Integrated or Receiver?

"Just checked the manuals of a couple of Integrated’s. Looks like Onkyo amps need at least an 8 ohm speaker for bi wiring. But Marantz says a 4 ohm or higher will work. Same with Yamaha. That is good news."


I don’t understand why bi-wiring would cause a problem with any amp? Please explain!

donvito.  All I am going by is what I read on the Onkyo website manuals. I don't have enough of a technical background of the circuits and design of the units to comment.  I have friends that are Broadcast Engineers and others that have a background in the technical side of electronics, and I bet if they saw the schematic of the units they could explain why.  

2psyop.  Yeah, I just read a great review of the Outlaw in Stereophile.  That will handle four speakers or bi wiring.  Would have to check with the company to be sure that my 6 ohm Mirage could be bi wired with it.  

May be the best way to go.  Save the money and when I can buy it, get it.  Looks like a great receiver and apparently the best thing out there at that price point and under it.  

To the other people that responded in regards to buying used.

I would prefer to buy new at this point.  Buying used at this point in time seems foolish.  While I can get something pretty good for a good price, if I have to start shelling out money for repairs, it quickly becomes a money pit and not worth the initial cost and the repair costs could exceed the cost to buy a brand new unit that is good.  

I already have spent $150 to repair the Denon and $100 to buy it.  That was the original cost of the unit right there.  The same thing could happen when I buy another used unit.  

I was only suggesting you buy used due to the fact that you were considering the possibility of a 'short term' unit until you had the money for something better later. Also at the time no one knew about your desire to run 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. I do understand one's desire to purchase new, and would never try to talk one wishing to do so into purchasing used. If you are willing to consider increasing your budget to that of the Outlaw receiver there are many good choices out there (including the Outlaw). I would keep an eye on online retailers such as Music Direct, Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, and others. They often offer discounts on many fine products.

Be specific when researching your choices regarding the use of 2 speakers pairs. Ask the sales people you deal with about this. I would caution you regarding running 2 pairs of speakers simultaneously at very high volumes. There is a big difference on the demand made on an amplifier between biwiring, biamping, and running 2 pairs of speakers simultaneously.

Truly wishing you the best in your search.