Decent speakers for mid-level AVR

I have a similar Onkyo AVR but it is an older model. Mine has 100 watts per channel @ 8 ohms. I have a pair of Thiel CS6 speakers which are difficult to drive (they dip to around 3 ohms) but are not especially worse than some newer speakers, particularly B&W or some of the Focal models. When I sent away my Krell KSA 300S for recapping I tried running my Thiels with the Onkyo. The difference was not subtle. I literally laughed out loud when I played the first song. The bass was anemic, the soundstage flattened, and it sounded sort of like an AM radio compared to the Krell.

My point is that an Onkyo AVR is not designed to run a speaker with a difficult load. If you go with a new set of speakers that you intend to run with your Onkyo I would pay particular attention to how they measure for impedance. Stereophile runs excellent impedance measurements in their speaker reviews. If you buy speakers with a difficult impedance curve I think you should seriously consider using a dedicated amp for the main speakers that can handle 4 ohm loads.

Regarding speakers, my only advice is that you seek out the new SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle and give them a listen. They are a little above your budget but I recommend you hear them to see what's possible for $5k. They are quite warm sounding with generous bass but they are very quick and detailed. They set a new standard in that price range.

Regarding speakers, my only advice is that you seek out the new SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle and give them a listen. They are a little above your budget but I recommend you hear them to see what’s possible for $5k. 

@8th-note  Yeah those were one of the first I thought of too, but if you read the Stereophile review they’re a nightmare to drive with large impedance dips and difficult phase angles that drive the EDPR to like 1.5 so not really a good match for just about any AVR. 

@soix I completely agree. Most new speakers present a difficult amplifier load unless you are looking at something like Klipsch or Devore Fidelity. I would not recommend using a mid-grade AVR for most high fidelity speakers.

For my TV system in the living room I bought an Anthem AVR that can handle difficult speaker loads because I wanted to use KEF R3 Meta speakers that dip to about 3 ohms. It sounds very good but the Anthem was quite a bit more expensive than a similar wattage Onkyo or Denon. BTW, the SVS speakers I heard were being powered by an Anthem AVR.

Well, given the suggestions for an external amplifier, I am going to pull the trigger on the B&K EX 4420 available locally.  yes, it is old, but it was recently entirely rebuilt and people say that it sounds excellent, almost tube like, and it pushes out 200w @ 8ohms.  So for $350, seems like a no brainer for me anyways. 

I like the look of those SVS ultra evolution pinnacles.  I REALLY like the ascend evolution but I simply can't afford $4k in speakers right now.  I am going to audition the Focal aria 948 on saturday.  He is selling the pari for $1,600.  Seems like a pretty good deal to me. ? 

Perhaps I should just buy $1`k in lottery tickets?  LOL 

Avr have come along way .dennon avr 1 is great sounds good as i have 1 150 wpc.no I did not go with trinov ? Spelling and choose to go with marantz 16 channel  av 10  with amp 10 class d tuned by marantz. Then put 7 channel mcintosh  amp on that with amp 10 in 400 wpc for the rest. Alot of versatility with no amp in main avr and can update separate. It sounds fantastic especially with pink floyd in surround. Put soma fossi amps on your anymore and get some tektons.