Pioneer Elite vsx-14 enough for hdi-3800? Alternatives?

@szejna 

The NAD you noted has Dirac built in I believe. Room correction software is a different animal but can make a great difference when use properly. If you aren't techy Dirac can be somewhat difficult to navigate. In that case I'd suggest finding a local dealer and have them do it. 

The MiniDSP is a cool piece but in your set up using a integrated you'd only be able to use their product on the sub channels whereas Dirac can do the full range including your subwoofer(s).

Just something else to think about. 

fwiw, for my bedroom system i recently replaced my 20-year old pioneer elite vsx80 with an anthem 740. the anthem is serviceable, and has the modern features like room correction, arc, etc., but to my ears doesn't sound as good--flatter and less musical. whether this is because of synergy or because the pioneer is an overacheiver i know not. undoubtedly, you can find something better, but i'd give a close listen to your current pioneer before upgrading.

@sunshdw also got curious looking at the NAD 389 and Arcam SA30 after looking into dirac. Sounds like no sub output on SA30 for some reason though. Leading in the 389 direction at this point.

@loomisjohnson That is a good point. Now that you mention, definitely need to listen first, as enticing as new gear is. The JBLs (I hope) will be a huge upgrade from my speaker setup already (technics SB200 / Cerwin Vega at-12). I was supposed to get them today, but rescheduled to tomorrow for unknown reasons.

I got these setup today with the vsx-14. The added detail is really nice! I am feeling like I'm missing low end I had with the Technics for some reason. I have the bass eq turned way up and the treble down and still seem to be a little overwhelmed with high end.

Is it possible that this is the amp not providing enough power to get the low end I'm looking for?

Your jbls are very sensitive at 92db and shouldn't need a lot of power. Otoh they're rated to go down only to 37hz, which isn't super-low, so it may be they're just not as bass as their predecessor. Synergy is critical, however, so you could very likely get different results with another amp, tho you could also add a sub.