Onkyo TX-8211 with Cerwin Vega LS-12's

[PearlJamTenFan]

Alright, in the intruction manual for the TX-8211, it says "Dynamic Power Output: 2 X 105 watts at 4 ohms." I'm assuming then that this is peak, and the RMS value would be approx. 74~75 watts. Anyway, I have a pair of Cerwin Vega LS-12's running on this receiver, and its a great match. I have a few questions. The C.V.'s say "compatible with recievers 8 ohms or less." My guess is that they are running at most 4 ohms with this receiver, correct? Anyway, the speakers are rated at 300 watts max, 8 ohms. So how much would they drain from this receiver at 4 ohms? If I am correct, 300 X .707 ~ 212. That would be the LS-12's RMS value @ 8 ohms. I have know idea how speakers power ratings go when you decrease their impednace. Any Ideas?

[PearlJamTenFan]

Ok, I guess I was unclear on the question. When I hear distortion, is it more likely the speakers distorting, or the amp clipping?

[Ioman]

Most likely the amp clipping. Most speakers blow from being underpowered, not overpowered. I would try an external amp and see if that helps.

[PearlJamTenFan]

Well I just recently purchased the TX-8211, at a might hefty 199.99 + tax. I guess a logical move would be to try to sell the 8211, since its only about a month old, and purchase the ~299.99 TX-8511, which has a dynamic power rating of 140 Watts per channel at 4 ohms. Do you think that would solve the distortion, or would an external amplifier be more economical and logical?

[Ioman]

I would try buying an external amp from a store with a good return policy. That way if something goes wrong you can return it. It may not be your reciever at all, so try the easiest route first.

[PearlJamTenFan]

Alright, so I am definitely looking into the ADCOM GFA-1A AMPLIFIER for the LS-12's. The Onkyo does not provide enough power for them. I still would like to use the Onkyo TX-8211 to power some 50 watt bookshelf speakers though, so I am wondering how will I hook the ADCOM GFA-1A AMPLIFIER through the Onkyo TX-8211 so that I can still control the volume with a remote, use the same inputs and use the bass and treble settings? Any help would be greatly apprecicated before I go spend hundreds of dollars.

[Speakerdude]

I'll see if I can help here. The nominal impedance for your speaker is listed at 8 ohms. The impedance level is variable over the frequency response range. At certain frequencies it will be lower than 8 and others much higher. Most manufacturers rate speakers at their nominal impedance which is the average amount of resistance that the amplifier sees. A 4 ohm speaker is going to draw twice as much current as a 8 ohm speaker. An 8 ohn speaker is going to be easier to drive and will work better with a lower quality amplifier. You must like your music really loud because the Onkyo should provide plenty of power. Your speakers also have a high sensitivity rating which means they will play louder with less power. If the Onkyo has a switchable impedance try both the 8 ohm and 4 ohm setting to see which one works better.

As for your second question, it doesn't look like you are going to be able to use your Onyko as a preamp for you Adcom. Your 8211 doesn't have any pre-outs that you can run to your amp so there is no way to get the signal to the amplifier.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Good luck.

[PearlJamTenFan]

Yes, the CV's have a very high sensitivty - 98dB @ 2.83V / 1m / 1 khz. The back of the speaker says "compatable with recievers 8 ohms or less" and since the Onkyo says it will easily push a 4 ohm load with just one pair of speakers, im guessing they are at "4 Ohms". Well anyway, I purchased an Adcom GFA-1 amplifier and plan on hooking the headphone jack from the Onkyo into ADCOM going to the LS-12's, this way I can still use the Onkyo for bookshelves and use it as a sort of preamp for the Adcom. THE PROBLEM: This works fine for 4 channel stereo, but I have a 5.1 source (SACD/DVD Player) and my computer is 4 channel. When I am simply using a stereo source, I would like for all the speakers to work simultaneously. When I use the Sony SACD/DVD player to watch a 5.1 (only using 4) DVD or listen to an SACD, OR play a 4 channel game on my computer, I would like to take advantage of the surround sound. Is there some sort of swith I could purchase? I am also looking a Parametric EQ. Any ideas for a good Parametric EQ? Sorry, lots of questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated!