Help on upgrading, is there a difference in watt/quality

[Inmatejason]

hello I have a Sony STR 7015 receiver connected to a pair of sansui SP-L100 speakers and I have been thinking of upgrading to a Sony STR 7045 mainly because it can handle more watts. I was hoping someone could tell me if it's a good idea to upgrade to the STR 7045? Will there be a good difference in sound quality and in loudness Since my little 7015 is the low end model or will it basically sound the same?
Thanks for any help I can get.

 

[toxcrusadr]

The 7015 appears to be the bottom of the line at that time (15 wpc) so I assume the 7045 is 45 wpc and probably middle of the line and comparable to a Pioneer SX-780 (45 wpc) which I have owned. I would think there would be some improvement as a result of having extra power available, even at moderate listening levels. Plus, likely higher quality circuitry. You probably wouldn't want to upgrade to a lesser power level - because of the logarithmic scale of power usage and decibels, you pretty much have to at least double the power to detect a significant difference in sound. So I wouldn't go to a 20-25W receiver. 45 will be noticeably more powerful.

I see the SP-L100 is rated at 70w max so you are well within that.

A couple of other thoughts. Both receiver and speakers are late 70s and could probably benefit from service and restoration. I would start with replacing capacitors in the speakers. It's relatively easy to do, inexpensive and plenty of bang for your buck in terms of sound quality improvement. As for the receiver, as long as it continues to run OK you can keep using it, and in fact a full resto on either of those models would cost more than they are worth (sadly). I'm not going to tell you to buy new(er) because I like vintage myself. Just keep in mind components do degrade and drift out of spec.

By the way, welcome to AK.

 

[Inmatejason]

Thanks for the reply and welcome! My current receiver is 15wpc and the one I would buy is 30wpc. My speaker capacitors and foam where replaced but no work on the receivers. So the diffrence in watts is just 15watts, will a notice a diffrence? Is it worth the upgrade?

 

[patate91]

Doubling power will give you 3db more. If your 15w amplifier is clipping, upgrading to 30 w will certainly give you better sound, so it depend of your listening habits. I guess those amps can be voiced differently, you'll have to test by yourself.

 

[N8Nagel]

Are you by chance looking at the one on Craigslist in Alexandria, VA?

 

[captouch]

You may want to step up higher in the line than 30wpc if you're going to bother buying a new receiver. The Sony's are nice, but based on the two 6055's and one 7045 I had come through here, they all sounded different even though I had two of the same model and the 7045 was spec'd similarly to the 6055's. I think it was probably due to caps aging differently in each receiver.

So if you pick up a 30wpc model and it doesn't sound as good as your 7015 due to cap issues, you'll kind of be compelled to spend some time and $ to get it sounding better. And that will all be invested in a 30wpc unit.

The STR-6060 is a well regarded unit that is 45wpc. The 6200 is even more power. They'll be more expensive, but at least the basis of what you may be investing $ into to restore will be a higher end more powerful model.

 

[elnaldo]

I agree, I wouldn't upgrade from 15 to 30 W on the same series, specially buying an used item from unknown user. I'd get a more powerful amp or restore my actual amp.

 

[mbz]

I have no problem with 15W or 30W having moderately efficient speakers. However in this case the SP-L100's are listed as average efficiency (90dB W/m), yes
they will like the extra watts but will they sound better depends on the new amp and if it's been refurb'd. Sounds like you've decided to get another amp, suggest
you do your homework and find a nice amp. I don't know the STR-6060 but agree on the sentiment. Plenty of good amps out there, Yamaha CA-800
kenwood KA-7100... maybe I've blown the budget but you will notice the difference.

 

[Inmatejason]

Thanks for all the replys!
so I decided not to buy the str7045. Honestly my sony str7015 sound great to me and goes plenty loud in my little condo. I just kept thinking that it's the bottom of the line receiver and the higher end model with more watts must sound way better. But from what you guys tell me, that's not the case at all. So I decided I'm just going to keep an eye out for a Sony STR 6065, it has 50wpc and looks just as nice, finding one with a good condition wood sleeve might take awhile though lol. Thanks for helping me decide, you guys are awesome!

 

[rkgren1]

Jason,
As long as you are at socially acceptable listening levels, 15 W/ch is just fine.

The state of the electronics, 40-odd years after manufacture, is probably the biggest determinant in the sound quality you experience.
I am unfamiliar with that model of speaker, but speaker quality and condition are important to what you here.

If it were my receiver, and I knew it was in great shape, I would prioritize getting a good deal on excellent quality, high efficiency speakers.
You may already have some. Someone more familiar with them may chime in with guidance.

Low-power equipment can sound very good.

It may be unpopular to say so, but I do not understand the fascination with huge amplifier output power.
In most indoor listening situations you will only be dissipating a watt or two anyway.
Don't get me wrong. I like my bigger receivers. My biggest is 85 W/ch, and I like it a lot.
But I don't think the sound quality at 'normal' listening levels scales with amplifier maximum power output.

In good repair, I bet that 6015 sings.

Whatever you decide, have fun! Welcome to AK!

 

[Oldsansui441]

I just kept thinking that it's the bottom of the line receiver and the higher end model with more watts must sound way better

Usually all units within the same series will all be voiced very similarly regardless of wattage. So a higher powered model will not sound way better at all it will however provide better speaker driver control, provide enhanced bass form the same speakers and enable you many more options when it comes to speaker choice in the future.

If you play at low to moderate levels with your STR-7015 and enjoy it's sound then by all means stick with it .