Recv + Amp vs Better Recv

bobman1235

Hi All.

I'm currently torn. I'm in the market for a new receiver (currently have a piece of crap Pioneer). I've saved about 700 bucks, and that's about all I want to spend right now.

I'm going one of two ways. I love the sound of H/K receivers, so I'd like that to be my brand of receiver. So the two options I'm considering are a H/K 525 (about 400 refurb) with a Parasound amp (or similar, about 250 used) to help power the mains, OR an H/K 7000 ($700 refurb) by itself.

The 7000 is more POWERFUL of a receiver, and thus a better backbone to my system, and would certainly be fine by itself for a while, until I decide to get an amp. But would I be better off lowering my standard for a receiver to get the added power of the separate amp and bi-amping my RTi70s? I think the thing I'm most worried about is the 525's 75 wpc for the center and rears, so even if I have the amp for the mains I'd be a little less off than with the 7000 (100 wpc). But I want this system to last a while and not have to upgrade (I have the spending bug enough as it is) so I don't want to sell myself short at all in any single component, just to have it now now now....

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I suppose the best advice is "be patient, kid."

PolkWannabie

Longer term I suspect you'll want to have a separate preamp & amp(s) & maybe farther out than that possibly new speakers as well and as far as center and surrounds go for HT I doubt you'll notice any difference between 75 and 100 wpc ...

If that's the case I would opt for the less expensive receiver as long as it has the features you need and want and get the Parasound amp. This provides the best upgrade path later on in that you can replace the receiver with a preamp ... beef up or add additional amps on a one by one basis etc ...

Which Parasound are you looking at, an HCA1500 ?

bobman1235

Longer term I suspect you'll want to have a separate preamp & amp(s)

True, although for the most part I consider a decent receiver to be a pretty good "preamp, " which is what I mean when I say I want a good foundation. Basically build off the receiver as a preamp and add external amps where I can.

Which Parasound are you looking at, an HCA1500

Actually, probably the 1000, as it is more in my price range - the cheapest I see 1500s for is 450 or so.

PolkWannabie

I'll probably get some flack for this but I have seen several folks post in the not too distant past about the 1000 wimping out when playing at moderate to high volumes ...

My personal view of receivers is that they make for better preamps then amps but there is still a world of difference between a good receivers capabilities as a preamp and a good preamp but it could of course be years before you are ready to upgrade that component.

dorokusai

The Parasound HCA-1000/HCA-750 are market hole fillers, and not the best showpieces of the current product line. The HCA-1500 is the star in that lineup.

If you aren't going to get into the giant killer category, the HCA-1500, then you should get the big HK AVR. The HK is a strong piece of gear.

Don't compromise for two "average" pieces when you could buy a strong piece now....time always brings more gear, build it...and they will come. Good luck.

Dennis Gardner

I don't know what the rest of your speaker system is, but I run the HK 7200 with RTi70's, CS350LS center, RT/FX sides, RT55's rears and dual EBS Adire Shivas w/320 watt plate amp in a 16 by 21 basement theater.

I find this receiver alone to be more than I could ask for for 7.1 movies. If I add anything in the future, it would be seperate amps for mains.

The 7200 is newer than the 7000 model and can be found for about the same $700.

The 7200 is huge at over 20 inches deep, so if I was sure about bi-amping, I would get the 525 and save space.

The 7200 is really known for its amps.

kingtut

I had the HK525 on the flea market, but it's sold; there's a link to a very good review by a British mag. The European version (the same receiver, different model #) is rated @ 90w x 5. HK understates its wattage.

Early B.

Go for the 525 and the separate amp. Gives your system more flexibility. I have the HK 525 with the fronts (RTi70's) powered by a Parasound 1200 II amp. According to Parasound, the 1200 is the same sonically as the 1500 and, of course, they have the same power ratings. A little less expensive than the 1500 if you can find one.

I will admit, though, I upgraded from an HK PA 2000 amp to the Parasound and there wasn't much difference at all. Frankly, I could have saved the extra $200 I spent to purchase the 1200, but maybe it'll come handy in the future when the Lsi15's drop way down in price.

