Using a older receiver as a amp for LR?

[James123]

Hi all, I am currently using a Onkyo tx-rz730 as a 5.1.4 setup using Monitor Audio Silver range. The Onkyo delivers 175w @ 6ohm( 131w @ 8ohm) at 10% distortion ( know its probably 100w or less. Did not do the calculation) and while I'm saving to buy a 3ch Emotiva 300w amp I was thinking of using my old Sony str-dn1050 as a 2 ch amp to run my Monitor Audio Silver 300 (200w 8ohm) front speakers. The Sony str-dn1050 on Bi-amp mode will give me 248w at 8ohm (200w I would asume)

• What do you guys think?
  And if yes my next Q will be
  Once all is connected and the Sony eq and other settings set to flat, what volume level should it be set to before running the calibration on the Onkyo
• When I connected everything using acoustic research cables I had to boost the onkyo by 12db and the sony by 3db while leaving the sony on volume number 35
  The amp purchase will only be at the end of this year if not next year as I'm buying another subwoofer and other stuff

 

[Mark of Cenla]

It will probably work fine. Peace and goodwill.

 

[lovinthehd]

How do you figure the Sony will provide 248 wpc because of passive bi-amping? Try reading this https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

 

[Gmoney]

It will probably work fine. Peace and goodwill.

Yo! you in Louisiana uhu i’m down South of you down by the Gulf! Good to know we got some Louisianians on AH there’s another he live in Lafayette i’m in the Berry!!
Geaux Saints!! Who Dat!

 

[Pogre]

I think you'll find no audible difference either way. Seems to me it would just complicate things. If your bored and wanna experiment I s'pose you can kill some time if you're into that sort of thing. I do stuff like that sometimes.

I think you're on the right path holding off on more amplification until you get some subwoofage. Unless you're having issues with overheating or clipping an amp is the last thing on my list when building a system.

 

[James123]

Thanks guys
The covid19 has given me time to try things

I've tried the sony and reverted back to my old setup

I've been playing around with speaker placement and it seems to actually sounds better

Tomorrow I'll be adjusting the front height speakers on my 7.1.4 setup

Hoping there will be a special on the M A silver sub

 

[lovinthehd]

Why that sub?

 

[Auditor55]

Thanks guys
The covid19 has given me time to try things

I've tried the sony and reverted back to my old setup

I've been playing around with speaker placement and it seems to actually sounds better

Tomorrow I'll be adjusting the front height speakers on my 7.1.4 setup

Hoping there will be a special on the M A silver sub

What kind of adjustment to the front heights, volume or placement?

 

[Pogre]

Why that sub?

That's exactly what I was going to ask. I totally understand the appeal is wanting to keep it in the family, but Monitor Audios focus is pretty heavy on their speakers and not so much their subs. Whereas an ID company like SVS and Hsu put the bulk of their focus on subwoofers first and built up a reputation from there. Those guys really know their stuff and as far as matching brands, with subwoofers it's not an issue. There's no voicing per se, that's not the way we hear bass frequencies. All subs are not created equal, but great bass is great bass. From what I've seen you tend to overpay (a lot) for a good quality subwoofer from a speaker manufacturer.

 

[James123]

What kind of adjustment to the front heights, volume or placement?

Both + running new wiring for the fronts
I've used to have wallpaper and now installed a wood cladding back wall and cannot screw my height speakers onto it
So I need to mount my front height speakers to the ceiling
I'm going to be using a spare set of Onkyo atmos speakers since its smaller and approved by my wife. And use my M A Silver 50 in the bedroom

 

[James123]

That's exactly what I was going to ask. I totally understand the appeal is wanting to keep it in the family, but Monitor Audios focus is pretty heavy on their speakers and not so much their subs. Whereas an ID company like SVS and Hsu put the bulk of their focus on subwoofers first and built up a reputation from there. Those guys really know their stuff and as far as matching brands, with subwoofers it's not an issue. There's no voicing per se, that's not the way we hear bass frequencies. All subs are not created equal, but great bass is great bass. From what I've seen you tend to overpay (a lot) for a good quality subwoofer from a speaker manufacturer.

