System matching Marantz w/ Tannoys or Wharfedales

[JK_Livin22]

I am trying to match a Marantz SR4001 A/V receiver with either a pair of Tannoy Mercury F1 Custom speakers or a pair of Wharfedale 9.1s. I am not exactly certain how speaker sensitivity, impedance, and other such factors should be evaluated in determining which pair of speakers would be the best match for this particular receiver. I am also considering the Monitor Audio Bronze BR2s, but they are probably going to be outside the speaker budget. Any advice on system matching any of these speakers with this receiver (Marantz SR4001) would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance to all for your comments/suggestions/replies.

Happy Holidays!



MARANTZ SR4001 SPECS

Features of SR4001/SR5001
- HDMI Ver1.1 (2 In/1 Out) (Processing audio over HDMI)
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx
- Circle Surround II
- Dolby Headphone 2
- HDCD decoding
- Bass Management with Variable Crossover Frequency (80,100,120,150,180Hz)
- 7.1 CH Pre Out / 7.1 CH Analog Input
- 7 x 80 Watts (8 Ohm) (SR4001) / 7 x 90 Watts (SR5001)
- High Power Current Feedback Circuitry
- Massive EI-type Transformer
- 192/24 Crystal DAC for all 8 Channels
- Video Off Mode
- Source/Pure Direct Mode
- Set up Menu via Composite, S-Video, and Component
- Video Upconversion up to Component
- Aluminum front panel
- Multi Room Speaker Out
- New shallow chassis (< 16")
- XM ready (SR5001 only)
- Lip Sync Delay (SR5001 only)
- Multi Room Audio Pre-out (SR5001 only)
- Dimensions W" x H" x D" (Inches): 17 5/16" x 6 5/16" x 15 1/4"
- Weight (lbs): 25.1 (SR4001) / 27.1 (SR5001)



TANNOY MERCURY F1 CUSTOM SPECS

PERFORMANCE
Recommended amplifier power 10 -70 Watts RMS
Continuous power handling 50 Watts RMS
Peak output power 100 Watts
Low frequency response 55Hz
Sensitivity (2.83 volts@1m) 87dB
Nominal impedance 8 Ohms
Frequency response 55Hz - 20kHz
DRIVE UNITS
High frequency 25mm (1.00") Nitro-Urethane layer damped woven polyester dome, shielded neodymium magnet assembly
Low frequency 130mm (5.00") coated multi-fibre paper pulp cone
CROSSOVER
Frequency 2.9kHz
Type 4th order acoustic linkwitz-riley
CONSTRUCTION
Enclosure type Front reflex. 15mm (0.59") particle board, internally cross-braced enclosure.
Shielding Yes
Volume 6.6 litres (0.24 cubic feet)
Weight 4.0kg (8.8lbs)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 300 x 170 x 220mm (11.75 x 6.75 x 8.75”)



WHARFEDALE 9.1 SPECS

Speakers Function Main / Stereo
Nominal Power 20 Watt RMS

Cable
Technical Features
Peak Power Handling 100 Watt
Frequency Reponse 50 Hz - 24000 kHz
Sensitivity 86 dB
Impedance 6 ohm

Magnetically Shielded
Woofer Size 5"
Tweeter Size 0.98"

Dimensions
Width 7.64 in.
Depth 10.94 in.
Height 11.65 in.



MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE BR2 SPECS

Frequency Response +/- 3dB: 42 Hz - 30 KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M): 90 dB
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
Power Handling (RMS): 100 W
Recommended Amplifier Requirements (RMS): 30 - 100 W
Cabinet Design: Front Ported Bass Reflex
Drive Unit Complement: 1 x 6.5" MMP®II Bass mid-range,
1 x 1" (25 mm) gold dome C-CAM® tweeter
External Dimensions:
(H x W x D) 350 x 185 x 250 mm
13 3/4 x 7 5/16 x 9 13/16 inch
Weight (Individual): 5.8 Kg (12.8 lb)

 

[mazersteven]

You should match the speakers to your ears. Whatever speakers sound better to your ears, are most likely the speakers that would be a good fit for your receiver.

The Monitor Audio's & Wharfedale's are 6 ohm speakers. Your receiver might work just a little to hard to drive them.

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-speakers/3412-monitor-audio-bronze-reference-br2-b-review.html

 

[JK_Livin22]

Thanks for the feedback mazersteven.

The Monitor Audio's & Wharfedale's are 6 ohm speakers. Your receiver might work just a little to hard to drive them.

How do you determine or assess how powerful a receiver is needed to drive speakers with a particular impedance or sensitivity rating. Is there a general guideline concerning the amps power output ratings relative to the ratings of the speaker specifications?

 

[mazersteven]

The Marantz is rated Power Output is (8 Ohm). If you look at the speaker impedance you will see what the speaker is rated at. Also keep in mind that speakers to dip lower during playback of certain material.

 

[JK_Livin22]

Are you aware of a good resource, on Audioholics or elsewhere, where I could get more information about this topic and how using a speaker of a different rating than the receiver might affect the audio quality, as well as how all the other specifications come into play when pairing a receiver with speakers.