Early B.

But would I be better off lowering my standard for a receiver to get the added power of the separate amp and bi-amping my RTi70s? I think the thing I'm most worried about is the 525's 75 wpc for the center and rears, so even if I have the amp for the mains I'd be a little less off than with the 7000 (100 wpc).

I tried bi-amping my 70's and it sounded much better without bi-amping. No value in it, IMO.

PLEASE don't pay too much attention to the stated watts. Doesn't mean that much because there's no industry statndard for it. If you like the sound, go for it. Believe me, the 525 has more than enough power for your center and rears.

BTW, at one point I had both the Denon 3803 and the 525 hooked up. The 525 was equally powerful than the 3803, but the Denon has higher wpc.

I, too, considered getting the 7200, but it was more cost effective to get a used or refurbished 525 and separate amp. I don't plan on upgrading anytime soon.

kingtut

If you are interested in the HK, try to look for a used receiver that was purchased as an A-stock, non-refurbished. I'd not buy a refurbished from HK. It seems that numerous members of the HTForum and various other forums reported that they have shut down problems w/the refurbished 525 & 325 purchased directly from HK. HK would replace the receivers 2-3x, but the replacements (which are also refurbished) seem to have the same problems. I purchased mine from the original owner, who bought it as an A-stock model from an authorized dealer, no problem w/the one I had.

bobman1235

PLEASE don't pay too much attention to the stated watts. Doesn't mean that much because there's no industry statndard for it. If you like the sound, go for it. Believe me, the 525 has more than enough power for your center and rears.

I don't usually pay attention to the stated watts, but where it's two different receivers from the same manufacturer I'd figure they were at least RELATIVE if not entirely accurate.


Anyways, I appreciate everyone's advice. Still deciding, but when I finally do it I'll be sure to post my thoughts. I'm probably leaning towards the 525 with the amp, though...

Dennis Gardner

The wattage claimed by HK is pretty accurate but the usable watts between the 75 on the 525 and the 100 on the 7200 aren't noticeable at normal listening levels and powered sub support.

The added wattage included in the higher model, or even in an external amp isn't an issue unless you are trying to run your setup without a sub and drivng all your speakers full frequencies with music in multi channel mode. Movies simply don't have enough info in their tracks simultaneously to tax the great amps in the HKs. The 525 will be plenty for 99% of HT applications. (Low impedance loads are the exception)

This coming from a 7200 owner!

kingtut

I second what Dennis said. I owned the HK7200 for about 3 wks. With the 525 & 7200 driving the center and two surround speakers, and the external amp driving the two front tower speakers, I can't tell the difference. The 525, especially, w/an external amp, is more cost effective.

cfrizz

Welcome from one Bostonian to another! I think you should go for whichever receiver tickles your fancy. But you should get the Parasound HCA 1500A. That way you are rest assured that you have all the power your fronts can handle now and in the future.

So if you have to wait a little longer & save a little more for the Parasound, it will be well worth it.

Keep us posted.:)

Cathy

TroyD

Excellent advice, Cathy......

BDT

cfrizz

Thanks Troy! I'm learning from the best on the board!:D

Originally posted by TroyD
Excellent advice, Cathy......

BDT

dkg999

Don't overlook the HK PA2000 as an external amp. choice. I just added one to power my RTi70 mains, and I am pretty impressed with it. Very sweet sound and you can get them in the low $200 range.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I think it's been mentioned already, but I'll state again:

I would steer clear of the HCA1000 if I were you. I did extensive research and comparing a few months ago of Parasound amps, and was not very impressed by the HCA1000, once compared to the 1500. it's not just the watts, that 1500 has a great deal over the 1000 in every aspect of design...

True the HCA1500 will set you back a bit more, but I'd just save up a bit longer and go for that one.

My advice, get the AVR 525 and save the extra cash you don't spend. keep an eye out for the 1500, and when you see a good deal on one or have enough saved up, go for the HCA1500.