Upgrade Questions

[Jack Hammer]

I'm considering either a new reciever or adding an amp. I've got a Denon 2805 and will be switching my fronts to M&K S150's (4ohm). They need a little more power than my current 4ohm speakers. I'll have ~$1500 to spend.

I'm thinking of a Denon 3806 or 430x or maybe something from Yamaha or Marantz. Or for an amp I'll probably pick up a used Parasound 2205a for ~$1100 (I want a 3-5 ch amp with around 200wpc @4ohms). HDMI capability is a plus for the AVR but not mandatory. I've been told the 38xx and above Denon's have a more robust and better built power supply than the 2805 and can power the speakers more easily (local Denon rep).

What should I upgrade and should I do it now or wait a few months for the newer products to come out? Should I consider something newer that is out?

My current setup is in my signature.

Thanks

Jack

 

[AVRat]

The amp upgrade, to me, makes the most sense. It should last through many receiver/processor upgrades. It doesn’t appear right now, that you need anymore processing than what the 2805 already offers. I’d wait till the technology upgrading that’s happening now stabilizes before upgrading the processing gear.

 

[Jack Hammer]

The amp upgrade, to me, makes the most sense. It should last through many receiver/processor upgrades. It doesn’t appear right now, that you need anymore processing than what the 2805 already offers. I’d wait till the technology upgrading that’s happening now stabilizes before upgrading the processing gear.

That's kinda been my mentallity. With all the new recievers coming out, I thought I'd play it safe and ask. I may just get the amp, then buy a reciever with hdmi and more zones in a few years. Then I could put the leftover cash toward a bigger subwoofer.

Thanks

Jack

 

[Nick250]

I agree, I doubt you would get much improvement just upgrading your receiver.

Nick

 

[Jack Hammer]

I agree, I doubt you would get much improvement just upgrading your receiver.

Nick

Initially that was what I had thought. A few months back I was at Saturday Audio Exchange here in Chicago and the Denon rep that was there had told me that upgrading my reciever would give me more robust amplification and improved sound (+ a couple of features). I then Called M&K directly and asked for an amp recomendation (just seeing what they thought). They said that any well built amp would be fine. - Kinda vague. They said they use a Denon reciever in their showroom, but "wasn't sure" of the model #.

When I plugged my S150 center into my 2805 it seemed kind of anemic to me. I tried using my Audiosource Amp1/A amp (currently powering zone 2) bridged to power it and it really came alive. That and the manual for it recomends ~200 wpc@4ohms to power it.**

That brings me to this posting. I've been more than satisfied with my current setup (LCR851's) powered by the 2805. The S150's I picked up (a center and a left channel) have been under my bed for about six months now. I've got some cash coming my way in about a week or two. I'd like to upgrade with it. I just don't want to pick up an amp (that I'm sure I'll be happy with) if the same money can get me a better reciever that will power my speakers equally well.

Jack