Buying 804s, HTM4S, what do I use to power them?

[gpo344]

I am about to buy, 804s, HTM4S, ASW 750, 705's. I am not sure what receiver to get. I was told about the Marantz SR8001, or the Arcam AVR350. Or should I consider higher end components. I am trying to set up a surround sound system, as well as very good audio. Any suggestions?

[Tommy]

I would figure using separate surround processor and amps to do your 804s justice. However, the Arcam is fantastic for the price.
(I have the AVR250 to drive 805S bi-amped with no centre)

[scanido]

if Home theatre or Multi channel audio is important to you, i would highly consider matching the 804S with the HTM3S.

As for receiver, i recommend the RSX-1056/7. It plays great with the B&W's. Ideally, these speakers need a dedicated processor and amps.

[Briz vegas]

My Marantz 7300OSE (which would be one step below the one you mention, which is not a big difference in receiver land) is fine .........for movies. With music you really do miss out. Also, without my 2 channel power amp to run the 804s it does sound a little underpowered - but this is in comparison to the receiver only running the centre and surrounds. The bigger Marantz should be a bit better, but I wonder by how much. 110w vs 125w is not huge, and my 100w power amp easily beats the receiver, I suspect because it has alot more current available.

With a pre/power and a good CD player you will start to appreciate just how good the 804s are. Of course you can do this with later upgrades, but the urge will come quickly if you start to audition 2 channel gear with your 804s. Once you hear them properly you will start to pine for the missing performance. Well that is what happened to me anyway !!!!!

[CJM]

I used the pioneer elite 130Watt x 7 to power my 804s, and they sounded great. You can use the 6th and7th channels for biamping. The cost is about $1200.

[beden1]

I used the pioneer elite 130Watt x 7 to power my 804s, and they sounded great. You can use the 6th and7th channels for biamping. The cost is about $1200.

I also have the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS (130W X 7 channels) receiver. In fact , I have two of them. They are powerful and have great options for flexibility. They are fun to play with to dial into your specific source material. This receiver is all you will probably need to create a pleasureable system.

One of my Pioneer Elites runs very large vintage A/D/S/ 910s, and B&W HTM3 center speaker, and (4) surrounds, as well as (2) DD12 Velodybe subs in the system. The A/D/S/ speakers seem to be more efficient and less dependent of power than are my B&W speakers in another setup.

In my other setup, I have B&W 703 fronts, an HTM3 center, and (2) B&W ASW750 subs. In this setup, I currently have the 703s Bi-Amped through my Pioneer Elite that gives you a very good option utilizing the front and rear channels. I just bought a used Krell KAV250a Stereo Power Amplifier (250W X 2) that I am going to use as a dedicated amp for my front 703 speakers. I want to see how much these speakers really need for their full potential, as my next move is to either get 803D or 803S for my fronts, and move the 703s to the rear.

[akhter]

I am about to buy, 804s, HTM4S, ASW 750, 705's. I am not sure what receiver to get. I was told about the Marantz SR8001, or the Arcam AVR350. Or should I consider higher end components. I am trying to set up a surround sound system, as well as very good audio. Any suggestions?

I use the AVR300 with the N804/XTC combo. The AVR350 will make a fine match with the 804S/HTM4S. Infact I think the AVR350 will give you the best sound possible without going for separates. The AVR350 also has a good enough pre section that you can upgrade to separate power amps down the line without necessarily having to upgrade the pre section as well.