TSi500s with Onkyo HT-RC160

britay

Hello all. I'm new here but have a question I haven't found an answer to yet. I have an Onkyo HT-RC160 AVR and am looking to get the TSi500 speakers for front L/R. The AVR is rated for 80W/ch RMS (100W dynamic). Will this AVR be enough to get good sound out of these speakers? Should I worry about under-powering them with this AVR? Also, the room they will be in is 22'x18'. Do you think they will overpower this room?

I've heard the speakers and like the sound, but I'm worried they might be too much for my AVR and/or room size. Any input will be appreciated.

Edit: I know the specs for the TSi500s show recommended amp power of 20-275, but I am on the lower end of the range and I've read that underpowering the speakers can damage them over time, which is why I'm asking the question. I'm still fairly new to this. ;-)

coolsax

you're correct underpowering them can damage them but you should be ok with the AVR. The TSIs are 8 ohm speakers and fairly efficient you should be good.

britay

coolsax:

Cool. Thanks for responding!

MrGlobe

I'm runnin' the Monitor series equivalent (70s) off a Harman Kardon AVR140 thats only 45wpc with good results. They sound great in 2 channel and there is very few times when I find myself thinking they could use more power. Honestly its only have ear bleeding levels that I want more power haha.

IIRC the RC160 is a nicer receiver than my H/K as well

coolsax

true and that 45Wpc on the HK is probably pretty close to the 80 wpc he'll get on the onkyo as HK is more true about their wattage ratings.

britay

MrGlobe wrote: »

I'm runnin' the Monitor series equivalent (70s) off a Harman Kardon AVR140 thats only 45wpc with good results. They sound great in 2 channel and there is very few times when I find myself thinking they could use more power. Honestly its only have ear bleeding levels that I want more power haha.

MrGlobe: thanks for the feedback. That makes me feel better. Are you using them in a room that's a similar size to mine (22'x18')?

MrGlobe

Currently they are in a room about half that size. But I used them in a room that was 24'x14' for about 4 months. They filled that living room with plenty of sound even though they were on the long wall

cnh

You'll be fine with that Onkyo...just don't run it to clipping. Onkyo's usually have a 0-99 volume scale....Try not to get into the upper numbers....like 80 or higher when running it....you might pop a tweeter!

And there is NO way that 500s are going to overpower a room that size...power is not about 'volume' alone....it's also about sound quality. For example running the speakers with a power amp at similar levels they will sound better, fuller with the power amp! You don't need to blow off the doors of your house to get good/clean/powerful sound!

cnh