time to upgrade..but to what?

[ht1055]

Ok, here is what I currently have: Ive had an RSX-1055 for 5 years, of course no hdmi and only 5.1, but I really continue to enjoy it. My loudspeakers are Paradigm monitor 11's fronts, cc370 center, mini monitors for surrounds, and an SVS 25-31 PC+ cylinder subwoofer which has its own 525w amp built in.

What Im looking for: Looking to upgrade Sound esp for CDs and concert DVD material. Running the 1055 volume up to about 70 at times...cant help it, love it loud, but it begins to get a little bit harsh at 75. To be very cliche' I NEED IT LOUD...AND CLEAR :B

I do have a panasonic 58pz800u plasma tv running straight from the sat and DVD player through HDMI and component and optical to the 1055 for audio.

So do I - do a new receiver and get some video options and increased wattage?

leave the video alone and Do a used 2 ch amp for the fronts...Rmb-1080?
Do a used 5 ch amp Rmb-1075?

And what does bridging and bi-amping do? Is this something that would benifit my application?

thanks and thanks for this club here.

[gianni]

You are not going to greatly improve sound quality by upgrading your receiver unless you are approaching the limits of what the built in amps can handle. In that case, I would add a separate amp depending on your preference. Consider both the Rotel AB amps and the class D such as the rmb 1085.

Now if you decide you do need the bells and whistles, that makes the new 15 series 100w receiver more attractive. But at $2500, I would lean towards the amp for the 1055 and leave the door open for future upgrades to the 1055 if it decides to quit.

[Tino D'Voe]

i'd grab a used 1075 amp, i did that with a rb1095 with my rsx1057 and was very happy with the improvement.

however, i'd recommend your next upgrade should be the speakers first then amp, I think you'll find a bigger improvement there than source.

[GregLett]

i'd grab a used 1075 amp, i did that with a rb1095 with my rsx1057 and was very happy with the improvement.

however, i'd recommend your next upgrade should be the speakers first then amp, I think you'll find a bigger improvement there than source.

I second this. I would listen to the Paradigm Studio series first before I start changing amps and pre amps.

[hifiguymi]

The Studio Series is going to be replaced after the first of the year so if you're not ready to replace speakers now, wait on those.

I'd look at a better receiver first. Something like the new RSX-1560 or something similar. The speakers you have are pretty good and would benefit from more power and better processing.

Eric

[gd]

Paradigm monitor 11's fronts, cc370 center, mini monitors for surrounds, and an SVS 25-31 PC+... Running the 1055 volume up to about 70 at times...cant help it, love it loud, but it begins to get a little bit harsh at 75. To be very cliche' I NEED IT LOUD...AND CLEAR :B

How big is your room?

Is it an enclosed area or is it open wide to other rooms?

[ht1055]

The room is shaped like an "L" . The theater section is 15x20. At the 20' mark it is open to the next room making the area more like 15X35. I was also thinking of the 1095 amp, I think speakers are OK at this point. Just don't know to go for the 1095 amp at a little over a grand used or go for the new 15 series reciever wonder how much these new recievers are??? Maybe to much for me. Thanks for everyones advice!

[Alaric]

The Studio Series is going to be replaced after the first of the year so if you're not ready to replace speakers now, wait on those.

I'd look at a better receiver first. Something like the new RSX-1560 or something similar. The speakers you have are pretty good and would benefit from more power and better processing.

Eric

Yup. I've heard the Studio v.4-and was not impressed. I stayed with my v.3 because the v.4 were way too harsh-almost like over-driven Klipsch. (Let the flaming begin!)
Seriously , if you are doing mostly HT , the Monitors are very good. You seem to have a nice balance of equipment. If harshness is your problem , you need more power. Paradigms are very sensitive , but can absorb watts like a sponge in a puddle. Once you have beaten your speakers to a pulp , you should look at new speaks. My $.02

[htsteve]

The room is shaped like an "L" . The theater section is 15x20. At the 20' mark it is open to the next room making the area more like 15X35. I was also thinking of the 1095 amp, I think speakers are OK at this point. Just don't know to go for the 1095 amp at a little over a grand used or go for the new 15 series reciever wonder how much these new recievers are??? Maybe to much for me. Thanks for everyones advice!

ht1055,

Since your stated goald is to be LOUD and CLEAR, I believe the best route (and best bang for the buck) is a bigger amp. The used 1095 you mention is a very good amp (I used to have one, it's a beast. Plenty of headroom). You've already discovered your receiver is not going to get you where you want to be.

Another receiver will have similar limitations, maybe just not as pronounced. The new 15 series receivers are in the $2000 to $2500 range. They'll give you HDMI and the latest audio formats, but I'm not sure they solve your immmediate problem. Maybe you can find a dealer that will let you demo one at home. And maybe an amp as well. That's the best solution.

You have a big space to fill and you need more power to do it.

Also, getting a dedicated amp, will allow you to concentrate later on just the areas you need to address, like the processing.



Hope this helps.

[gd]

Agree on the bigger amp... in the interest of budget, maybe just a 2-ch for the fronts, as you stated music is a priority.

Also, getting a dedicated amp, will allow you to concentrate later on just the areas you need to address, like the processing.

Or room treatments... or possibly a 2nd sub.

You have a big space to fill and you need more power to do it.

Yup, I'd characterize that room as at least medium-large, and an open space toward the rear only makes it larger.

Add horsepower...

[ht1055]

I think you are right. I'll do the Amp first and then I'll do a processor or front speakers... or both at the same time would be best! and hope like hell I can somehow hide or camouflage it all from my wife as she hates how the house shakes now, even though I do thoroughly explain its the best way to get dust out of the recessed lighting. Thanks for all the advice guys, I'm on the lookout for a 1095 for now.