Watts per Channel Question

Short answer; just 100wpc.

CD

The short answer is a good one. To eleborate, it depends on the receiver.

The FTC rules specify that all associated channels of a receiver be driven when testing. But all associated channels is not defined. So it could be two, for example.

When I have looked at bench tests, it's normal for receiver's to have a two channel power rating which matches their specs. An underrated one might put out a bit more.

So...100 watts is probably about right. Maybe a bit more.

Let's say though, you had a Harmon Kardon that was rated all channels driven. It might do better into two channels than I suggest above (this is speculation on my part). It's still limited by the supply voltage provided to the amplifier. That sets the upper limit, even though the power supply considered by itself might suggest more power.

Also note that transistors have very real limits. Limiter circuits built into receivers will only allow so much current to flow. So that's another potential limit.

Besides being very ugly, those speakers look easy to drive. 8 ohms, with a 90 dB sensitivity.

I would say many receivers could drive them to pretty good levels.

One possibility for power on a budget is used. Another is close out deals.

If you can up your budget a bit to $400, you can look at receivers like the Yamaha RX-V765, which have a decent power supply.

Or, you can get some speaker to line level converters for your current receiver (which I assume lacks pre outs,) and get the Behringer A500 amp for less than $200. It should put out at least 150 watt / channel into 8 ohms, if memory serves.

I've owned 5 pairs of the Bic RTR-1530's and can firmly say they were excellent speakers for the money. They give out deep, tight bass for both music and HT. I can also firmly say you will not get the full potential of these speakers with some cheap, rinky-dink receiver. If you are only using two channel stereo you would be better off getting a cheap pro amp for these. If you are going to be using them in a surround setup then you will need at least an older midrange receiver such as the Onkyo TX-SR 805 to get them going right.

Also you should know that their is a newer model of these speakers on the way with horn tweeters and rated down to 30hz instead of 33hz.

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-RTR-EV15-E...0277711&sr=8-1

The AVR's power supply is the crucial section, as it has limits for voltage and current capability. Think about it much like a battery and light bulbs..
If one connects 2 light bulbs (or loudspeakers) to a battery, each light bulb gets 50% of the battery's capacity. If one connects 5 light bulbs (or loudspeakers) to the same battery, then each light bulb will get 20% of the battery's capacity. And their briteness will be less as there is less voltage/current available for each..

The capability of an AVR's power supply is directly related to cost, if the AVR sells for $499 or less then it has no reserve.. Also the better quality AVR brands typically have more reserve capacity as well..

Just my $0.00..

I'm not 100% certain about this but it all depends on the specific receiver. Like for example i have a NR807 which produces 135 watts per channel. however that is rated at 2 channels driven. when it's 5.1 the bench tests 105.5 watts per channel with a 0.1% distortion and 122 watts per channel with a 1% distortion. so it all depends on the receiver.

i once looked at the S-5300 however everyone on discussions and forums told me not to get HTiB. The closest thing you can get to that is way better than the S5300 is the Denon DHT591BA which comes with a AVR591 and Boston Acoustics Speakers at $600. Note is this a bundle not a HTiB. There is a huge difference and it's a better purchase than the S-5300. The difference is that a bundle is a good cost saving alternative vs a ripoff you will receive with HTiB.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-DHT-591B...0280905&sr=8-1

Hello,
The TX-SR805 really offered an Amplifier Section as powerful as many Flagship AVR's
:http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...nk/index5.html
As it shared the identical Amplifier Section with the TX-SR875, it really was a special AVR. I just wish the newer 800 Series continued with this level of power.

I am not sure of if it is because of the 9 Channel Amplifier built into the 007 Series or more intrusive Current Limiting/Protection, but even the TX-NR5007 output under 100 Watts when Bench Tested into 5 and 7 Channels. (68 Watts)
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/con...ver-test-bench
Given the the number is identical into 5 and 7 Channels, it seems like it is a safety measure perhaps.
Cheers,
AD

Yeah, I'm familiar with the design and history of the 805 being that I once owned one. I was speaking of it as mid level in terms of price not it's actual performance which I know matched most flagship receivers of the time.

However I can never get over how pathetic the amps are in the seven series. It's disgusting that the flagship can only output a putrid 68 watts a channel with all channels driven.. Makes me want to barf just thinking about it. Hence why I am never, ever going back to receivers to power any of my speakers.

I wouldn't do that. When I purchased my first pair of 1530's I had a onkyo S-5100 HTIB system. The speakers would repeatedly cause the receiver to go into protection mode. Don't try to skimp on powering your speakers with weak low dollar receiver's onboard amp. You end up having to pay more later.

Hello,
I use a TX-SR875 strictly as an SSP as it was about impossible to find DTC-9.8's or PR-SC885's when they first hit the market and grew impatient. I always intended to sell the 875 and pick up one of the SSP's, but the 875 really has made for a great SSP.

If I was not using Martin Logan Electrostats (Vantage, Stage, Vista, Depth), I would have no reservations using the Amplifiers in the 875. However, these Speakers really need outboard Amplifiers to sound their best and they dip below 1 Ohm in parts of the Frequency Range and that would shutdown the 875 and probably any AVR.
Cheers,
AD