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Receiver for B&W speakers . Please help.

post #1 of 14
1/13/08 at 11:11pm
Thread Starter 
Hi.

I am upgrading my TV and an old 100 watts/ch Yamaha receiver that I have with 5 CDM B&W speakers.

I am deciding between a Yamaha RXV-861, an Onkyo TX-SR 605 or 705 and a Denon AVR-788. I want to spend between $500 and $800

I plan to have an upscaling DVD (or Blu Ray in the future), Dish, Wii and an Apple TV.

Multiroom capability would be nice to have to send audio to the master room.

I care for the sound quality and would't mind to send the video signals to the TV. Anyway why is important?


What do you suggest?


thanks
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post #2 of 14
1/13/08 at 11:29pm
Thread Starter 
Forgot to say that I plan to get a Sony KDL-40W3000 that has 3 HDMI inputs.
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post #3 of 14
1/14/08 at 5:49am
There is no $500 to $800 AVR that will drive these speakers anywhere near their potential SQ

At the very minimum, I would suggest a Cambridge Audio 640R.

Another option, if your present receiver has preamp outputs, is to add a good amp from NAD/Rotel/Sherwood Newcastle/Outlaw/Emotiva.

When funds allow in the future, replace the Yamaha with a suitable preprro.
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post #4 of 14
1/14/08 at 6:26am
I do not totally agree with SS. You don't say which B&W model from the CDM line you have? That series is fairly efficient and most solid state AVR's will drive them fine for most environments only using 1-2 watts for fairly loud SPL, and able to achieve dynamic passages that may take up 90-100 watts for brief moments. I would make sure you stick with Denon of the three brands you mention, as they are fine with even 4 ohm loads. Some of the CMD line while rated 8ohm, will dip down to 4ohm at times.

Now, if you have a very very large room, and like to listen at concert levels, then I would recommend an external amp, but for most folks this is extra power that will be unused.
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post #5 of 14
1/14/08 at 7:16am
Thread Starter 
The speakers are 2 bookshelf B&W CDM 2SE, a large CDM center speaker and 2 B&W in ceiling speakers. (don't remember the model)

I have them biwired.

We usually watch movies and classical music.

If I go with a Denon as you suggest would it be OK 85 or 100 watts / channel ?

thanks for your help.
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post #6 of 14
1/14/08 at 7:46am
To get the closest to higher end SQ, I would go with Marantz. Denon would be my second option. 80-100W per channel will suffice. Marantz SQ is top notch, and I highly recommend it, if you want to get the most from your B&W's. I recommend Marantz SR-5002, it also has multi-zone capability, bi-amp option, and the needed HT features (HDMI 1.3, DTS HD, DD Plus, etc.). This is a very musical receiver that does a great job for HT also.

If you want more power for your second zone, or keep 7.1 in the main room, just connect an amp to the multi-zone pre-outs.
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post #7 of 14
1/14/08 at 9:45am
There is a big difference in analog input circuitry quality in this price range. I would definitely demo before buying - since you listen to classical.
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post #8 of 14
1/14/08 at 9:47am
I'd also forget about BuyWiring, unless done correctly.
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post #9 of 14
1/14/08 at 10:03am
Thread Starter 
unfortunately I live in Mexico and I don´t know any distributors or stores that let you "borrow" or demo a receiver outside the store.

Sirquack, the bi-wiring was done with a good cable and a profesional installer 8 years ago.

I plan to change the receiver but keep all the speaker cable and instalation as it is now.
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post #10 of 14
1/14/08 at 10:38am
I have CDM7 SE's fronts and a CDMC SE center channel. Also a pair of CWM 650's in walls for rears and Gallo's for surrounds.

I just hooked up the Marantz 7002 and it sounded amazing. Give it a try.
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post #11 of 14
1/14/08 at 11:08am
Quote:
the bi-wiring was done with a good cable and a profesional installer 8 years ago.

which is exactly the way that B&W recommends the CDM7 SE's be wired.
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post #12 of 14
1/14/08 at 11:23am
Unless your disabling the internal passive crossovers of the speakers, and using a true outboard crossover, your mearly just splitting the signal at the speaker versus the receiver.
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post #13 of 14
1/15/08 at 6:18am
Thread Starter 
I've been reading a lot and the more I read the more complicated it gets.

Let me put it simple.

An upscaling HDMI av receiver lets you simplify the instalation but it does not give you the best posible image.

If for example I have a Sony 40W3000 and an upscaling dvd and a upscaling AV receiver the upscaling is done by the upscaling dvd (and the TV and receiver just pass the same image).

How do you know if the upscaling in the receiver or the TV is better ?

And returning to the original topic would you recommend the Yamaha, Denon or Onkyo receiver?

thanks
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post #14 of 14
1/15/08 at 6:20am
I have some B&W 683's being powered by an Onkyo 805 (can be had under $700) and they sound fantastic.

- Jon
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