[DS-21]

Is anyone using moderate-to-high efficiency speakers through one of these  receivers? Any comments about the volume control resolution? I'm curious how usable they are with 93+ dB/w/m speakers. Is it possible to listen quietly with HE speakers, or does the volume control ramp up too quickly or coarsely to be of much use like some other receivers?

[wje]

You can use higher efficiency speakers with the XR55 without issue.  I have the Acoustech speakers, which run about 96dB efficient.

Due to the brightness of the XR55, I'm going to sell off my Acoustechs, though.  Finally, I have some 89dB efficient Infinity speakers that are now about 7 years old.  The Infinitys only sounded OK with my Pioneer Elite and H/K receivers.  However, with the XR55, they really came to life.  In fact, I have the treble on the XR55 set to -3 and the Infinitys really sing.  Who would have thought that a $26.00 pair (eBay) of Infinitys could perform so well?

[tubeytubeamp]

which infinities?

[wje]

They are the 2000.2 models.  6.5" woofers, .5" tweeter.  I think that model was out in '98/'99 and in '00, Infinity went to the RS-2, which has similar specs.

I can't believe the sound with a $250 receiver + $26.00 speakers = Bliss.

I have speakers coming from Home Theater Direct this afternoon.  These will be the level 3 speakers with the ribbon tweeters.  Hopefully, the sound sweet with the Panny.  I hope, I hope, I hope.  If not, I might look into the Infinity Beta 20 speakers.