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Very basic question about upgrading/expanding a system

saltland

saltland

Member
I hope this isn't a stupid question.Currently my system which is basic Pioneer SX 727 receiver/Yamaha YP-D6 turntable...but the weak link is speakers....tower speakers for surround sound.Within the next couple months I plan to change that .
That said I'm also considering upgrading the receiver to something a more powerful in the 60-80 watt range. I do like the 727 and like to keep it as part of the total system...also nice to have as a backup.
My question is many of you have systems with multiple amps/receivers etc/do you have the system integrated together or have them completely separate?
I hope this question makes sense/I wasn't sure of the best way to word it.
Thanks
Scott
 
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I use switch box's to allow connecting any receiver to any speaker. Equal opportunity.
I like your SX-727.
 
I don't really understand the question being asked. You mention surround sound, so are you saying in the same room you have dual use for music (with the SX-727 driving the towers) and you also have an AVR with multiple speakers and are trying to figure out how to use both?

Maybe explain the room -- (e.g. in this room I want to spend 70% listening to music, 30% movies, I have the following components ...)

Regarding the SX-737, unless you truly need more power, those sound really good and an "upgrade" may not turn out to be an upgrade.
 
I’m also confused about the surround sound mention. For music I only use two speakers (with a subwoofer if appropriate). If you want surround sound and stereo from the same room, there are plenty of surround sound receivers that will do that. That’s what I use in my TV-and-music setup. I just configured the music playback inputs to stereo-only.

As far as other amps goes, I also have other speakers connected to them. Altogether I have three listening environments, three amps, three sets of speakers. This is overkill for most people and you will probably do better being more focused on one system. My lack of focus is probably why I currently have multiple systems. :)
 
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Speakers, speakers, speakers. It took me years to get that to sink in. Swapping out equipment for something else isn't going to make your speakers sound much better. I am now a firm believer in speakers being 90% of your system. Even the lowliest equipment I own sounds pretty good once I got decent speakers. The only reciever I own is a little 40wpc Pioneer SX-780. It sounds really nice connected to my better sounding speakers. Not so much connected to lesser speakers I own.
 
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The SX-727 is a definite keeper. When upgrading any system the biggest bang for the buck is always the transducers (cartridge / speakers). Amps do sound different, but it's more of a vanilla vs chocolate thing. Even going from a entry level phono cartridge to a mid level cartridge can make a huge difference. The same can be said for speakers too. I ran a SX-838 in my main system for quite a few years. For most of that time it drove a pair of DCM TF-350s that had been recapped. I've heard systems that were way more expensive that didn't sound as good as that system.
 
I have 2 systems set up in my living room. Primarily because I prefer one (2 way speakers, newer receiver with remote) for TV audio and the other (3 way speakers, vintage receiver) for strictly music. I know I could connect both pair to the same receiver however, since the vintage is the better of the two, that would mean getting out of my chair to change the selector switch. And, I often mute the commercials by pushing the FM button on the remote until they're over. Can't do that with the vintage.
 
My suspicion is that the OP's mention of surround was just to describe where his current speakers came from, not for the desire for his new system.
 
Speakers are the voice of your system, what do you listen to? What do you want to hear, or what are you missing? What is your budget?
 
saltland said:
Sorry about confusion...meant speakers were more geared toward home theater.
Click to expand...

I think the consensus, by a landslide, is to upgrade the speakers and leave the Pioneer in place. It would be helpful to have a lot more information about what music sources you use, what types of music you listen to, to confirm it is a "music only" system, and (most importantly) to tell us what you don't like about the way it sounds now. Based on what little we know, I would think the upgrade order would be speakers, then (possibly) subwoofer (depending on speakers), then maybe cartridge (depending on what you have and what you listen to).

If the SX-727 is operating properly, the only reason to change it would be if you are really cranking it and it doesn't have enough power -- even then, though, you'd need to consider the efficiency of the speaker you will buy, in comparison to the ones you own, to have any idea about how much power you actually need.

Tell us more about how you use the system, what exact brand and model of speakers you have now, what your total budget is for upgrades, what space/WAF restrictions you have (for speakers, sub), and then we can recommend equipment.

saltland said:
My question is many of you have systems with multiple amps/receivers etc/do you have the system integrated together or have them completely separate?
Click to expand...

I think the general consensus is to have one system only -- pick the best of what you have and use that.
 
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At 87db these are not very efficient. The frequency response is stated as 40-20000Hz but doesn't qualify this with a +/- rating in db. I think you are right that this is your weak link. If you have the space, go with big speakers 12 inch or 15's and you will notice a remarkable difference IMO.
 
I don't get the reference to "hitting the FM button" when you want to mute a commercial. I use a converter box and it comes with a remote and I hit "mute" when I want to mute a commercial. Should be the same if just using a TV. In other words, I use vintage and mute it at the source, not the amp.
 
While I am no big fan of the Pioneer speakers, they aren't a poor choice for the ask.

As for speaker efficiency, some here suggest limiting your choice of speaker to highly sensitive models - which makes sense if you are married to the little amp - but high sensitivity alone does not ensure sound quality. My point is that if you want to keep the amp, then consider the sensitivity of the speaker, but let your ear choose, not the numbers.

Ideally, you choose the speaker, then the amp based on what you and the speakers need. However, I went another way, and simply procured an amplifier capable of driving any speaker I like, or am likely to acquire. Specifically, for me that wound up being a largish 'bookshelf' (stand-mount) model at only 86db sensitivity. Worked out nicely.

Whatever you do acquire, enjoy the music.
 
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