Receivers compatible with Infinity CS-3008 speakers
Wow... Did a bit of searching and well reviewed integrated amps and receivers with 100 watts, or so are in the $1K+ range (aside from the Yamaha Mesch mentioned). Audioadvisor has a Cambridge receiver (100 watts I think) for $500, but it has mixed reviews (some great/some not). The Outlaw receiver (now $1K) has good reviews (including the phono section) and the power section seems to safe for head banging SPL's with your speakers. Oddly enough you could put together a system for $920 (not including tax/shipping) from Schiit Audio comprised of... - Vidar power amp $700 - SYS passive preamp $50 - Mani phono preamp $130 - 2 pairs of 6" IC cables $40 And, they are made in California. I myself would prefer a simple integrated solution (been thinking of replacing my separate's with such for a few years now), but the Schiit stuff is enticing. DeKay |
I should have specified that this is not for a home theater set-up. Strictly audio, consisting of CDs and records played on a cheap Denon turntable purchased from Best Buy. I prefer my music on the "bass heavy" side. The combination of the Technics receiver with the speakers gave me great "bottom", and truthfully, I can't say for sure that the fact that the receiver finally crapped out had anything to do with the CS-3008s and/or playing music at an excessive volume as I tend to do when in our backyard. I will say that the Onkyo does not perform on a level with the old Technics. I picked up the Onkyo in the late 90s or early 2000s at Circuity City. I believe I paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $140 so that tells you I probably bought the equivalent of a toy. Model # for Technics receiver is SA-5370. For the Onkyo it's TX-8511. |
This Outlaw RR2160 would be a nice fit! https://outlawaudio.com/shop/stereo-receivers/56-rr2160mkii-stereo-receiver.html Here is a review! https://www.stereophile.com/content/outlaw-audio-rr2160-stereo-receiver |
Stereo use? Yamaha, Parasound Zpre3 and A21 HT, Marantz, Yamaha, Denon. I sure fixed enough of the CS series. Surrounds and blown tweeters.. The tweeters, oscillating amps every time.. CS 3XXXs were all good performers and EASY to fix or work on.. If you knew anything about me, you'd know, I take things apart and change them if I don't like it.. LOL About 4 or 5 pairs I REALLY tinkered with.. 2 pairs of 3006s, One pair upside down, stacked and the tweeter disconnected on one. If the ceiling was 9 foot or higher the bottom box tweeter was disconnected. 8 foot ceilings, the top 3006 tweeter was disconnected.. A buddy still uses that set up in his shop.. Serious sound. He's driving his stuff with class d. MP500s, and Mcintosh C20 tube preamp.. When I say drive I mean drive.. 115+ db.. I think its a 3 ohm load. Regards |
cpk, Nice speakers. There is an active vintage Infinity community over on the AudioKarma website. They've helped me with information regarding both of my vintage Infinity models. https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?forums/infinity-loudspeakers.129/ |
cpkennelley The Infinity CS-3008 is an excellent loudspeaker. Probably the last great Infinity speaker series. If you enjoy the Onkyo sound- upgrade to a higher powered Receiver. If not, seek out an Integrated Amp. These speakers are not too difficult to drive. More power will result in a better aural experience. Have fun auditioning! Happy Listening! |
What’s the power output of your Onkyo? The manual says your speakers are pretty efficient at 90dB and “compatible with an 8Ohm tap” for whatever that’s worth. Unless you’re a total headbanger with bass-heavy music I’d think 100Wpc should be sufficient, but it really depends on your sound preferences. If you’re looking for a clear, neutral sound there’s an Anthem MRX520 for $700 on US AudioMart I’d hop on ASAP if it has the features you need. If you want more power there’s also an MRX720 for $1700 on eBay. If you don’t want to buy used their new models will cost around $1000 more, but you could also consider a Yamaha RX-A1080 from Accessories4less.com for $1000 when one comes available. I compared all the major brands when I worked at Magnolia and the Yammys were the best by a good amount for 2-channel performance and also happen to be one of the most reliable makes (along with Anthem). If you’re looking for a warmer, fuller sound then look no further than Marantz. If you don’t absolutely need an AVR you’ll get much better sound from a stereo integrated amp that you could integrate with any AVR that has preouts if you need that added functionality. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
