? There are multi -channel receivers and stereo receivers, when you mention channels you are speaking of the amount of speakers that can be connected to the receiver, a 5.1 receiver can accomodate 5 speakers and a sub(s), . IMO it is best to get a home theater receiver that can be used for your intention to connect a pair of speakers and a sub, and if down the road you decide to add a center and surround speakers, your receiver will have the ability to do that. A 5.1 HT receiver has the preamp and amps on the same chassis, in other words it will have five amplifier stages to drive five speakers and a preout to connect to a self powered subwoofer. A stereo receiver has only two channels of amplification and can drive two speakers with a powered sub. Hope this helps. Here are examples of each. This one has seven channels and two subwoofer pre-outs. Home theater receiver

Amazon.com: Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2-Channel Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black): Electronics

Stereo receiver: two channels
Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver: Electronics

I hope this helps, if you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Cheers Jeff

 

[Canefern]

Thanks. I'm sure I will eventually add more speakers down the road. Just thinking I needed a more expensive receiver to get more out of these speakers. If I can get away with $400 it is what it is. Thanks again.

 

[ahblaza]

Thanks. I'm sure I will eventually add more speakers down the road. Just thinking I needed a more expensive receiver to get more out of these speakers. If I can get away with $400 it is what it is. Thanks again.

I highly recommend you get this, only problem, it's Amazon's Gold Box Deal, price only good today, this is an absolute steal
Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-NR809 THX Certified 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black): Electronics

 

[jcl]

Those are some really nice looking speakers.

Here are some links to reviews of your speakers if you haven't seen them already
B&W XT Series Speaker System and PV1 Subwoofer | Home Theater

B&W XT Series Home Theater Speaker System | Sound and Vision Magazine

Test Bench for Web: B&W XT Series Home Theater Speaker System | Sound and Vision Magazine

The minimum impedance of the speakers is rated <4 ohms, and they're not the most sensitive at ~85 db.

It might be a good idea to get an avr rated down to 4ohms. You may also want one that has preamp outs in case you find you would like more power to drive the speakers to the levels you want, especially if you'll be adding more channels.

 

[markw]

Low impedance, low sensitivity speakers put a hard load on an amp, particularly those in low/mid level receivers. If you want decent sound from those speakers, I'd really consider separates or a preamp/power amp combo.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The XT4's listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +2.42/–3.90 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

Typical B&W measurements.

The sensitivity & impedance are kind of similar to my Phil3. I'm using only a Denon 3312 and they sound fabulous.

I would keep an eye in this Denon 3312 open box (NOT REFURBISHED) from Amazon direct. You will get 3 yr Denon warranty (confirmed by Denon twice).

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver

Just last week, it was around $496. Now it's $722. It goes up and down. So grab one when it's down to $500 again.

The 3312 can do 225WPC x 2 ch into 4 ohms @ 1% THD. I think more than enough. But you could always add an external amp in the future if you must.

 

[Bryceo]

Where's ridikas when we need him!!!!:d

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Here I am......Onkyo is the master of the AVR universe! Onkyo is the ruler of all. The end to all. If you don't buy Onkyo, then you are an idiot.

Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer, and all others suck.

Please don't ban me again.

 

[Canefern]

I was looking at that onkyo mentioned earlier...but there have been numerous issues with the HDMI, that it scared me off it.

I was looking at this one Yamaha RX-A2010BL. I'm looking into that Denon 33121 now. Thanks for all your replies and help.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

My friend and colleague have XT4 and PV1 system. He picked them (with some of my help) due to very strict design restrictions (SAF->no big boxes)
I actually liked their sound a lot and they sound much bigger than they look like. I think he paid over $5k for new B&W 2xXT4, 2x XT2, XT center and pv1 sub...

I also agree they represent harder than typical speaker load on to the amp, but that said he is running them in fairly large room with Denon 4308ci avr

I believe above mentioned Denon 3312 is a good option as well

here's another option :
DENON AVR-4310CI 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver w/ Networking | Accessories4less

 

[TLCW]

After reading the review on XT4, from the experts at whathifi.com
I would say stick with Onkyo 809 is good, the other more power is Onkyo-TX-NR3010.

You may use some book-shelves speakers for the surrounds when you do HT with a 3D blu-ray player as low as this:
Pioneer BDP-450 review from the experts at whathifi.com

The XT4 may as well use Direct mode on Onkyo Receiver for pure Stereo Music on a CD player.