Replacement for Kenwood vr 615?

[erom43]

I have an old theater in a box system (kenwood vr 615), that has given me trouble for most of its six year life. The original problem was the display lights that would blank out periodically, but now are off most of the time. Fortunately, I have not had to change the settings. The problem I have now, is that the center speaker blanks out periodically as well. Watching a DVD means that I get no dialogue at all, unless I turn up the TV speaker separately. This has become a major nuisance, whether watching a DVD or TV.....the primary uses for my system.

I am not an audiophile, so this inexpensive system is more than I need. I don't want to spend a lot of money to fix this, and doubt if a repair is worth the cost. I would prefer to not have to rewire and replace the current speakers (five plus sub), that have been sufficient for my purposes. Which means I am looking at replacing (or repairing) just the receiver, or the whole system. I don't want to spend more than $200 if I can help it. After some research, it appears the main problem I have is that this system has a passive sub woofer, and most newer systems are powered, with only a plug connection and none for a speaker wire.

Questions:
1. Is there a decent receiver available that will support the passive sub?
2. Do I need another 600 watt receiver, or will less do?
3. Is there an inexpensive amp solution to adapt for the passive sub and newer receiver?

Looking for advice, thanks.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

No one makes an A/V receiver that can power a passive sub. Even if they did, HTIB’s are notorious for having speakers with weird nominal impedances that aren’t readily compatible with other equipment.

I doubt you will be able to find a solution within the budget you’ve presented. A repair will probably cost more than that, as will a decent new HTIB.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[markw]

To get an amp to drive that passive sub would cost as much as a brandy new powered sub, which will be superior to your current one.

A lot depends on the impedance of the other five speakers. Can you let us know what they are? Generally, they are ion the back.

Assuming your speakers are usable with a standalone receiver and you get over the fact that your current sub will be useless with ANY receiver, you should have no problem getting a replacement receiver that will blow that one out of the water for that price or less.

Yes, subs can get pricey but, with a little effort, you can get a superior (to the old one) for around a hundred or so. If you want to get even better, that shouldn't be too hard, either.

 

[erom43]

To get an amp to drive that passive sub would cost as much as a brandy new powered sub, which will be superior to your current one.

A lot depends on the impedance of the other five speakers. Can you let us know what they are? Generally, they are ion the back.

Assuming your speakers are usable with a standalone receiver and you get over the fact that your current sub will be useless with ANY receiver, you should have no problem getting a replacement receiver that will blow that one out of the water for that price or less.

Yes, subs can get pricey but, with a little effort, you can get a superior (to the old one) for around a hundred or so. If you want to get even better, that shouldn't be too hard, either.

My speakers are Kenwood KS-206-HT, 100W, 8 Ohms. What do I need to look for, as far as compatibility is concerned?

 

[markw]

Your five speakers are safe to use with any HT receiver on the market.

You will need to purchase a powered subwoofer if you want a subwoofer.

I doubt you can do both for $200, but $300 - $400 will get you a "decent" system that will be light years ahead of your current setup. Check these links.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

http://www.parts-express.com/cat/powered-subwoofers/95

 

[erom43]

Thank you both for your help. As you said, it appears current receivers all come with pre amps for their sub woofers. Is it possible, however, that I might find an older HT receiver via ebay or some other source, that might suffice? Can I also assume that if it is a 5.1 HT receiver that can handle 100w per channel, and that it has speaker wire connections for the sub woofer (rather than pre amp)....that it should work?

I have noticed that Onkyo has an HT-R 3xx series that have receivers that might work. Finding and purchasing one, however, may be more of a challenge. Since I am merely trying to upgrade the sound from my TV for movies and DVD's, and I have a small living room, I am also considering a complete new system. After a little bit of research, it appears I may have to spend up to $400 to get a decently rated system.

 

[markw]

Thank you both for your help. As you said, it appears current receivers all come with pre amps for their sub woofers. Is it possible, however, that I might find an older HT receiver via ebay or some other source, that might suffice? Can I also assume that if it is a 5.1 HT receiver that can handle 100w per channel, and that it has speaker wire connections for the sub woofer (rather than pre amp)....that it should work?

I have noticed that Onkyo has an HT-R 3xx series that have receivers that might work. Finding and purchasing one, however, may be more of a challenge. Since I am merely trying to upgrade the sound from my TV for movies and DVD's, and I have a small living room, I am also considering a complete new system. After a little bit of research, it appears I may have to spend up to $400 to get a decently rated system.

Good luck finding one that will drive a passive subwoofer. I have no idea what it can/cannot do or what your expectations are so you're on your own here.

Virtually any current receiver will easily best your current receiver. That "100 watts per channel" you keep saying about your current receiver is a fallacy put out by the marketing department. If it puts out 30 "real" watts per channel I would be surprised.

And, speakers don't "put out" watts, they absorb them.

Forget speaker wires for subwoofers. Subwoofers use an RCA jack(preamp output) to drive the subwoofer. You'll also need an interconnect with RCA connectors on both ends.

But, aside from better bass, don't expect much of an improvement in overall sound. speakers determine the overall sound, not the receiver. Better speakers would be a logical next step if you really want improved sound.

 

[erom43]

Thanks again Wayne and Markw. As originally stated, I have been happy with the quality of my cheapo system, which has let me utilize surround sound effects for movie watching. However, now that my center speaker is no longer working properly, I am seeking a fix for minimal cost. From your inputs, it appears my best options are to purchase a new receiver and powered subwoofer, or replace the entire system. I am guessing those options will run a minimum of $250-$400. Is there anything in particular that I should be aware of as I shop for those items?
I also appreciate that I am talking with people on this site who really appreciate quality sound systems. I thank you for helping out a novice looking for a minimal system.