Looking for advice on matching a new receiver to my speakers?

Question

I own a pair of Vienna Acoustics Bach floor speakers. What should I look for in a new receiver to go with them? Are certain brands of receiver better paired with certain speakers?

Answer 1

Looking into your specific speakers....the Bach's seem to demand a clean, powerful amplifier (at least in the audiophile world). Which means that any receiver you could purchase, say in BestBuy or Circuit City, more reasonably than not, will not satisfy the hunger of your speakers.

I would look into the brands of NAD, Adcom or even Bryston.

These would be your best high current choice. They will cost more but, in my opinion, the entry into audiophile would be well worth it.

The finer the amplification you introduce to your speakers, the more satifying the sound will be to you.

Answer 2

Since those speakers are into the 'audiophile' range, you might not want a receiver, but go with something called 'separates'.

This is where you have 1 box that takes all the inputs. This is called the 'pre-processor. This feeds an outboard amp. The amp provides the power.

(A 'receiver' combines both these functions into 1 box)

Using separates is nice because you can keep the pre-processor, but change the amp later to more powerful units if you wish.

Look for a site for "OutlawAudio". They are a internet-only company that makes some nice gear that rivals the price of mid-range receivers, but work well to drive power-hungry audiophile speakers.

Answer 3

Viennas are distributed by a company called sumiko in the states. Check their web site. Primare is recommened by the reps at Sumiko. Primare makes a really nice 2 channel receiver. Also check out Mcintosh if you can. Very nice products.
I have listened to the Bachs with the Primare and a Rel sub and the sound was just about perfect. So much so that they are on my xmas list. Actually I'll probably splurge for the Mozarts in Rosewood. I tried to convince my wife on the schonbergs with no luck.

Answer 4

Yes they are, but the apparent sound is in the beholder. Each speaker has its own response curve, same with the receiver. Some really don't play well with one another, while it seems others were meant for one another. I suggest you look up old review systems that are pared with your receiver and start there. But really you should audition any audio equipment in the room with the cables and other equipment you intend to use for a proper evaluation.

here is some recommended reading on the subject.

Answer 5

go wirless man,go wireless!