Help needed Bose interaudio XL4000 speakers

[Shailesh]

Hello,

First time poster on this cool forum.

I have these speakers paired up to an old Onkyo A8200 amp and really think I could do with replacing the amp with something a little better sounding. I couldn't find much info on the speakers although I have seen a few posts on here about them.

I'm not sure which receiver to pair with these speakers, if anyone has any tips or advice that would be great. So far, I've shortlisted:

Technics SA-500
Sony STR-7065/7055

I've also seen a Pioneer SA-500 but not sure about it as haven't done much research to be honest. I didn't realise how much these receivers have gone up in price or I would've kept an old Rotel I picked up really cheap years ago!

Thanks in advance.
Shailesh

 

[soundmotor]

Welcome!

I had both the Interaudios and Sony STR-7065 (just not at the same time) and liked them both for what they are (mid-fi). I've not had a Technics SA-500 but I'd bet it is equivalent in performance to the Sony. The Pioneer is a little light on power though. It would be OK at moderate levels but if you listen to classical or anything dynamic it might be at its limit more than the others.

However.......

Your Onkyo is a decent amplifier on its own. If you aren't happy with the sound quality, bang for the buck is a speaker upgrade and not a sideways amplifier change. Look for something well above what you currently have, either vintage or current models. I am more confident you will have a "Wow!" experience with speakers than amp. Good luck!

 

[Shailesh]

Thanks for the advice! I always thought the Onkyo wasn't that great an amplifier.

I originally had the B&W Vision DS4 speakers which didn't sound very good with the Onkyo. My uncle took the speakers and paired them to an old Sony receiver (don't know the model) and they really sounded awesome, so thought I could achieve the same thing with a receiver upgrade.

I think I'll stick with Onkyo amp, will keep the wife happy too!! Thanks again.