TSX 550T vs. MONITOR 75T

LudwigZildjian

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could tell me which sounds better in very loud situations? I'll tell you my situation.... I'm a drummer and I like the sound of home audio speakers as my stereo that I play music too. Myself and many drummer friends use this method, as you get the best sound dynamics with powerful home audio speakers. The problem is, I don't know what current polk speakers would be better. I think the TSX 550T, because you're getting dual 8" subwoofers and their high wattage. So, what do you think? Thanks - Brandon....

LudwigZildjian

What are we talking about when you say "big power"? Very powerful receiver?

LudwigZildjian

DSkip wrote: »

You're going to blow either pair up unless you get some big power behind them. Go smaller and get a good sub if you're going to use an entry level receiver.

Also, what do you mean go smaller? Could you explain further?

LudwigZildjian

DSkip wrote: »

Get a small floorstander or a bookshelf speaker. By big power I mean getting a solid integrated or a good 2 channel amp for them. Asking a receiver to push a big tower to ear bleeding levels are going to destroy your tweeters and maybe even your crossover/midrange speakers.

In order to use a 2 channel amp, you're going to need a receiver with preouts, which is going to up your budget. Either way, you're going to have to increase your budget if SPL is your goal. That, or go get some Cerwin Vegas.

Ok, so basically I can't use a receiver? Or can I with a lot of power, like maybe 150 watts per channel? With these being able to be bi-amped, at 150 watts per channel x2 per speaker, would that work? I am using my fathers old Technics 75 watts peak with a new Sony STR-D130 2 channel 135 watts per channel (basic starter receiver). I attached a video of a practice showing a better example of my drumming and sound system needs.... http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0JXOOjGRFH0

LudwigZildjian

I apologize for my somewhat lack of knowledge in this department, but I'm a rookie....

LudwigZildjian

With the TSX 550T's being 300 watts per channel, could I get a receiver with a 150 watt per channel and Bi-amp the speakers or even use what I have or would it really blow them? I blow the tweeters and mids on the Technics (75 watts), that's why I'm in the market for new more powerful.

LudwigZildjian

DSkip wrote: »

No worries. Those will eat your tweeters up all day long considering what you want out of them. Watts don't mean much as far as receivers go - most don't produce what they say. You're going to want a real amp to push them. A decent to good amp usually costs about $300 or more. What Technics do you have? If it has pre-outs, you're at an advantage.

Is this just for your drumming? If so, have you considered getting a pro setup? That might be a better, cheaper solution.

90% of the time it's for drumming, but I use them for listening to music too. I want to also use them as a home theatre setup.....

LudwigZildjian

Not sure if the Technics are pre-outs or not.

LudwigZildjian

DSkip wrote: »

Biamping a receiver is marketing bs. You are straining the receiver because it can't draw enough power for the volume you're asking from it. Too much power seldom kills a speaker. Too little and they're toast.

What's your total budget? Receivers aren't going to get you there. A Harmon kardon 3490 might do ok, but a nice integrated would be better.

I could swing $300 - $400 for a new receiver. I've googled powerful receivers earlier and didn't turn up much.... I like the Harman Kardon 3490, I see it's 120 watts per channel x2. Is this better than what I have, because it's integrated?

LudwigZildjian

If I'm looking at the right one, it's 310 watt max, right? I see it's discontinued, so I'll try to find one or one comparable.

LudwigZildjian

Would the parasound 2100 be any good for me? http://www.parasound.com/nc/2100.php Also, would I connect the amp to my receiver, or would the amp be the boss?

LudwigZildjian

I blow the tweeters and mids on the Technics.... That's why I was interested in the polk tsx 550's.

LudwigZildjian

Then how about the 2250? http://www.parasound.com/nc/2250.php

LudwigZildjian

What's a good receiver with preouts?

LudwigZildjian

Or this 1250? http://www.parasound.com/nc/1250.php

LudwigZildjian

How about the Harman Kardon AVR 1710?

LudwigZildjian

http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/AVR-1710/AVR 1710_HK_US

LudwigZildjian

So, when I use a receiver and an amp, I connect the amp to the receiver and connect my speakers to the receiver, right? The amp just adds power to the receiver to the speakers? Or do I connect the speakers to the amp?

LudwigZildjian

Could I just get a Harmon Kardon 3770 240 watt per x2 receiver integrated amp for now and the polk tsx 550t's? http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/HK-3770/HK 3770_HK_US?skuId=HK3770AM_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=

LudwigZildjian

Crap, I forgot about that......

LudwigZildjian

New York?

LudwigZildjian

Nice! How are Onkyo receivers with preamp capability?

LudwigZildjian

Ok, so really what roll does the preamp (receiver with preouts) play? Just boosting signal to speakers? I connect my computer to my current Sony receiver via 3.5mm jack, so where would I connect it in this situation? Still the receiver? Could I use just an amp for now?

LudwigZildjian

Also, what are some other good amps?

tonyb

I think your all putting the cart before the horse. First you have to decide on your needs. You like loud....how big of a room is this going to be in ? Typically we all have different definitions of loud.

Second, if your budget is 3-400, and you like loud, that equation only spells fried speakers. Cheap receivers don't do loud very well mainly because of the poor power supplies in them and distortion at higher volumes. Distortion is the Ebola virus to speakers, don't give your speakers the Ebola virus....lol.

Third...power. You need a receiver with preouts to be able to add a separate amplifier. A separate amp won't necessarily make it that much louder, but cleaner in the higher registers with more authority and slam. Think high current, not watts, and pay little attention to the recommended wattage usage posted on the back of speakers.

