Help with using Pre-Outs from my receiver

[timetohunt]

I was lucky enough to get a nice set of front speakers as a gift from my wife with some expendable funds she had (Klipsche RF-83s). She paid about $2200 for the new pair, and a nice new 350watt Klipsche Sub for about $650. I was thinking about buying used but seized the opportunity while she was still in the mood. Since I listen to mostly 2-channel stuff, and money for audio was limited - I rounded out a 5.1 setup with Cerwin-Vega (moderate Joe Homeowner type speakers, I guess) for the Center and Surrounds.

I have been told to look at room treatments and will do that when given time.

As my next move for componets though, I was thinking of using the pre-outs from my Receiver and adding an Amp to drive the RF-83s. My receiver seems to run out of power (its rated at 110w x 7), when I drive the music to loud levels (which I like at times). So my reasoning is to go with a separate amp next for the Fronts. Is this the logical next move? If so, I think I will try to find a used one.

And, when using Pre-outs, what happens to the power previously supplied by the receivers for that front channel. Does it go completely unused?
thanks - still learning with the limited time I have for this.

[Kal Rubinson]

1. I find it hard to believe that you are running out of power with that amp and those speakers unless your room is cavernous and/or overdamped.
2. Yes, if you connect the preamp outputs, the corresponding amp goes unused.

Kal

[twitch54]

I agree Klipsch are quite effecient !, remember though alot, and I mean alot of receivers are junk to begin with, is your receiver rated 110 wttts with all channels driven, and at what bandwidth ??

Another thing to consider, not trying to be a smart ass, but why didn't you get the matching center channel (Klipsch) that would mate with your left / right ?? It is arguably the most important synergy / set-up in the 5.1 chain.
I would correct that anomoly first.

[timetohunt]

Yes, the receiver, as an amp, could be junk, its a pioneer vsx-816. And the Klipcshe Center Speaker will have to wait for more funds. Thanks though.

[twitch54]

Given the sensitivity of your speakers(very easy to drive) I would suspect something wrong with the reciever or your listening levels are way too high !

[bigburner]

timetohunt, I can't offer you any help but I can compliment you on having a wonderful wife!

Nigel.

[gd]

Can you describe your concern in more detail?... 'run out of power' is vague.

Also describe your room, please... it is the number one suspect if you're having sound quality issues... as most everyone will agree, the Klipsch's are an easy load, which the Pioneer should readily handle.

If you are intent on adding a power amp, go for substantial power, say 200W... and even then, the difference will not be volume but rather control over detail.

[timetohunt]

Receiver overloading on Klipsch FR-83s - Answer Fnd

This thread more or less combines 2 other threads that I recently put out there. This is a summary and 'final answer'. Folks could not understand how my Klipshce FR83s were causing My 110w x7 VSX-816 receiver to shut down at somewhat high (but not earsplitting) listening levels (given the high effecieny of the Klipsch speakers).

I could drive lesser speakers (Cerwin Vegas VE-8s, 150w, 90db) to scary volumes without causing the receiver to overload. I tested the front channel with these speakers just to see if the receiver was faulty. As mentioned I could drive the VE-8s beyond comfort level and get good degree louder than what the FR-83 would do.

The one member who pretty much nailed it on the head was Glen B (from the other thread). I called Klipsch and indeed while the speakers are highly effecient, they present lower impedences at certain volume levels and certain frequencies (at certain levels). This then causes my receiver to run out of power (and get all hot, I guess), thus shutting itself down.

I need a better receiver or separate amp to get what I want out of the speakers. Solved. Thank you all for the input.

[gimpy]

timetohunt, I am glad you were able to solve your problems. You also mentioned adding an amp to use with the preouts. Depending on your budget, I will give you a possible suggestion to check into as an option. In addition to used, check out the pro model type of amplifiers. They are supposedly one of the better "bang for the buck" options.

I use one of the lesser expensive models hooked to my preouts and it seems to do quite well, at least for me (not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination).

good luck, Frank

[Hakka69]

I assume you have your speakers set to small and the sub handling the bass??