So I am looking to upgrade to a new receiver. My top three choices in order are the Harman kardon avr-347 denon avr 2308 and the Yamaha RX-V861, all about the same in price and such. they all have video up scaling, while the denon and hk both have the dcdi chip don't know about the Yamaha. but then it comes down to the power, my main concern 55 /100/ 105 in order. now comes the question what in up with 55 watts that's half. the hk claims to have a high current what ever and I know that hk is more than reputable. but really 55 watts what's the deal.
Under most common listening conditions, you are lileky to use less that 25W. Only the low end consumes large amounts of power. In a PA situation for outside venues, I have filled large fields with under 30W for the high end. In a typical living room, you can get the unit very loud using under 50W of power. It all depends upon the unit's power supply design. I can take a 15W receiver form the mid to late 70's and blow away a 125W receiver from today. Rather than concentrating on relatively meaningless numbers, find a match between the speakers that you plan to drive and the amplifier size. (I usually prefer a speaker that expects about 75% of the amplifier max delivery.)
Good luck.
Dan
to awnser the qusetion, does the 55 watts or less on most hk models compare to the much higher wattage on other brands ie: denon yamaha and so on
Hi Jatrauts,
In audio, wattage is not the end all, be all number to be concerned with. Though it is a measurement that folks use to gauge amplifiers.
First, wattage is a relative number that changes dramatically depending on the test conditions. So, an amp doesn't have any specific number of watts. Power output is measured, and the conditions of the load (impedence, channels driven, frequency range, THD) are variables that will change the number watts output by the amp. This also means that your amp that's rated at 55 watts could be 125 watts (hypothectical) if tested with a lower impedence or reduced frequency range or allowed a higher level of distortion. I've written a good article on this topic that will help explain this further: Understanding Amplifier & Receiver Power Specifications
So to directly answer your question, "Does the 55 watts or less on most hk models compare to the much higher wattage on other brands ie: denon yamaha and so on," all I can tell you is that it depends on how those were rated. the article I point to above gives some advice on how to compare receivers, but to simplify based on my past evaluations of HK products, their receivers are competitive to other brands like Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo at similar price points.
Also keep in mind that wattage isn't a direct comparison to performance. At regular listening volumes, most receivers will drive speakers with less than 1 watt of power (depending on the efficiency, impedance, and sensitivity of the speaker). At "loud" volumes power output will be less than 25 watts, as Dan above mentioned. In the audio world, you need to double the output power to get a noticable difference (typically 3db) in volume. The difference between 50 watts and 100 watts isn't usually temendous with common speakers, the difference maker becomes distortion. Higher quality amps can produce more power with less distortion, and that's what is important.
I hope that helps, and I'd be happy to try and answer any of your follow up questions. I do recommend you check out that article first though. It will help get you up to speed on the basics.
thank you very much. i understood the wattage concept. i was just wondering if the hk was comperable just due to the fact that it was almost half. thanks for the help guys. with so much information out here i still have so looking to do in the 800 $ price range any suggestions would be nice.
i have klipsch f-3 in front, klh platinum series II center, klh surrounds and a klh down firing 10 inch sub.
Hello
Dan is right on about matching speakers. I have several systems one of which is a Denon avr-486 7.1 with Klipsch mains and center, denon sub and side, and JBL tlx105 for rears. I spent the better part of a whole day changing receivers and speaker combination's between my systems to finally arrive at my current arrangement. (too numerous to mention in a post). Sounds like you have a pretty good speaker arrangement and the receivers you mentioned have the power you will need. Then it comes down to YOUR ear and what you like. Opinions and specs are just part of the formula. Get what you like that sounds good not brand names to show off to your friends (can be a costly mistake) if you should find out that what everybody told you and you find out that you really don't like what you are hearing in your home. Been there and done that LOL. If anyone has any info on a Denon DRA750 such as parting one out or antenna trouble with the fm I sure could use some help in that area.
Monarch
The only concern you may have is just how loud you listen to your music. Most speakers will do well with 10 watts of power, most of it is used on your bass speaker. What you need to do with any receiver/amplifier is make sure you do not overdrive it. This will result in a condition called
The only concern you may have is just how loud you listen to your music. Most speakers will do well with 10 watts of power, most of it is used on your bass speaker. What you need to do with any receiver/amplifier is make sure you do not overdrive it. This will result in a condition called
Don`t take wattage to seriously, The laws of physics demand that to double the sound pressure levels (Decibels) you need "ten" times the power.