Old Speakers, New AVR!!

[stick&rudder]

Hello FMs!

I've been running a basic 5.1 setup comprising of a HK AVR with a JBL SCS140 speaker package for about 5 years now. Understandably, it's upgrade time, and I went ahead and got myself a Denon X3600.

While speaker upgrades will happen in due course of time after a good deal of research and audition, I wonder if I can hook up the JBL satellites to the denon without the possibility of frying them, in the transition period.

Should I take the risk, or let the JBL speakers be...?

And if I can connect and use the JBLs, what "safe" settings do I have to leave the Denon on..?

Thanks in advance

 

[elangoas]

Should I take the risk, or let the JBL speakers be...?

Congrats on a fine AVR..

I don't think you are risking anything here.. If the speaker impedance is 4 Ohms and if the new AVR supports it (should support), then you are good to go..

And if I can connect and use the JBLs, what "safe" settings do I have to leave the Denon on..?

These JBL look like satellite speakers.. So set all speakers to "small" in speaker config, "LFE" in bass management, and set a higher crossover of 100/120Hz.. This should take the low bass load from the satellite speakers..

Once you upgrade your mains speakers, these JBL can do heights easily..

 

[stick&rudder]

Congrats on a fine AVR..

I don't think you are risking anything here.. If the speaker impedance is 4 Ohms and if the new AVR supports it (should support), then you are good to go..



These JBL look like satellite speakers.. So set all speakers to "small" in speaker config, "LFE" in bass management, and set a higher crossover of 100/120Hz.. This should take the low bass load from the satellite speakers..

Once you upgrade your mains speakers, these JBL can do heights easily..

Many thanks, Elango ji... Yes, these are tiny satellites rated at 4 ohms... And the AVR supports 4 - 8 ohm speakers.

The main cause of my concern is that the speaker manual recommends an amp power of "10-50W RMS per channel" and the X3600's specs are "105 WPC at 8 ohms."

 

[elangoas]

Many thanks, Elango ji... Yes, these are tiny satellites rated at 4 ohms... And the AVR supports 4 - 8 ohm speakers.

The main cause of my concern is that the speaker manual recommends an amp power of "10-50W RMS per channel" and the X3600's specs are "105 WPC at 8 ohms."

105 WPC at 8 ohms is probably when two channels are driven to their fullest potential.. Assuming most cases one usually doesn't do that (post calibration & settings), this shouldn't be much of a concern..

 

[stick&rudder]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! Love the idea of using the satellites as height speakers later.

Any more inputs are welcome, FMs!

 

[kbhuvi]

105 WPC at 8 ohms is probably when two channels are driven to their fullest potential.. Assuming most cases one usually doesn't do that (post calibration & settings), this shouldn't be much of a concern..

Hello everyone.
I had read that the output wattage of AVRs is not the RMS value as stated. A 105 watt means its max wattage is 105 watt but it will output this amount only for a minute or so before it goes into protection mode. It's RMS wattage is around 35 to 40 watts only.

Anyone has any idea about it.

 

[elangoas]

Hello everyone.
I had read that the output wattage of AVRs is not the RMS value as stated. A 105 watt means its max wattage is 105 watt but it will output this amount only for a minute or so before it goes into protection mode. It's RMS wattage is around 35 to 40 watts only.

Anyone has any idea about it.

Most AVR are rated for 2 channels, driven simultaneously.. So 105 WPC is the maximum power that it can output, generally at 8 ohms.. It may pump some more power at lower impedance..

There are some test bench articles from audioholics which substantiate that some AVR can pump close to its advertised power rating.. So the claim isn't completely false w.r.t 2 channels driven..

When two or more channels are driven simultaneously, only then the power drops bet 50 - 70 WPC..

 

[rpmahale]

Most of the avrs power is rated for two channel with 8 ohm load. Some manufacturers like Marantz assure you that you will get at least 70% of claim power in 5 channels mode. So your amplifier isn't going deliver full 105 to speakers in 5.1 mode. To reduce the power delivery to satelite speakers keep crossovers high like 120Hz or more considering the frequency response of subwoofer.

 

[Vinod.R]

Most probably as someone earlier said, your AVR should be rated at 35-45 w RMS. Nowadays most manufacturers market (read fool/mislead) that their amp will run at 105w RMS in your case.
If you check all channels driven at a low THD it is as I said.
In my Denon 3803 manual it clearly says 110w RMS per channel all channels driven at 0.1 THD.

More honest ratings in the older days. Check your manual for the all channels rating.

 

[stick&rudder]

Thanks to all!

I do understand 105 wpc isn't continuously delivered to all channels. However, can the tiny JBLs take it, or a fraction of it, even for a short amount of time is the real question!

 

[Vinod.R]

Thanks to all!

I do understand 105 wpc isn't continuously delivered to all channels. However, can the tiny JBLs take it, or a fraction of it, even for a short amount of time is the real question!

The short answer is yes.

 

[stick&rudder]

Thanks for your valuable inputs, @elangoas, @rpmahale, @Vinod.R

So I shall go ahead and hook them up.

Have a nice day