Worth keeping the Infinity Kappa 8's?

[Tom P]

First, I’d like to thank everyone who posts on these forums. Your input is very valuable.

Here’s my dilemma. I currently own a Carver 2000 receiver and a set of Infinity Kappa 8.1’s that are still in great shape. I want to upgrade to a 5.1 theatre system, and would like to use my existing speakers, to stay within my budget of 2-3K. I’d like to purchase a Denon 3805 receiver, based on the reviews and affordability.

So, the first issue, would the Denon’s 3805 120w/channel have enough power to drive the Kappa 8’s, even if bi-amped by utilizing the 2 additional channels available? I could also use the 200W power amps from the Carver to drive the kappa’s woofers, leaving to Denon amps to do the rest, but don’t know if this is feasible. Admittedly, the 200w amps by themselves are underpowered for the kappas, so I’d like to increase the headroom.

The second issue is what additional speakers would closely match the Kappa 8’s? A local A/V dealer suggests I scrap the speakers, which maybe more of a sales tactic than sound advice. Are they worth the trouble keeping? Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Tom

 

[MacManNM]

First, I’d like to thank everyone who posts on these forums. Your input is very valuable.

Here’s my dilemma. I currently own a Carver 2000 receiver and a set of Infinity Kappa 8.1’s that are still in great shape. I want to upgrade to a 5.1 theatre system, and would like to use my existing speakers, to stay within my budget of 2-3K. I’d like to purchase a Denon 3805 receiver, based on the reviews and affordability.

So, the first issue, would the Denon’s 3805 120w/channel have enough power to drive the Kappa 8’s, even if bi-amped by utilizing the 2 additional channels available? I could also use the 200W power amps from the Carver to drive the kappa’s woofers, leaving to Denon amps to do the rest, but don’t know if this is feasible. Admittedly, the 200w amps by themselves are underpowered for the kappas, so I’d like to increase the headroom.

The second issue is what additional speakers would closely match the Kappa 8’s? A local A/V dealer suggests I scrap the speakers, which maybe more of a sales tactic than sound advice. Are they worth the trouble keeping? Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Tom

My first question is, which Kappa 8's are theese? What year were they made? Do you have a pic? If they are the "good" kappa series then they are worth keeping for sure. However, none of the newer receivers (save the flagships) are going to be able to drive them.

 

[Tom P]

These are the Kappa's 8.1. These towers are deeper and more less wide compared to the orignal 8's that had a more sleek cabinet design. I am guessing these speakers were made in the mid 90's, just before the Kappa series was discontinued.

 

[MacManNM]

These are the Kappa's 8.1. These towers are deeper and more less wide compared to the orignal 8's that had a more sleek cabinet design. I am guessing these speakers were made in the mid 90's, just before the Kappa series was discontinued.

Well, those aren't what I was talking about, I've never listened to them. I loved the old Kappa8's and RS-4b units. Do you like the speakers? If they sound good, and you are happy with them, by all means keep them. I know the older units were quite power hungry, I powered them with my Proton-1200d and I always thought they needed a little more. As far as matching a center with them, I cant imagine that it is going to be too hard. Those have the Emit-k tweeter, with a 2" dome midrange, I believe?