Moving from an Onkyo 5.1 to a 7.2 (Power Question)

tophatjohnny

I am upgrading from the Onkyo NR 414 to the HT RC 360 (I know not a huge upgrade) but question I have is, when I am only using the new receiver's 2-sub outs and HT-2000i towers and a pair of FX 300i's and a center (5,2 set up) am I losing out on power by leaving the other speaker outs empty?? I am hoping to gain some Oomph by changing to the 100W over the current 80 Watt, and the fact that the new receiver allows for an additional amp down the road, so I am hoping to gain that Oomph and cause no harm to the unit by only using the speakers I have. No plans at the moment to add more speakers as I love the sound I have....just want more power when listening to my music. Any thoughts??

mdaudioguy

I thought the response you got here was on the mark. No, you're not "losing out" by not connecting 2 speakers. In fact, you're further dividing the available power when you connect more. As suggested, a receiver with pre-outs is a good idea. This allows for the addition of external amplification later - never a bad thing, imo.

tophatjohnny

mdaudioguy wrote: »

I thought the response you got here was on the mark. No, you're not "losing out" by not connecting 2 speakers. In fact, you're further dividing the available power when you connect more. As suggested, a receiver with pre-outs is a good idea. This allows for the addition of external amplification later - never a bad thing, imo.

Thanks and when I asked that question, I thought I had 85 watts in the 414 and it is only 80. The HT RC 360 does have the pre-outs and with the additional 20 watts, I hope it will drive my music up some. I will be on the hunt for a amp before too long, but that will be another learning curve for me. Fingers crossed.

jbooker82

The Onkyo HT-RC360 doesnt have analog pre outs. It only has them for the sub. You have to get a Onkyo HT-RC370, or Onkyo TX-NR7xx or greater reciever to get analog pre outs so hopfully you havent bought the RC360 yet.

tophatjohnny

jbooker82 wrote: »

The Onkyo HT-RC360 doesnt have analog pre outs. It only has them for the sub. You have to get a Onkyo HT-RC370, or Onkyo TX-NR7xx or greater reciever to get analog pre outs so hopfully you havent bought the RC360 yet.

Yes I did order it. The sales guy at Accessories4less.com clearly said I could add a power amp down the road?? I wont be delivered until Tues, in which I guess I will just refuse shipment or have them send me a return label. Now I am mad...more at myself for not asking here before I jumped out the window. guess I'll be eating the ship charges????:frown:

tonyb

Lesson learned, do your own research by a simple google search.

As stated, it doesn't have preouts, nor will you likely notice a difference between 80 and 100 watts. If you have limited funds to purchase a new receiver, may I suggest a used one would save you alot of coin. The pioneer elites used run around 300 -700 and offer all the current gizmos and beefier power than most. Good luck to you.

tonyb

Here's a good example of what little coin can buy.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/yamaha-rx-a700bl-aventage-7-2ch-receiver

tophatjohnny

Thanks, and out of fairness to the sales person at accessories4less.com the seller wasn't hearing what I was asking for in the phone conversation. Trying to stay with Onkyo as they seem to hook up easy. Thanks Tony.

rebuy

If you keep the current 5.1 config over the 7.2 your 5 speakers will be getting more power than if you connected 2 more. When you connect more speakers all around power falls to all speakers.

tophatjohnny

jbooker82 wrote: »

The Onkyo HT-RC360 doesnt have analog pre outs. It only has them for the sub. You have to get a Onkyo HT-RC370, or Onkyo TX-NR7xx or greater reciever to get analog pre outs so hopfully you havent bought the RC360 yet.

Okay, I found a TX NR 708 refurbished one year warranty for under 400.00. I see a spot on the back that says Analog pre-outs so I sure hope this is the one for me?? I have it held in a cart right now and hope to hear back from someone soon?? Thanks

tonyb

tophatjohnny wrote: »

Trying to stay with Onkyo as they seem to hook up easy. Thanks Tony.

Not trying to steer you away, but all receivers hook up the same way. Don't understand that statement unless you care to elaborate on it. Aside from that, good luck to you on your search.

tophatjohnny

tonyb wrote: »

Not trying to steer you away, but all receivers hook up the same way. Don't understand that statement unless you care to elaborate on it. Aside from that, good luck to you on your search.

Thanks Tony, I just had trouble with a nice Sony receiver and got frustrated as heck. The few Onkyos have all been super easy to hook up. Thanks