The right amp or receiver

[Mamabray]

I have a set of cerwin vega vs 15 towers. Currently I have a pioneer 400w receiver. But I can't turn it up past 1/4 of the way with out the receiver kicking out. What can I do to stop this? New receiver maybe a power amp? If so what is a good recommendation? Thanks

 

[Pogre]

Check all of your cables and look for any bare spots. Also make sure there are no stray strands sticking out and touching the other binding post at your connection points on the back of your receiver and speakers.

 

[Mamabray]

The amp blew once took to shop to get fixed. Was told the Vegas pulled to much power the louder you turned it. So I was curious about maybe adding a amp but not sure what one to get. The wires are all sperate an very neat.

 

[Pogre]

The amp blew once took to shop to get fixed. Was told the Vegas pulled to much power the louder you turned it. So I was curious about maybe adding a amp but not sure what one to get. The wires are all sperate an very neat.

Gotcha. I actually experienced what you describe once and the culprit was a bare spot on one of my speakers cables our puppy got hold of behind the couch. It was just a little bit frayed, but was enough to cause my receiver to shut down every time I turned the volume up past a certain point. Stray strands at the binding posts will cause that too.

Which model of speakers and receiver do you have? Knowing specs and impedance figures could shed some light. If they're low impedance speakers and the receiver is only rated to handle 8 ohm loads that could be an issue also.

 

[Pogre]

Also, adequate ventilation is important too. Receivers don't like being stuffed into cubbies with little room for heat dissipation.

 

[Mamabray]

I have a set of cerwin vega 15 towers. This is why I'm asking I know that Vegas are power hungry

 

[ryanosaur]

I have a set of cerwin vega 15 towers. This is why I'm asking I know that Vegas are power hungry

When I search on Cerwin Vega 15 Tower, I mostly get the XLS-15 or the SL-15.
Is one of these correctand which one? If not, please specify your exact model.
Also please specify the exact model Pioneer you use, please.

 

[lovinthehd]

IIRC CVs models are generally fairly sensitive speakers, but may dip low in impedance....but all speakers require more power to play louder (and that power need doubles with each 3dB of spl). Particular models might be helpful but if you made the amp crap out before, might be time for a different one. Does that receiver have pre-outs so you can use a power amp? Just how loud do you listen?

 

[Mamabray]

Well first I have pioneer 400w 5.1 receiver with a internal amp an a 20w eq separate. Now for the Vegas they are 've-15.

 

[lovinthehd]

Well first I have pioneer 400w 5.1 receiver with a internal amp an a 20w eq separate. Now for the Vegas they are 've-15.

What model receiver? The 400W is probably not how any Pioneer 5.1 receiver is rated, tho, sounds like "advertising" wattage. More likely in the neighborhood of 100wpc. What is a 20w eq separate?

 

[ryanosaur]

All I've been able to find is a simple 8 ohm rating on CV's gear. *shrugs

 

[lovinthehd]

All I've been able to find is a simple 8 ohm rating on CV's gear. *shrugs

Ran across this for example https://www.stereophile.com/content/cerwin-vega-15 but don't see much on the VE15.....

 

[Mamabray]

What model receiver? The 400W is probably not how any Pioneer 5.1 receiver is rated, tho, sounds like "advertising" wattage. More likely in the neighborhood of 100wpc. What is a 20w eq separate?

 

[Mamabray]

The receiver is a VSX-D307. And the EQ is also a poineer GR-470

 

[ryanosaur]

Ran across this for example https://www.stereophile.com/content/cerwin-vega-15 but don't see much on the VE15.....

That's hilarious.

"With its 102db sensitivity it seemingly sucks power from amps... I now seek to find a power source that can push these speakers to their fullest."

SMDH
Might as well say "I'm not only the President of the Hearing Aid Club for men, I'm also a member."

But seriously, knowing that most Speakers will dip lower in Impedance at lower frequencies, I'm really curious about how loud our Friendly OP is pushing the volume.
With 8 good Watts in a true 95dB Sensitivity Speaker, I don't think anybody would be able to stay in the same room.

 

[lovinthehd]

The receiver is a VSX-D307. And the EQ is also a poineer GR-470

The VSX 307 is rated for 100 watts per channel into 8 ohm, two channels driven, 20hz-20khz, .9% thd (that's how Pioneer "rates" it in the manual). The eq doesn't have an amp, does it?

ps Using an eq will make even higher demands of an amp. (that pesky doubling of power to gain 3dB spl thing)

 

[Mamabray]

Ok then please give me ur opinion on what receiver would you recommend. My husband likes to feel like he at the concert lol. Good clean sound.

 

[lovinthehd]

How much do you want to spend? FWIW newer receivers wouldn't allow for the use of an external graphic eq, unless you got a model with pre-outs and used an external amp.

 

[lovinthehd]

Does your husband use a subwoofer? That could help out....

 

[Mamabray]

My receiver wouldn't push these Vegas without kicking out I don't think a sub would help