Help: speakers or amp to blame?


I have B&W CDM 9NT's and a CDM CNT as my front 3 in a HT, driven by a Pioneer VSX 49tx. This receiver was considered equal of B&K307 back in 2002, and puts out 130wpcx7. My problem: I just don't get good output at low volume compared to my living room setup:B&W Marix 803s2 driven by Acurus DIA100 integrated/passive preamp(100wpcx2). Is it just that the speakers can't push as much air and I need to upgrade to used n803 or 803s? Would more juice from a more powerful amp help (if so, recommendations?)? Need your thoughts and ideas. Thanks much
Jeffkad
jeffkad

Showing 1 response by ckoffend

Does your Pioneer put out 130 wpc X 7 channel simultaneous driven under load or is each channel capable of putting out 130 WPC (as most mass market products are really rated with this approach vs. the much more conservative ratings you will find with higher quality components). The B&K were rated with all channels driven, not just one. I would be suspicious of the Pioneer's real capabilities vs. the rated capabilities. I would also be extremely suspect of "professional" reviews of mass market products. For the most part, these are advertising based reviews.

The previous comments are the only real step you have short of buying something new (ie. an amp) to do what you can do by just moving some existing equipment.