[Aman]

Hi guys!

I am trying to get a nice little audio system set up in my new appartment, but I am lacking of some things.

I have a nice headphone setup (Grado SR225 --> Perreaux SHX-1 rev .05) but I don't want to listen to headphones ALL THE TIME, because I know it will seriously damage my hearing.

Speakers are a little better for these things, as I know.

So, I have a new Goldring GR1 turntable which I really love. It is going to an old, sevnties receiver (Pioneer SX-450) which outputs approximately 18 watts per channel in 4 ohms. I have Ohm model B speakers hooked up to that receiver.

If I had to upgrade on thing, should I rather upgrade the receiver/amp or the speakers? I have been told by my pro audio shop accross the street that the Ohm B speakers were some of the best speakers for the home he'd ever heard (of course, in reason - speakers "meant" for the home). I think that the presentation of the speakers as far as dynamics and sonics go is pretty close to my headphones, but they aren't nearly as exciting or full and rich.

I know that this is probably a speaker problem, but what do you guys think would best help me out here? I don't want to spend much more than two hundred dollars, so I figured I could always get a better amp and then wait until I have enough money for some okay speakers. Afterall, two hundred dollar speakers are... well... two hundred dollar speakers!

So any helps in regard to this problem is greatly appreciated! Thanks to anyone who gets back to me on this.

Andrew

[Adarsh]

I guess firstly you could start by asking fewer questions.

[konut]

Although I am not familiar with your Ohm speakers, I recall hearing Ohms, dont know which model, many years ago in a dealers showroom. As I recall, and I may be wrong, Ohms typically are a difficult load for an amp, and not paticularly efficient. I'd say an amp upgrade would make the most difference. It is possible to get a reasonably good amp on the cheap. For example I picked up a pair of Kenwood KMX-1000's for $170.00 each a few years ago from an online retailer on close out. They are good amps despite the mass market Kenwood name. I picked up a Hafler DH220 for $100 once. Keep your eyes open.

[Wayne1]

The SX-450, while a nice vintage receiver, is severly under powered to use with the Ohm B speakers.

Ohm suggests a minimum of 25 watts to drive them.

I would say one of the newer digital receivers, such as the JVC RX-F10 or  the Panasonic SA-XR50 would be a better match and give you the dynamics you find lacking in the Pioneer.

Neither of the newer receivers have a phono section BTW. You would have to go to an outboard phono preamp.

[showtime]

aman...  have you seen Perreaux's new baby amplifier?

http://www.perreaux.com/product.php?idp=51

25W and I would suspect that it's similar to the sound you are used to with their SXH1 via your headphones.

It doesn't have a phono stage, so you'd need an outboard one...

Let us know your thoughts if you give it an audition.


peace