New receiver, or add a amplifier?

[xrapidx]

I have a Onkyo TX-NR807, and find the volume a bit lacking with my Polk RTi A9's at the best of times... would it be better idea to upgrade the receiver, or get a amplifier for my two fronts and center?

[Stefan]

Get a sub first(IIRC you don't have one). Your amp will have more control over the speakers then.

[xrapidx]

Get a sub first(IIRC you don't have one). Your amp will have more control over the speakers then.

Hmmm... ok, thats a fair enough suggestion. I'm actually moving rooms tonight (finally) - so maybe when they're out of the huge lounge, they'll perform better.

[dotVIBE]

Get a sub first(IIRC you don't have one). Your amp will have more control over the speakers then.

+1

get a proper sub, cross your speakers over at 70 or 80hz and bob's your uncle. should go plenty loud.

[Vaughan]

I would echo the sentiments of others and go for a capable subwoofer. Once you high-pass the main speakers it will significantly reduce the power requirements as well as clean up the mid-range and upper bass for a crisper, cleaner sound especially at higher levels.

[frikkie]

I would echo the sentiments of others and go for a capable subwoofer. Once you high-pass the main speakers it will significantly reduce the power requirements as well as clean up the mid-range and upper bass for a crisper, cleaner sound especially at higher levels.

Yup, very much so. Even my cheapy JVC receiver turned from quite rubbishy to a quite capable amp by adding a sub and crossing over the mains, in my case at 100Hz.

[Viagara]

Yup, very much so. Even my cheapy JVC receiver turned from quite rubbishy to a quite capable amp by adding a sub and crossing over the mains, in my case at 100Hz.

I agree with this. I used a shitty Yamaha RX-V365 for TV duties and the occasional movie and a few weeks ago I borrowed my son-in-laws cheapish Wharfdale sub to see(hear) what difference this makes and yes, the sound was almost acceptable

[xrapidx]

Thanks guys....

Moving into the new room made a HUGE difference to the volume and general impression the speakers made on me. I now have to watch movies at -18db in fear of annoying my neighbours on the far side of my property...

Unfortunately, I have a few bites on my cables - so room might be soundless for a month or so until I get new speaker cables.... at least it gives me time to do the wooden floors.

[frikkie]

Thanks guys....

Moving into the new room made a HUGE difference to the volume and general impression the speakers made on me. I now have to watch movies at -18db in fear of annoying my neighbours on the far side of my property...

Unfortunately, I have a few bites on my cables - so room might be soundless for a month or so until I get new speaker cables.... at least it gives me time to do the wooden floors.

Just get some cheapy Ellies speaker cable in the meantime - only a few ZAR and the difference to the expensive stuff is tiny.

[xrapidx]

Just get some cheapy Ellies speaker cable in the meantime - only a few ZAR and the difference to the expensive stuff is tiny.

I actually think I have some I cut off from my rears - I need to go digging in the garage tonight.

I was just reading up on making cables out of CAt5 cables, wonder if its worth the effort... I have tons of the stuff

[dotVIBE]

I actually think I have some I cut off from my rears - I need to go digging in the garage tonight.

I was just reading up on making cables out of CAt5 cables, wonder if its worth the effort... I have tons of the stuff

For the difference you will hear over some cheap ripcord? heck no. it's a mission to braid that stuff!

[xrapidx]

Good to know, although I was going to get the other half to do that part 

[Viagara]

Good to know, although I was going to get the other half to do that part 

May not work as it is quite taxing on your hands.

[Daniel Weston]

Just out of interest, have you adjusted the volume under the source setup and intellivolume section?
Mines sitting at +12 and it gives me a much better sound without having to crank up the volumes. To give you an indication, my 705 receiver driving my RTi8's at volume 55 (on the setting where max is 99) is disco loud

[dotVIBE]

Just out of interest, have you adjusted the volume under the source setup and intellivolume section?
Mines sitting at +12 and it gives me a much better sound without having to crank up the volumes. To give you an indication, my 705 receiver driving my RTi8's at volume 55 (on the setting where max is 99) is disco loud

when you say source, do you mean the mede8er? 'cause I find that with most sources, but ESPECIALLY my media box, keeping the volume at 0 and using the AVP to control the volume gives significantly better sound.