 

[mazersteven]

Are you aware of a good resource, on Audioholics or elsewhere, where I could get more information about this topic and how using a speaker of a different rating than the receiver might affect the audio quality, as well as how all the other specifications come into play when pairing a receiver with speakers.

I don't, but I PM'd someone that might.

 

[avaserfi]

Don't get caught up in the lies.

Are you aware of a good resource, on Audioholics or elsewhere, where I could get more information about this topic and how using a speaker of a different rating than the receiver might affect the audio quality, as well as how all the other specifications come into play when pairing a receiver with speakers.

It was requested that I answer this question so I figure I should .

When pairing speakers to a receiver or amp there are a few things to consider. First and most importantly check the resistance of the speakers (measured in ohms) and make sure your receiver/amp is stable at the load. The lower the number the harder it is to drive the speakers. Most mid-level and above receivers can handle 6-ohm nominal speakers and any decent amp should be able to handle 4-ohm nominal speakers.

The next thing to consider is power ratings of the receiver/amp and speakers sensitivity. Now it is very hard for many to understand, but it is important - every doubling in power only yields a 3dB increase in sound level output. So the difference between a 100 watt amp and a 200 watt amp really isn't that much. I wouldn't classify the first two speakers you listed as sensitive, but I also wouldn't classify them as hard to drive. The receiver you have should be sufficient for driving them in a small to mid-sized room, but if you have a larger room you might want to get some more power for them to achieve a more dynamic range.

Besides these two specs it really isn't too important to "match" speakers and receivers. Any well built power source will be completely transparent with any speaker as long as they have sufficient power for the application. So my suggestion is go listen to all these speakers and if possible bring linear headphones such as the MDR-7506 as a reference.

Matching power sources to speakers is an audiophile mindset similar to matching cables to a system or getting the perfect CD player. In the end too much time and effort is spent on it. Focus on getting the best possible speakers within your budget as long as they aren't 4-ohm or have a sensitivity of 86dB or less (unless you have a large room) you should be fine.

If you tell us your budget some speaker recommendations can be made.

 

[JK_Livin22]

I would say speaker budget is around $325 or less USD for front two.

 

[mazersteven]

I would say speaker budget is around $325 or less USD for front two.

These right here

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=94.1

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

 

[avaserfi]

I would say speaker budget is around $325 or less USD for front two.

With that price range I would say spend slightly more and buy the Sierra CBM-170 SE it measures extremely well for the price range and has high quality drivers and crossovers. The weakest link in the system is its resonant cabinet which is unavoidable at this price point (and most). In all honesty if I had your budget it is the only speaker I would consider.

If you eventually have the ability to expand your budget once you have purchased the CBMs I would recommend a quality equalizer/digital crossover such as the DCX2496 and a pair of stereo subs. This will allow you to achieve virtually any desired response as well as perfectly integrate the subs into the picture. Lastly, if at some point you want an inexpensive way to further increase fidelity these speakers could also benefit from slight to major modification .

Just offering small steps as well as the huge ones for the possible future .

I should also point out no speakers will achieve their maximum fidelity in an untreated room. This is another issue to consider when building a system - especially one focused on music. So if possible I would suggest you make room treatments (far cheaper than buying) if possible. If you want a step by step guide I have my build linked in my signature.

 

[mazersteven]

I was going to list these as well. Here is a little special for you.



Holiday Special 1: Re-certified CBM-170 SE for only $258 /pr + shipping!*

There has never been a better time to experience what is arguably the most popular ID loudspeaker ever introduced! The loudspeaker that set the performance standards for all others…

Due to Sierra-1 upgrades, we have a limited supply of CBM-170 SE trade-ins. These speakers have been completely reconditioned with brand new woofers and tweeters. The only parts that haven’t been replaced with new components are the cabinets and crossovers. While some of these units might have minor cosmetic defects, the majority of these are in like-new shape (thank the many customers who took such good care of their speakers). These units still come with our 30-day satisfaction guarantee and 5-year parts and labor warranty.

The only stipulations are that we are allowing only 1 pair per customer at this price and supplies are limited.

Please note: Due to the reduced pricing, these units do not qualify for our package price discounting.

Please use this link to order a pair: http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merch...s&Quantit y=1

 

[avaserfi]

I was going to list these as well. Here is a little special for you.



Holiday Special 1: Re-certified CBM-170 SE for only $258 /pr + shipping!*

There has never been a better time to experience what is arguably the most popular ID loudspeaker ever introduced! The loudspeaker that set the performance standards for all others…

Due to Sierra-1 upgrades, we have a limited supply of CBM-170 SE trade-ins. These speakers have been completely reconditioned with brand new woofers and tweeters. The only parts that haven’t been replaced with new components are the cabinets and crossovers. While some of these units might have minor cosmetic defects, the majority of these are in like-new shape (thank the many customers who took such good care of their speakers). These units still come with our 30-day satisfaction guarantee and 5-year parts and labor warranty.

The only stipulations are that we are allowing only 1 pair per customer at this price and supplies are limited.

Please note: Due to the reduced pricing, these units do not qualify for our package price discounting.

Please use this link to order a pair: http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merch...s&Quantit y=1

There you go. Now get those and spend the rest of your budget on room treatments. You have no excuse .

 

[mazersteven]

Or blow the budget a little.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=28506