My system is in my lounge
When I upgraded awhile back I replaced my JBL system with M A silver in a walnut finish. My coffee table, unit and feature wall is made of wallnut. So everything flows if I get a SVS sub it will not flow aesthetically. So for that reason only I want to stick with it even though there is always specials on SVS

 

[Pogre]

My system is in my lounge
When I upgraded awhile back I replaced my JBL system with M A silver in a walnut finish. My coffee table, unit and feature wall is made of wallnut. So everything flows if I get a SVS sub it will not flow aesthetically. So for that reason only I want to stick with it even though there is always specials on SVS

Fair enough, but make sure you do your due dilligence. I haven't heard any of MAs subwoofers, but I believe they're capable of making a decent one, tho I'll bet they're gonna cost ya. I'd want to see some 3rd party measurements and a trusted review or 2 before I settled on a model. Of course a demo would be ideal, but that's tougher to do now than ever before. Caveat emptor.

 

[James123]

True the svs pb2000 sounded much better in my home but I never like how it looked

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I would really enjoy a pair of larger Monitor Silvers for sure.
1800 for a sealed 12”??? Not a chance in hell.
It’s your money, but I think there has to be something out there...

 

[Pogre]

True the svs pb2000 sounded much better in my home but I never like how it looked

Obviously this is very subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think black goes with most anything and SVS' higher end offerings look pretty sharp to me. I am not your typical person tho, I love well designed and engineered audio gear. Especially speakers, so big shiny subwoofers only add to the aesthetic for me, lol.

For $1800 (price of MA's 12" sealed sub) you could get a PC4000, or even a pair of PC2000 Pros! They're a different form factor with a smaller footprint and give up absolutely nothing in performance. I came SO close to getting a PC2000 Pro here recently but something else found its way onto my radar...

Pictured below is the entire 4000 series. The PC2000 Pro looks just like the PC4000.

I think they're all so purty!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Obviously this is very subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think black goes with most anything and SVS' higher end offerings look pretty sharp to me. I am not your typical person tho, I love well designed and engineered audio gear. Especially speakers, so big shiny subwoofers only add to the aesthetic for me, lol.

For $1800 (price of MA's 12" sealed sub) you could get a PC4000, or even a pair of PC2000 Pros! They're a different form factor with a smaller footprint and give up absolutely nothing in performance. I came SO close to getting a PC2000 Pro here recently but something else found its way onto my radar...

Pictured below is the entire 4000 series. The PC2000 Pro looks just like the PC4000.
View attachment 36004


I think they're all so purty!

Agreed. But different strokes and all that...
I’m like you, a “nuts n volts” kinda guy lol. While I definitely appreciate a nice aesthetic, I prefer performance first, depending on the situation. As you know, I’m a fan of the cylinders, but hey...they’re not for everybody either!

 

[Pogre]

Agreed. But different strokes and all that...
I’m like you, a “nuts n volts” kinda guy lol. While I definitely appreciate a nice aesthetic, I prefer performance first, depending on the situation. As you know, I’m a fan of the cylinders, but hey...they’re not for everybody either!

You know, I picture maybe a decorative tablecloth or something draped over the cylinder and a couple of plants, or figurines, or plants, or a vase... Or PLANTS! Just turn it into a jungle and hide 'em completely!

Uh oh... we're getting back into ghillie suits again... lol.

Your PC2000 Pros would be completely undetectable!

 

[snakeeyes]

Give them grass skirts and coconut bras. LOL

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

You know, I picture maybe a decorative tablecloth or something draped over the cylinder and a couple of plants, or figurines, or plants, or a vase... Or PLANTS! Just turn it into a jungle and hide 'em completely!

Uh oh... we're getting back into ghillie suits again... lol.

View attachment 36007

Your PC2000 Pros would be completely undetectable!

Oh yes. I remember the conversation. The ghillie suit would definitely work in my room. Although most of the foliage will be leaving soon...
Now, I do like snakes idea too. I’m more of a hand bra guy though!!!

Edit: fwiw mine are pluses.....

 

[James123]

So I'm in South Africa and our pricing is not competitive to the states

Take a look at this website

Subwoofers

Renowned South African smart home and bespoke cinema specialists since 2002. Control4 Authorised Diamond Dealers. Oh, best online store in town too!

www.ultrasound.co.za