Power rating of AVRs....help me understand

[admin_exported]

I am currently considering upgrading from Denon 2309 to 3D capable AVRs like Denon 2311/3311 or Pioneer VSX-1020/1120. My dealer has asked me to consider Pioneer VSX-1020 before I finalize Denon '11 series. Online manual of Pioneer VSX-1020 states its power output at 110W x 7 (1kHz, THD 0.05% @ 8 ohms) and 80W + 80W (20Hz - 20kHz, THD 0.08% @ 8 ohms). Whereas Denon website states on 2311, I quote, "The equal power amp design features 7 discrete power amp circuits, and each channel is rated at 105 watts (8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, .08% THD)." Unquote, does this mean Pioneer VSX-1020 is 2-channel amp driven at much lower RMS power compared to Denon 2311? Will this have real life issues while playing heavy 5.1/7.1 channels, all driven together? Could anyone kindly recommend an 3D capable amp (with ARC) limted only to Denon, Pioneer, Yamaha brands, that would make my RS6 speakers' really shine to their potential? I would like to limit my budget to GBP 1,300 equivalent. Many thanks for reading and your time.

 

[Anonymous]

Your best bet is to pick a movie or album you like and listen to it through both at your maximum normal listening level. One may be slightly more powerful than the other but if your making both of them clip you may like the sound of one more than the other. Each amp has it's own sonic character when clipping.

I'm a big fan of Yamaha so I would say have a listen to the RXV3076 when it's released. I think it should be available in October. If you want to look at specs, the older model RXV3900 should be spec'd similarly. To my understanding the 3076 will be a fair crack cheaper than the RXV3900 aswell.

Hope this helps

 

[Chewy]

For your budget, you are only a sniff away from the Pioneer SC LX-73.

I have just home tested the slightly bigger brother, the LX-83, with my RS8's et al, and the sound is nothing short of phenomenal, it blew my current Onkyo 905 out of the park, I am quite sure the LC-73 will have the same impact on your RS6's!