Need recommendation on Receiver to drive 75Ts, CS2, and RM8s

nbossert

Hello everyone!

First time poster here, so hopefully I have the correct section. I'm going to try my best to concisely explain my situation, while providing all the details (I believe) I'd need to share. Please let me know if I've missed anything!

My Situation:
I purchased a Denon AVR-2112CI almost two years ago and after upgrading my front speakers to Polk Audio 75Ts, I think I blew the receiver. Basically, when I try turning it on, it turns off and blinks red (power protection mode), even without anything connected to it (speakers or components). It may be an easy fix and is under warranty - but the fact that the unit would shut off at higher volumes (when a movie scene was intense [audio]), I find the receiver unacceptable (but please educate me if I'm missing something!).

My Set-Up:
I currently have a 5.1 system for my home theater set-up, and 2 speakers on my back patio connected to my receiver's "zone 2" speaker pegs (can also be used to enable a 7.1 system, but I use it so I can have music out back too). My receiver is a Denon AVR-2112CI as mentioned above.

Speakers:

• Front speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 75T (Link)
• Center speaker: Polk Audio CS2 Series II (Link)
• Rear speakers: Polk Audio RM8 Satellites (Link)
• Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW110 (Link)
• Back patio speakers: Yamaha NS-AW150W 2-Way Outdoor Speakers (Link)

My Problems/Issues/Questions:

1. As mentioned above, I had issues with the Denon 2112CI shutting off while watching movie scenes with some intense audio. I like to watch my movies loud - but to be honest, I don't think I was listening to my movies too loud. Does this mean I need another separate amp for my speakers? I do not think this would be possible with my current receiver since it does not have preamp outputs, correct?
2. I'm thinking about getting my Denon repaired under the warranty and selling it so I can upgrade my receiver. Given my speaker setup, what would your recommendation on a receiver be? I'm looking for something to work well with my current speaker setup, be amazing for movies, have at least 2 zone control (hopefully where it can downmix the audio to stereo for zone 2 playback since it's only a 2.0 system in my backyard), can drive a sub and possible 2 in the future (if that's recommended), and a plus would be to have an ethernet port to connect to my home network and possibly even be controlled via an android app. My budget would be something under $800, but if spending up to $1,200 would make a significant difference in getting what I want/need - please let me know.
3. I've been reading around and see that people are getting 7.2 or 9.2 systems. If I end up getting a new receiver, do you recommend this? Will it greatly enhance my blu-ray movie viewing experience?
4. Do you recommend I upgrade my subwoofer?
5. I read somewhere that it is recommended to upgrade the Polk Audio 75T tweaters to THESE. I read it HERE. Is there any truth to this - is it recommended? It's a pretty cheap upgrade if it's worth it.

Thank you to everyone for any advice/help on my situation. I greatly appreciate it!

rpf65

Your AVR may just have a blown fuse, or need to be reset. Instructions for both should be in the manual.

If your looking for an AVR upgrade, Amazon has Pioneer sc-1522k on sale, can't remember the price new, but factory refurb is $700, which is pretty good. Sounds like you over=stressed your AVR, so if you can repair/get repaired, ease off a little. Your lucky you didn't damage your speakers along with the AVR.

You may also check all the speaker wires, as well as alll component wires. Those speakers really aren't that hard to drive, but if you were running ridiculous volumes, any AVR will clip with just about any speaker. Still you may have something in your connections shorting, so double check, even around the wire to plug connections on bananas.

Good luck

boston1450

WELCOME TO POLK.....you have a fine set up there..Denon is a fine choice. I would have the receiver repaired if it is covered as you say. Then play around with it some. I love Denon for HT & music and ive had nothing but good luck with their product. As far as upgrades to speakers'upgrades will always enhance the listening of your speakers. But everyones ears are different,so keep that in mind....randy

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk.

It sounds like at high volume you put the receiver into protect mode. It shuts itself down to protect itself and the speakers. If you like playing at such high volume then you need to upgrade your receiver to one that has pre-outs so that you can get an external amp. The main problem with receivers is that they don't have enough power to properly drive speakers to their full potential and when pushed too hard will shut down.

If you like your Denon then step up to one that has pre-outs. Double check all of your hookups and wiring.

nbossert

Thank you for such quick responses! I very much appreciate it.

