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Vintage or modern receiver with HPM 100 speakers

Bigreddog

Bigreddog

New Member
Struggling with making a decision over a modern receiver like the Onkyo with Bluetooth and Internet radio or go back with a Pioneer SX 780 like the one I originally purchased with the HPM 100 speakers I currently have.

Any advice or opinions are appreciated.
 
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I've always been of the opinion that that you match speakers and amps of the same time period. It's just my experience. For whatever reason, (I'm not technically knowledgable) that they pair better.
 
Just my opinion. But Old School Receivers have the power that seem to match up better with the Old School Speakers.
 
I would definitely go with an SX series Pioneer. Not only do you get the old school watts, but the matching vintage look of the speakers.
 
I would go with a vintage unit to match the speakers, sound-wise and look-wise. That's not to say a newer unit wouldn't work very well, it's just vintage on vintage has the it factor. You can always use a computer/streamer and DAC combo for Internet streaming. Bluetooth isn't worthwhile, in my opinion, due to the low bit rate. Also, in my experience, many new Onkyos run so hot you could fry an egg on them.
 
Another vote for the vintage Pioneer--and not from a technical standpoint, as the new Onkyo offers a ton more features than the old Pioneer. For me, it is a matter of aesthetics and what I refer to as a "period piece" mentality (if that makes any sense). If I drag out my 70's and 80's albums, I play them on all 70's and 80's gear--just a personal preference (again--not a technical decision), but perhaps more waxing nostalgic. I don't want to get into the debate of new vs vintage--that horse is already dead, so leave him alone. Opinions were asked for, and this is mine--right or wrong. Do what works for YOU!!!
 
Age doesn't matter but quality does. Get the best quality amplification you can afford. New and vintage both have some quality choices. Best bang for buck likely vintage but once you add in a recap and general switch cleaning, repair, they are likely closer in cost unless you diy. Diy would make vintage the lowest cost option for sure. If you need a good phono stage and you have a budget say $750 or less , I think I'd go vintage for sure.
 
Definitely a slow, ropey vintage receiver for HPM's. With a modern amp which is likely faster, the HPM will sound bright and can cause ear fatigue.
 
I suggest using the SX-780, and if you want the option for bluetooth, get a bluetooth to RCA receiver.
I got mine from best buy for pretty cheap... Sounds pretty good too.
just my two cents. good luck
 
I have a pair of HPM 100's that I am currently driving with a 50wpc Onkyo receiver in a bedroom system. I was originally using an SX780 and they seemed to match up very well. I decided I wanted a receiver with remote control and timer, so I got the Onkyo. The Onkyo does a credible job, but admittedly I don't drive it really hard very often. I think you would be satisfied with either, as far as sound quality is concerned. In a blind test, I don't think I could tell which receiver was driving them. HPM's are fairly efficient, so any decent amp/receiver in the 50wpc range should be fine.(JMO)
Oop's, just noticed that this thread is a couple months old, sorry I'm late to the game!!!
 
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I owned/played HPM 100s. Does not matter re: vintage vs. modern. Just give 'em enough watts. Watts is watts. I used a vintage Yamaha CR 2020 and then a 200wpc Krell. Both were loud, boomy with the brash HPM sound.
 
KeninDC said:
I owned/played HPM 100s. Does not matter re: vintage vs. modern. Just give 'em enough watts. Watts is watts. I used a vintage Yamaha CR 2020 and then a 200wpc Krell. Both were loud, boomy with the brash HPM sound.
Click to expand...

"Brash" . That's as good a word as I have seen concerning HPM's .
 
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