2. amps-preamps
  3. 1372301327

Which Amp? Onkyo, Emotiva, Marantz, etc.

My 15 yrs old receiver died recently & I've the opportunity to upgrade. I'm planning to use Oppo BDP-105 in Pre/Pro mode in 5.1 setup.

I'm considering the following similarly priced ($1500-$2000) used/refurbished devices:
Amplifier: Emotiva XPR-5, MARANTZ MM8077, Onkyo PA-MC5500
OR
Receiver: ONKYO TX-NR5010, Onkyo TX-NR3010,YAMAHA RX-A3020, DENON AVR-4520CI & MARANTZ SR7007.

I do understand that the separate Amp would provide better sound & upgrade path but receivers will provide better functionality & features.

Which one would you recommend? I'm open to any other devices than the ones listed above.

Thanks for your time.
hitsofmisses
runnin
397 posts
 
For starters, could you list the size of the room, the volume level you usually prefer(what decibel level?), the speaker models used and the old receiver model just for reference. I ask this because you have a 400 wpc amp listed, and unless your room is massive and your speakers quite large you might be buying watts you'd never use.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
I agree with Runnin about sizing the amp properly to the room/speakers. More info. from you will allow us to make more informed recommendations...

-RW-
hitsofmisses OP
50 posts
 
Thank you guys. Here's the info requested:
Room 16x18+ with some open area, so sound can bleed
Speaker: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II (L, R,C)
Speaker: JBL S312 (RL, RR)
Receiver: Kenwood VR-4090B
Volume: 32
BD:Oppo 105
Tape Deck: Nakamichi RX-505

I usually watch movies but at times, like to listen to tapes.

Hope that helps!
runnin
397 posts
 
Does that 32 mean -32, or 32db below reference? or is it 32 out of a max like 80 or 100? Either way, with your size room that's not considered very loud and you wouldn't need 400 watts per speaker IMO.

If receiver I'd tend to lean towards the Denon 4520. Or if you're feeling a little adventurous, get a separate 5 channel amp like the Emotiva XPA-5 or Outlaw Audio 7500. Then you could get a cheaper Denon like the X4000. These Denon's both have the top of the line room correction from Audyssey and that alone will amaze you compared what you are used to.
pdspecl
254 posts
 
I highly recommend the Emotiva products. My friend had an XPA-2 powering Maggies via a fancy tube preamp and I was amazed at the quality of sound it produced. Considerably better than the B&K amp it replaced.
I ended up purchasing the XPA-200 amp on sale for $419 shipped to my door. I'm using it to power some home brew Usher passive subs to supplement my main Usher speakers. I could not be happier. A big thumbs up for Emotiva. They also hold their value reasonably should you decide to sell.
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