After I read rpf65's response, I checked out the Pioneer SC-1522-K. I saw that Costco has a ridiculously good deal on this ($599 new), but I'd have to check my local Costco to see if they have availability. However, I also looked up some other receivers (listed below). Any advice?

Pioneer SC-1522-K
Onkyo TX-NR818
Yamaha RX-A2020

I do think I will go the route of fixing the Denon under warranty and possibly selling it or using it in another room. I do get the impression it's not powerful enough to drive my speakers at the volume I like watching movies at. However, once I get it back, I will check all wiring, etc.

Boston1450's response suggests what I read about upgrading the tweeters could be a good idea (depending on my listening preference) so I may try that. I do happen to hear a very faint "hiss" sound from the current speakers. Not enough to suggest they are blown, but just a little bit of static at higher volumes (only slightly noticeable when there's a break in the audio - such as a scene transition).

boston1450

You must have quite the set of ears. Lol. That Denon is 90wpc....i use to have a Denon avr 2801 (i think) with a Denon POA2200@ 200wpc+ and i drove a set of sda2b's and it did a fantastic job..there are LOTS of receivers to chose from that will make your fine speakers SING FOR YOU..please keep us updated how you make out/good luck....randy

heartystatue

I use an Onkyo TXNR809. I love it. It has everything you are looking for and then some. I see them selling for 750.00 and free ship. It's heavy 40+ lbs. I like the app that lets you control it from my tablet. Good luck!

mdaudioguy

I'm willing to bet that there's a short somewhere in one of your speaker wires. I had a similar problem once and swore that this could not be the case, but after some experimentation, I realized that the problem only occurred when one certain speaker channel was connected, and only at a certain volume level. I replaced that wire run, and all has been fine since. Without a short, that receiver should still be enough to make those speakers scream before an overload situation occurs. This is my best guess, though, without actually being there.

boston1450

mdaudioguy wrote: »

i'm willing to bet that there's a short somewhere in one of your speaker wires. I had a similar problem once and swore that this could not be the case, but after some experimentation, i realized that the problem only occurred when one certain speaker channel was connected, and only at a certain volume level. I replaced that wire run, and all has been fine since. Without a short, that receiver should still be enough to make those speakers scream before an overload situation occurs. This is my best guess, though, without actually being there.

.......agree

boston1450

boston1450 wrote: »

You must have quite the set of ears. Lol. That Denon is 90wpc

....DENON's do quite the job IMO

nbossert

Thanks again for all of the responses. I'm going to take my Denon to the repair shop tomorrow. Once I get it back, I'll try the suggestions.

But in the meantime, is there a way to check my speaker wires for shorts? Like... anything with a voltmeter to test continuity? I think so --- I'll try that. But if they all read OK, is it possible my receiver just crapped out?

To be honest, I'm not driving my receiver too hard. My fiance, friends, and dog would let me know if I were! I'm too young to be losing my hearing !!!

Another thought --- I have speakers out back on my Zone 2, which is set pretty high on volume. I keep it high because I have a volume knob in series with those wires to control the volume. But, I normally have that set to off, so - I'd assume they aren't drawing power if it's set to off.

I'm thinking about grabbing a Pioneer SC-1522-K and selling my repaired Denon (once repaired). Anyone want the Denon

Bob in WI

I'll also chime in the Denons are not junk. Unless you got a beater (not likely) there is a fault elsewhere. You'll get it squared away. I have no idea how large a room needs to be for 7.1 or 9.1 to make any sense at all. Maybe I'm missing some concept entirely.

amgala

Just a word of caution if you decide to buy the Pioneer from Costco. I don't know if they are an authorized seller. If they aren't, the warranty may be void.

rpf65

I would suggest you disconnect your outside speakers from the AVR, and see if it works properly. If you mave moistur in that volume box, that could explain the protection mode. Doesn't matter if you have it turned off at the AVR or the box. May still be effecting the AVR.

If that's the case, move the box inside, away from the elements.

ZLTFUL

amgala wrote: »

Just a word of caution if you decide to buy the Pioneer from Costco. I don't know if they are an authorized seller. If they aren't, the warranty may be void.

Costco is an authorized Pioneer retailer.
Also bear in mind that Costco extends *ALL* electronics warranty for an additional year beyond the end of the manufacturer's warranty.

amgala

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Costco is an authorized Pioneer retailer.
Also bear in mind that Costco extends *ALL* electronics warranty for an additional year beyond the end of the manufacturer's warranty.

Gotcha, thanks for the info