Fourth....we have a whole section on how to get good sound out of your computer. Look in the digital section and read up. Computers in general are not that great for audio but there are ways to rectify that. Also MP3 files if that's what your using isn't the best either at higher volumes. Always use a lossless format such as Flac or bare minimum apple lossless.

Fifth....your sticky fingers on the volume control can spell doom. Depending on the dial, usually below-10 is fairly safe, anything above that enters a danger zone and you have to know what to listen for and back off the volume. When the music starts sounding congested, soundstage collapses, your at risk of doing damage. You need appropriate speakers with appropriate gear/power for a given size room to reach the desired loudness....or SPL's as we refer to.

Now, how to navigate all this ? Decide on your needs first. One system to do it all, music, movies, computer. .....and your budget. I can tell you right now 3-400 isn't going to cut the mustard. You'll need a receiver with pre-outs and an amp which you can find a used 2 channel amp from the likes of B&k, Parasound for as little as 3-400. Then there is the cost of decent cables. Speaker cables and interconnects to connect the amp to the receiver. Signal cable analog 2's are a decent cable that won't break the bank. Many others too and save some money and buy cables used.

Once you get the system set, work on the source. Your computer obviously. Read up in the digital section and get a feel for what needs to be done. After all that, it comes down to control of that volume dial.

There's more to this than just asking which receiver will play loud for you.

LudwigZildjian

tonyb wrote: »

I think your all putting the cart before the horse. First you have to decide on your needs. You like loud....how big of a room is this going to be in ? Typically we all have different definitions of loud.

Second, if your budget is 3-400, and you like loud, that equation only spells fried speakers. Cheap receivers don't do loud very well mainly because of the poor power supplies in them and distortion at higher volumes. Distortion is the Ebola virus to speakers, don't give your speakers the Ebola virus....lol.

Third...power. You need a receiver with preouts to be able to add a separate amplifier. A separate amp won't necessarily make it that much louder, but cleaner in the higher registers with more authority and slam. Think high current, not watts, and pay little attention to the recommended wattage usage posted on the back of speakers.

Fourth....we have a whole section on how to get good sound out of your computer. Look in the digital section and read up. Computers in general are not that great for audio but there are ways to rectify that. Also MP3 files if that's what your using isn't the best either at higher volumes. Always use a lossless format such as Flac or bare minimum apple lossless.

Fifth....your sticky fingers on the volume control can spell doom. Depending on the dial, usually below-10 is fairly safe, anything above that enters a danger zone and you have to know what to listen for and back off the volume. When the music starts sounding congested, soundstage collapses, your at risk of doing damage. You need appropriate speakers with appropriate gear/power for a given size room to reach the desired loudness....or SPL's as we refer to.

Now, how to navigate all this ? Decide on your needs first. One system to do it all, music, movies, computer. .....and your budget. I can tell you right now 3-400 isn't going to cut the mustard. You'll need a receiver with pre-outs and an amp which you can find a used 2 channel amp from the likes of B&k, Parasound for as little as 3-400. Then there is the cost of decent cables. Speaker cables and interconnects to connect the amp to the receiver. Signal cable analog 2's are a decent cable that won't break the bank. Many others too and save some money and buy cables used.

Once you get the system set, work on the source. Your computer obviously. Read up in the digital section and get a feel for what needs to be done. After all that, it comes down to control of that volume dial.

There's more to this than just asking which receiver will play loud for you.

Ok, thanks for your info.... You all have been very helpful and I know what I need to do now. Does anyone have any experience with other power amps, other than Parasound? I like the Parasound 2250 and the Harmon Kardon 3390, but like I said before, my budget is very tight, as I need new speakers too. I will sell my current receiver to pay towards some of this, as it has no preouts, otherwise I would keep it.... I will probably buy used, because of prices. So, if anyone could give me some more references to good amps or receivers with preouts, I would appreciate it! Thanks....

LudwigZildjian

By the way, I uploaded my CDs to my computer and I play them via iTunes or I sometimes play youtube if I don't have the song.... I have a MacBook Pro.....

LudwigZildjian

What does it mean when you see that a receiver has pre-outs, but in parentheses it says (subwoofer)? Does it mean it's only for the subwoofer?

LudwigZildjian

http://store.sony.com/5.2-ch.-4k-a-v-receiver-zid27-STRDH550/cat-27-catid-all-receivers?_t=pfm=category Here's an example....

cnh

Here's what you need to SEE on the back of whatever your receiver is: (lower left on the receiver below).



It will be LABELED "PRE OUTS" L/R if it is a stereo receiver. And if it is a surround receiver it will have PRE OUTS L/C/R/SR/SL/SUB and possibly SLB/SRB representing an OUT for every surround speaker in a 5.1 or 7.1 set up where the .1 is the SUB OUT.

No entry level receiver has these. You have to hit the middle of the pack around $500 and up for a surround receiver or go with the HK or Onkyo two channel models.

I'm not sure if even the lower model HK has pre-outs. You need to look.

cnh

tonyb

LudwigZildjian wrote: »

By the way, I uploaded my CDs to my computer and I play them via iTunes or I sometimes play youtube if I don't have the song.... I have a MacBook Pro.....

Yes, but you can upload in mp3 or apple lossless, which one are you using ? The MP3 obviously being the inferior.

CNH explained the pre-outs. You need 5.1 channel pre outs or at least front left and right but most carry the full 5.1. A subwoofer pre out is just for the subwoofer.